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Ensenada Opens Christmas Village With Ice Rink

From December 12 until January 6, the municipal government will install a Christmas Village in the civic square of the country. An ice rink, a stage for artistic and musical presentations, as well as a commercial pavilion, is what it will have. The cost for the skating rink will be 3 dollars for 20 minutes.

Cristina Nuza Ascolani, head of the Ensenada Celebrations Committee (COMIFE) was the one who announced the above, as well as that the village will be put together in collaboration with APM Producciones, a local event organizer company. The only thing that will be requested from people who wish to enjoy the Christmas Village is the donation of a toy for vulnerable children both in the urban area and the rural area of the municipality which will be given to them through the DIF.

It wasn’t clear if the ice rink will be of synthetic ice, like the ones installed in previous years, or if it was going to be real ice this time.

SOURCE: El Vigia

They Thought They Could Do it and They Did!

In my travels I have never experienced a community so involved in helping one another old/young, native/foreigner, human/animal…as Rosarito, and the communities at its borders.

One such group is Mujeres Para Mujeres (Women for Women), established March 16, 2018. About 50 ladies attended the inaugural gathering and continue to meet on the 8th of every even-numbered month with “Potlucks for a Purpose.” The times and days of the week vary in order to allow everyone  to attend, allowing for those who may have monthly meetings at scheduling conflicts.

I met with Board members Carol Council, Mary Contreras, Valerie Russell, and Barbara Acosta for an update of how the organization was progressing. These four met about a year ago in an effort to find ways that women could share their talents and skills and empower other women. The goal was to be of service and support “with” people, not “at” people; creating and extending relationships for a better community. “More can be helped if more become involved.”

They explained that Women for Women is a multicultural organization dedicated to “meeting the needs of girls and women in Baja,” with the target populations of teenagers, single mothers, victims of domestic violence, and those just striving to improve their lives. They seek  “to empower women to use their voices, acquire new skills, maximize their education, support other women, learn trades, and start businesses.”

On October 16, 2019 the Casa de Mujeres opened its blue door on Paseo de los Heroes in Santa Anita, south of La Mision. The Casa is open Mondays and Fridays from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.

Several 6-week classes are currently being offered, with more under consideration. Every encounter is valuable. A six-week Self Esteem class led by Joanna Wood started with 13 signups and only three show-ups. Of these three only one lady finished, but this singular student declared, “This class saved my life.” By using the tools she had learned, “I feel happier, healthier, and more peaceful now than ever.”

Most classes suggest a 20 peso donation, but the fee is waived for those who cannot afford the payment. English class with Rita Gullickson is at 10:30 on Mondays, with ladies learning English through simple conversation. The Women’s Creativity Circle meets Fridays at 9:30 for Movement with Laura Mandala an Arts (painting, drawing, collage, writing…) at 10:30 with Sue McDevitt. Classes are mostly in Spanish.

A Sewing Program connected to Casa del Sol Naciente and run by Rosa Martinez is offered to those actually seeking a career in sewing and fashion; it’s a 2-year, 6-days a week intense sewing program. Information and scholarships are available through MPM or email rosamartinez77@gmail.com.

MPM’s Home Health Care program, led by Mary Simmons, is partnered with Rosarito Beach Christian Church. This 8-week course provides skills for the home health care workers who aid those who prefer to stay home during illness.. Tuition is $100. Anyone wishing to provide a scholarship should contact Mary Simmons.

Mujeres Para Mujeres is starting a microfinance program, with the committee chaired by Karen Cebreros. They are currently researching ways in which to provide microloans to women for entrepreneurial and educational ventures. MPM has partnered with VIA International, which has positive experience in micro-lending with 100% payback of microloans worldwide. Helping to fund this program are Greeting Cards by Rhonda, on sale at Baja Mail in Puerto del Valle, near La Mision. The cards may be customized for particular occasions.

For more information, MPM cordially invites you to their next gathering, a cookie exchange Sunday, December 8th at 3:30 pm at La Jolla Condos (km29, across the boulevard from Fat Cat Restaurant). Bring three dozen cookies to exchange. Membership is not a prerequisite.  For additional details, contact ValerieMRussell@yahoo.com.

March 8th will be the 1st anniversary of MPM and elections for next year’s Board will be held. The group is always seeking new energetic members, Mexican and expat, especially from the northern area of Rosarito. I know many of us have been giving generously of our time and funds, especially after the spate of fires Rosarito has experienced, but please consider sharing your talents with this fine group of ladies. Do you have any ideas for a class or a workshop that would benefit local ladies? They are currently seeking a Membership Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator, Development Director, and Grant Writer… and a dozen folding chairs.

Donations or memberships may be paid through PayPal at MujeresParaMujeres2019@gmail.com. MPM is close to achieving their US 501(c)(3) non-profit status, making all donations tax-deductible. For information on any of the programs, classes, greeting cards, etc., please visit the Facebook page “Mujeres Para Mujeres Group” or phone 646-978-7507.

Consider coming out of retirement for this great cause. Gentlemen are welcome
too!

Rosarito Calendar of Events

Every Saturday, 10:00 am at IMAC Central park. Chess for all ages. www.facebook.com/IMAC Rosarito.

 Every First Saturday. 10 am. United Society of Baja California (USBC) general meeting at the Titanic Room of the Calafia Hotel. Useful info for the English speaking community of charitable, community service, and social organizations. www.unitedsocietyofbaja.org. 664-748-3949.

Every First Saturday. Noon-sundown. Open Studio Art Walk, a free tour of galleries in Rosarito Beach Hotel commercial center. Meet artists at work in their studios. pacothepainter@hotmail.com

Every Third Saturday. 1 pm. USBC, United Society of Baja California, monthly potluck dinner, at La Maroma sports bar, across from Burger King. Different themes every month. Usually, live entertainment. Free. Membership $20 per year.

Second Sunday of every month, Pet sterilization by the Baja Spay and Neuter Foundation at the Centro de Diagnostico Clinico Vetrinario, ave. Queretaro #2331-3, Col Cacho, Tijuana. 200 pesos, 661-124-3619, or Robin at www.BajaSpayNeuter.org.

Last Sunday of every month, Jewish Chavurah. Gordon Kane – gordonmkane@gmail.com.

November 28, Thursday; Happy Thanksgiving! See our special article on our website www.ggnorth.com.

November 29, Friday, 4 pm; Wine & Design at De Colores Ceramic Studio (k 40) Create a customizable ornament. Starts at $10 for all supplies. $5 holds reservation at https://decolores-mexico.cojm. 661-104-0022.

November 29 & 30, Friday & Saturday, December 1st, Sunday, 10 am – 8 pm; Rosarito Crystal and Gem Show at Hotel Calafia (km 35.5). Gems, minerals & fossils; show, buy and sell. Admission: $3.  664-444-9527.

November 30, Saturday, 9 am – 1 pm; Lecture and Practice about Taoist Arts by Zi Xiao. Chinese traditional culture & history; bioenergetics healing arts; Taoist meditation. Venustiano Carranza, Primo Tapia, Mision Viejo. 646-189-7470; qigong_w.bc@hotmail.com.

November 30, Saturday, 12:30 – 3:30 pm; Harvest Jamboree and Holiday Food Drive at Vista Hermosa Resort (k43). All musicians welcome to join the jam to fight hunger. Acoustic, blues, country, bluegrass, and Americana. Non-perishable food items and donations. Proceeds to support Hearts of Baja. www.BAHsociety.com.

December 1, Sunday, 1 – 4 pm; Tempest Trading Holiday Concert and Art Bazaar (k 40.5). Music by Rosarito’s Academia de Musica Allegro. Local artists, craftspeople, and confectioners. 661-688-1161.

December 4, Wednesday, 1 pm; Flying Samaritans White Elephant Gift Swap & Luncheon at Las Rocas Resort. Minimum value: $10. Donation $20. RSVP Susan: susansmithz@hotmail.com or 858-240-2360 or 662-200-6066

December 6, Friday, 5 – 8 pm; A Very Merry Diva’s Christmas Party, holiday food drive and fundraiser to benefit Blues Against Hunger Society at Pavilion Restaurant, featuring Brigette Rios Purdy. $18 show with holiday menu available. Tickets at Pavilion Restaurant or online at www.BAHSociety.com.

December 6 & 7, Friday 7 pm, & Saturday 4 pm; The Kumiai Theatre Company presents El Jugete del Ano (Toy of the Year), at CEART Rosarito. Free. 661-100-6338. Facebook/ CEART Rosarito.

December 7, Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm; Friends of the Library Annual Home Tour for the Holidays. Includes homes with “year-round architectural style.” All proceeds benefit Rosarito Reads program and the Bookmobile. Full tour: $35; North or South tours $20 each. Tickets at Click-on, Mail Express & Xtras, or online at www.friendsofthelibrary.com.mx.

December 7, Saturday, 12 pm; 1st Annual Barra Vieja Art and Beer Festival featuring more than 20 local exhibitors. K 47 next to the fire station in Primo Tapia. Free entry. Food, craft beers, art, live music and more.

December 8, Sunday, 2 pm; A Taste of Black Cross Wines at Black Cross Vineyard. $5 entry. Complimentary tasting. Wine, food, and more. Facebook.com/ Black Cross Wines.

December 8, Sunday, 6 pm; Blanca Navidad (“White Christmas”) Concert at IMAC Rosarito (behind CitiBanamex). All of your Christmas music favorites performed by the Academy of Music de Allegro. $100 pesos. Facebook.com/ IMAC Rosarito.

December 11th, 2019 2:30-3:30 pm Watch your step! Fall Prevention In Seniors. Join us for this FREE conference at  SerenCenter Rosarito. Cookies & coffee will be served to all guests. RSVP: 1800 030 0070 or info@serenacare.net

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