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Rotary Guest Speaker Program Library

September 26, 2023
​- Trevor Project, MX: Saving Young Lives

Most Americans are well aware of the disastrous rise in youth suicide rates in the US, but we don’t hear much about the same issues in Mexico.
​
Carlos Carrazana of the Trevor Project, Mexico sheds light on this critical and timely topic, as he provides an overview of the major issues and challenges confronting the LGBTQ youth in Mexico.

September 19, 2023
- ​Championing Global Peace

“All we are saying,” sang John Lennon, “is give peace a chance.” And that is exactly what Rotary is saying as it continues to create hope in the world. Come to Rotary Tuesday, Month Date, to hear Rotary World Peace Director Barbara Gaughen-Muller share tools we can all use for peacemaking, a sorely needed function in today’s fractious world.

September 12, 2023
​- Pro-Musica Meets the Challenge

Pre-pandemic San Miguel de Allende had a thriving performing arts scene, including music of all kinds, live theater several nights a week, and even opera.  In the last year, public and private music events and festivals have recovered to some extent, however others have not.

August 29, 2023
- Rescatemos la Presa: Campaign for Clean Water in the Presa

It’s been two years since the invasive plant Lirio Acuatico invaded the Presa Allende.  This rapidly growing plant is choking the life from the Presa by creating an ecologically harmful imbalance that negatively impacts fish, birds and other aquatic life and prevents fishermen from pursuing their livelihoods and kayakers and sailors from enjoying their recreational pursuits.

August 22, 2023
- From Tortillas to Tacos: How to Embrace a New Culture
and Make Fun of Yourself Along the Way

Doreen Cumberford will deliver a captivating talk on the importance of legacy and storytelling for the Midday Rotary. She will explore the power of storytelling to connect people, preserve cultural heritage, and inspire others. We will cover the importance of legacy, the value of intercultural communication, and the various ways to communicate one’s intercultural story.

August 15, 2023
- Midday Rotary Community Projects: The History and Progress Report

The Rotary Club of San Miguel de Allende-Midday was founded in 2005 and during the past 18 years has served the communities of San Miguel in dozens of ways.  The club has invested more than $20 million pesos in local projects, addressing needs in the areas of education, health, clean water, housing, public safety, planting trees and promoting peace.

August 8, 2023
​- End of Life Planning: Prepaid Burial Services for Expats

​Have you wondered what will happen if you die in here in Mexico? It’s complicated.

Research has shown that most expats haven’t given much thought to “end-of-life choices” while living in Mexico. Many assume that they will pass before their spouse and have told their spouse what they want, but nothing is legally written down. 

The system of law is different in Mexico. The time and bureaucratic requirements required to negotiate the Mexican system, post-death, can be daunting.

July 25, 2023
MAC Hospital: Serving our Community

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We are so fortunate in small San Miguel to have so many options for healthcare, but this brings with it a responsibility to identify where to go for what. The Midday Rotary Club surveyed our members to find out what kinds of Guest Speakers they wanted to hear each Tuesday at 9:30 at the Bibloteca’s Sala Quetzal, and healthcare was one of the top responses, so Licenciada Cristina Lugo España of Hospital MAC will share information about the hospital with us.

July 18, 2023
​- Festival of Arts, San Miguel de Allende

A virtual explosion of the arts is coming to San Miguel de Allende in August.  Get ready for the second annual Festival de las Artes (FASMA)!  This exciting event runs August 4th through the 20th and will feature more than 100 events.  If you’re even just a little bit interested in the arts, the FASMA will have something you will certainly enjoy. 

July 11, 2023
​- How to prepare for a medical emergency

­Whether you are in San Miguel for a week, two months or permanently; being prepared for a medical emergency is extremely important. Tragedy can and unfortunately does strike. Many of us don´t think ahead about the importance of health and travel insurance or the financial impacts of not being prepared for a major medical emergency.

Aldis Barsketis, Expat Insurance Brokers

June 27, 2023
​- Casita Linda: Building Hope One House at a Time

About a generation ago, people in our generally affluent community had a compassionate vision of a low-cost, high-yield way to help our least fortunate neighbors achieve home ownership that could give them hope for the future of their families. Today, 22 years later, Casita Linda has realized that vision for 150 families, an average of one every two months!

June 6, 2023
- Cruz Roja: Caring for the People of SMA

­Dedicated to preventing and alleviating human suffering, improving the living conditions of people and communities, and promoting a culture of self-protection through voluntary action, our local Red Cross helps the vulnerable – free, in many cases.

May 30, 2023
​- The Rotary Foundation: Doing Good in the World

Anywhere you go around the world, you may find a small welcoming Rotary sign as you enter a town. Each Rotary club in each town is different. Some are small, some large. With 1.4 million Rotarians in some 46,000+ clubs, you may wonder what binds them together?

​​Behind this network of local Rotary clubs seeking to serve their communities is The Rotary Foundation. The foundation provides funding, knowledge and shared experience that lets a person make a big difference in each project they undertake. The Foundation can make dreams come true.

May 23, 2023
​- The State of Real Estate in SMA

With US real estate sales and prices declining, you might well wonder what SMA real estate trends are. Two real estate professionals with experience on both sides of the border will share their insights.  

Lane Simmons is a broker at RE/MAX Colonial Real Estate where colleague Ron Walters is an agent. They have helped hundreds of sellers and purchasers navigate real estate transactions in Mexico.

May 23, 2023
​- Water Hyacinth Invasion of the Presa

May 21, 2023
​Girls' Empowerment Presentation at UUFSMA

The Girls' Empowerment Project Team was invited to present the program to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of San Miguel de Allende.

Andrea Spessard - Teri Kavanagh - Carla Cadena - Jose DeAnda

May 16, 2023
Be Part of the Solution: Spay & Neuter

A noticeable problem of San Miguel de Allende is the huge number of stray dogs and cats wandering our streets.  These animals not only pose a health and safety problem for residents, but also subjects these helpless animals to traffic, weather elements, and human abuse.  

The mission of Amigos de Los Animales is to curb the overpopulation of dogs and cats in the city, striving to eliminate their fear, pain, and suffering, through free or very low-cost sterilizations. Over the past 21 years, more than 28,000 animals have been sterilized.  

May 9, 2023
​- Mother's Day Tribute

Through a conversation between two mothers -- women who have devoted their work to womanhood -- Hana and Alison explore how we can heal the most profound relationship of all, and the expectations and ideals that surround it.

April 4, 2023
​- Special Guest: Mauricio Trejo, Municipal President

Mauricio Trejo Pureco spoke to the Rotary of San Miguel de Allende - Midday. Mauricio was first invited to speak to Midday Rotary on September 7, 2021, before assuming office. At that meeting he discussed his plans for improving security, dealing with water and infrastructure issues, as well as rebuilding the economy of San Miguel after the pandemic.

​He promised to return every few months and inform the Rotary and the foreign community of his progress and follow through on his campaign promises and governmental plans.

March 21, 2023
- ​Asylum Denied: An Update on the U.S./Mexican Border Policies

Rumors and rumors of rumors have been flying since the beginning of the pandemic about what is going on at the Mexico/United States border. 
​
She recently retired as a partner at Fragomen, the world’s largest immigration law firm. She now is on the board of the Latin American Relief Fund, which provides funding to Celaya’s ABBA House migrant shelter.

Sharing her up-front and personal experiences as documented in her award-winning film "Las Abogadas: Attorneys on the Front Lines of the Migrant Crisis", 

February 28, 2023
​- Know your employer obligations in Mexico

Mexican domestic employee social security is much on the lips of local expats these days. It brings up associated questions about all sorts of benefits for housekeepers, gardeners, drivers, caregivers, etc. Complicating matters are that laws have not necessarily been put into effect. Enforcement is a whole other issue. Everyone has an opinion, or two.

Contact Ana and Mariana at ProLegal Services

February 21, 2023
​- Religion in 16th Centurey Mexico

Explore the development of religion as transferred from Spain to what has become Mexico at a time when both were organized through devotion to family and community. Claassen will share how these two cultures melded from Zacatecas to Oaxaca.

Claassen earned her Ph.D. at Harvard and is now a research professor of anthropology at Appalachian State University. She focuses on the symbolism of art and culture.

February 14, 2023
- Medical Evacuations: Facts and Misconceptions

A medical evacuation plan gives you options in a medical emergency even if you think your Medicare or Canadian Insurance will cover you here. When living or spending extended time in Mexico as an ex-pat or snowbird it is vital to make a plan of how to handle a medical emergency should one occur. How does medical evacuation fit into that plan?

Sarah Ash has been the SkyMed Rep in SMA for more than nine years.

January 24, 2023
- First Ambassador for SMA Street Dogs

Crystal took action and founded Yo Heart Animales to create a better life for the dogs in the CCC, and perhaps enable some of the dogs to be adopted. In 2021, she had an interview with President Trejo, who approved the project to improve the living standard for the dogs in CCC.

​Today, as a result of her efforts, the group of rescue activists are earth angels who provide walks, food, brushing, grooming, cleaning, and bedding for each dog. We protect them while showering them with TLC or just holding them while they cross the rainbow bridge.

January 17, 2023
​ - The 18th Annual SMA Writers’ Conference and the Literary History of San Miguel

When Susan Page and Jody Feagan founded the SMA Writers’ Conference in 2006, they built on SMA’s rich literary history and world-class location to put SMA on the literary map of the world, establishing it as a leading destination for literary and cultural tourism that brings in more than a million US dollars to the local economy in the week of the conference.

Susan revealed a surprisingly long list of writers who have lived and worked in SMA since the 1930s in her presentation.

December 13, 2022
​ - Christmastime in Mexico

Christmas is still perhaps the most important celebration in México. It is the perfect time for families to come together and rejoice, have fun, eat a lot and share a good time. 

But when did Christmas begin in México? In this lecture we took a trip to the History of Mexico to learn about the origins of the celebration and another important element of the tradition, the wonderful Posadas. 

Aldo Ibarra from Follow Me Tours shared Christmastime in Mexico.

November 29, 2022
​ - ​San Miguel de Allende - its DNA

We know that San Miguel de Allende is infused with a rich history. A new book, “San Miguel de Allende, its DNA”, transmits this history, and create awareness of the profound historical and cultural importance of the city and its traditions.

The author, Jesús Ibarra, says that the pages are full of stories and anecdotes of people from all times. Although it is not an academic history book, it draws from deep investigation of primary and secondary sources as well as oral testimonies from San Miguel residents.

November 22, 2022
​ - Pro-Musica Youth Orchestra Returns to the Stage

Twenty-five young Mexican musicians from Celaya, Guanajuato, and Queretaro joined with the San Miguel community in grieving the loss of beloved conductor and community member Tim Hazell during the pandemic. But hope came quickly with the addition of Robert Mari as new volunteer music director and conductor of Pro Musica’s Youth Orchestra. In the span of a year, Mari has doubled the size of the orchestra from 25 – 50, guiding it and providing the community the gift of their talent in concerts.

November 15, 2022
​ - U.S. Consular Agency Services

Erika Montes Ruiz, our U.S. Consular Agent in San Miguel, began working at the Consular Agency in July 2019. Since then she has continued helping us with the many questions and problems U.S. citizens encounter living abroad.

November 8, 2022
​ - Centro Infantil de Los Angeles

Centro Infantil Los Angeles has reopened its infant Day Care Center at the request and support of single mothers who otherwise could not work to support their children. “We are happy to reopen the Center and hope to grow the program to accommodate the 100 children we served pre-pandemic,” said Tammy Kjos, president of the board.
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October 25, 2022
​ - Transitions and Choice

Transition sounds like such a predictable, orderly process. And, they can be. But, of course, that is not always how transitions happen. 

Wilka is the president of the Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Foundation branch in Central México, Deputy Director of Education of the Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Foundation Global, and an end-of-life doula instructor of the International End of Life Doula Association (INELDA). She is co-chair of the INELDA BIPOC Advisory Council, and member of the Beautiful Dying Advisory Board. Wilka is an affiliate of Death Cafe and administrator of Death Café México

October 18, 2022
​ - ​Mauricio Trejo, Municipal President Speaks to Midday Rotary

 Mauricio Trejo Pureco spoke at Midday Rotary Midday meeting for the 3rd time on October 18, 2022. He was first invited to speak on September 7, 2021, before assuming office. At that meeting he discussed his plans for improving security, dealing with water and infrastructure issues, as well as rebuilding the economy of San Miguel during the COVID pandemic.

October 11, 2022
​ - Mexican Drug Wars-The Real Story

​Mexico is at a moment of change—a country on the verge of transition or perdition. It can only move forward by examining its history of narco-connections spun and re-spun over the last fifty years.
PowerPoint Presentation
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September 27, 2022
​ - International Jewish Film Festival of Mexico

Film buffs, people interested in Jewish culture, and those who appreciate good entertainment will be fascinated by what has been and is continuing to be developed when Gaby Green presents on Mexico’s Jewish International Film Festival here. 

This festival was established 19 years ago in Mexico City.  Zona Culta will bring the festival here to San Miguel in the Teatro Santa Ana in the Bilbioteca.

September 20, 2022
​ - Rotary's Role in World Peace

Peace is not something we hear about often – just the desire for peace. Well, peace is possible, and the Rotary Clubs here have been actively working on peace-building around the world for the past 8 years.

​Local Rotary Clubs are responsible for the peace pole in Juarez Park, a Peace is Profitable conference, a peace essay contest for youth, a peace march to the Parroquia, a time capsule with 500 children’s wishes for peace, planting the first peace tree in Mexico, and more.

September 13, 2022
​ - ​Midday Rotary/Apoyo a Gente Micro Finance Project

​Micro Finance in San Miguel de Allende has a decade long history of successfully helping to raise people out of poverty thanks to the tireless work of Ezequiel Mojica and Apoyo A Gente Emprendedora, the organization which he founded sixteen years ago. In January of 2022, Midday Rotary Club and Apoyo a Gente signed an agreement to collaborate in a joint effort to expand the scope and reach of micro finance and enable Apoyo to diversify it’s efforts in the education of adults for stable employment long term.

August 30, 2022
​ - ​Tikkun ECO Center Prepares for Climate Change

Over the past twelve years Tikkun has been developing an off-grid permaculture farm with solar and wind energy, adobe buildings, water harvesting, drip irrigation systems, organic gardens and composting. Tikkun also has fruit and olive orchards, fish ponds, and chickens to manage the grasshopper infestation in the area.

www.tikkunsanmiguel.mx

August 23, 2002
​ - New Member Inductions

­We are pleased to welcome four new members to our Rotary Club.
  • Robin Loving
  • Kim van Kapel
  • Jose de Anda
  • Andrea Spessard

August 16, 2022
​ - ​Safe Mobility a Constitutional Right in Mexico!

​You may not know that Mexico is one of the few countries in the world where safe mobility is recognized as a constitutional right.

​August 9, 2022
​ - Karen Kinney, Author

​In the midst of our planet’s ongoing turbulence, how can we reclaim our inner wisdom and awaken our full capabilities to bring transformation to ourselves and the world around us?  In her new book, Internationally exhibited artist, teacher, and author Karen Kinney shares supportive wisdom to  help us access our inner potential and remember who we are as creative beings. ​

August 2, 2022
​ - The New Rotary for 2022

Lee Carter, Rotary President, speaks of his vision for our club in 2022-23.
  • Diversity
  • Equality
  • Inclusion

July 25, 2022
​ - End-of-Life Planning for Expats

​​​Research has shown that most Expats haven’t given much thought to “end-of-life choices” while living in a Foreign County. Many assume that they will pass before their spouse and have told their spouse what they want, but nothing is legally written down.  About half have said they plan to return to their native county without understanding what is involved legally.

July 19, 2022
​ - The Biblioteca Publica

​​The Biblioteca has been a central feature of our community for over 65 years, but do you know about the history of the building and the beautiful murals that adorn the walls?  Who was the artist and what is their story?

July 12, 2022
​ - Crisis in the Presa

​The Presa Allende is an extraordinary asset to San Miguel de Allende that provides essential habitat for native and migratory birds, livelihoods for local fishermen and unique recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. Since last October, the Municipal government has grappled with an infestation of Water Hyacinth, Lirio Acuatico, in the Presa and its threat to the ecology of the Presa.

June 28, 2022
​ - Guanajuato Film Festival

Sarah Hoch, founder and Executive Director of the Guanajuato International Film Festival (GIFF), shared more about this year’s Festival. The GIFF provides many opportunities for the exhibition and appreciation of films and rewards quality so that artists can continue producing.
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