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| news | June 09 | |||||
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I
just realized
this is my anniversary issue! I can't believe a year has flown past since
I put together an article introducing myself and my family to the English
speaking population in Cozumel. The article took up a third of a page
including a couple of large photos. I
delivered the papers to the friends
at Church and the ladies breakfast, sent some to game night,
and prayed for the best. I
was nervous, not certain how it was going to be received. My friend and
editor requested I start immediately putting together the next article
about the Mexican Government and how it worked. Instead,
my husband Charlie fell ill and my next issue took up an entire page
describing my ordeal and triumph of his recovery in the hands of the
Doctors at Cozumel's General Hospital. That
issue really started it all. Through the discussion of the article, we
realized there was no organized communication mechanism on the Island that
guided the English speaking community on how and where to apply
for vital services. This lead to
a series of articles that served as a guide on applying for health care,
senior card, Park card, etc. The
privilege of writing our now two pages every month has been a blessing to
my family. In seeking the answers for the readers, our extended family in
Cozumel has grown. The
number of readers increases monthly, including not only full and part time
residents on the Island, but also visitors that have requested internet
access or to have the issues mailed to them. We
are slowly making that possible, the latest issues can be found on
www.cozumeltoday.com/newscozumel.htm We
are working on having all past issues available. This
month we are pleased to announce permanent contributor to Tiempo de
Cozumel. Sue Sievert is an experienced Journalist permanently
living in Cozumel. Join me in welcoming her on board, and be
prepared to be interviewed business owners! Thank
you again, all of you that have made contributions to this issue. Until
next time, have a wonderful month!
Stacey Werner A
True Pioneer By
Sue Sievert
Stacey
is the owner of Caribbean Bol, the first and only bowling alley on Cozumel
Island. Founded just five years ago, this multi-functional facility
includes 10 lanes and a snack bar downstairs and a full party area
upstairs with two pool tables, a bar, an Internet area, and board games
for those who don't bowl. As
a single parent with two children, Stacey has known her share of hard
times and when looking back at her life, you wonder how anyone could
accomplish so much with so little. Our conversation was a delight and I am
pleased to share it with you: Tiempo
de Cozumel: (TDC) What brought you to Cozumel? Stacey:
My first time on the island was in 1985 to visit the beaches. I returned
in December 1988 after Hurricane Gilbert and, having fallen in love with
this beautiful island, I decided to stay. After receiving my legal papers,
I got a job at Carlos 'n Charlie's in their Boutique. I then worked for
Organización Becerra (Las Palmeras, Pepe's Grill, etc) in publicity,
focusing on developing cruise ship business. Señor Becerra, who was
always very kind to me, said to me one day, “I know you're here for a
time, but I know you can do more.” That was one of those “defining
moments” in my life and opened my eyes to greater possibilities. TDC:
What experience prepared you for owning a bowling alley? Stacey:
I grew up in Ohio in a family that loved bowling with a passion. Many
nights were spent as a youngster running around the alleys until I was
allowed to bowl at the age of 12. Needless to say, I was “hooked” from
that point on. Stacey:
To be honest with you, my children were my inspiration and motivation.
They have always believed in me and encouraged me, knowing Mom could do
more. In 2000, I conceived of the idea, found the land and began planning.
At that time, I had no money, just the dream. A close friend helped me
develop a strong business plan and then my stepmother and her brother
invested in the business and have backed me ever since.
TDC:
What is the biggest obstacle you've had to overcome with your business? Stacey:
I didn't realize that Cozumeleños have little knowledge of bowling. Most
of them think that we are a private club and membership fees are required.
They also fear the balls are too heavy to handle. We are beginning to help
change that concept, though, as more and more of the younger generation is
taking up bowling. We even have two young bowlers in the 12-17 age
brackets that will compete in a national competition outside Mexico City
this summer. Qubica AMF has really put a lot of effort into helping us
develop interest as well as other bowlers from all over the Caribbean
Basin. One
other obstacle, of course, was recovering from Hurricane Wilma, which
poured water through our roof, damaging some of the wood alleys. All but
two are now completely repaired and life goes on. TDC:
Do you have any new plans for the future? Stacey:
We will begin an 11 AM Sunday buffet in June which will include unlimited
free bowling with a meal. We also are gearing up for laser/disco bowling,
which is a blast and fun for the entire family!
Stacey:
There are limited resources here. Be prepared to have strong financial
backing and tremendous patience. I, myself, have faith in God and know
that when He has a plan for our life, even if we stumble, He will guide us
and watch over us. - - - Caribbean
Bol is located across from Chedraui and is open Sunday-Thursday from 11
AM-Midnight and Friday and Saturday nights until 1 AM.
A 4-year-old Women's League plays on Tuesdays at 10 AM and a
monthly “Men vs. Women's Night” has just begun. The bowling alley is
available for private parties with sufficient notice. For more
information, call Stacey at 878-4321 or staceydianne@yahoo.com. (Sue
Sievert and her husband, Will are permanent residents of Cozumel. Sue was
the former publisher and editor of Women of Greater Atlanta, a monthly
business publication.)
Cozumel
Rocks! By
Sheila McIntyre A
new era of good repair service has arrived in Cozumel, an ever-expanding
business called “Cozumel Rocks!” My
recent experience went like this: I explained my “wish list” of
repairs to be made electrical,
plumbing, concrete work. Suggestions
were made by Ivan (co-owner, Spanish and English speaking) and he printed
out my “list”, with all of the repairs to be made, materials needed,
estimated costs, date when the work would be done and who would do the
work. He is resourceful, knows
where to get the best prices and will even go with you to shop. The
work teams arrived and were supervised by Ivan; Kelly (co-owner, Spanish
and English speaking) stopped by to make sure I was happy with the work
being done. The
workers were on time, covered furniture, swept up and disposed of trash as
the work was completed. Ivan sent pictures of the work completed on the
roof (I am not a roof-climbing person) so that I could see that the
project was satisfactory. Another
great thing was that he took a look at things that would need to be fixed
in the future and gave an estimated time of when that should be done. After
the workers left, I discovered a little surprise. Rather than throw out
left over cement, he filled in chinks in the walk outside my house. Think
I will use them again? You bet! You
can contact “Cozumel Rocks!” at 987-878-4323
The
Sacred Mayan Journey
Twenty
Five Canoes were handmade to specification of the old traditional Mayan
models and 300 rowers from the communities of Xcaret, Cozumel and Playa de
Carmen trained for their navigation.
Galo
Art Studio
He
has a studio in Cozumel at the corner of Calle 1 and Ave. 25 and it is
open daily from 10am to 2pm and in the evenings from 5-9pm. Visitors are
always most welcome.
And
Now There are Three By:
GoCozumel.com
A
few weeks ago I stopped on a drive out north to take a picture of an
airplane that has been there for years. I had never stopped to find out
more about it, but then suddenly, I passed by only a few days ago and now
there are 3 planes! That day I did stop to take more photos I read the
plaque. In
part, it says that these planes are in recognition of the heroic
participation of the Mexican Expeditionary Force 201st Fighter Squadron
also known as the “Aztec Eagles”, in combat missions during World War
II in defense of World Freedom and the Honor of Mexico. These
men were battling in fighter planes P-47 “Thunderbolt” against
Japanese Imperial Army Forces for the liberation of the Philippines and
were attached to the 58th American Fighter Group of the 5th Fighting
Command of the Air Force of North America in 1945.”
If
you are interested in finding out more, go to the search engine
“Google”, and search for “Aztec Eagles”. I found some fascinating
information and even video. From
what I have read, when German submarines torpedoed and sank Mexican oil
tankers in the Gulf of Mexico, May 1942, the USA and Mexico formed an
alliance. Mexico declared war on the Axis powers and in 1944 sent its new
fighter Squadron 201 to train in Texas under women instructors W.A.S.P. This
marked the first time Mexican troops were trained for overseas combat. The
Aztec Eagles flew a total of 59 combat missions, participated in the
Allied effort to bomb Luzon and Formosa and these pilots were decorated by
both the U.S. and Mexico.
Go
Karts A
new go kart track has opened on the main street (Ave. Rafael Melgar) and
it's just north of Mega grocery store, between Calle 11 and Punta Langosta
Plaza. The cost is $10,. Looks
like fun! 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 f fun! La Casa de Marlin 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. Calle
7 Sur #57 between Melgar & 5a South
The
CARIBBEAN BOL Go
bowling at Cozumel's only bowling lanes that provide another alternative
for those unable to enjoy the Island's water sports as well as provide
in-door fun on those rainy days. They offer free bowling lessons and
dollar specials on Sundays. For more information contact Stacey at
878-4321 or at staceydianne@yahoo.com.
English
Language Church Services Eben-Ezer Presbyterian Church 30th Ave. At 10th Street North Sundays
at 9 a.m.
Jesus Es Rey Church 65th Ave. & Morelos Street Sundays
at 10:00 a.m.
Iglesia de San Miguel Guadalupe Rosary Prayer 10th Street Corner of El Centro Plaza Sundays
at 5 p.m. CO-DEPENDENTS
ANONYMOUS MEETING 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: On
Saturday, at 11:00 am. 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. Work
Wanted
Gardener Everyone's
favorite for all your gardening needs!
He is reliable and very reasonable. Orlando
987-105-3000 Tile
Work Interior and Exterior Need
a reliable man for tile work? Interior work or exterior work, such as
swimming pools. If interested, call Sheila, 872-6220 since Ramiro has no
phone.
Dentista C.D.
Nora Hernández Lavie' MEDIDENTAL
Odontología
Integral 11
Sur por 65 Ave. Cozumel,
Q.Roo Tel/Fax
872-0808 Cell
(987) 103-2770 E-mail:
noral2004@yahoo.com
Official
Translator Monica
Sauza Garrido 75
Ave. Sur #613 between
Hidalgo and 7th telephone:
987-872-5394 email:
mosag@prodigy.net.mx
Cozumel
Health Chiropractic Cozumel
Health offers a variety of Massage and Treatments to help you enjoy your
vacation. Chiropractic care is
available Monday through Saturday. 872-1122 Dr.
Tom: Tues,
Thurs, Sat 9:30am 1pm Martes,
jueves, sábado 9: 30am - 1pm Tues
& Thurs 6pm- 8pm Martes
y jueves 6 P.M. 8pm Also
available by appointment También
disponible por la cita Plaza
Barracuda # 5 on Melgar (across from Mega) Entre 7 y 11 Sur Quality
Educational Software Quality
educational software for every age group and level shipped from the United
States directly to your loved ones! Check it out at www.bestchildlearn.com
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. - Usd 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.
Contact
Information 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
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
044-987-876-0624 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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| news | June 09 | |||||
When
you first meet Stacey Werner, you are impressed with her dynamic and
charming personality. The more you get to know her, however, you realize
what a gutsy woman she is.
TDC:
Any advice for someone moving to the Island who wishes to open a new
business?
On
Friday May 22, there was a special ceremony at Playa Casitas with a
reenactment of the Mayans arriving from the Mainland. The “Sacred Mayan
Journey”, was done in traditional Mayan Canoes starting in Xcaret to the
Island of Cozumel with a return trip to Playa del Carmen.
The
Sacred Maya journey involved approximately 50 kilometers, representing 6
to 7 hours of free paddling each way in the Cozumel Channel. The channel
is 420 meters deep and has a current from south to north of 2 to 4 knots,
making the journey both high risk and a great physical challenge for the
rowers.
If
you stop to look, be sure to note the emblem on the tail of the planes.
It's the same emblem that was on the planes when they fought in the
Philippine Islands: “Pancho Pistolas”.