Festival of Brotherhood=Festival de la Hermandad 2009

Day Ten, Happy Trails

2009-11-17T18:36:00.000-08:00

By 1:30 we were in the Guadalajara International Airport waiting to board our return flight. We are to a person elevated, humbled and more determined than ever to promote world peace through understanding.

Day Ten Morning, The President of the United States

2009-11-17T18:32:00.000-08:00

Those of us who woke and packed early had time for one last treat. A few of us overloaded a taxi and took of for a special visit.

Mike Pastryk of the Rotary Club of Cotati-Rohnert Park first visited Casa Kamami last year during the Festival of Brotherhood. It is a group home for 20 girls who had been victims of sexual abuse by their families. Mike's first visit was a revelation for him. At that time the program to help these girls was strong, but the facility was not. There were electrical and plumbing problems. Programs like this do not receive public funding, so there were serious financial issues. Mike stepped in. He returned mid year with funds and plans. The electrical and plumbing issues were resolved. Mike made local contacts and is rousing support. The girls, seeing Mike (he is 6'7" and outgoing) and hearing he was a Rotary Club president misunderstood and thought he was President of the United States. As far as they are concerned he might as well be.

Ellen Brown had been knitting scarves all winter for the girls, here they are selecting and trying them on as Ellen enjoys their enthusiasm.

The girls do their own housekeeping and go to school or work. The home is crowded but clean and pleasant. The girls receive therapy, have structure care for each other and are well cared for. The important thing is that they have security. A girl can remain at the home as long as she needs to.

Mike is an enthusiastic person. While he is happy to make daily life easier for the girls and staff of Casa Kamami, he is not stopping there. Mike is in process of arranging a vacation opportunity for 12 of the girls. He is arranging a two week visit to Sonoma County as a short cultural experience. He is soliciting funds and host families for those girls to have a great experience. To qualify, the girls have to earn the privledge by managing their personal goals and behaviors. You go Mike! You go Girls!

Day Nine, An Evening of Celebration

2009-11-17T17:46:00.000-08:00

Then entertainment

Our work finished and our travels almost at an end, we dressed in our finest and joined our hosts for an evening of food, drink, music and fellowship.

First socializing and photographs - here are Pati and Adrianne

Then drinks and opening plates

Then the entertainment, District Governor Guicho's family performed.

They are so talented!

The Two First Families of Districts 4150 and 5130

The evening went on to late with more music, more celebration, lots of friendly chatter and much love.

Day Nine, The Project Negotiations

2009-11-17T17:15:00.000-08:00

In the Afternoon, all of the clubs from California met to review and collaborate on funding for the projects we had seen. Following the priorities of our Mexican hosts, we first worked out what funding we could for agreements from prior years that had not been completed. Next we talked about and worked on grant proposals for this year. hose grants were "matching grants". They are funded by monies from the partnering clubs in Mexico and California. The funds the clubs put in are augmented by matching monies from our Districts, then those monies are supplemented by partial matches from The Rotary Foundation. The more expensive projects often require more than two clubs working together. After the matching grants, we discussed and made agreements about proposals that do not meet The Rotary Foundation's criteria for International Matching Grants. Those proposals would require clubs to work together with their own funds. While we were not able to fund everything we felt was worthy, we were able to fund an amazing number of projects. Now when we return home we will seek out support for clubs who were not able to send representatives. It was inspiring and the fruition of a lot of planning and work.

Many thanks to our leadership for facilitating our sucesses.

Day Nine, an Afternoon of Freedom

2009-11-17T09:14:00.000-08:00

For the early afternoon, we were free to make choices, some went on a bus to Telaquepacque to shop in that lovely town. There some world famous artists and designers host their retail outlets (like Bustamante). There are many wonderful artists, jewelers, clothiers and such. Also there are excellent restaurants. Our group typically meets at one that features an excellent all female mariachi band.

Then some others stayed local. A bit of rest, preparation for negotiations on projects in the afternoon or visits to local sites. Here is a world class museum 5 minutes walk from the hotel. Murals by Orozco grace the ceilings and walls, modern art and antiquities are featured in and around the grounds of the fabulous Cabanas.

Out and about there are ample opportunities to meet new people and make new friends.

Day Nine, Breakfast Between 4150 and 5130

2009-11-17T08:23:00.000-08:00

Every Festival about this time there is a District Wide meeting we are invited to attend. Most of the Mexican Clubs have representatives.

We sat mixed at tables, here on the right is Luis, a Rotarian from the Rotary Club of Coquimatlan, many of us had not seen Luis in the past two years.

Also at this table, seated on the left was Rotarian Rafael Gonzalez of the Arandas club who was an Ambassadorial Scholar to the US in the early 70's. He went to school in Georgia and eventually Oaklhoma. He was so grateful and impressed with Rotary that he joined when he returned to Mexico and has been a Rotarian ever since.

The program was about Dia De Los Muertos as celebrated in Michoacan. The celebration, there more commonly known as the Noche de los Muertos, is complex and beautiful. This alter honored Lic. Fernando Silva, a 93 year old Rotarian from Telquepaque, who died 3 months ago. He was a popular and influential Rotarian who hosted a luncheon for us two years ago when we visited. The respect and careing offered to Fernando, his club and family was touching.

Then the most amazing thing happened. Elvia Osnaya, traveling with us from the Rotary Club of Cloverdale, whose father was a Rotarian from Guadalajara, encountered a group of Rotarians who had known her father and been in his club. A bit surprised and emotionally moved, she stands here with her father's early friends.

Finally there were gift exchanges between our District Governors and their wives. A wonderful event.

Day Eight, Guadaljara at Night

2009-11-06T22:52:00.000-08:00

Guadalajara is a treasure, the weather is usually in the 70's to 80's year round, there are always activities. There are many cultural events and people for the most part are friendly and considerate. Night life is active and inviting. Here are a few photos taken near our hotel.

Day Seven Afternoon - Mission Accomplished!

2009-11-06T21:17:00.000-08:00

Next the club took us to see a project that had recently been completed from the last Festival of Brotherhood. Working in conjunction with the Rotary Clubs of Sonoma Valley, Fort Bragg and Windsor, Jacotepic-Chapala received funding for a $14,000 matching grant to decorate and furnish a library and pre-school at a high school in Jacotepic. Looking at what was done, the clubs got a great return on their investment.

One of the items covered in a grant was a digital library checkout and tracking system.

So there you have it. When you work with this club, they get the job done and make your investment do the most good for the least cost.

Day Seven Afternoon - Off to See Projects

2009-11-06T19:05:00.000-08:00

After the project fair, we signed up to go see the projects presented. Local clubs served as guides to see the projects. The Rotary Club of Jocotepec-Chapala is a small club but they are dynamite in accomplishments. We traveled about an hour to see Ricardo Flores Middle School in Jocotepec near lake Chapala. There, a school of over 400 students, who go to school in morning and afternoon shifts (some teachers work a 12 hour day) have a computer lab with computers older than any of the students. To say those computers were slow...........

So the idea is to get newer computer equipment to keep these students involved and up to date.

Day Eight, A Long Journey to San Antonio de Xavier

2009-11-06T14:20:00.000-08:00

The robust Rotary Club Alamo has done many projects and have been effective partners for years. This year they took us about an hour and one half into the country to see a small community they feel merits help. The problem is clean water. The problem for San Antonio de Xavier, a town of more than 3500 people is that their drinking water source, a dam, is contaminated with Salmonella, E. Coli and agricultrual chemicals. People are forced to boil their water or buy it (at great expense). The proposal is to provide a municipal water treatment system - total cost $10,500, form a water district, then become self sustaining. People would still purchase water in bottles, but at a rate they could afford. Some money would be reserved from proceeds so as to cover costs, make repairs and improvements over time.

We met the two mayors of the area, the sitting mayor and the one who comes to office in January. A mayor in Mexico covers an area of cities similar to a county. Lupita, from the Alamo Club worked with the two mayors to secure their committment to funding, support and the grant of a place to secure the water treatment station.

After a good deal of discussion the incoming mayor declaired support and monies and land for the project.

So we stood for a photograph in the courtyard to celebrate the time of our visit and agreement.

We went to the dam to look at the water storage and water conditions.It contains a great amount of water.

As the water leaves the dam to head for the town, it is carried in an open culvert across country.

Some miles away the water arrives at San Antonio, it is turbid - with a high concentration of suspended solids. The water is channeled through a settling process, an attempt to remove the solids for consumption and make it better for houshold use. The water at the end is improved significantly by this process, however, e coli, salmonella and are not diminished by that. The resulting water, in addition to being still contaminated still looks cloudy and does not taste good .

This is the site of the current water storage for the town. The lot includes sufficient room for the equipment. The government agreed to provide protection for the equipment and the space.

This is the view from the water area down the street towards downtown. Although the houses look modest from the outside, most have lovely gardens and are carefully clean and maintained in the interiors. A problem for this particular town is that mostly women and children live here. Many of their men have gone to the U.S to seek work. The women also work in the two factories located in town.

Day Seven The Project Fair

2009-11-05T10:41:00.000-08:00

Before and after the panel and ceremony, Rotarians from Mexico had information about their various projects available. They set up at tables around the room. We could read the proposals, see photos and displays and sign up to go out to project visits today and tomorrow. Here are some quick photos taken from display tables around the room.

Day Seven The Official Opening of Festival of Brotherhood XIV

2009-11-05T09:00:00.000-08:00

Yes dear reader, the work up to now has been preparatory to the official presentation of project proposals. This Festival covers three states in Mexico. Clubs from as far away as Culiacan and 200 miles south of Puerto Vallarta have traveled to join us and see that their projects are considered. We try to see that every project is observed and responded to. The opening ceremonies were inspirational and brief.

An appreciative crowd listens as our panel of current and future District Governors and Foundation Chairs. Bruce informed us that by his calculations, more than a million dollars worth of projects have been completed since 2004. If you count the projects currently committed but still in process, it is apparent the amount is over $1,300,000.

Day Six Evening - Return of the Ties

2009-11-05T06:13:00.000-08:00

We were joined in our little pre dinner gathering by Guicho and his wife, check out the ties! Guicho has always been a fantastic support for Festival of Brotherhood and is very popular with our clubs.

The Californians gathered for a bit of celebration, our newly arrived team members were rested and ready for the first organized event to include all of us. Kirk Brown, District Governor, Jim Flamson, District Governor Elect, and Maureen Merrill, District Governor Nominee celebrate the moment that Maureen is awarded her special monkey - carry it proudly Maureen - don't lose it in your purse!

Rotarians from all clubs gathered, a reunion for many who have been a part of the Festival of Brotherhood for 14 years.

Lupita from the Alamo Club and Dale from the Rohnert Park Cotati Club visit and catch up. Their clubs have a long term special relationship; a brother and sister club.

Past District Governors Bruce and Manobe open the event. Bruce was announcing that over 77 FOB grants have been completed between our clubs. The matching grants already in process bring us up to 99. The next grant committed to will bring us up to 100. Congratulations everyone!

Kirk relates his gratitude and admiration for the hospitality and accomplishments of our host clubs.

District Governor Guicho draws warm applause for his words of welcome, encouragement and optimism.

Day Six Morning, A Visit to Downtown and FAEE

2009-11-04T16:25:00.000-08:00

After the show, we enjoyed a snack provided by the teachers. If you notice the Rotary Wheel on the wall in back it is symbolic of the support provided by Rotarians. The clubs in Mexico have done much. Also there are three clubs in our district who have worked on projects here.

A few blocks from the downtown squares we came to FAEE http://www.faeemexico.org/ It is a program that teaches individuals with disabilities of differing ages the skills of living and success. Mexico is not able to provide much in terms of support for these individuals. That support comes from whatever the communities will provide. The students have teachers for language, math, art, culture health and practical skills. We were treated to a demonstration of cultural dancing. The students were accomplished dancers and proud of their showmanship.

There is a stonecutters fair in one of the downtown squares. Approximately 10 stonecutter shops and artists had set up to show their work and how it is done.

Here is part of our intrepid group. We are now joined by Rotarians from our District 5130 in California who are coming for the 2nd portion of the Festival. We were guided by Librado from Chapultepec Club. He is very knowledgeable about the history of his city - and took time off from his electrical conracting business to make us comfortable.

We were on our own for breakfast, at 10:00 we met in the lobby to walk through the square and to see our first program. Here is one of the old cathedrals seen across a square.

Day 5 Evening - Guadalajara!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-11-04T15:44:00.000-08:00

Between Bea and Trino, we listened and sang songs from the U.S. (you have to learn more about the songs Bea has developed for Rotary), and songs from Mexico styled by Trino. We had such a wonderful time, laid out plans to see a program tomorrow, and went to sleep happy.

Our hotel is The Best Western Hotel Plaza Genova in the old central area of Guadalajara. The area is steeped in history with squares, churches, museums, shops, music venues, parks and lots of people. It is so exciting! Veteren Festival of Brotherhood participants got together with old friends, new ones were invited too, we went a lot of places, or explored our new environs. Here the Rotary Club of Chapultepec hosts a number of us at the house of Trino and Chela, both Rotarians. Chela is president of this active and respected club.

Day Five. Adios Tapic! Que Te Vaya Bien.

2009-11-04T15:27:00.000-08:00

Oh no, can it already be time to go? We have seen close to 24 projects in the past five days, had many events and meetings, rejoined old friends and made new ones. Seen many sights, laughed, wiped away a few tears and most importantly have seen what the Rotarians are doing in their community and learned what we can do to help.

So we exchanged a few gifts, gave thanks and hoped some of our new found friends might go to Guadalajara for the second part of the festival.

Then there was one more surprise. Our friends gave each club attending a momento award. It features Rotary's Four Way Test. How sweet and thoughtful. Here is Bea Moulton from Middletown accepting award from the daughter of one of the local Rotarians, dressed in a local indigenous costume.

Barbara Barney from Sebastopol Sunrise models the gift basket and award given her club.

We packed our suitcases and were on the bus within 1 hour after the breakfast. Nothing much to report about the trip - nice countryside, comfortable travel. We are gone to Guadalajara, capital of Jalisco. It is huge, urbane and a wonderful place to serve as the base for the "Full Festival".

Day Four Afternoon and Evening

2009-11-02T16:13:00.000-08:00

All that cooking made us hungry. We went into San Blas to a beachside open air restaurant. Imagine our surprise when another part of our group, one who had gone to see a developing native plant nursery project, showed up to join us.

After that late lunch we headed for another potential project. This one requires work on a larger scale. A small town of about 400 people is set on a small stream in a narrow canyon. The ground is very dense and rocky. Due to the setting, septic waste disposl is not funtional. There is no way to drill the rock or change the soil. For this reason, every house in the town leaks raw sewage into the streets and eventually to the stream. This is very unhealthy for all inhabitants, and a very sad situation. The occupants can not afford to leave what little they have. The cost, to hook up appx 100 households with a mile of line and connect to an existing main line is $150,000 US dollars.

Yes that is waste water running down the street - and yes that is a family with children walking on the street.

And yes that is the sewage stream joining a fresh water stream that goes on to join a small river about a half mile away. And yes that is sewage running out of one of the houses. Sorry, this is simply how it is.

The government does not usually help in these infastructure projects, though in this case they committed one of five shares. So of the $150,000 needed, $30,000 comes from the community; a tough order in this poor town as that translates to 300 per household. Then the Tepic Club does a share, another club in Canada does one, they are asking us or anyone we know to help.Here is the creek below the village. That is a water pipe going down into the river. Not sewage. It services a business out at the highway.

Day Four, Project Visits

2009-11-02T10:19:00.000-08:00

After a breakfast on our own, our groups separated to see projects. This is Dia de Los Muertos so many are off of work. Others take a part of the day for family and work the other part.

First we traveled to a very small town La Llano. It is in a hilly tropical area about 10 kilometers from the coast. An area rich with fruit and agriculture, most of the people are very poor as they are the laborers. One of the Rotary Clubs with guidance from a club member Chipe. Chipe (of course this is his nickname - all Rotarians in this area of Mexico have them) is a professor of Agriculture at the University in Tepic. His idea is to "add value" to the fruits growing in the area so as to improve profit. They process and bottle fruits so as to extend their use and availablility to year round rather than seasonal consumption They plan to market from a stall on a nearby road and evolve to wholesale distribution and subscription sales. He selected this one village as a project choosing the site based on motivated people, availability of a building easily converted to a facility(the building is free to the enterprise - offered by a local family, and good local leadership. Here there are 10 employees. The fellow on the far right is the retired area doctor. He believes in this project and offers his time and resources to help the co-op to be a success. Eventually they hope to inspire and support other neighboring towns

The workers actually will own the equipment and share the profits. They were working well together. The equipment was stainless steel, carefully tended. The product is delicious.

Day Three Evening Dia de los Muertos

2009-11-01T21:46:00.000-08:00

November 2nd, Dia de los Muertos. This is the day that all of Mexico takes a holiday stoping to remember. But on the night before, there is a celebration for the whole community, centered at cemetaries.Dia de los Muertos seems a wonderful mix of respect and memory, mixed with humor and celebration. People build temporary alters to those they love who have passed on, including momentos, messages and those things that communicate who this loved one was and something of their life. It seems healthy, and actually delightful. There is lots of music, color and joy. Here is an alter designed by a school classroom "The Circle of Life".

A full display for a man who had recently died, even includes air ducting similar to the type he worked with in life.

Dancers draw a crowd.

In the old cemetary, which dates back to the 1600's many costumed people stand near the graves and church. The crowds were everywhere, graves were decorated. Here is a favorite character Katrina. Children dress as saints. It was so totally wonderful. Our host Rotarians accompanied us through the crowds, introducing us to people and customs. What a night!

Day Three Afternoon

2009-11-01T16:07:00.000-08:00

We were invited to a dinner at Doctor Medrana's country home. Located on one of the mountains outside of Tepic, this home is gorgeous, filled with art and enjoys vistas of Tepic and the land beyond.

Here is a mixture of clubs chatting about the projects, enjoying the food, weather, environment and life.

OMG is that a conga line? Guess if everyone was in it, we can keep that as our own little secret.

Day Three Morning

2009-11-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

It is Sunday. Some of us were able to visit a project with the Tepic Pariso Club, a few took off on their own, and some others were treated to an overview of Tepic. Shaw and Helen from Middletown ride a special open-air trolley provided and guided by a friend of Rotary who refused payment then took us everywhere to share the sites and history of this exciting city.

We visited the peak of one of the surrounding mountains. The name Tepic is reputed to originate from old Aztec, the "place surrounded by mountains".

At the top of that mountain, there is a special holy place venerated by the Huoichol people. A special leader performed a cleansing ceremony for those present who wished his help and attention.

Later we were lead by Carmen from the Tepic Club Pariso for a vist to the former home of cherished mid -19th century Mexican poet and international diplomat, Amado Nervo. A portion of his home is preserved as a museum.

Here you see Carmen in a open covered courtyard reciting from memory the conclusion of Nervo's "En Paz" A moment suffused in beauty.

Day Two Dinner with Friends

2009-10-31T21:46:00.000-07:00

After a long day of meeting, project visitations and conferencing, it was time to socialize and relax. Each Mexican Club was matched with members of a California club for hospitality in the home of a Rotarian, hosted by his or her club. Here you see Rotary Club of Sebastopol Sunrise and Club Rotario Xalisco at the home of Antonio Silva Gonzalez and Margarita Soltero

Here we are, all together

Day Two Late Lunch After Project Visitations

2009-10-31T17:02:00.000-07:00

After we had visited the available projects, we got together for a late afternoon meal at Campo Real, a fine seafood restaurant and bar. Check them out at http://www.restaurantcamporeal.com/. The food was excellent, the ambiance marvelous! We felt so lucky to be there. Campo Real is owned by Rotarian Fernando (Fer) Orozco, who with his wife Camenita and his two young sons (they are called the Rotaritos here) have been hosting us. Fer is Presidente 2009-10 of the Club Rotario Tepic Nayar.

Our intrepid FestivalDirector Dale Ann Knight with Dalia

Mamas don't let your babies grow up to be mexican rotary cowboys, cuz their always away, wear their hats every day, even without sunlight above.

Day Two Project Visitations

2009-10-31T13:05:00.000-07:00

After our orientation, we had the opportunity to visit some of the projects proposed and also some past successful ones. Here are some photos taken from a proposed project. It is one of many. We hope to post others soon. But for now, look at these photos. They are from the Centro De Atencion y Desarrollo Infantil, a project of the Club Rotario Xalisco. This program provides pre-school services for children aged 1-5 years. The program serves children of unwed self employed mothers while the mother is working. The government does not provide preschool or daycare. If the mothers can not take their children to work and can not afford services, those children would otherwise be left at home unattended.

A few years ago, 3 children died in a home fire while their mother was away.

The environment was clean, well organized and wholesome. There was a visible difference in the health and abilities of the children who were new to the program and those who had the benefit of having been served for awhile. Those first few years are so critical to the adult these youngsters will become, this is a compelling program.

Here we are in the new section of the building discussing the funds necessary to complete the building. It would allow the program to expand from the current 95 child capacity to 250!. Construction is not something we can use Rotary Foundation funds for. But once the building is completed we could equip it with matching grants. The current request is to find money inside or outside of Rotary clubs to match what the Rotarians here are doing. If we can secure, $25,000, they will do the same. This club has been very resourceful in securing local support. Their work allows mothers to work, children to be safe, and starts children off on an even playing field with others.

Day 2 Our Orientation into projects

2009-10-31T09:31:00.000-07:00

The Tepic area Rotary Clubs joined us for a morning meeting to overview the projects they are working on currently, and the ones in the planning stages. These clubs are resourceful and their projects are awesome!.

Each club had developed proposals with overview, rationale, specific requests and developed specific budgets. In every case they are putting their own money and efforts in these programs, their work is all volunteer. They never proposed that we help with something they were not investing in themselves. Would we had resources to invest in every one of these. We will have to visit, discuss, prioritize and choose according to the resources available.

Our Welcoming Reception

2009-10-30T21:58:00.000-07:00

Towards the end of a long and eventful day, we were invited to welcoming receptions. So as to make that welcome more intimate, we were divided into two groups for dinner parties with little in the line of speeches and lots of chatting and reunion. We were hosted by the Club Tepic Paraiso, an active and strong all women's club. We were greeted by Assistant District Governor Carlos Gutierrez and his charming wife Coyhita.

The food was fantastic!

And with music so compelling, who could resist a little dancing!

2009-10-30T15:09:00.000-07:00

We got to the Hotel Fray Junipero Serra https://www.hotelfrayjunipero.com/ early in the afternoon. A few intrepid souls went shopping, the rest of us to our respective rooms for showers, naps and to settle in. We are right on the downtown plaza of a town of appx. 400,000 people. This is the view from an upstairs bedroom.

2009-10-30T06:46:00.000-07:00

Guadalajara!!!!!!!! Mexican Airline is hospitable and nice, still when you to fly from 1:00 A.M to 6:30 A.M. you could wish for softer beds; ) Some of us had difficulty sleeping; the rest didn't sleep at all! Mike Merrill was very excited when he saw what he thought was going to be his ride.

Good thing there was a great bus and good friends waiting for us. First thing was breakfast at tn airport hotel. We were greeted by our fabulous Mexican leader Marguarita de Alba and a cadre of Rotarians to ease our transition. Our breakfast was attended and hosted by District 4130's District Governor.

After our respite we loaded the bus for Tepic - about 2 hours north and west.

Now we had great comfort - reclining seats, private bath, view windows and drinks. Some watched the scenery and caught some winks. What a nice trip!.

SFO to Guadalajara on the Night Cruise

2009-10-30T00:21:00.000-07:00

So there we all were, we were the ones who wanted the direct flight on Mexican Airlines - that only flys at night and saves a stop in Mexico City. We got there early and took off at 1:00 AM (that is not a typo).

Kirk Brown, 5130 District Governor sits with lovely Ellen Brown, getting ready for our travels to begin. Our local leadership has helped the Festival of Brotherhood develop relationships over the past 13 years that has lead to the funding of over $1,000,000 worth of projects.

So Who Are We?

2009-10-29T01:35:00.000-07:00

We are ordinary people who do extraordinary things. We are just a few of the 1.2 million members of Rotary International with membership open to every race, religion, and political persuasion. We work together to promote world peace through understanding. Take a few minutes to view the attached 4 minute youtube video to set us in context. When you have finished the video, please select the "back" button and check regularly for posts. We think you are going to like this.

http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3D6vVyG0TJBWM&source=video&vgc=rss&usg=AFQjCNFKiZ-wxgO5GMI3yQaBSAQOMt2JdA