For the past year, Piccolo restaurant owner Magua Celis has opened her doors every month to the students of the Castaway Kids’ Adelante Estudiante program, offering them a complimentary meal in her fine dining establishment. What a delight it was for me to share a delicious lunch last week with CONALEP high school students, Elide Armenta, Claudia Sandoval and Dayra Luna.
We were treated like VIPs as we savoured the fried zucchini appetizer, salad, breadsticks, and then our choice of meat, chicken, or lasagne. We all chose something different, and there were no crumbs left on our plates – including the dessert plates which were filled with scrumptious raspberry crepes and ice cream.
Magua was very welcoming and cordial, engaging the students in a conversation about their future educational plans. She was impressed to hear that I was dining with Mexico’s next generation of professionals. High school graduate Elide wants to become a doctor or lawyer, and Claudia hopes to be a pilot. Dayra wasn’t sure yet, but there’s still plenty of time for her as she is only in Grade 10. Given the opportunity, it was clear that these girls all wanted to continue their studies and were bound and determined to be successful.
And this would not be possible without the generosity and support of their sponsors and of people like Magua who open their hearts to those who need it most. On behalf of the students and volunteers of Castaway Kids, a huge THANK YOU goes out to Magua and her staff at Piccolo restaurant for giving us a very special and memorable afternoon.
For more information on Castaway Kids and the Adelante Estudiante program, please visit us at castawaykidsmx.org.
Welcome to the Castwaykids Mexico March 2012 Newsletter!
Thank you for signing up to recieve the castawaykids Newsletter. We have decided to send out Newsletters every 6-8 weeks to update you on the future events and past events. You can always go to our website at www.castawaykidsmx.org to receive the up to date information or to our facebook fan page to hear all the great things we are doing. If you have not done so already please join our Facebook Fan page and Spread/Send/Share our great works.
Just Like Jerry Lewis has always called the children he sponsors “My kids” The Castawaykids are “OUR KIDS”. If you have not seen our Castawaykids Mexico poster video please check it out below. Terry Challis
NEXT MEETING: April 14th at La Palapa Gringa at 10:00 am.
See you there!!!!
CastawayKids Beach Party 2012
The beach party of the year is coming up this Sunday, March 25th at La Palapa Griega. The doors open at 11:00 am and the music starts at noon. Featured performers will be Rob Mehl (pictured), Sam Rainwater, Eric Holland, Bohemia, The Trailer Trash Royalty, Ron Daisley, Neil Duvall, the Twins, Steve Smersh, Elba Santiago, and Paul (Pablo) Adams, and Susan Schauf. The “Doug Marshall” Award for Community Service will also be presented.
Last year’s CD Release Party drew 400-500 people who had a wonderful time, while supporting one of San Carlos’ favorite charities. This year will feature Bar-B-Q as well as La Palapa’s excellent Greek menu, and a beer and margarita station has been added, as well as extra staff, to better handle the crowds – many additional tables and canopies are being supplied, and we look forward to an afternoon of great music, wonderful food, and supporting a great cause- the Castaway Kids. Get there early for good seats and enjoy the raffles, door prizes, and the best beach party of the year.
Who is your Hero
And the nominees are:
Jean Baker
David & Melissa Boyd *
Gwen Bouschor
Terry Challis *
Bliss Cochran
Sue Fehrle *
Sandy Fahrenwald
Sam Rainwater *
Maggy Murray
Sophia Reid
Rod Sainsbuy
Castaway Kids Members*
Nancy Leras
The membership of Castaway Kids voted last year to name the award after Doug Marshall, one of our own San Carlos Heroes. *Members of Castaway Kids are not eligible, and the award will be given to living recipients only. The winner will be announced at our upcoming Beach Party on Sunday, March 25th during the 4-5:00 hour. This event will start at noon and go until 6:00. Thanks for taking the time to send in your nominations. This will be the 2nd Annual community service award.
Message from the President:
Doctor Friends of Castaway Kids
I’ve talked before about Business Friends of Castaway Kids, and more have stepped up to donate items for our silent auction at our big Beach Party fundraising event on March 25th, including Tacos Don Mario and Sagitario Gift Shop, thank you business friends!
However, today I want to talk about Doctor friends of Castaway Kids. At a recent Art Show, one of the artists, Angie Leyva, introduced me to her father, pediatrician, Luis Leonardo Leyva Cervon, who offered his services to our sponsored students, at a very special rate! Thank you Dr. Leyva.
Recently a sponsor took her sponsored student to an Orthodontist who gives our students a special price, Dr. Hector Delgado. He said that the girl had an unusual condition which caused her gums to grow over her teeth and she would need oral surgeries before he could deal with the braces and he recommended Dra. Yolanda Urias. This dentist then gave us a very good price for the 7 oral surgeries needed so that one day this young girl will be able to smile showing her teeth. The very same day, our Treasurer, Tammi Miller, told this story to a friend and he offered $5,000 pesos to help cover the upcoming surgeries. This left only $5,000 to be paid and we decided that the monies from the next couple of Sunday night DVD Concerts at the Captains’ Club would go to this cause.
There are other health professionals who have helped our kids with reduced rates on their services, Dra. Terry Rosas on 15th Street, another dentist; Dr. Marco Barrera on Serdan at 10th, an Opthalmologist.
Others have offered their services at reduced rates for our students which come from extreme poverty situations, or have treated them free of charge, including local doctors and dentists right here in San Carlos. I am always so encouraged when I see the generosity of so many people, coming together, to help these kids get a leg up in their future endeavors. My personal thanks go out to all those health care professionals who are paying it forward in one way or another. I also thank the sponsors, so many of whom take on extra expenses such as braces to help give their kids improved self-esteem for their future. And of course, my appreciation is endless for those folks who make a generous donation when they hear a story like this one.
Castaway Kids Construction Crew is finalizing work that has been done over the winter on two houses in Santa Clara. House #1, belongs to Rosalia, who lives there with her two sons (13 year old Jose and 11 year old Alejandro). This house was transformed from a two room cardboard/tin/tarpaper structure with no water, power or sewage to a three room home that has a bathroom (with sewage system), a kitchen, and a closet in one of the rooms. This house even got a coat of paint to make the owner even more proud of her “new” home. House #2, which belongs to Jazmin and Miguel (who live there with their 4 year old daughter and 4 month old son Jose), is across the street. This house was one room but now has a kitchen, a bedroom and a bathroom instead of an outhouse. The sewage system is hooked up and waiting for completion. Basic things like running water, power and sewage, that all of us take for granted, make a huge difference in these family’s lives. In these homes the following items have been donated by Castaway Kids members: bed, toilet and wash basin, custom made drapes, 5 gallons of paint, TV and stand, tiling for kitchen and bathroom back splashes. There was also a large handmade piece of furniture donated by Jean Baker from the Ranchitos area of San Carlos which was transformed into kitchen cupboards with a counter and a sink. Both of these homes have been completed for under $3,000 per house!
The Construction Committee accepts applications from needy families who can ask for any type of construction assistance such as: adding a bathroom and a sewage system, completing a room or a roof, or even building a whole house from the ground up. The application form is available on the Castaway Kids website and is completed by the family and submitted to the Construction Committee. The committee, which is made up of 5 regulars and 3 alternate members, reviews applications and then decides which projects should be undertaken by the volunteers who form the Construction Crew. All of the members of the committee are also volunteer workers. The decision as to which projects are chosen is based upon many factors such as, the need of the family, demolitions required, existing building size, distance and availability of infrastructure requirements at the site (water, electrical and sewage) and or hookup, travel time for the group, etc… All of the applicants who are being considered are interviewed and the building site is visited by the committee. Any Castaway Kids member who is sponsoring a student can provide the application form to their student’s family to be considered to be eligible for a construction project.
We currently have about 15 applications which are under review pending allocation of funding before the Construction Committee gives the final approval.
The Construction Crew is always happy to find new volunteers and there is a wide variety of work that needs to be done. It’s fun to participate, meet new people and feel like you are making a difference in the place that we like to call home – for some a few months each year and for others all year round. If you are unable to physically lend a hand, then a monetary or materials donation is very welcome. Please contact Dave Keilholz at 226-0783 if you would like to participate in any way.
English day Kayaking
Class party took on a new meaning Saturday when a dozen students gathered with their volunteer teachers in San Carlos for a fiesta and introduction to kayaking. None of the kids had been on a kayak before, but took to the sport quickly, even offering some new approaches to paddling.
The students came to the the Villa Hermosa home of Cherie Althauser for the festivities, partly a reward for how far they had come in learning English as part of the Adelante Estudiante program. They meet with volunteer teachers from San Carlos each Saturday to build their language skills.
Since some of the teachers are returning home after winter stays in San Carlos, the program is looking for more volunteers. All you need is to speak English, have an interest in learning and young people and be willing to devote a couple hours on Saturdays.
The Adelante Estudiante program, an arm of Castaway Kids begun in 2008 by finding a sponsor for a needy student, now sponsors more than 100 students in their educational pursuits and needs, covering tuition and uniforms, shoes and supplies.
The English tutoring program is at CBTIS high school (Centro de Bachillerato Tecnologico Industrial y de Servicias) in Guaymas.
If you would like to get involved as a sponsor or teacher or learn more about this rewarding program, e-mail adelante.estudiante@yahoo.com.
Castawaykids DVD Music Festival
The Castaway Kids DVD Music Festival continues this Sunday, March 25 at 6:00pm (sunset) at the Captain’s Club (map), with the movie Jimmy Buffett: Live in Anguilla. Sun, sea, sand, and good-time music coalesce on this thoroughly enjoyable set. Live in Anguilla conjures the breezy, tropical style of Buffett’s music — it’s performed outside at Rendezvous Bay on Anguilla in the Caribbean. The DVD of the concert (recorded in high definition and featuring surround sound) includes many of Buffett’s hits and fan favorites.
A donation of 30 pesos per person is requested, with all proceeds to benefit the Castaway Kids. Everyone is invited.
Come on out, enjoy some great music, and support the Castaway Kids at the same time.
By: Daivd Boyd
Starfish Student Profile
Betsaida Leticia Santillán Lugo
Mi nombre es Betsaida Leticia Santillán Lugo y tengo 18 años de edad.
My name is Betsaida Leticia Santillán Lugo and I am 18 years old.
Nací el 21 de noviembre de 1993 en el puerto de Mazatlán, Sinaloa.
I was born on November 21st, 1993 in the Port of Mazatlán, in the state of Sinaloa.
Actualmente vivo en Guaymas Sonora y estudio la carrera de Técnico en Acuacultura en el CET Mar 03.
At the present time, I live in the city of Guaymas, in the state of Sonora, and I study the career of Technician in Aquaculture at CET Mar 03.
Siempre he tenido buen promedio y mi meta es llegar a ser bióloga.
I have always had good grades and my goal is to be a biologist.
Desde niña me ha gustado el arte; la música, dibujar y escribir cuentos.
Al igual que cuidar animales.
Since I was a little girl, I have always liked art, music, drawing and story writing, as well as taking care of animals.
El primer instrumento que aprendí a tocar fue el piano, asimismo estudie un poquito de violín, pero no me intereso igual que el piano. Esto lo estudie en casa de la cultura.
At the Casa de la Cultura, the first musical instrument I learned how to play was the piano, I also learned to play the violin a little, but I liked the piano better.
También estudie en bellas artes, aprendí a tocar el clarinete. Y me quedé en el nivel de principiante en fagot, por motivos escolares, ya que las clases me absorben mucho tiempo.
I also studied at the Institute of Fine Arts. Here I learned to play the clarinet. I also started the first level of bassoon but I had to stop because the school takes much of my time.
Cuando tenía 7 años entré a un concurso de dibujo titulado “viva el agua” en el cual obtuve el tercer lugar.
When I was 7 years old I participated in a contest and I won third place with a drawing entitled ¨Viva el Agua.¨
Después entré a otro concurso de la empresa APIGUAY en el que quedé en primer lugar por pintura y un lema sobre la contaminación del agua.
Then, I participated in another contest organized by the company APICUAY and I was awarded first place for a painting and slogan about water pollution.
Gane 2 años consecutivos el primer lugar en un concurso de cuento nombrado “El México de mis bisabuelos” y en el concurso de pintura “Don Quijote de la Mancha.”
In two consecutive years I won first place in a story contest called ¨The Mexico of my great-grandparents¨ and in the painting contest ¨Don Quixote de la Mancha.¨
Además tengo diplomas de primer lugar en concursos de oratoria.
I also have first place diplomas in Public Speaking.
Uno de mis mayores logros que he obtenido fue participar como exponente en el XVIII Congreso de ciencias y tecnologías del mar de 2011, puesto que trabajé mucho para conseguir esto.
One of my greatest achievements has been to participate as a speaker in the XVIII Conference of Science and Technology of the Sea in 2011. I worked very hard to make this happen.
Participé en un concurso de dibujo que se dio en la escuela, y gané segundo lugar, esto me dio la oportunidad de obtener una beca de “Adelante Estudiante” por parte de Liga del arte. La cual resultó con muchos beneficios, puesto que pude conocer a personas con intereses artísticos y se me brindó apoyo económico para continuar mis estudios. Por esta razón quiero agradecerle a Liga del Arte el apoyo que me otorgaron.
I participated in a drawing contest organized by my school, and I won second place. This gave me the opportunity to obtain a scholarship granted by the Art League through ¨Adelante Estudiante.¨ This has been very beneficial because I was able to meet people with artistic interests and I was given economic support to continue my studies. For this reason, I want to express my gratitude to the Art League for the support that they have provided me.
Éstos son solo algunos de mis recuerdos, cuales guardo en mi cajón y en mi corazón.
These are only some of my memories which I keep in a drawer and in my heart.
Translated by Dolores Monterrubio, March 18, 2012.
Terry
A Visit to Club Jerry
by Terry Challis
I’ve been hearing about Jerry Donovan and Club Jerry for a while now, since we’re both in the “kid business”. Jerry and Mark Mulligan knew each other way back when Mark was teaching English at Casa Franciscana in the early 90′s. Like the lyrics of one of Mark’s songs, Jerry came to the area to stay a while on his way to somewhere else (in his case El Salvador), but saw the need, saw the beauty & decided to stay.
Club Jerry was formed around 19 or 20 years ago (Jerry didn’t have an exact date in his mind) as an after school program– a place for kids to go for some sports and activities because most of these barrio kids didn’t have parents at home– few had 2 parents at home ever, but if they did, both parents were usually working to make enough to support the family. Club Jerry is a work in progress, and probably always will be. He has an area available for soccer games, inside the gates, he has a basketball court, under shade he has an area with pool tables and foos ball tables, a shelf full of skate boards, a computer for homework and WIFI available for kids who are lucky enough to have their own laptop or tablet. He sponsors about 10 secundaria kids (Jr High) at the local Catholic Secundaria. (think Boys & Girls Clubs up north).
When my husband and I showed up to meet Jerry for the first time, in person, around 2:00 p.m., there were 2 young boys sitting on the step across the street, obviously waiting to go in the gate. I asked them if they would volunteer for a photo, I needed two boys to pose in front of Club Jerry’s gate. (See Photo of Gustavo & Jesus Hiram). Jerry opened the gate at about 2:10 and welcomed us in. We had talked by phone and he expected our visit.
The kids who came in, came up to Jerry, signed in; then if they wanted to use a particular piece of equipment, asked permission and Jerry signed them in on the Prestame sheet. (Loan it to me sheet). He used the opportunity of our visit to teach common courtesy, not to interrupt, and to introduce yourself to new people. He stresses good behavior, recruits tutors for Spanish grammar, or just about any other subject which would help “his” kids. The gates are open for younger kids a little after 2:00 (when they get out of school). Then later in the evening, 7:30 or so, he opens the gates for the teenagers. He usually closes the gates and heads to his private apartment (on site) at 9:30 or 10:00. His mission, of course, is to keep the kids busy with sports and doing homework on their computers– anything to keep them off the streets where their experiences may not be as positive.
A mutual friend originally passed me Jerry’s number and asked me to call. The purpose of this first call was to ask if I knew anybody with a cabin in Yecora. He really wants to reward his sponsored students with a trip to the mountains. As a part of his sponsorship of the kids in school, he asks them to come to Club Jerry & clean up or paint or do some “community service”. Of course, after they work a while, he comes up with a reward of some kind, usually a trip to the beach in San Carlos.
I told Jerry about all the generous people we have here in San Carlos. I didn’t promise him anything specific, but I knew there were people with big boats who might be willing to take some kids out now and again. I knew some people with kayaks who might be able to arrange a special trip somewhere with some kids along. I know there are folks out there who might have some other ideas.
If you play an instrument, feel free to take some friends over to Club Jerry some afternoon or evening and just play for the kids. If you have a special talent you might be able to teach some kids, call Jerry and set up a time for a special class. The importance and the rewards of programs such as Club Jerry (or Castaway Kids) are interactions between people of different cultures and classes– I find this type of interaction benefits those who are on the giving end, as much as those on the receiving end. Give it some thought– don’t feel you have a special talent? Take a pizza over one afternoon. Directions & contact info below. Seize this day, make it a day you will remember by doing something special for a new friend. You’ll make your day memorable just by meeting this 74 year old man named Jerry.
Club Jerry is a couple blocks past Bellas Artes school of Music, look for a road that curves off to the left, then go about a block and look to the left. You’ll see a big black gate with Club Jerry on it. clubjerry@gmail.com 222-2288`
Castawaykids CD’s still for sale
The “Castaway Kids CD’s are still for sale.
If you missed our big beach concert, you can share the experience by purchasing a CD with many of our local musicians (& more). 100% of the proceeds of the CD sales will go to the folks we’re helping in the poor areas of Guaymas and surrounding pueblos. To Download the whole album or just a few singles CLICK HERE . If you would like us to send you a CD for $12.00 US Dollars please use PayPal and be sure to add your address and we will ship to you a CD.
Donate Your Old Laptop Computer!
Have an old laptop computer that is unused or little-used? Let’s talk! After the necessities of shelter, food and clothing, nothing is more important to our children’s futures than education. But even when a Mexican child is enrolled in school — either with the help of one of our sponsors or through the family’s own resources — there is another hurdle to be overcome: the cyber-divide. Virtually all jobs with a future require some competence with computers. Virtually none of our families can dream of having the money to buy a computer for their child. Some of our children’s academic sponsors have generously decided to buy their sponsored child a laptop, but we hope to do more than these much-appreciated individual cyber gifts in 2011 and beyond. We love laptops! Send us your old one! Castaway Kids is initiating a drive to collect, refurbish and distribute used laptop computers. We will be giving these computers to deserving individual students and selected computer labs in schools where they will be used as public computers and will benefit many children. Donated laptop computers don’t necessarily need not be new, but they do need to be working. For those who would like to buy a deserving student a new laptop computer we are prepared to use your designated PayPal donation to do so. Quality name brand laptops with Spanish language operating systems and related software can be purchased at Walmart or Sam’s Club in Guaymas for just $400.
Shipping address for donated laptop computers: Castaway Kids c/o RC Bicycles 428 North Fremont Tucson Arizona 85719
Become a Cyber Supporter! (It’s Free)
Castaway Kids is committed to using the Internet to expand the scope of help we can offer poor children and families in Greater Guaymas. We are counting on you — our core supporters who have been with us from the start — to help jump-start greater awareness of our organization, its’ goals and successes. You can help us make castawaykidsmx.org an important web portal for those interested in contributing to the welfare of Mexican children. Here are some ZERO-cost things that you can do to support castawaykidsmx.org online:
Please take a moment to review the “Become a Cyber Supporter” tips below.
Share/SEND and Distribute our URL (castawaykidsmx.org) by email to your friends.
Join Castawaykids Fan Club on Facebook, a great way to keep up with what is happening with Castawaykids Mexico. Share activities and stories. http://www.facebook.com/Castawaykids We have 188 fans todate. Be sure to join and invite your friends to join.
Add links to our site on your social media pages like Facebook, MySpace and LinkedIn — and, please, share us with your Social Media friends!
Add links to castawaykidsmx.org to websites that you — or your friends — administer. These sites do not need to be similar to our website (i.e. Children’s Charities or related activities), and can definitely include Blogs you may post to.
Add the Castawaykids website and facebook page to the bottom of your email signature.
Forward this newsletter to a friend…or friends!
We want to Thank all out Business Friends sponsors who are always ready to help at any time with the castawaykids.
A Big Thanks goes to Terry Challis for all the hard work that she does for the Castawaykids and helping me with this newsletter, Terry is devoted to the Castawaykids 100%.
HELP
I am asking all volunteers and sponsors to please send me articles and photos of what you would like in this newsletter or your experience with your student. I need help, I can post on the website and add to the newsletter. I need everyones support in making this newsletter and website as informative and adverse as possible for our organization.
Hats off to our Amazing Construction Crew Castaway Kids Construction Crew is finalizing work that has been done over the winter on two houses in Santa Clara. House #1, belongs to Rosalia, who lives there with her two sons (13 year old Jose and 11 year old Alejandro). This house was transformed from a two [...]
Who is your Hero And the nominees are: Jean Baker David & Melissa Boyd * Gwen Bouschor Terry Challis * Bliss Cochran Sue Fehrle * Sandy Fahrenwald Sam Rainwater * Maggy Murray Sophia Reid Rod Sainsbuy Castaway Kids Members* The membership of Castaway Kids voted last year to name the award after Doug Marshall, [...]
Castawaykids Beach Party 2012 The beach party of the year is coming up this Sunday, March 25th at La Palapa Griega. The doors open at 11:00 am and the music starts at noon. Featured performers will be Rob Mehl (pictured), Sam Rainwater, Eric Holland, Bohemia, The Trailer Trash Royalty, Ron Daisley, Neil Duvall, the Twins, [...]
Castawaykids DVD Music Festival The Castaway Kids DVD Music Festival continues this Sunday, March 25 at 6:00pm (sunset) at the Captain’s Club (map), with the movie Jimmy Buffett: Live in Anguilla. Sun, sea, sand, and good-time music coalesce on this thoroughly enjoyable set. Live in Anguilla conjures the breezy, tropical style of Buffett’s music — it’s performed outside [...]
A Visit to Club Jerry by Terry Challis I’ve been hearing about Jerry Donovan and Club Jerry for a while now, since we’re both in the “kid business”. Jerry and Mark Mulligan knew each other way back when Mark was teaching English at Casa Franciscana in the early 90′s. Like the lyrics of [...]
Student Profile Betsaida Leticia Santillán Lugo Mi nombre es Betsaida Leticia Santillán Lugo y tengo 18 años de edad. My name is Betsaida Leticia Santillán Lugo and I am 18 years old. Nací el 21 de noviembre de 1993 en el puerto de Mazatlán, Sinaloa. I was born on November 21st, 1993 in the [...]
Download the music of the Talented Musicians of San Carlos Mexico. All proceeds go to the Castawykids INC. If you would like us to send you a CD please just use the PAYPAL below. Each CD is 12.00 US Dollars
By Sue Fehrle
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