Providing food to families in need.
Welcome!
Chix Food Bank, began operating in November 2005 by a group of individuals who came together to respond to an identified need in Chicxulub, Yucatan.
In the village of Chicxulub there are about 6,000 people. The main industry is fishing. Of course, this work is at the mercy of the weather and between the hurricane and the norte seasons often the port is closed so there is no opportunity to go out fishing. Therefore we have families who have limited resources to care for their families. We also have elderly people who rely on their children to care for them and help them on a day-to-day basis.
There is a huge need to assist people suffering from many forms of poverty. Your support can change lives.
For only $75 CAD you can feed a family for a year!
There are many ways that YOU can make a difference.
I would like to make a donation
I will be visiting the area and would like to learn more about the programs
We are helping a local soccer team raise money.
Thank you for looking at other ways to donate in the Yucatan. Please take the time to watch the video and share it with your friends! Every donation to the children of Progreso Manchester is greatly appreciated. Many kids in the community will have an opportunity to play on the team with funding.
Current News and Updates on the Chicxulub Foodbank
June Dispensa
The June dispensa was carried out on a bright, sunny day under the watchful eyes of the team. Kay, Carmita, Milo, Jody, Don and Nancy ensured the dispensas were packed on the 14th and handed out on the 15th. This same group of volunteers will continue the process throughout the summer. Thanks to all of them and thanks to the photographers! See you all again in September! Have a wonderful summer.... read more
May Dispensa
Well I am heading back to Canada early this year for my 50th Nursing Reunion. Not to worry as I leave everything in the capable hands of Kay and Carmita and Nancy and Ciro. This May dispensa was quiet and well attended and the heat was already here for the day…30+ by 11 AM.... read more
Community Outreach Pencuyut
In early January, Carmita and her family visited a small pueblo called Pencuyut, a suburb of Tecoh. She heard from her nephews about this village and wanted to check things out. Then we made a second visit to celebrate Children’s day and take out more donations. Pencuyut originally was called ‘ cehn-yuc ‘ which is Maya for “well of the deer”. The legend says when the first inhabitants arrived they found many venison bones. It has approximately 2000 habitantes, there are many aged people and several cases of deaf children. These special needs children have no attention nor go to school. It seems that this area is more affected by the cold winters than we are here along the Gulf. It can get as cold as zero degrees so there will be a collection of hats, slippers and scarves for next winter sent to them. The village maintains itself with milpas where the men grow and harvest corn and there was evidence of buckets of corn being carried on the heads of some women. There are schools that teach from kindergarten to high school with telesecundaria being a satellite program via internet. There are 3 high school teachers working with the young adults. The internet service provided to the village is not strong enough to provide computer and telephone service so imagine seeing the kids playing and chatting together and the adults busy sharing with no evidence of the cel, FaceBook or any other social media! The Food Bank sent donations for the children and some adults and they were very grateful. The house that hosted us belongs to... read more
Chicxulub Soup Kitchen
As promised, we have delivered at least 5 loads of groceries to the kitchen since the middle of March. Dona Ara is always happy to see us with our full boxes. Her clients are also happy when we come. They are serving about 75 people a day. They have a good supply of plastic and glass containers that will tide them over until next... read more
April Dispensa
Needless to say April dispensa was more subdued without many of our volunteers who have returned home for the spring months but we had a great showing. Our 65 families were in attendance and things went smoothly. We had a special visit from the Queen of the Marina 2015-16, Addy Velasquez who visited and helped with the dispensas. We also noted her commemorative plaque on the wonderful anchor that was donated to the town of Chicxulub. Again, thank you to all of you who have left food items and containers for the food bank and soup kitchen and those who left their donations for next winter’s hampers. Without you, this could not happen. Missing Jody Tortilla man Carmita Double load Yahir Our... read moreMuelle Market
Muelle Market 2016 2016 was an amazing year for us at the Muelle Market. We continued to see our regular vendors and meet some new vendors. We were amazed and delighted by the increase in shoppers this year and we watched many leaving with armfuls of purchases and big smiles. Alex, our vendor baker from Classic Delights in Merida, created the most delicious Cinnibuns for the Market this year. At almost every market, there was a line up all the way to the back of the venue, just to get that delicious taste of home. These Cinnibuns will be back for our 2017 Muelle Market. New to the Muelle Market We introduced a few new food vendors this year: Suzu -with her amazingly delicious quiche, Cy -with homemade pizza, Alex-our amazing baker. Guty- with fresh herbs and juices. Bernard with bread, muffins and more. David – with carrot cake , Horso Organics- with amazingly fresh veggies and Ginnie & Eva with Calzones. We also introduced new Artisans: Jorge, Patrica& Ivan with there amazing paintings, Gloria with her stained glass and art, Robin with felting, Miguel with his prints, Gabriella with natural body care products, the Women’s Coop with their unique and beautiful applique designs, Ruth with her ladies Linen Clothing and Nola’s Yucatan Designs with men and women’s 100% cotton tops made from manta. Chicxulub Foodbank We continued in 2016 to assist the Chicxulub Foodbank with fund-raising for 2016. Our Vendors donate products or gift certificates that were raffles off at each Market and the Kitchen donated 10% of their sales. Please remember to support them by buying your... read more
Bazar de Muelle
This is the end of another successful market season. In total there were 7 markets and each one held its own highlight. Who stood in line to buy Anita’s sausages or the scrumptious cinnamon buns? There was always a flurry of activity around Mari’s table or the community table where local service providers promoted their services like massages or bike rentals. Then there was the raffle tickets that everyone bought in support of the Children’s programming for the Chicxulub Food Bank. There will again be summer workshops for the children. Thanks to Nola Marie’s creation Ruth’s linen blouses Nola’s shirts Mujeres de Chicxulub Sausage line-up Cinnibon line-up ... read moreMarch Dispensa
I want to start off by saying thank you to all of you for your help and donations for this season. It is a delight to see how many folks support this project. If it was not for you, the village of Chicxulub would not be able to enjoy the kindness and generosity of the Snowbird and Ex-Pat population. I am including all of you in this thank you which means our year round folks as well. Special thanks to the person who donates fresh tortillas monthly for the families. There are currently 65 families on the roster with another 5 who I will be visiting over the next few... read more
February Dispensa
Packing of the dispensas on the 14th went smoothly with seasoned hands, Shirley and Dave with Andrea and Kay put the packages together swiftly and efficiently. Thanks to everyone who donated beans and rice and the donor who delivered 7 dispensas from Soriana’s. Like the rest of winter, the 15th dawned grey and cool. There were fewer folks standing in line when we started but by the end of the hour, all but 3 families had come for their package. vitamin service Lorraine is back to hand out the tortillas austin helps keep order pauline and james are back..yahoo taxi service from Jody english student Camila Thanks to Wayne 2 for the... read more
Bazar del Muelle
There have been two markets this month and both were a huge success. What was exciting to see but what really floored me was the line-ups for Anita’s sausage meat and for the kitchen so folks could buy their cinnamon buns and coffee. Other vendors were busy as well. Come see in March. Watch for a more in-depth report next... read moreSummer Programming
Carmita and her team did a great job this summer. There was work done on family trees and values and drawings! There was an exciting beach clean-up where the moms joined their kids to clean the beach. The comisaria also was present to pick up the various bags. The Food Bank received a few more volunteers to help out Carmita. The kids and volunteers kept busy with discovering family connections, learning more about Chicxulub and using talent for drawing. End of season party As they did last season, Capitan Flores honoured the volunteers with a fiesta at the restaurant. As you can see everyone enjoyed themselves. Thanks to all of you for your dedication and enthusiasm for the kids and Food... read more
CAPP Program
Lots has been going on even though I am not there. Carmita and Malu and the CAPP volunteers are working with about 30 kids to help them improve the basic 3 R’s of education. The first step was a test to asssess their level of understanding. Then teams were established according to grade level and assigned as follows: Grade 5 – Carmita Grade 4 – Aaron and Luis Grade 3 – Samuel and Aracelly Grade 2 – Malu Carmita and Lina grade 6 Aracelly and Samuel grade 3 Luis and Aaron grade 4 Many children, when they reach grade 6 cannot do the basic math and writing. Watch for pictures as the summer... read more
Community Outreach Pencuyut
The earlier visit has been followed up with two more with the group helping lay a floor in Veronica’s house. She was mentioned in the earlier post. Veronica has 7 children and her husband works the field. The struggle to get the floor laid is that there is no water in the casa and it needed to be carried in. This made the job longer than... read more
Community Outreach Pencuyut
In early January, Carmita and her family visited a small pueblo called Pencuyut, a suburb of Tecoh. She heard from her nephews about this village and wanted to check things out. Then we made a second visit to celebrate Children’s day and take out more donations. Pencuyut originally was called ‘ cehn-yuc ‘ which is Maya for “well of the deer”. The legend says when the first inhabitants arrived they found many venison bones. It has approximately 2000 habitantes, there are many aged people and several cases of deaf children. These special needs children have no attention nor go to school. It seems that this area is more affected by the cold winters than we are here along the Gulf. It can get as cold as zero degrees so there will be a collection of hats, slippers and scarves for next winter sent to them. The village maintains itself with milpas where the men grow and harvest corn and there was evidence of buckets of corn being carried on the heads of some women. There are schools that teach from kindergarten to high school with telesecundaria being a satellite program via internet. There are 3 high school teachers working with the young adults. The internet service provided to the village is not strong enough to provide computer and telephone service so imagine seeing the kids playing and chatting together and the adults busy sharing with no evidence of the cel, FaceBook or any other social media! The Food Bank sent donations for the children and some adults and they were very grateful. The house that hosted us belongs to... read moreEnglish in Chicxulub
Special report from Susan We have had another great year teaching English to the students of Quintana Roo. We had enough teachers and helpers for grades 4, 5, and 6.I would like to thank Karen, Beth, Diane, Mary, John, Brooke,Ruth,Pierrette,Alexis,Ken,Grace,Kitty,Kathryn,and Jim. We had a great bunch of students this year in grade 6.Our themes included:families, body parts, calendar, emotions numbers,etc. Groups worked great as we had up to 35 students. Our last day in the English class we played bingo and each student received a prize. Students also took home their folders(filled with their work) group picture, and a diploma for taking our English class. The principal,teachers, and the students put on an appreciation afternoon for our teachers and helpers. The grade one students handed out Happy cards to the teachers and then sang a beautiful song. Students handed their teachers sincere cards thanking them for coming to their school and teaching them English. Thank you again to all of you who have been involved in our English School Program. If it wasn’t for you this program would not exist. Sue Watch for more photos as they come in. ... read more
Chicxulub Soup Kitchen
As promised, we have delivered at least 5 loads of groceries to the kitchen since the middle of March. Dona Ara is always happy to see us with our full boxes. Her clients are also happy when we come. They are serving about 75 people a day. They have a good supply of plastic and glass containers that will tide them over until next... read more
Prepping for Christmas
Check out the temperature and that was the day in March the industrious group was again sorting and packaging clothes for the Christmas hampers. Some of the group continued into April with wrapping presents for next winter. Santa will be happy with the work of his elves. This season we introduced fabric softener sheets to help maintain a fresh scent when opened in the winter. Then the big finale when a truck was loaned to us to transport all of the boxes to Chicxulub where they are stored for the summer. Join the journey via our picture gallery. ... read more
CAPP Volunteers
During semana santa workshops were held for the children and our CAPP students attended some of them. The topics were a continuation of summer with genealogy, care of the environment and some first aid. On average 25 children attended. Shelley made a donation of 2400 pesos raised by co-workers to get uniforms for the children in the village. We will do the same as before in buying the material and having the uniforms made by local tailors. With holidays over, the CAPP students will continue their own workshops with the children. ... read moreSan Joachin Nursing Home
San Joachin is quieter but no less animated this month with Paula working with the seniors. The group continues to enjoy the exercises as well as the parachute. Thanks to a donation we now have our own parachute and stretch bands to use. The residents enjoy using the bands and do grow stronger every time we use them. I do have to make mention of Paula who has maintained the program all winter with her group of volunteers. Paula has a wonderful knack of connecting with the residents and helping them enjoy the... read more
Prepping for Christmas
Yes, I know it is way too early to think of Christmas 2016 but it is always good to be prepared! And that is what a group of industrious volunteers did in Feb to help with sorting and packaging clothes for the hampers. The expression “many hands make light work” was in evidence as the ladies went to work getting the outfits made up and bagged. Whew! One less thing to stroke off my... read more
January Bingo
Under the B. Bingo. And that’s just what many Canadians play in Chicxulub at least twice during their annual winter sojourn from the north. The fundraiser bingos have been helping the Chicxculub Food Bank since 2009. That first year at the former Bamboo Beach, it raised $12,840 P to help for the monthly cost of food needed for the 77 families. Last year it raised $10,500 P. Why do people like playing bingo so much? It’s fun, it’s a way of socializing and offers a chance of meeting new people. And besides, the game that dates back to medieval times, allows you to win prizes. The full house that played last month at Mamma Mia’s gave it their undivided attention until a green bus called, El Bicho, pulled up across from the restaurant. At intermission some rushed out to satisfy their curiosity. They discovered a couple had been travelling in it for 10 years since starting out from Argentina. Intermission over, it was back to serious bingo playing. Canadians, Karen Evans and Kathy Worrall, are the hardworking bingo organizers who gather prizes,find the bingo callers and run the show. Those lining up their beans to place on the numbers called included people from all over Canada and New York. In the old days, those beans had an even more prominent role because the game was called beano and if you had a winning card, you yelled “beano.” A New York toy salesman renamed it bingo after he overheard someone accidentally shout “bingo”. The first game was played at a carnival near Atlanta,Ga., in 1929. Sharon Helgason, who organized the first fundraiser bingo in Chicxulub says proceeds have helped the... read more
Muelle Market
Yea, Nola was here for the penultimate market and what a day we had. There were 34 vendors and 100s of customers coming to find treasures or sourdough bread or carrot cake. No-one left disappointed and many did not go home empty handed. It was nice to have Nola home and Kay was busy with the Food Bank table and raffle. And then it was the last Muelle Market on March 19th! And what a day! My light box with Katarina arrived and as you can see she was a delight. I have a photo of her with the artist and her husband, with the dynamic duo of Kay and Andrea and then with Madie, the owner of the hall. She was a perfect companion. You can see that Marie was her usual busy self and enjoyed a great day. The money raised by the biweekly raffles has been used to pay for the three buses we needed to take the grades 4-5-6 children to the Parque Cientifico and today the funds will be used for the pilot project of Self-Defense for Children during semana santa. There will also be workshops for the children in the summer and workshops for the parents helping them discover what their values are and how to improve their parenting skills. I will have updates for you as we offer these activities. Now we are done with the Muelle Market until next December and I look forward to seeing you then. From Nola The Muelle Market would like to send out a huge thank you to all the people who attended the... read moreBaseball Camp
Submitted by Brooke: Thanks to our Mexican coach, Luis, the baseball team continued for an additional three months after we Snowbirds returned to the North. We started off again the third Saturday in January with 25 eager players. The following week, we had 37!! Due to rain and Carnival, the numbers were lower for the next two Saturdays but we expect a large turn out on the 21st. We have 8 to 10 Canadian and American “coaches” on any given Saturday and have had 3 Mexican parents on occasion. Our goal, of course, is to involve more parents, aunts, uncles and cousins in the hopes of getting the team back in Mexican hands by the time we all head North again. So, please spread the word that they are needed Saturdays at 9 am in the Chicxulub... read more
Bazar del Muelle
The Muelle Market is growing this year…more new vendors and seeing lots of new faces in the crowd. We have had raffles for the food bank at each the Markets and the goal this year is to raise enough funds to take the children to the Dinosaur Museum. The Vendors have generously donated their handcrafted items and have helped us raise a total of 2060 pesos this month and that will cover the cost of one excursion for the school kids to the Science Centre. We have a Beverage Bar at the new Market and we sell Fresh ground Chiapas Coffee and Home made Cinnamon Buns. We also sell soft drinks and water. Stop by and see Nancy she will be happy to try out her English. The Markets in Feb. will be Feb 5 and Feb.19 The Markets in Mar will be Mar 5 and Mar 19 Our new Location is: D’Mar Salon de Eventos Calle 28 x 21 x 23 Chicxulub Puerto See you all at the Market... read more
Knitting Goodbyes
This year we asked for knit and crocheted hats for the cancer children of Merida and were presented with over 100! We had hats of all colours and sizes made, some with stripes, some with flowers and even some animal faces. They were delivered to the IWC meeting on Saturday March 29th. The knitters, crocheters, embroiderers and the sewers raised funds for the food bank and created gifts for the Christmas hampers. Here are just a few of the lovely hats made… Here are some of the lovely Barbie clothes Alexis made for the naked dolls!! Now won’t that make a few girls happy this Christmas! And have a look at the revamped cushions that will make some moms happy when they open them from the Christmas hampers. . All done by talented volunteers this winter!! We also decided to collect money towards the foodbank and stitchers were asked to donate 10 pesos a visit, this raised 400 pesos. We look forward to returning to our stitching again next year. We hope we will have a few more people next year. At the IWC meeting a table was set up to sell purses and cozies. With the additional sales of the items at the Muelle Market, this brought the total in sales and contributions from S&B to 1400pesos. Well done... read more
Muelle Market
The idea came after chatting with my friend Sharon, who has lived in Chicxulub for years and assists with many humanitarian programs in the village especially the Chicxulub Food Bank. We talked about a way to help the local artisans who handcrafted item as the fishing did not sustain the families all year. So, being a creative thinker and an artist it didn’t take long to come up with the idea of doing a market. Now it was time to start looking around for a local venue for the market. I had only been in Chicxulub for about 7 months at the time and spoke very little Spanish so I incorporated the help of Sharon and her friend Carmita. After seeing what was available, I told Sharon that I had seen a beautiful restaurant in Chicxulub Centro and thought it would be a perfect space to use for a small market. It was then that Sharon introduced me and the market idea to Charlie the owner of Bamboo Beach Restaurante which, was also the home of the Chicxulub food bank. I realized then, that I also wanted the market to somehow help raise money for the food bank. The artisans and the food bank were both quickly stealing my heart. Now that I had found a space I need a name. The name Muelle Market, came to me as I was driving to the restaurant. There is a sign just before you turn to go towards the restaurant and it says in bold letter MUELLE with an arrow pointing down the street. My first thought was, wow free advertising... read more
Guest Blogger- Nola-Bazar del Muelle
The inception of the Muelle Market begins with Nola. This is her story. “When I first went to the Bamboo Beach restaurant to help Sharon with the food bank I fell in love with the beauty and peacefulness of the space and realized that it would be a wonderful venue for many things. At that time,I didnt speak any spanish so we tossed the idea around and decided to speak with Charlie about using the space for a venue for local artisans to have the opportunity to show their wares and earn some extra money. I never expect it to turn into a mulitcultural market for artisans and crafters from different parts of the Yucatan and the world. The Market has taken on an energy of its’ own and has given Charly at Bamboo Beach and his staff the opportunity to earn extra money for the restaurant and and has helped raise additional funds for the Chicxulub Food Bank. The market has also allowed Chicxulub to become a meeting place for friends and family to enjoy a day of shopping and lunch while enjoying a beautiful setting. My initial plan was to have the market for 2 or 3 months in the year while the Snowbirds were here for holidays, but it has been such a success that I thought about having it year round. My plan was to have the market open in April- May- June and September – October -November- December the third Thursday of each while the busier months of January – February – March – July and August would be the first and third Thursday of... read more
English Classes at Andres Quintana Roo
Susan, the co-ordinator for the english classes offered to the students at the local elementary school and her dedicated group of volunteers have done an amazing job once again this year. Each year just keeps getting better and the children are more comfortable trying out their new language skills. It is not unusual to hear children and parents alike saying “hello, good morning and how are you” as you walk through the town. This winter, at Andres Quintana Roo we had another successful teaching experience. We were fortunate to have enough teachers and supporters to have 3 grades of English classes: grades 6,5,and 4. Our aim was to have fun and teach the students some basic English phrases to carry on a conversation. One highlight for the grade 6 students was to put together several kites (letter k) and take turns flying them outside. Students later put their names in a hat and 5 names were drawn. These student took the kites home. There were many fun activities that all the students enjoyed. At the end of our time here the students received a picture of themselves and a class picture to remind them of their class in English. Students have been encouraged to practice their English until we return. Thank you to Marge for bringing down 3 white board for our classes and flip chart paper. What wonderful,useful gifts. I never thought I would get excited over rulers or chart paper,but, I did. Thank you to all the people who have contributed school supplies for our classes,it makes teaching a little easier. A big thank you to all... read more
Bazar del Muelle-Bamboo Beach
This delightful market began in November 2012 and is the brain child of Nola, a Canadian artist relocated in Chicxulub. Here is how Nola explains her creation: “When I first went to Bamboo Beach to help Sharon with the food bank I fell in love with the beauty and peacefulness of the space and realized that it would be a wonderful venue for anything. I didn’t speak spanish so I approach Sharon with the idea and asked her to help me talk to Charlie about using the space once a month for a small venue for local artisans so they might have an opportunity to earn some extra money. I never expected it to turn into a Mulitcultural Market for artisans and crafters from Yucatan and other parts of the world. The Market has taken on an energy of it own and has helped Charly and his staff at the restaurant, the Chicxulub Food Bank, and has created in Chicxulub a meeting place for friends and family to enjoy a day of shopping and lunch in a beautiful setting.” From Suzanne Bourret For Socorro, it is the only way she can provide for her family. For Rosa it gives her hope. And for tourists and expats it affords them a chance to buy authentic and handmade local Yucatan crafts to take back to their countries. The Chicxulub artisans’ market, inaugurated late last fall at the Bamboo Beach restaurant, has provided help to those in need, in a community where poverty lives on many streets. Socorro creates crocheted purses using yarn and silver or coloured pop can tabs. It is the... read more
Guest bloggers – Dennis
Baseball has had a slow start this year somewhat due to the weather and somewhat to delayed organization – but it is well under way now with a core group of 7- 9 volunteer coach/mentors and between 5 and 12 enthusiastic young ball players – depending on the weather and the reminders at school. We have been very fortunate to receive more equipment including complete uniforms – and we were able to return some of the borrowed equipment to the school. Don and Brooke are managing the equipment this year, and Karl is running the practice with the theme based on more fun than practical lessons and everyone is thoroughly enjoying our times together – We play rotational scrub ball which gives all of us the opportunity to play at different positions and to try and hit the ball when it is our turn – the kids are teaching us some Spanish baseball terminology and we are trying to reciprocate with English. More kids are always welcome as are any adult coach/mentors who wish to share an hour or so with us and the kids – even if it is only for one weekend, your presence is appreciated. Visit our blog to read more. March 2nd 2013 We had 11 little ball players show up at the park, including two girls. The kids were all given jersies that Don and Brooke had brought with them this trip and then they played a fun game of ball against the 9 adult Can/Am ‘coaches’ – the kids became so proficient at running the bases that they smeared the seasoned players so badly that the... read moreMuelle Market
Well we had 2 markets to end the year and how wonderful they were. Many familiar faces and some new ones enjoyed the pace. Many new vendors also. Reminder of why we do this every year. We have worked very hard for the past 8 years to support the Food Bank and many programs for the children of Chicxulub. We support local Yucatecan Artisans by providing a good space for them to sell and we give back as much as we can. This market is a circle that means more than money…it means helping others to sustain life and... read more
Services
New information from yucalandia/survving yucatan by S. Fry Mexican Visa $$ Solvency Requirements for 2020by yucalandia December 21, 2019Mexico’s daily minimum wage will be going up Jan. 1, 2020, to $123.22 pesos per day (20% increase). Because the INM’s personal monthly income & personal savings requirements for Residente visas are tied directly to the minimum wages, the INM’s “personal solvency” requirements for foreigners will also automatically rise 20% in January, 2020. Residente Permanente visa applicants must show a monthly income of 500 times the minimum wage => $3,243 US dollars ($61,610 MXN pesos) using an exchange rate of $19:1 … That income must be documented by 6 months bank statements. … People who have liquid assets can also qualify by proving an annual average balance of 20,000 times the minimum wage => $130,ooo US dollars ($2,464,400 MXN pesos) using an exchange rate of $19:1 for 2020 applicants … documented by 12 months of bank statements. Residente Temporal visa applicants must now prove a monthly income of 300 times the minimum wage => $1,946 US dollars ($36,966 MXN pesos) per month (using an exchange rate of $19:1. Consulates want 6 months of bank statements. … People who have liquid assets can also qualify by proving an average annual balance of 5,000 times the minimum wage => $32,426 US dollars ($61,6100 MXN pesos) account balance for 2020. If you want more details on immigrating to Mexico, or visiting Mexico, see our main immigration article at: ~ Current Rules and Procedures for Immigration, Visiting, and Staying in Mexico. David’s Restaurante New Years Dinner 6 pm 31 December A whole roast pig from... read moreChristmas Party
Sunday, December 15th was the fiesta de navidad for kids and seniors. Everyone was excited to see and have a picture taken with... read moreChristmas Hampers
We began filling the 35 hampers Friday December 6th and we were done by noon that day. It was exciting because the new house worked great for us and the volunteers were in fine... read moreDecember 2019 Dispensa
What an exciting morning this was. We used the new house for the dispensa, Christmas hampers and Santa’s party. It was wonderful. There was so much going on the photos were forgotten. However some photos with the party for you to see. Thanks to one and all who were at the various stages to assist. Merry Christmas and Happy New... read moreFAST
The City of Progreso is pleased to announce the launch of its new service designed to help foreign residents and visitors living or visiting in Progreso. The Foreigners Attention Service Team (F.A.S.T) is now available to answer your questions – in English! – about any type of city service: garbage, water, non-emergency police matters, paying your property taxes, city events and more. They will also offer a referral service to provide information on other types of service providers. The manager of FAST is Rashid Pedro Martinez. The Beach Area News Team met with Rashid to learn more about him and his vision for FAST. Rashid was born and raised here in Progreso, although he has had the privilege to travel throughout Mexico. He has two university degrees, one in Education and another in Ecological Tourism. He was working in Monterrey, Mexico before returning home to Progreso to take on this new assignment. Rashid sees his job as being a channel of communication for the expat residents and snowbird visitors into city government. Rashid shared that the City of Progreso greatly values the many ways that foreigners contribute to the region, both from an economic development perspective and also in the way we support the various charitable programs that help the less-fortunate residents in the community. He noted that in some ways, such as garbage and caring for street animals, foreign residents care more about improving Progreso than many of the locals who have lived here all of their lives. Rashid speaks excellent English, which he learned by watching English music videos – he loves American rock & roll, hip-hop... read moreDrinking Water Quality in Merida
Thanks to YucaLandia/Surviving Yucatan. © Steven M. Fry The issue of drinking water quality keeps coming up over & over on Expat web-boards, webpages, and Expat FB pages, for at least the past 14 years. The common ~lurid rumor~ that many newbies propose is that our Merida City tap-water is somehow ~magically~ “bad” … Fortunately, the opposite is true. … Merida City tap water consistently tests clean roughly 97% of the time, when tested before the water enters the home. … Sadly, so many Merida homes have contamination in their tinacos** and cisterns** that just 75% of Merida homes test clean at the kitchen sink tap. * (See below for instructions on inspecting your home water system quality.) Continuing… Why is Merida tap water so clean, but SO HARD?? Our Merida City Water (JAPAY) comes from 360 ft deep wells … and it’s from 10 million years ago. … Were there pesticides & herbicides 10 million years ago? Since there is 330 feet of limestone between modern surface water and our 360 ft deep Merida City drinking water wells, there really is no way for surface contamination to get down 360 ft to our drinking water supply. … Merida is not New Orleans whose Mississippi River contains the effluents & sewage & feed-lot & farm run-off from the Rocky Mountains to the Appalachians… USA water?? One of the earth’s most polluted rivers That’s the USA … Not Merida … ? Fortunately, here in Merida … We have no tar-sands oil… We have no fracking .. We have no mega-hog farms or Mega-chicken farms … No big chemical plants nor... read moreNew home for the Food Bank and Las Mujeres de Chicxulub
Well each day is closer to the grand move! Beto is busy doing electrical, water and bathroom facilities. Once the main floor is completed work will begin on the 2nd floor for Las Mujeres de Chicxulub sewing group. These are random photos from this weekend as we get closer to the opening! Bodega for FBCarmita and DuncanDisplay areaNW area in the big spaceWindow blocksBodega with toilets y stuffFront entrance wheelchair access Plan is to do the sealant beginning Dec. 6th, give it 3 days to dry then get things ready for the Christmas Hampers, Christmas party and December dispensa. The work will continue on the bathrooms for the kids and outdoor area. Then the upstairs area for the Sewing group. It will come together but not as we expected! NEW ADDRESS: CALLE 23 # 16a X 12 Y 14. Familiarize yourself with this location as it will be where you drop off your donations. There will be an open house at least twice to get to know the new... read more
Cruise Ship Visits
Once again I had a visit prepared with James and his group from Kentucky. Last year when he was cancelled his visit was cancelled due to hurricane-like weather. This year all was in place to happen. We arranged to meet for 10:30 at the Casa de Cultura where I could take a few photos and accept the donations; and we were planning to have lunch together. I was pleased when the day dawned bright and sunny. That was a good omen, I thought! It was not meant to be. The down town area close to the malecon and Casa de Cultura was undergoing construction. However I made it to the Casa and waited behind sheets of plywood, and waited and waited. At about 11:30 I began walking to the terminal and market without success. At about 12 noon I left for home. Once I got home I sent off an email and got a response saying they were at Eladio’s. Guess what? I did not go back as I was sweaty and worn out from my walking and the heat. I asked James to leave his donation with Richard at Balom Balon and had it picked up by Gustavo. And it arrived at my place on Sunday. Thanks to everyone for their perseverance and determination to make a difference to the people in Chicxulub. The group from Kentucky and their donation Reusable Bags and... read moreRental Accomodations
New BNB Locations Looking at the number of views in last month’s newsletter this area is closely looked at so here are a few new properties. Ola de Mar is located on the beach in Progreso 1/2 a block from the malecon. It is a renovated home that houses 5 rooms of various sizes and has been open since August 2019.Online booking https://www.bedandbreakfast.eu/bed-and-breakfast/progreso/hotel-ola-de-mar/6058234/ ORhttps://www.airbnb.com/rooms/37936020?source_impression_id=p3_1571946716_MMpMBsgyNFaziJEm Sitting areaNew B&BRegistration areaBeach club next doorBathroomSleeping areaSmall poolAnother sitting area Vina del Mar is a second storey walkup that has three condos ready in Chicxulub in front of the sea. All are one bedroom with balcony off the bedroom. Rent is $900 US and available Nov-March. Note: below the condos is a beach... read more
Services in the Area
David’s Restaurante Welcome home, early snow birds. We open Tuesday 19 November for the first Westjetters. Hours 9 am to 9pm -Tuesday to Saturday. If you’re driving from Cancun and running late phone aheadand we will keep the kitchen open. Reservations not needed but please call ahead for groups of 6 or more. Pizza oven fired up from 5.30 pm. Musica every Wednesday and Friday from 6 pm. Javier will get you up dancing. Thanksgiving Dinner 28 November 6 pmTurkey gently roasted in the wood oven, plus Conchita’sdelicious sweet potatoes, salads, cranberries and gravy.Carrot Cake and Coffee 295 pesos We have a new stock of wine mmmmm! New phone 969 103 8775 landlineemail asteroid.chix@hotmail.com Chicxulub Crater Dinosaur Ts (special gifts)Please bring T shirts so we can print for your children and grandchildren….will print Dinos for 95 pesos. Special events: birthdays, anniversaries, other happy timesWe will roast a pig, lamb, or delicious mojarra blanca. Carlos’ Service Contact: email carlosperez250579@hotmail.comwhats app 9991 52 49 31 Face Book Carlos Perez Moreno Price List from Carlos Airport: Merida Pick up small car 700 pesos Van (max 8 people) 1200 pesos Cancun small car 3800 pesos Van (max 10 people) 5800 pesos ADO Bus Station: Altabrisa small car 400 pesos Van 700 pesos Fiesta Americana small car 500 pesos Van 750 pesos Day trips to various ruins including lunch and cenote(s). Does not include tickets or guide. Chichen Itza small car 2000 pesos and Van 2800 pesos Uxmal small car 2000 pesos and Van 3300 pesos Dzibichaltun small car 1100 pesos and Van 1800 pesos Mayapan small car 2000 pesos and Van 2800 pesos (only... read moreOctober Dispensa
October 15th was a bright and warm day and the food was bagged and dispensed efficiently by 11AM. Most of the clients arrived with smiles and left with their bags. Milo and Carmita attended, Dave and Shirley came back and Stephanie was there to help with the giving of the dispensas and vitamins. Welcome to Dave and ShirleyDispensas readyMilo y CarmitaStephanie with... read moreLas Mujeres de Chicxulub and Home of the Food Bank
Next month there will be a photo of the new digs for Las Mujeres de Chicxulub and the Chicxulub Food Bank. Right now it is so close I can almost taste it! The master albanil, Beto has been working to finish the roof and walls before we move in. Las Mujeres will have a 2nd floor sewing area for all their work. The house will be light and airy with windows, light blocks and good electricity. We are currently accepting donations of windows, doors, light fixtures, paint and labour. These photos show some of the final inside work You can notice there are glass blocks in the wall in the main room, along with a smoother finished wall. s you can see the new flooring has yet to go in. The sub-floor needs to be levelled and then the new floor will lay on... read moreServices in the Area
Liz is still on calle 19 in Chicxulub for hair cuts and other special services.Carlos continues to offer his services for pickup, delivery, shopping etc. More to follow next month.On August 3, 2019, Mexico no longer requires (01, 045, 044) and goes to standard 10 digit numbers: 3 digit area code + 7 digit phone number. Life couldn’t be easier!I received the following search for work from Karin Lar in Chicxulub: Karina Lar,9999962543, likes to clean homes and has been doing so for the last 17years. She comes highly recommended and has a reference from her clients. Single-use plastic bags, drinking straws and containers like those foam clamshells used for take-out meals and leftovers have all been formally prohibited in Yucatan. The state legislature handed the governor the bill after voting unanimously to pass it. An earlier measure did not include the food containers. The president of the legislative environmental commission, Harry Gerardo Rodríguez Botello Fierro, said that this provision is the most complete in Mexico. He pointed out that it establishes a gradual transition away from plastics and toward sustainable materials. Changes in Progreso/Chicxulub: you will be delighted to see some of the changes put in place by the current Mayor, Julian Zacharias Curi and his team. International Malecon has beeen rehabilitated and is very much a family environment. The whale that found it’s way here a few years ago has been recovered and rehabilitated to become one of the major attractions by the ocean. In 2016 the remains of a huge whale more than 13 meters long was found stranded along the coast. It’s a fragile exhibit, with... read moreHousing Opportunities
It’s time to let you know availability here in paradise! This is a list of some places in the area to rent. Some are houses while others are condos. Addy : English speaking Alicia : Spanish-speaking. Number whats app 999 278 0839 or email are@multired.net.mx Recently remodelled in Cocomar Condominios C1 Also available in Piedra del Mar in Chicxulub Contact Alicia 3 bedroom condo on 4th... read moreLas Mujeres de Chicxulub and Home of the Food Bank
Wow lots has been happening since the June newsletter and here is a summary of what and how. Carmita has been working with the albaniles and folks in the community have ensured it keeps going. As I mentioned in June, even though we had the permisos we waited until it was decided we could be trusted. We would not dump it in the cienega! So there was lots of physical labour to get it cleaned up. Initially there was one albanil working on the bodega for the Food Bank. He finished this space by July and began on the rest of the place. The roof is going on now. As we progress I will be hoping for some donations in the way of windows, doors, paint, avid painters and ground workers. Please consider helping us out. I will have dimensions and types next... read moreSummer Activities
As noted throughout this newsletter, Carmita has been busy with the junior volunteers. Prepping for the workshops has kept them hopping! A total of 35 kids participating and all enjoyed themselves as you can see from the photos. The themes were Empathy, Honesty Resposibility and Equality. Each workshop theme was the focus of activities to reinforce the talks. Then there was the handing out of school supplies to the children who required some. Don’t they look... read moreSummer Dispensa
The team led by Carmita with the junior volunteers, Don and Jody and Stephanie and Jim came together to ensure the families received their dispensas. The team led by Carmita with the junior volunteers, Don and Jody and Stephanie and Jim came together to ensure the families received their dispensas. All went smoothly and no disasters occurred that I have heard about! And now I am home and enjoying the beauty and warmth of the area. Jacob our youngest volunteerNear the end of the dispensaCarmita, our wonderful... read moreEnglish Program at Andres Quintana Roo
What a wonderful experience we all had again this season at Andres Quintana Roo Primary School in Chicxulub! Forty four volunteers, the afternoon students in grades 3 through 6, and their Teachers and Directora all worked together to promote and provide introductory English instruction one hour a week over 10 weeks from January through to the end of March. The curriculum at each grade level includes words and phrases for meeting and greeting people, family and friends. It builds year to year to include simple sentences such as ‘I have’, ‘I do not have’, ‘I can’, ‘I cannot’, ‘do you have’ etc. As well, the students get some practice in counting in English. he program is mostly oral. The students are encouraged to talk, talk, talk – to their teachers and to each other – through games, singing and art. The goal of the programme is to have the students become comfortable hearing and speaking simple English words and phrases so that they may greet visitors to their pueblo if they choose and as a support for their future endeavours in the work force.Thank you, one and all, for this happy, productive, successful season! Grade 3Grade 4Grade 5Grade... read moreSemana Santa Workshops
Not one to sit still, Carmita organized with her junior volunteers to do a workshop every day with 26 kids ages 51/2 to 10. The kids were excited and the junior volunteers did a great job with mentoring from Carmita. The core values they discussed and worked with Solidarity, Respect, Humanity and Tolerance. The kids had heard these terms before but at the end of the week they better understood the meaning and how to see it every day. They spent the time talking about the values, what they mean to each of them and drawing artwork for both parents and themselves to indicate their understanding. Towards the end each child had a drawing to depict their favorite animals and what it meant to them. On the weekend a group of children, parents and volunteers took a trip to the Abeja Panet (Bee Planet). They travelled by bus and had a great experience. Initially there was some fear of the bees but by the end they were all excited and wanting more! From website All suited upbee hiveEnjoyingSome junior volunteers Some of the... read more
Help From The Community
I do apologize to Lynn and Sue for omitting their work for Las Mujeres de Chicxulub. Sue and I started this project to make bread bags to reduce plastic and help raise money for this group. Thanks to Sue and Lynn who worked with Patricia Cervera Fernandez and her friends in creating a recycled bread bag and donated the funds raised 1120 pesos to the Food Bank. Patricia also donated a sewing machine to Las Mujeres de Chicxulub while Lynn and Sue left Las Mujeres with fabric to make more bags. John Sue Power presenting Carmita head of Mujeres de Chicxulub, part of Chicxulub Foodbank with a sewing machine donated from Patricia Cervera Fernandez and all her friends who supported this project and materials we gave them. This was a project that Sue and I started now it is for them to make bread bags to reduce plastic and help raise money for this group. La Reina bakery in ChixA happy customerDonation from Patricia Fernandez and friends Thanks to Marge who made a generous donation of 25 pairs of slippers with grip bottoms for the residents of the San Joachin Albergue. They will have warm feet during the cool... read more
May 2019 Dispensa
Time is flying and here it is the end of May. What a good month it has been. The weather has become hotter but the wind continues to blow. It is cooler here than in Merida! The May dispensa went well with most folks arriving on time. Our number of volunteers are down but all still went well. We had 3 young folks help bring the supplies from Carmita’s to Capitan Flores. We needed some strong arms to help. Also our youngest volunteer, Lina was handing out the dispensas and detergent to the clients. Lina has been volunteering with us since she was 8 months old. She is doing a fine job. Lina with #1Helpers with musclesBeginningOnslaughtReadyJody with Duna Sosa... read moreSoup Kitchen Gardens
Barb and I have been volunteering at the soup kitchen garden once a week since December of this winter, doing some weeding, watering, raking and fertilizing! It’s been amazing. There has been a good group of expat volunteers, and in November when they first took over the garden under the guidance of Karen and Francois Cloutier, there was apparently just a jungle that had completely overrun a garden that had been in use until about 2 years ago. We were fortunate enough to have some partially raised garden beds, a volunteer bought one pump and donated a new drip system, and then a second person bought a second pump to help us with the watering. We also had hoses, plants, pots, chicken manure and tools donated by various volunteers and supporters. In very short order, the whole area was trimmed, weeded, soil put down and then seeds, and some starter plants planted! Now, 5 months later, there have been abundant crops of such things as tomatoes, perennial everbearing spinach, cilantro, onions, garlic, peppers, cabbage, carrots, chayote, lettuce, watermelon, squash, beans and even corn! We are learning that several of the things we have planted are not what the ladies will use in the soup kitchen, so this will need to evolve over time, and the group is working on it, but once it is fine tuned, the basics will be wonderful to be able to provide and hopefully save them money in the long run. We have volunteers going in 6 days/week to water, weed and keep things growing. See photos We are also very blessed to have a... read moreBingo Last Hurrah
What an incredible season this bingo was!! We enjoyed 6 sessions of bingo every 2nd and 4th Wed of the month from January to March…this was a first. Attendance was very good and thank you to all who attended. The amazing team of Jackie, Karen, Lorraine, Austin, Kathy, Pauline,Bev and of course our great photographer Wayne did a wonderful job. La Antigua and staff worked well with us and helped us make the hours fly by!! Thanks to Esau and Erik for their attention to detail. These are the last of the photos for this season. Hope to see you next season. These are the last of the photos for this season. BettyCathyChristineDennisJo AnnKathyLinda TLindaPauletteRachelRebeccaSaved the dayWayneCarlos,Pauline and KathyKaren y JackieGroup of playersWinningest table Hope to see you next... read moreApril Dispensa
Well the weather has finally co-operated for the most part. Spring is in the air and the winds have gone down a bit. It was a nice morning with sunshine to make the day pleasant. We got the bags ready and began at 0915. As you can see from the photos there was lots of smiles and buenos... read moreHome for The Food Bank
Well it has finally begun! Carmta received the permisos for the construction of the new home for Las Mujeres de Chicxulub and the Chicxulub Food Bank. We are excited and looking forward to when we can move things “home.” Here are some photos of the site as it is now. Use your imagination as you look at... read more
Help from the Community
The total community of YOU were very instrumental in helping the Chicxulub Food Bank do well with volunteering your time, your talents, having fun, shopping and learning the language. Summary of the events that have supported the Chicxulub Food Bank: Neek Kaan Garage Sale hosted by Judi and Debbie. In December Judi and I were chatting about how we could help the Food Bank raise funds in order to be able to help with the new building. One idea we had was to host a “stuff swap” where people who had too much of something, or things they weren’t using, could donate them for the purposes of selling them. I was away for most of January, so when I got back Judi got right on things and we went to work, letting people know our plans, and setting a date and time for the sale to take part. We and several other people had fun clearing out our closets of things not serving a purpose, and then many of us and others, hunted through and chose others’ hand me down treasures and made them our own. It was a fun afternoon that took place under the palapa at Neek Kaan, and in just a couple of hours we were able to raise $3500 pesos towards our objective! Yeah! A great idea, quickly turned into a good and fun fundraiser! Here’s hoping the Food Bank’s building will be in place by next year! But we will repeat the garage sale, as it was definitely well received and enjoyed by many! Money raised 3700 pesos Judi and Debbie House Tour PROGRESO/CHICXULUB... read more