Spring Update

Posted by Julie on April 14, 2008, 2:03 pm
189.162.24.218

http://www.lacatalinafoundation.comLa Catalina Foundation News, Reflections & Happenings… La Manzanilla, Jalisco, México Issue 9 – Spring 2008 EDUCATIONAL CENTER PLANS & UPDATE The dream of an educational center in La Manzanilla is materializing as we received unanimous support from the Ejido at their last monthly meeting, giving us their blessing to start construction on the lot that they donated in 2007. The architectural plans that were presented were drawn up by the Mexican architect, Alvaro Chavarin. Chavarin has designed the center in separate modules, so that each module can be constructed independently, as the required funds are raised. The first module that we are aiming to have built by this summer is a community classroom. The estimated cost for this part of the construction is $16,000 usd, of which we currently have raised $7,600 usd. To give a donation to help us finish this first phase of construction or to see how you can get involved, please contact us. About Alavaro….Alvaro Chavarin is a well known artist and architect in the Careyes area. He is very enthusiast about the project and has brought his heart, creativity, knowledge and dedication to this project. All of his time and services are being donated free of charge. Please check our website soon to view the architectural plans. SURVEYING THE STUDENTS’ EDUCATIONAL NEEDS What do you think 75 La Manzanilla middle school students said that they most wanted to see at the new educational center? If you are thinking a computer lab, you are right! In our community survey, students ranked this as the most important facility they would like to see constructed. In terms of educational programs, when given the choices of General Education, Music, English, Math, Art, Dance and Computer classes, student ranked English classes as most important, followed by computer classes as a close second. A complete summary of the community survey will be made available on our website soon! MEXICAN FOLKLORIC DANCE CLASSES MAKE A BIG SPLASH Students of all ages, and from across the Costalegre, are invited to participate in our Folkloric dance classes held at La Manzanilla middle school from 8:30am to 10:30am every Saturday. Classes are taught by David Esparza who led the folkloric dance performance at our recent auction. He will be teaching students from La Manzanilla and its vicinity folk dances like the ones performed at the auction, including Aztec dances and more modern regional dances from Jalisco, Veracruz and other areas. LA MANZANILLA TEENS LEARN ABOUT DEALING WITH PEER PRESSURE FROM WISCONSIN DOCTORS As part of volunteer project with a small group of doctors studying at La Catalina Natural Language School from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Continuing Education department, La Manzanilla middle school learned about peer pressure through an interactive, hands on seminar. Teens were given the chance to not only learn about some of the risks of peer pressure, but were able role play various scenarios and come up with their own creative solutions when confronted with these issues. Thank you to Dean for coordinating this effort and to Wisconsin doctors for their great work! NEW PROGRAM DIRECTOR Many of you have met Dean Klompas, who has been working with the foundation since June of 2007. Dean came to us with ambitions of bolstering his experience working with non-profits so he could one day start his own. Upon completing an initial internship, Dean was promoted to Program Director. As our foundation is small and funding is limited, Dean will continue teaching classes and working in the community, as well as taking on the administrative role of Program Director. A NIGHT UNDER THE STARS We are pleased to announce that our 4th annual “A Night under the Stars” online and live auction raised 62337 pesos. These proceeds are being distributed as follows: 15584 pesos – La Manzanilla Public Schools 15584 pesos – La Catalina Educational Foundation’s Free Educational Programs 31168 pesos – Earmarked for construction of educational center Thank you to everyone for your tremendous support in both donating items and buying, buying, buying! This event truly took a monumental community effort. A BIG THANK YOU TO SOME OF OUR SUPPORTERS… This quarter, we want to give thanks to the following part-time residents, visitors and friends of La Manzanilla who donated supplies and program materials or who made a contribution to the foundation and public schools: Rick Strittmater & June Nery; Judith Williamson & Wayne Smith; Susan, Steve, Tucker & Ansel Anderson; Sally Vakulach; Lisa Matchette; Rick & Brenda Finney; Ann & Tim Edwards; Jane Colbert; Christine Mokhtare; Sudi and Nick Klompas; David Iles; John Jollymore; and Dean Klompas. The foundation, schools and children of La Manzanilla say, “Gracias!” OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS A new 4-year university scholarship will be offered soon by the Universidad de Londres in partnership with La Catalina Educational Foundation! Check our website soon for details. Duane & Cheryl Chaves have decided to sponsor a second year to our first “Wings” scholarship recipient, Gaby Rodriguez. We are now looking for a sponsor for this fall for a new graduating middle school student. Please inquire on how to become a “Wings” sponsor. ¡GRACIAS, Y HASTA LA PRÓXIMA!

Be sure to visit www.lamanzanilla.info