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 I
am officially a senior in Mexico! I was finally able to apply for the
INAPAM card at the DIF Park on 50th between Calle 3 & 5. As you recall,
they have not had the cards available. Early in February they posted a
new sign detailing what you need to bring when you apply for the INAPAM
Card:
3 “infantile” size pictures.
2 Copies of your Complete Passport.
2 Copies of your complete FM3.
Proof of residence or Comprobante de Domicilio (Receipt from Cable or
utility).
Carta de Residencia expedida por el H. Ayuntamiento (Secretaria
General's Office).
The Letter of Residency was a new one to me, I have never been asked for
one. The above also called for a minimum of 5 years of residency. I went
to the Palacio right away with copies and originals of all the above
plus my Passport and Birth certificate. I was able to pick up my letter
the next morning for a mere 124 pesos.
Since I now telephoned the DIF office daily, I was the first to apply
when they finally had their paperwork together. I arrived early and
ready to apply with a folder full of copies and originals of every
document I own. My theory is it is better to be over prepared than be
sent back home empty handed.
Smiling from ear to ear with glee, I spread out all my documents before
the nice young lady. She took two of my pictures, one copy of my FM3,
one copy of a paid Cable receipt, and one copy of my CURP Card.
Oh well, somebody might want my passport copies and Proof of Residency
letter from the Secretary General down the line!
There is a big confusion with the CURP. I was reported as giving
erroneous information by urging everyone to apply for one. The Civil
Registry is handing them out as per my March article, and many of us on
the Island have them in our possession as they are a pre-requisite to
getting the Mexican Driver's license. (You also need it to register your
telephone). I guess at one time you only received a CURP if you were
Nationalized Mexican.
Give back to DIF
We use the INAPAM card for an additional discount when ridding the ferry
and a 5% discount on medical prescriptions. DIF, the agency that
provides us with the discount cards, is a vital organization to
Cozumel's seniors. Their Mission Statement (translated to the best of my
ability) says it all:
To offer a safe and pleasant environment for seniors where they can with
dignity participate in occupational and social activities that will help
them increase their self-esteem and make their golden years successful
and worthwhile.
The DIF parks offer all kinds of activities for seniors. They function
mainly with volunteers. I spoke with Director Edna Julia Polanco in
charge of the DIF Park on 50th. They currently need volunteers to teach
Cooking and Ecology Workshops. Their number is 872-5661.
Tried and True
As you know, I try to only advertize services and businesses that I can
personally recommend.
One of my first tasks upon returning to the Island was to find a Doctor
for my 80 year old mother, (Mama Lily) who suffers among other things
from dementia and chronic bronchitis.
We initially made an appointment with Dr. Didier Francisco Estrada Pech,
very popular with the locals and Doctor to my Mexican family members. I
was very impressed when, upon reviewing her extensive medical history he
referred us to Internist Doctor Eduardo Garcia Magana.
Dr. Eduardo Garcia Magana is located on Calle 3 Sur between 50 Avenue &
50 Bis. (Across from the DIF Park that takes the INAPAM applications). I
was so impressed I scheduled my husband Charlie's physical with him also.
He speaks excellent English, is knowledgeable, is available to make
house calls, and patiently explains everything.
Dr. Garcia M. ordered complete laboratory work on both my Mother and
Charlie. I was not looking forward to getting both of them up, dressed
and to a clinic before breakfast. I contacted San Miguel Clinic. To my
relief, San Miguel Clinic makes house calls also! A Nurse came to our
home the very next morning. We were able to pick up the Laboratory
results at two that same afternoon.
I took Charlie to CRIC, “Centro de Rehabilitation Integral Cozumel. If
you recall, Charlie has had therapy there in past years for his right-side
paralysis. The services CRIC offers improve annually; there is just not
enough I can say about the organization and the great team of workers.
CRIC has volunteer Doctors and Specialists that come from all over
Mexico monthly. Once a year they even have a team of American
specialists that volunteer to help the people of Cozumel. Charlie has
multiple issues with his feet between his right side paralysis and
diabetes.
Through CRIC, we met with Dr. Jesus Mendez-Hernandez, who will now be
providing on-going orthopedic care. To our delight, CRIC had Orthopedic
Specialist Alejandro Suarez M. from Merida on hand to make a cast of
Charlie's right leg and provide us with a new brace on his next visit.
The cost of the medical consultation was 150 pesos and the cost of a new
orthopedic foot brace was 2,131 pesos. You can't ask for better prices!
Doctor appointments out of the way, for at least the next two months, I
moved on to the next task at hand. Our dental care has been placed on
the back burner since Charlie's stroke in 2005. Since I listed Nora
Hernandez Lavie on the advice of one of my readers, I felt obligated to
make my dental appointment at her clinic. I am happy to report that both
my husband and I are extremely pleased with the quality of care we have
received at MEDIDENTAL from C.D. Nora Hernandez Lavie.
I am a coward when it comes to dentists. My new friend “Dr. Nora” is
gentle and painless and has the perfect personality to make you feel
comfortable and at ease. I cannot comment of the cost of care, as I do
not have other local dental cost to compare it to; but compared to
dental costs in the United States, “Hallelujah!”
 Mexico
Taxes Cash Deposits
I met with Mr. Mauricio Sanchez from the Bancomer English Division to
clarify the latest Mexican Laws pertaining to Taxation of funds
deposited into our (foreigners) Mexican Bank Accounts. The tax is on
cash deposits only and the allowable maximums are calculated in pesos,
so you must pay close attention to the exchange rate if depositing
foreign cash. You may deposit up to 15,000 pesos maximum per month. Any
amount over the 15,000 pesos will be taxed 3%. In other words, if you
deposit 20,000 pesos in cash this month, you will be taxed 150 pesos (3%
tax on the 5,000 pesos over the maximum). The bright side is there is no
tax on checks deposited and the banks are going out of their way to make
depositing foreign checks easier.
MEXICAN
RED CROSS ANNUAL COLLECTION
Cozumel Red Cross volunteers will be out in force at street
intersections and public plazas over the next four weeks for the Mexican
Red Cross Annual Collection. The collection, which runs nationwide from
March 24th through April 25th, is a vital source of funding for Mexico's
largest first-response emergency organization.
We kindly ask for your support, regardless of whether your donation is
large or small, because by adding everybody's contribution, the
institution will have greater resources to extend its invaluable
humanitarian assistance.
SORIANA ROUND UP CAMPAIGN
APRIL 1st- MAY 31st
Ever wonder what the cashier always asks at the grocery store? They are
asking if they can round up you cents to the next highest figure and
donate the difference to a charity. Soriana Cozumel will donate all
extra money collected in April and May to the Cozumel Red Cross. When
asked, to round up, say yes!
Casa de la Cultura de Cozumel to Host Free International Dance Day
Program
Celebrate International Dance Day on Friday April 23rd with FREE
entertainment at the “Sergio Garcia” Hall in Casa de la Cultura de
Cozumel.
2.00 p.m. Welcome message to the International Day of Dance by Director
Vanessa Gracia.
2.10 p.m. The spectacular Xcaret Park Ballet.
3.00 p.m. “Tonameyotzin” Ballet performing folkloric Pre-Hispanic Aztec
dances.
4.00 p.m. The University of Q.Roo (part one) Folkloric Ballet.
4.15 p.m. Choreographic folkloric workshop of the Instituto de
Bachilleres (state high-school).
4.40 p.m. The University of Q.Roo (part two) Folkloric Ballet.
5.00 p.m. International Day of Dance address by Maestro Arming Yuvero (former
dancer and choreographer of the Cuban Ballet).
5.05 p.m. The Cultural General Office presents the jazz workshop with
Teacher Luis Angel Sanchez.
5.15 p.m. Casa de la Cultura Ixchel:
- Ballet I and II with Teacher Isabel Solis Vera
- Modern dance with Gerardo Chan
- Artistic Yoga and belly dance, with Teacher Selene Gomez
- Contemporary dance with Teacher Florencia Ojeda
- Hip Hop with Cristian Vivas
6.10 p.m. Blanca Basto's “Así es México” Folklórica Ballet
6.30 p.m. Carlos Sanchez's “Fama” Dance Company.
6.40 p.m. Veronica Gonzalez's “Jazz Studio” Academy.
7.00 p.m. Popular School of Art and Culture, presents Teacher Isabel
Solis Vera's Hawaiian and Jazz.
7.30 p.m. Fernando Hernandez and Pedro Bacab's “Luna Nueva” Caribbean
dance ballet.
7.45 p.m. Casa De Cultura “Ixchel” Folkloric Ballet presents Reyes
Leon's dances from Veracruz.
8.00 p.m. Chetumal State School of Dance presents Classic Ballet, with
Teacher Armando Yuvero.
8.30 p.m. “Lido of Paris” performed by the Tizimin dance group from the
State of Yucatan.
9:00 p.m. End of the event
Special thanks Monica Sauza Garrido for graciously translating the
program for us!
Linda Lord
with Allie McGuffin and Susan McGuffin (on right. Allie is Susan's
granddaughter.
Watercolor Art Group
By Carol McCutcheon
There is a weekly watercolor art group that meets every Tuesday morning
at 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the Blue Angel Resort. We will change this in
another month when more of the group leaves the island and it is less
busy at the hotel. This group evolved because of a wonderful watercolor
artist and teacher, Linda Lord. Ms. Lord has been visiting Cozumel and
diving for many years and loves it here. She got the idea to repay the
kindnesses that Cozumel has blessed her with by giving watercolor art
classes during the time she is on the island (usually in November).
Linda started this 5 years ago and has been doing this every since. Her
classes are free and open to anyone that wants to come as long as there
is room. We do have Spanish speaking artists to help those who don't
speak English.
After Linda leaves the island the group has been trying to keep on
meeting to continue to paint. Last November we videotaped a couple of
Linda's classes and have given copies of the video to new people. We are
very fortunate to have a lovely setting to meet, the lobby of the Blue
Angel Resort. It is open air, on the water, so it is breezy and has
great light.
We all help and encourage one another. A couple of our members, Susan
McGuffin and Jose Luis (I don't know his last name) have won awards for
their work. Most of us are just having fun putting paint to paper. Some
of the class members had paintings in the Humane Society Auction. Linda
also left some paintings to benefit the Humane Society.
If you are interested in attending or need more information, contact me
at 987-107-1614 or 869-8030.
The Wildlife Rescue Center
The Wildlife Rescue Center offers free services to rescue, save,
rehabilitate and care for injured and mistreated animals in need. If you
have any questions or wish to report any wild animal cases, please
contact Dr. Ivan Aguilar at 987-113-0708, or at the: Oasis Animals
Hospital on Calle 25 entre 11 y 13.
The United States Consulate
By Juanita Stein
The American Consulate in Mérida is the representative of the U.S.
Government in the Southeast of Mexico and has had a U.S. presence in the
Yucatán Peninsula for over 100 years. The current Consulate staff is
composed of five American officers from the U.S. Department of State, an
office of the Department of Justice, and 17 locally hired employees. We
have Consular Agencies in Cancún and Cozumel that report to us. We cover
the states of Yucatán, Campeche and Quintana Roo. We interview
applicants for non-immigrant visas from these three states and the state
of Tabasco. Our highest duty is to serve and protect US citizens living
and traveling abroad.
We are the "go-to" office for American citizens needing passports or to
register and document newborn children; we can help you register to
vote, give you tax forms (when we have the CD-ROM), and notarize your
documents for the U.S.; we can provide names of attorneys, and we visit
American citizens who have run afoul of the law; if you become ill, we
can give you suggestions of doctors (although we can't make specific
recommendations) and we can contact relatives in the States; if you are
destitute and wish to return to the US, we can help repatriate you; if
an American citizen should die here, we can help the family repatriate
the remains to the US or assist with making funeral arrangements here.
There are fees involved for some services, such as passports or
notarizations, but most of our assistance is rendered free of charge. We
are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year for
emergency services.
While we like to think of ourselves as a good resource on living and
working in the Yucatán, and have a vast amount of information available
to give to you, there are a number of things that we can't do. We are
guests in this country, too, just as you are, and consequently, there
are limitations on how we can help. We cannot act as your bank, your
lawyer, or your mother. Should you find yourself in a fiscal jam, we can
only make calls on your behalf to kindly relatives or friends in the
States. We can act as a clearing house for monies sent to you, but we
cannot loan you money. Should you be arrested, we cannot intervene and
spring you from jail.
We will visit you, provide vitamins, reading material, and a list of
attorneys for you to contact, follow your case to be sure that you are
being treated fairly under Mexican law, and protest any mistreatment
that you might receive, but that is all.
We do not intervene in business disputes, even if we think that you are
in the right. We are happy to provide advice on what we think you should
do, however. Over the course of the next few months, we will be
providing information on various topics that affect Americans living
here. If you have questions, please send them to consularmerida@state.gov
and we will try to answer them.
Address & Info:
Calle 60, No 338K x 29 y 31, Colonia Alcala Martin, Merida, Yucatan,
Mexico CP 97050.
Tel: (999) 942 5700 Fax: (999) 942 5759
Email: ConsularMerida@state.gov
Ann Harris US Consular Agent Cozumel
U.S. Consulate 872-4574
U.S. Consulate 872-6152
U.S. Consulate 044-987-121-0323
Travel Warning
On March 14, 2010 The United States Department of State, Bureau of
Consular Affairs issued a Travel warning that is still in effect.
I heard on the news that the murder of the two Americans that prompted
the alert was a case of mistaken identity, not the beginning of a war
against American Citizens. However, I urge all my readers to read in its
entirety at: http://www.travel.state.gov/travel.
The two page document is very informative and contains valuable common-sense
information for both travelers and Citizens living in Mexico.
Did you know that there are a million Americans living in Mexico? If you
do not have internet access, I have copies available.
Since the elections are coming up soon, there is one excerpt that I want
to point out: The Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by
foreigners, and such actions may result in detention and/or deportation.
U.S. citizens are therefore advised to avoid participating in
demonstrations or other activities that might be deemed political by
Mexican authorities. As is always the case in any large gathering, U.S.
citizens should remain alert to their surroundings.
Still Safe in Cozumel!
Municipal President Juan Carlos Gonzales promises to work hard to
maintain Cozumel as one of the safest places in Mexico.
Municipal authorities are stepping up vigilance and tourist assistance
during the upcoming weeks. Spring Break and Holy Week are the busiest
weeks of the year. Areas that will be targeted include Playa Casitas,
Caletita, Chen Río, and San Martín. Additional information booths,
providing maps and assistance, have already been set up in strategic
locations.
Fifteen new Urban Vigilance cameras equipped with night vision sensors
have been installed. Twenty more are to be installed. These cameras have
been placed in school yards, parks and other sensitive areas. Officials
are hopeful that such preventative measures will continue to keep our
island a safe place for all.
Women's Breakfast Club at Camaron Dorado
The WBC met at Cameron Dorado located on the corner of Juarez and Ave.
105. Pictured from left are Sheila Mc Intyre, Carol Mc Cutcheon, Joyce
Larsen, Aura Holguin-Resch, Patsy Chilson, Kathy Lasater, Henri Clarke,
and Marion Briston.
COZUMEL GOLF TOURNAMENT
 The
2nd Annual Cozumel Island Golf Tournament will be held on Saturday, May
22ND at PRESIDENTE INTERCONTINENTAL COZUMEL RESORT & SPA.
A portion of your registration will be donated to COZUMEL RED CROSS.
TROPHIES: For men and women on each category (net score)
PRIZES: A Jeep Wrangler for Hole in One, Long Drive, Closest to the Pin
on all Par 3.
RAFFLES: Fabulous prizes to be raffled at Awards Dinner, including
airline tickets and hotel accommodation at other Presidente and
InterContinental Hotels
FEES:
1 golfer US$ 370.00
2 golfers US$ 450.00 sharing the same room
Non golfer US$ 50.00 sharing the room with a golfer
INCLUDES:
-Two-night accommodation at Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort &
Spa May 21st. and 22nd.
- Welcome Cocktail
- Golf Tournament Welcome Kit
- Tournament Green Fee and shared Cart Fee
- Transportation to and from Golf Course
- Beverages at the Golf Course the day of the event
- Awards Dinners
- Choices of activities for non-Golfers
- 15% discount at Mandara Spa
A donation will be given to the local Red Cross.
- Additional nights “Friends & Family” rate at $159 per night + taxes
Note: Kids are not allowed during Cocktail Reception and/or Awards
Dinner.
More information: http://www.intercontinentalcozumel.com/english/golf/
A common misconception on this Island is that since we are a small
community, everyone knows what is going on. Many times I find out about
events after the fact, most of the time at the last minute and too late
to pass on the information to you.
I receive notices from the Cruz Roja Cozumel, Casa de Cultura Cozumel,
Woman's Breakfast Club, and Game Night Club. Please make certain I am on
your mailing list and contact me for all special events so I may better
serve our community.
Contact Information
Aura Holguin-Resch (Aurita) may be reached at atreasuryoftrade@msn.com
for suggestions, comments, assistance, submit editorials or for
information on:
- Book Club
- Book Exchange
- Game night
- Garden Club
- Ladies Breakfast Club
- Applying for local discounts
- Mexican Health Insurance
- Recreational activities
TELEPHONE:
Home: 987-120-0480
Cellular: 987-105-7669
From US: 386-445-8702
- For your convenience, here is a list of emergency numbers that may
come in handy.
Emergency 060
24 Hour Doctor 872-0103
Dentist 872-0808
Hyperbaric Chamber 872-0103
Police 872-0092
Red Cross 872-1058
Taxi Cab 872-0236
Taxi Cab 872-0041
U.S. Consulate 872-4574
U.S Consulate 872-6152
U.S. Consulate 044-987-121-0323
Services
Cozumel Red Cross Services
Cruz Roja's most active job is to serve as the island's designated first
responder to accidents and other emergencies. In addition we offer the
following low-cost medical services:
General Medicine
Pediatric
Dentistry
Nutrition
Injections
Nebulizer Treatments
Blood Pressure Measurement
Clinical Laboratory
24 HRS Emergency Service - Dial 065
Chiropractor
Cozumel Health offers a variety of Massage and Treatments to help you
enjoy your vacation. Chiropractic care is available Monday through
Saturday. Cozumel Health Chiropractic
Plaza Barracuda # 5 on Melgar
(Across from Mega) Entre 7 y 11 Sur
872-1122
Dentist
C.D. Nora Hernández Lavie'
MEDIDENTAL
Odontología Integral
11 Sur por 65 Ave.
Tel/Fax 872-0808
Cell (987) 103-2770
E-mail: noral2004@yahoo.com
Gardener
Everyone's favorite for all your gardening needs! He is reliable and
very reasonable. Orlando 987-105-3000.
Handyman
Electrical Air conditioning and pluming Domingo Vega Chulum 987- 871-
0530
Official Translator
Monica Sauza Garrido
75 Ave. Sur #613, between Hidalgo and 7th
Telephone: 987-872-5394
Therapist
Jose Rosado Cuevas 987-871-2065
specializing in: treatment following Stroke and Fractures, Arthritis,
Early Childhood Stimulation, and Early Intervention.
Email: mosag@prodigy.net.mx
English Language Church Services
Eben-Ezer Presbyterian Church
30th Ave. at 10th Street North
Services in English every Sunday at 9 a.m.
Jesus es Rey
Bible Church Under construction
Corner of Ave. 95 y Calle 39.
Services in English will be at 10a.m.
Jewish Services Friday Evenings & Saturday Mornings
Chabad of Cozumel
Calle 12 No. Entre R. Melgar & 5th Ave.
chabadcozumel@gmail.com
Rabbi David Caplin 044-987-19715
Businesses
AXA Health Insurance
Contact Irma Cantarell at 987-872-6647 or office on 11th with 30th, next
to the Ford co. Insurance for as little as $50.00 U.S.D. per month.
Bancomer English Division
Contact Mauricio Sanchez at mauricio.sanchez@bbva.bancomer.com or call
toll-free 01800-2282-728. Website: www.bancomer.com/pcu.
The CARIBBEAN BOL
Go bowling at Cozumel's only bowling alley. This cool place provides an
alternative to the Island's water sports and is also great in-door fun
on rainy days as board games, video games, and billiards are offered
upstairs for those who don't bowl. For more information contact Stacey
at 878-4321 or at staceydianne@yahoo.com.
La Casa de Marlín Fishing Charters
Deep Sea fishing
31' Bertram
Sport Fisherman
40' Viking Convertible 10% discount if you mention this column in Tiempo
de Cozumel!
Call for reservations today at 987-872-4573 or email
fishingbandidacozumel@prodigy.net.mx
Costa Brava Restaurant
Enjoy an excellent meal at my favorite family restaurant and get 15%
off!
Offer good for everything but the breakfast specials that are already at
bargain prices.
CUSTOM JACUZZIS
Ing. Manuel Sandoval Garcia, Ph. (987) 872-4235 or
Cell (987) 800-5766.
MARY KAY SKINCARE PRODUCTS
Priced in pesos and delivered to your doorstep Call Sue at 987-107-9997
or e-mail suecampbell4448@yahoo.com
Home & Beauty Products
Oriflame and Bettreware Guadalupe Flores M.
987-103-0783; 15 Ave. No. entre 6 y 8
#380 Colonia Centro
Salsa Lessons at Playa Azul
Club Playa Azul provides Salsa lessons every Sunday afternoon from noon
to two. Lessons are for beginners and advanced dancers. There is live
music immediately after the lessons so everyone can practice what they
have learned.
Classes are ten dollars per session. Playa Azul provides a 10% discount
on food and beverages. Dress is “come as you are.” It is a beautiful
atmosphere and lots of fun!
Sara Nails
Spa Facials Depilation-Pedicure
Manicure - Acrylic Nails
Calle 3 North Entre 5a Ave. & R. Melgar Call for appointments:
(987)869-8286 (987) 876-1409
CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS MEETINGS IN ENGLISH
Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) is a Twelve Step Fellowship of men and
women whose common purpose is recovery from codependence and the
development and maintenance of healthy relationships.
The CoDA meeting in the area meets: Saturdays, at 11:00 a.m. In the
English AA ROOM, Ave 10 Sur, corner of Calle 5 Sur, up the spiral iron
staircase, first apartment.
For further information contact: DeLea at 869-0369
CoDA is a non-profit organization supported by the voluntary
contributions of attending members.
The Federal Consumer Interest Bureau (PROFECO) is responsible for
enforcing the Consumer Protection Federal Law. Their office is located
on the second floor of the Municipal Market at Calle A. Rosado Salas
between 25th and 20th Avenues.
You may also file a complaint by e-mail to extranjeros@profeco.gob.mex
and at any Mexican embassy or consulate in the world.
For more information on Cozumel, you can visit the Department of Tourism
located on the corner of 20th and Xel-Ha Avenues, Colonia Gonzalo
Guerrero. |
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