Our Last 'Regular' Meeting of the Year
32 people enjoyed a dynamic meeting as the
Chapala Sunrise Rotary Club hosts
the last formal meeting of the year.
Stories
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Posada + Piñatas de Navidad |
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Posole Dinner for 30 por favor - Rotary Fundraiser for Chicken DinnersRotary Club of Chapala Sunrise held a posada at Tepehua Centro Comunitario.  Music and Posada Story Telling by the ever entertaining Richard Glauber with Yolanda!
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Christmas Posada at Tepehua Dec 2A fantastic event! From the Rotary meal to the Posada walkabout through the community! Gracias Santa!   |
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Project: Dental Program |
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Project: Watermain Installation |
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Project: Diabetes Education Program |
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Project: Solar Hot Water for Community Center |
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Project: Kidney Disease Transplant Program |
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Event: Christmas Posada |
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CSRC gives Wheelchairs This week, our Club, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Zapopan, distributed 11 wheelchairs to locals who were in desperate need. Many of the recipients had been housebound and were identified through contacts with "Avon Ladies" and taxi drivers who knew about these people. Club members paid for, assembled and fitted the wheelchairs, ably assisted by one of our members who is a polio survivor, confined to a wheelchair himself. |
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We Teach about Water and SanitationClasses have continued for 3 years at Ojo de Agua, teaching villagers about the water contamination and sanitation. This is preparing them for understanding the wetlands sanitation system that we are constructing and the long term maintenance needs. The group is predominately made up of village women and they have begun to take on leadership roles in other areas of their village, advocating for more health services and education for their families.
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Water project - Success!For three years, the Chapala Sunrise Rotary Club has worked on a Global Grant to get potable water to the homes in an isolated village named Ojo de Agua. By partnering with the Rotary Club of South San Francisco and the Government of Poncitlán, along with support from other clubs and groups, we were able to dig a well, construct and electrical and chlorination systems, build a water distribution network of underground pipes and provide storage tanks and water filters for each of the 70 homes. This is a significant improvement to the lives of over 300 people. This week we did a test run of the system, flipped the electrical switch so that water was pumped into the distribution system. We will be celebrating with the villagers on August 8th with a fiesta for everyone!     |
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Ojo de Agua Water project - Success!For three years, the Chapala Sunrise Rotary Club has worked on a Global Grant to get potable water to the homes in an isolated village named Ojo de Agua. By partnering with the Rotary Club of South San Francisco and the Government of Poncitlán, along with support from other clubs and groups, we were able to dig a well, construct and electrical and chlorination systems, build a water distribution network of underground pipes and provide storage tanks and water filters for each of the 70 homes. This is a significant improvement to the lives of over 300 people. This week we did a test run of the system, flipped the electrical switch so that water was pumped into the distribution system. We will be celebrating with the villagers on August 8th with a fiesta for everyone!
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CSRC Annual "in and out" partyEvery year Rotarians around the world change their club leaders on July1st. This year, as Barbara Wilson accepted the gavel from Past President Becca Pohl, she lauded Becca's leadership and adaptability in a difficult year. Despite a pandemic, our Club grew in membership and in service activities as community members looked for connections and ways to "give back". Becca thanked her Board members for their outstanding work and a new Board was sworn in. Paul Harris Awards were awarded for outstanding contributions to our club; Carlos Peña (who was absent) and Gabriel Vázquez Sánchez, Director General of Aipromades, an organization that is combatting the effects of climate change in communities around Lake Chapala.
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Busy week of service by Chapala SunriseThis week Chapala Sunrise engaged in two active service activities. The first was a return trip to the Huichol community to educate and distribute water filters and to provide more dentistry by Rotarian Carlos Cerda. Closer to home, 8 Chapala Sunrise Rotarians assembled and distributed 23 wheelchairs to deserving adults at Lakeside, provided by Chairs of Love and Lake Mary Rotary, Florida. Thank you, to Rotarian Susie Lindeman, for interviewing and identifying some of those most in need in Chapala.
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CSRC Feeds Abandoned Elderly Women During our Emergency Food Relief program last year, we discovered a home for homeless senior women who could not take care of themselves. The program is called Las Ancienitas. The housing and daily services are provided by the Catholic Church, but there is no budget for food. They simply rely on sporadic donations. When we first visited the 41 women and the nuns that care for them, they had eaten nothing but lentils to eat for the past two days.Our club has taken on this project of providing food every other week. At times the ladies get beans and rice, but at other times a donation will include many flats of local berries. We check to see exactly what they need and bring that to them. We are able to do this not only through our only club's efforts, individual donations and through the generosity of the Stittsville, Ontario Rotary Club. Thank you Stittsville Rotary!  |
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Rotarians bring health services to Huichol peopleFour Chapala Sunrise Rotarians brought dental, maternal health and sewing service to the Wixrarika (Huichol) people in a remote area of Northern Jalisco, in January. The group is connected to Chapala due to a sacred site that is on Alacranes Island, in Lake Chapala. The region is isolated and arduous to get to. Rotarian Carlos Cerda and his wife, Lulu, donated their time to drill, pull teeth, clean and provide dental education to 35 people during the 3 day stay. President Becca Pohl and Administrator Alan Pohl assisted with dental support, teaching women about female body functions, hygiene and providing reusable menstrual pads ( made by local women in Chapala) and also expanding sewing capabilities through sewing machines. The group left behind tables, desks and supplies for the local school, 3 sewing machines, brightly colored cloth, hygiene materials, food, and a lot of goodwill to a group that is an important part of our local culture.    |
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CSRC provides water training and filtersThe Club provided an hour of training about water and sanitation. 57 Attendees received a water filter for home use. Thank you to the Lincoln, CA Rotary Club for funding these filters! Hopefully, this will help reduce the incidence of illness and diabetes in the village.
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CSRC Emergency Food Relief ExpandsWith the generous help of individual and sister Rotary Club donations, our Club has expanded its emergency food relief program in several ways. In the last month we have increased our direct food purchase/packing/ and distribution of despensas( weekly bundles of food) from 48 to 125 families around Lake Chapala. We are now supporting the food needs of two local orphanages ( Hope House and Love in Action), serving 43 kids. And we are partnering with several like minded charities such as the Tepehua Centro Communitario, Poco a Poco and Lakeside Presbyterian to provide additional food to the communities that they serve.  |
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Emergency Food Relief - 2020We're closed but we are busy. There is a rapidly emerging crisis of hunger in our greater community as factories, restaurants, fields and stores closed under government mandates. Our Club is partnering with generous individuals and Clubs in Canada and the U.S. to raise funds to pay for weekly food bundles (despensas) with basic supplies and soap. Club members are buying and distributing dispensas to villages in which we already have connections so that we can assure that the MOST needy are receiving the goods. We are also working with other Lakeside philanthropic organizations who are doing the same kind of work and are serving different populations to help them fund their expanded efforts in this time of great need.  |
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Providing masks to police and needy communityExtraordinary needs being met in extraordinary times. President-elect, Becca Pohl, has been training local women on how to make masks from specialized materials under a Buy One, Give One Program. Masks have been distributed to 84 policeman , sick, and elderly people under this program.
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Rotarians Party and Support ProjectsOn Feb. 25th our Club hosted a fun dinner at Letra Ch restaurant, with live music and a dessert auction. We successfully raised over $38,000 pesos to support our projects. Frank Ewer shows off his impressive "balancing act" as Club president.
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CSRC supports the Chili CookoffThe 3 day
 Chili Cookoff is Lakeside's biggest annual charity event. Last year nearly 500,000 pesos was raised to be split by 9 local charities. In order to contribute to the success of the Cookoff, we run the Mexican food booth and also work behind the scenes in the supply distribution for all of the vendors and operations of the three day event. We are proud to be one of the cookoff's beneficiaries as our "split" goes directly to support other community groups in our area. |
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WASH teaching in Ojo de AguaThe 52 children in the primary school continue learning about potable water and keeping the sources of water safe. This week, the teachers also received training about the benefits of filtered water and in return, received Mexican made, low maintenance, filter system for their classrooms. Thank you Lakeside Charities, A.C. and Aipromades for your partnership in these programs!     |
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Chapala Sunrise finds Clean Water!The Chapala Sunrise Rotary Club has been working for three years to bring clean water, on a consistent basis, to the village of Ojo de Agua on Lake Chapala. This tiny village of 300 people has only had access to water during the rainy season, from streams off of the hillside. Nevertheless, when we tested the stream water it was rated as one of the purest sources around the Lakeside. Working in partnership with the local municipal government of Poncitlán, drilling began early this month and a clean, water was found at 200 feet. The source appears to be sufficient to supply the village. Further testing of the water must be done by the State Water authorities. Our Club has applied for a Global Grant, with international partner clubs of South San Francisco, Lincoln, CA, Fountain Hills, AZ and Winnipeg West, Manitoba to fund the holding tank, and distribution system and home water filters, throughout the village. In the meantime, club members are teaching water and sanitation classes in the village, using United Nations approved Project Wet materials.
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Sunrise Rotarians take action in other areas of MexicoSusie Lindeman was recently recognized by our District for her work to prevent Hepatitis C. She travelled to Morelia, Michoacan to work with Rotarians to support this important effort, in a campaign called Hepatitis 0 (zero).
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Winnipeg West Rotary Club donates $1500 CanadianThe Rotary Club of Winnipeg West, as part of their international outreach, has joined with our Club to raise money for water projects in Ojo De Agua. Recently they sent a check for $1500 CDN which equals over 27,000 pesos. Rotary Clubs around the world work together to help the less fortunate have better health, education and economic opportunities. This is another example of the power of the 1.2 million members of Rotary.
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Rotary in Action - Playground RejuvenationAt the November 21st meeting, Ken Amendt talked about a children's playground he had come across in the village of La Pena east of Chapala. Ken along with the local Pastor, and a group of children cleared the playground of weeds and debris. Now with funding from our club and matching funds from one of our club members, the playground equipment is going to receive a coat of paint to liven this playground up for the children.        |
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Our New Diabetes Club projectMexico has the highest rate of diabetes in the world. Our local community is no exception. Club members, in coordination with the Chapala Municipal Clinic, are leading diabetes education and support classes, once a month. This month's class had 19 people attend. Attendees can have their sugar levels tested and people who need medical attention or can not afford needed medications are referred to the Municipal Clinic.
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WASH teaching in Ojo de AguaTwo of our Rotary members have begun a series of 7 lessons about water and sanitation in the primary school in Ojo de Agua. UN approved Project Wet materials are being used.
 Students are learning about healthy habits, spreading of germs and the importance of clean water. Through a grant from Lakeside Charities, Chapala Sunrise will also provide water filters for the classrooms and liquid soap containers for the bathrooms. In the meantime, we are having fun with the kids! |
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Heart 2 Heart
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Help Our Sister Club Sell Wreaths!Let's help our sister club promote their Christmas Wreath Sale. The Rotary Club of Fountain Hills has helped with our projects and now we have the chance to return the favor! Click on the Download File Link, "Christmas Wreath Sale" on the left of this page to display a pdf flyer with descriptions and pricing. Feel free to repost this information. Every little bit helps. |
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Dream Beauty Academy Kigali, Rwanda Teaching young women to become cosmetologists In this war torn country, the Dream Beauty Academy along with the Chapala Sunrise Rotary Club provides a graduation kit of tools of the trade so that each graduate can now make a living. Creating self worth and a career path in these young women makes a big difference in this African country. One hundred dollars ($100 US) buys a graduation Kit for each student. |
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The Rotary Club of Chapala Sunrise celebrates 30 years of Women in Rotary History of Women in RotaryUntil 1989, the Constitution and Bylaws of Rotary International stated that Rotary club membership was for males only. In 1978, the Rotary Club of Duarte, California, USA, invited three women to become members. The RI Board withdrew the charter of that club for violation of the RI constitution. The club brought suit against RI claiming a violation of a state civil rights law that prevents discrimination of any form in business establishments or public accommodations. The appeals court and the California Supreme Court supported the Duarte position that Rotary could not remove the club's charter merely for inducting women into the club. The United States Supreme Court upheld the California court indicating that Rotary clubs do have a "business purpose" and are in some ways public-type organizations. This action in 1987 allowed women to become Rotarians in any jurisdiction having similar "public accommodation" statutes. In October of 1987, the Rotary Club of Angels-Murphys D5220 inducted three women and in spite of threats to quit Rotary by some of the older male members - none did. Two of these three women went on to lead the A-M Rotary Club as president and one those has just completed over two years as charter president of the Angels Camp Centennial Rotary Club (a club which which is very proud of its 50% female membership). That president has completed 19 years of perfect attendance. The RI constitutional change was made at the 1989 Council on Legislation, with a vote to eliminate the "male only" provision for all of Rotary. Since that time, women have become members and leaders of clubs and districts throughout the world. Barb Wilson presents our newest female member, Velia Unzueta, with a pin to celebrate Women in Rotary. |
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CSRC helps local artisan's fairNine Rotarians pitched in with a lot of physical labor to help take down the booths, tables and chairs at the annual Feria de Los Maestros. The coordinator of the Feria was very appreciative of our willingness to do the unglamorous job of "clean up", especially when the other volunteers were exhausted after three days of work. Other Rotarians also pitched in over the three days weekend by hosting artists for 3 days at their homes, announcing ( bilingually) stage events, and helping with admissions. Truly a weekend of "Service above Self".
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We donate 20,000 MXP for play area roof to local schoolOn September 27th, our Club donated 20,000 pesos to Escuela Foraneh #1 Jose Vasconcelos in Chapala for a permanent playground roof that protects from the rain and sun as students play and assemble outside. This secondaria (middle) school is inner city with little space for students to congregate outside the classroom. The parent club has been working for three years to raise the funds for this project and our donation gets them nearly to the top. We hope that other like minded people and clubs will donate to help finish off this project.
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Aipromades and Rotarians teach about garbageOur environmental partner, Aipromades, is following through on a commitment to our "adopted village" Ojo de Agua. In a community assessment last October, villagers identify clean water and sanitation as their top priorities. We are providing workshops for villagers and kids, over 5 Saturdays, on the identification, collection, disposal, recycling, composting possibilities in the village.
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Rotary and Rotaractors Join Forces in Chapala |
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Frank Ewer steps up as President of the Chapala Sunrise ClubFrank Ewer and a new Board of Directors were sworn into office at a Changing of the Button ceremony of on July 1, 2019 at Manix Restaurant. More the 50 people attended the lively party in which Hector España Ramos thanked this 2018-2019 Board before he turned the gavel over to our 2019-2020 President. Frank and his Board committed to making positive change in our communities. Past President Hector España Ramos and Beverly Denton received Paul Harris Fellowship awards for their extraordinary service to the Club. A delicious dinner, music and dancing followed.  |
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Barb Wilson travels with Rotary to Africa to End Polio Now   As part of the effort by Rotary International to eradicate polio, Club Secretary Barb Wilson spent 10 days in Ghana in October, giving polio immunizations and working on school renovations in remote villages. Ghanaian and Nigerian Rotarians and community health workers, teamed with 20 North American Rotarians to help ensure that more than 500 babies and toddlers received not only life-saving polio drops, but other vaccinations and health checkups. The Rotarians were treated as celebrities. The village chief kicked off the event and women dressed themselves and their babies in their best outfits, despite torrential rains and long muddy walks to the site. No Rotary funds were used for the travel expenses of the North American volunteers. |
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Free medicine! From right, Rotarians Graham Paull, President-Elect Hector Espana, Sheila Paull and Chapala Municipal Clinic Administrator Dr. Sergio Ibarra. Combine the season of giving with Rotary’s year-long mission of service above self, and good things happen. Chapala Sunrise Rotary thanks everyone involved in making the project happen. |
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URGENT DONATIONS NEEDED |
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Polio Dinner October 27  Chapala Sunrise and Ajijic Rotary Clubs JOINING FORCES TO END POLIO NOW FUNDRAISER Friday, October 27 2017 ..... 5 pm - 9 pm Hotel Real de Chapala, Ajijic Tickets are $450p at Diane Pearls, and from any Rotary Club member. Members are asked to please sell 8 tickets (a table) to make this even a success and support Rotary's efforts to END POLIO NOW ! Dinner includes a three course filet migñon meal ( or vegetarian option.) There will be Live Music and "The Great American Songbook" with Dancing. Cocktail Attire |
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Save the date |
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Members to Visit Our Projects On July 27th – Regular meeting cancelled Chapala Sunrise members are taking to the roads at Lakeside on July 27th, in lieu of their regular meetings. We will be visiting projects that we have finished, and some that we are considering. The projects on the visitation list include a proposed water storage project at the village of Ojo del Agua, the Lunch Program at the Mescala Community Center, Dormitory renovation & Proposed Playground equipment project at Love In Action, our completed Chapala Prepa Kitchen Project and the Have Hammer Woodworking training school for youth. |
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Membership Wine and Cheese on August 4th, no club meeting August 3rd..JPG) There will be a membership party on August 4th at the home of Blair Ferguson from 5-7:00. His fabulous home is in Rancho del Oro, West Ajijic on the corner of Rio Chamela (just east of La Huerta Tuesday Market event center) and Rio Amazonas at #17B. Bring a friend or anyone who is interested in Rotary. There will no be pressure to join, but there will be a bit of pressure on our members who are competing for a bottle of “good tequila” by bringing the most friends. Mix it up and have some fun! |
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Centennial Olympic Park, Rotary Convention in Atlanta  Barb and Bill Wilson join “Snowtarian Extraordinarie” Bernie St. Louis and his wife Penny at the Rotary International Conference in Atlanta, GA |
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Ajijic Dental ProjectBill Wilson and Hector España visited the Ajijic Dental Clinic at the Centro Salud Ajijic on Saturday. They met with Dr. Miguel Villaseñor Calvillo to learn about the services that the clinic offers. The clinic offers basic dental service such as cleaning, filling and tooth extractions. Our club has donated more than $1000 U.S. to meet more complicated needs such as prosthetics, dental surgery, and medically necessary orthodontics.  |
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Changing of the GuardThe Chapala Sunrise Rotary Club's annual Changing Of The Guard was held Saturday night at Manix Restaurant. The outgoing Board of Directors was recognized for their work during the past year and the new Board, headed by new president Bill Wilson, was inducted.
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Mujer sin Cancer Representative Speaks at January 19 CSRC Meeting |
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Bernie St. Louis Speaks at CSRC Meeting Dec. 8 |
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Dr. Mohan Peddinani Rao Speaks at CSRC Meeting Dec. 1 |
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Cesar Rubio, Manager, O&A Speaks on Post-Trump Mexican Economy at Nov. 10 CSRC Meeting |
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Tlaquepaque Rotary Leaders Speak at November 3 CSRC Meeting |
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Rotary Clubs Clear the Air at Local Carpentry School |
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Ben White Speaks at Oct. 27 CSRC Meeting |
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Chapala Firefighters (‘Bomberos’) Get Help with Training and Equipment from Venice, CA Rotary Club |
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Chapala High School Kitchen Project |
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2016 International Women's Week Celebration in Lakeside |
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Members and Guests Learn to Prepare Global Grant RequestsChapala Sunrise Rotary Club members and guests received training on why and how to prepare requests for Rotary International "Global Grants. The seminar was presented by Mr. Lorenzo de Blois (front left in the photo below) of the Jocotepec Rotary club.
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