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Hello my friends in paradise!
In October, 2005 hurricane Wilma plummeted our beautiful Island for an unprecedented three days. Sue Sievert, Lynn Horowitz, Gregory Czora, Carol McCutcheon, and “my daughter from the heart” Maria Del Carmen Perez Ramirez have provided us with a collection of firsthand accounts. This is part one of two, so please send us your stories for the next issue!
The event will be memorable to my family for life. We were in Florida visiting my sister Cheryl who was losing her battle with cancer. I had driven alone non-stop from Woodbury, Minnesota to Orlando Florida weeks earlier. My husband Charles flew down to spend time with Cheryl, provide moral support to the family, and help me drive back to Minnesota.
Sharon and I at the time sold Antique Dolls and Collectables on the internet. I had spent most of the summer and fall traveling back and forth to Florida, need-less-to-say, very little money was coming in. My plan was to get back to Minnesota, pack up the vehicle with merchandize, and sell from Florida.
We planned our road trip to include quality time with my brothers, their families and our Mom in Palm Coast and Jacksonville as we headed north through Florida. As you can imagine, it was a very sad time in our life, my sister was only 45 and a single parent. It was in Jacksonville we became aware of Hurricane Wilma.
We called our neighbors in Cozumel immediately. They assured us all three houses were secure, they had the usual emergency supplies, and both families were preparing to move into our house for shelter. The impending danger was terrifying; Charles and I assured them we would catch first plane in and bring a generator and supplies. We contacted our friend Steve Gibson back in Minnesota and discussed putting together our own relief effort, how many generators we could get our hands on, etc. to take back to Cozumel.
I wanted to start the drive back to Minnesota immediately after diner; I was out voted and we settled into my brother's guest bedroom for the night. At six O'clock that morning my husband Charlie had a major Stroke that almost took his life and left him right-side paralyzed.
Our friend Steve was able to take the first flight into Cancun with supplies and dropped off a debit cash card to our neighbors. Consequently he was able to notify us that all our friends and neighbors were safe. Our house survived Wilma with only minimal water damage caused by the rain coming in at an angle, not one window was broken, and our house was high enough to avoid the flooding. The fortune we had spent on landscaping was gone.
Steve brought us back a video of the damage, the repair effort by the islanders and end result of their labor. It brought tears to our eyes, I was so proud of them. My family and I moved to the island as soon as Charles was able to travel. We are proud to be part of this amazing community.
On another matter, yes it is time to start thinking of Christmas!!! My friend Susan Bonnet has started collecting donations for her “Feast of The 3 Kings.” A caravan of vehicles will go into the jungle on January 10th and distribute toys and necessities to the poor. I will have pictures of last year's event in the November issue, sorry, no space this time. They need new or gently worn shoes from ages baby to 16 years (boys and girls), white socks (kids' sizes), toothbrushes, toothpaste, sample sizes from hotels of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, body lotion, etc. Any donation will be greatly appreciated. Donations can be dropped off at Kids Adventure Shop Mira Loque, Me Encontre (upper level near the Movie Theater), and Kelly's Bar on 10 between 1 and the center of town. The Campaign will go through December.
WILMA Stories from Cozumel
Part I: “In the Eye of the Storm”
By: Sue Sievert and other Islanders
I have lived in hurricane-prone coastal cities most of my life and have had my brushes with “the demons,” mostly Category 3 or lower. Even at that level, I can well remember the screams of the howling winds, the sounds of debris flying through the air, and the shaking and bending hurricane-protected doors and windows which threatened to explode at any minute. Add to that the fear that as well as you've attempted to protect your property, yourself, and your loved ones, in the end, it is “mortal you” going up against one of nature's greatest furies.
Having not experienced a Category 5 hurricane, and being the “keen” observer I am, I have been almost mesmerized by many of the fascinating recounts of the days leading up to Hurricane Wilma, the tormented time spent enduring the misery she inflicted, and the phenomenal spirit displayed afterwards of all “weary warriors” who pitched in to help with the rebuilding and rebirth of Cozumel Island. I have seen the “before” and “after” photos and wept when viewing the video of destruction after the storm. I am still amazed at the speed with which this island of beauty was restored. This brings to mind the Biblical rendition of the shepherd boy David, who even though small in stature, went up against a Philistine giant named Goliath and defeated him. They say, “Never underestimate your opponent.”
When you find yourself studying the facts about Hurricane Wilma, you are impressed even more by what strength and commitment it took to rebuild in such a short time. Hurricane Wilma was the most intense hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic basin. At peak intensity, Wilma had 175 mph winds, and a minimum central pressure of 882 mb, or 26.05 inches of Hg. Within 36 hours, the storm had dropped 102 mb.
She was the twenty-second storm, thirteenth hurricane, sixth major hurricane, and fourth Category 5 hurricane of the record-breaking 2005 season. The 1993 season held the previous record for most Cat 5 storms.
Wilma was also a catastrophic hurricane both in terms of lives lost and damage in dollars. At least 63 deaths were reported, and damage was over $29.1 billion, ranking Wilma among the top five most costly hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic as well as the fourth costliest storm in U.S. history.
Hurricane Wilma made landfall on Cozumel at midday Friday, October 21, 2005, with top sustained winds of 145 mph. moving at only 4 mph, she battered this 30-mile-long, 10-mile-wide island for 3 days and those who stayed and endured found themselves with a wealth of memories to share with future generations. As Wilma's fourth anniversary is remembered this month, we would like to share some of their stories:
Lynn J Horowitz
Kees and I were heading to Cozumel from Netherlands and we knew about the approaching Hurricane Wilma. However, we figured that, like Emily, we could get on the island relatively fast afterwards. There was no way. We got stuck in Houston and played around there for eight days before deciding to head back to Europe, since we only had twelve days for our visit. (I later heard that people who told the airlines they had a house in Cozumel could get a flight. I cannot imagine why I did not say that, but oh well...)
There was minor damage to our home. It was a very tough time for our friends and neighbors. We came back at Christmas time and I cried when I looked out at the rubble behind Rock n Java.
Gregory J. Czora
Paula and I were in our home for the entire time Wilma was here, having chosen to stay to watch out for our four pets, and no water came in through the palapa roof. The rafters would flex 2-3 inches in strong gusts, but no water leaked. I have to hand it to those Mayan guys 2000 or more years ago. They really knew how to design a good roof! The little water we did get in the house came through the windows because the rain was going sideways at a very high speed.
The sound from the wind and rain was very loud almost the whole time because the eye missed the southern part of Cozumel, unlike in town where the winds slowed for a while. I had no way to measure the wind speed, but in was probably over 120 mph, and you could see it was much higher above the tree line. I was told after the storm that the weather station at Punta Sur clocked sustained winds of over 180 mph. We could even hear the surf hitting the east coast beaches near Punta Sur the few times when the wind quieted down, and Punta Sur is about three miles away from our house in Mariposa Estates.
As time went by you could see the trees had fewer and fewer leaves until none were left. Then, the jungle looked like Spring up north before the leaves come out. And after the storm was over, there were no birds or animal sounds at all. There was almost no wind and no rustle of leaves, just quiet. It was months before we heard birds again, but after about a week the mosquitoes came out with a vengeance from all the standing water. The rotting jungle vegetation smelled like cow manure for weeks.
Once the storm was over, we fired up our generator, put up our satellite dish for the Internet, and got back on-line to let people know we were still alive. Then I got my chainsaw going and started sawing my way to the coastal road. The entire clean up for both hurricanes Emily and Wilma in 2005 took about two weeks. It took the CFE two weeks to get the power turned back on each time.
  Though Wilma is not an experience we would like to go through again, and a hell of a lot of work, it was very satisfying to know that our preparations worked and we came through it with only minor problems. I'd also like to say thanks to Mario and Dino Puc, the guys who built our house. We probably owe our lives to their excellent design and workmanship. Here are before and after photos of our home and
pool.
Carol McCutcheon
After the hurricane, a nightly ritual was to gather in front of the house and visit with neighbors until the electricity came back on. We would entertain ourselves until we were sleepy. From here we saw the lights of Playa del Carmen and were thrilled to know they were back in business.
 As an aside, my sister was able to phone me in the midst of the hurricane and I kept reassuring her I was safe. Another friend from the states was able to tell us how long before the eye would pass and how many hours after we could expect hurricane force winds to continue.
Once the eye passed, all communication was gone. We were not yet able to reach our loved ones to tell them we were okay. We had no word from the outside world yet and were relying on the conch telegraph for all the news. There was quite a profound sense of isolation.
An amazing amount of information was passed on from person to person. We did get little bits of news. We knew that the eye had gone over the Cancun airport and it was in bad shape.
As more and more help arrived it began to sound and look like a war zone. Helicopters were constantly flying by, taking food and equipment here and there. All the devastation left you feeling pretty sad and the loss of anything green made it look like a northern winter.
 There were few birds. Then word reached us that all the cruise ship piers were collapsed. The seriousness of the situation began to sink in. Three days after the winds stopped, food was delivered to our door. Beans, rice, and other staples were included. My friend Nelda and I had hoarded a lot of food in preparation so we gave our supplies to needier families. Although I will say you can get pretty tired of cold beans and peanut butter and cheese crackers.
María Del Carmen Pérez Ramírez
On July 2005 a very strong hurricane hit the coasts of Chiapas; I believe it was hurricane Stan. It was so strong that thousands of people lost their homes and all their belongings. It was such an unfortunate event that relief came from all around the country.
When the sad images came out on TV, a group of us, youngsters from UQROO and young Rotarians - "Rotarac"- began collecting clothes and food which we sent to the victims in Chiapas. This was sometime in August and September. The girls Gardner Institute was one of the most active and interested, as well as many hotels.
Between us all, we were able to gather 5 tons of clothes and food. The local DIF (the National System of Integral Family Development) helped us with storage; we only needed transportation to send everything to Chiapas. For this, we got help from the city and state DIF agencies who sent trucks from the mainland.
These trucks were on their way when, on October 17 hurricane Wilma was about to strike. The port was closed and they were not able to cross over to the Island. Wilma lasted 3 days and at the end of those three days we were all concerned about what could have happened to all the things we had gathered.
A few days later we got together and worked as volunteers for the government. At one point I met Daly Negron, then Chairwoman to the local DIF, and asked her about the 5 tons of food and clothes. I was then taken by surprise with her answer. She told me that if we had not collected what we had, the shelters would have not been able to meet the needs of more than 2000 victims who had to abandon their homes; she mentioned that everything had been used during the first week after the hurricane and many people had received the clothes and food.
This is a story very few know, and the message is “when you selflessly help others, you help yourself unintentionally.”
Special Thanks to Monica Sauza Garrido, Translator
Please submit your stories about Hurricane Wilma for Part II in the November issue of Tiempo de Cozumel to
suecampbell4448@yahoo.com. Feel free to attach a photo or two. Thank you to all of you who contributed to this month's article. Your stories touched our hearts.
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 Release of the Baby Turtles
By Kenneth Larsen
My wife Joyce went with a group of people to release the baby sea turtles and make sure they got to the sea OK. Turtles live a long time, but it takes 35 years before they are old enough to reproduce.
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Los Niños Que Limpien Cozumel
Special Thank You
By Susan Bonnet
 I wanted to share with you the kindness of some of the local people. On Sunday August 21st Laura Wilkinson and her husband Fabian along with Bianca (daughter of Lisa/Rock n Java) offered to teach kids from “Los Niño's Limpien Cozumel” how to swim. We all met at the local beach.
There were twelve children ages 7 to 18 that participated. Fabian and Bianca were great with the kids and took the time to teach each one the basics of swimming. Laura was our photographer and captured great action shots. The kids caught on quickly; there seemed to be some naturals in the group. If the kids become good enough in the future, it will be possible for them to participate on the local swim team. If not, safety on the beach is what the classes are truly about.
Thank you Laura, Fabian, and Bianca for your dedication, your focus makes this Island a better and safer place to live.
September Sail
Trip
By Jaydee Ferguson
Top: Jayne, Carol, Bob, Brenda
Middle: Stacey, Ute, Henri, Jaydee
Front: Joyce, Irv, Cindy
Taking Picture: Jessica
Help Wanted to write local Biography
By Lynn Horowitz
Are you interested in learning about the history of two families who came to Cozumel via Vera Cruz? Would you like to volunteer time to writing a book about these 2 women's families?
The two women are living in Cozumel. Josephina Luigi, who we know as a teacher of Spanish and expert teacher of Mexican cooking, speaks good English. Her family tree goes back to 1808. Her friend Sabina Rosasa is from the same town, Vera Cruz, and wants her family story to be told starting with her great, great, great, great grandmother onward.
These ladies have pictures and family tree charts for inclusion. The book would also add historical details as they affected the lives of these families.
The project could be written simultaneously on two computers one in English and one in Spanish. Of course, other options are open.
It would need editors in both languages as well. It not a short project but a very worthy one that could be produced for downloading from a site.
If you think this is something for you, call Josephina Luigi's cell phone 044-987 112 7401 between 8-10 P.M. Or Lynn Horowitz, 872 3017 after Sept. 16th.
Living in Cozumel Using Social Networks
By Cindy Trautwein
I have about 300 plus friends on my Face book account. They range from kids from my old Brownie (Girl Scout) Troop now graduated from college who found me on Face book to people living in Cozumel who I have met and connect with socially now because of Face book.
There are 'groups' you can be a part of: Humane Society, Cruz Roja, Ironman Cozumel, etc. You can also keep up with happenings at local restaurants and bars.
One can get postings of special events, price reductions, jewelry sales and social events. I got involved in a wonderful sail date with locals a few weeks ago. By networking through Face book I did not miss a full sail date to the area of Punta Sur; for about $20, an all-day event with 11 others just talking local talk. Some of us had never met!
There are Friday game nights, breakfast clubs, Friday happy hour events, fishing, shopping on the mainland, art and just about anything else happening in Cozumel. It's all on Face book. For me, living in Cozumel and being able to connect with others (other than a discussion board) gives you real time updates, pictures, videos and an opportunity to network with your sphere of influence of friends. You meet other people and get more information its brief but with substance.
Recently Adrian with Especias Restaurant launched a campaign of recycling plastic using his face book network of over 1000 friends. I've jumped on board.
Just saw several videos on Face book: One from Carol who took her dogs to the East side of the island for a walk, a friend from Cozumel visiting her family in Mexico City with pictures, folks I have met at a resort and can continue to stay in touch with as they return home from their vacation in Cozumel, as well as co- workers who have moved on but keep in touch via Face book. And then there is Twitter... that's for another day
Best of all is communicating with my kids on Face book. Living in Cozumel I obviously miss them. They are all of the computer internet age so years ago I joined in with my first experience in parenting “MySpace” They would show me their friends page before they would be able to go out if I didn't already know them. In the last year Face book has replaced that means of social networking and now living in Cozumel away from my adult children I find myself in the mainstream of communication with my kids. The 'statuses of my kids also forwarded to my Blackberry, I can be in constant touch. If they suddenly become 'single' I understand there is a situation back home with the relationship.
If you would like to check out Face book, consider these facts while doing so: Face book has more than 200 million active users. .More than 100 million users log on to Face book at least once each day. More than two-thirds of Face book users are outside of college. The fastest growing demographic is those 35 years old and older. (Source: http:/www.facebook.com/press/info.php?statistics.
Sign up for a free account and look me up for a Cozumel connection search Cindy Cozumel Mexico or email me
cindy@cozumelmexicohomes.com.
On a final note, I knew that the fact that I live such a far distance from my family wasn't an issue when my youngest, now 21, called me from the grocery store in our hometown of Broomfield where I was a resident of 35 years and said with a rush in her voice, “Where is the Baking Soda, I'm at King Soopers?”
U.S. Consular Cozumel News By Ann Harris
I will no longer be sending out any news updates by email.
Instead, from now on, I will post any news that I have for you at: http://www.cozumel.net/News-From-Cozumel/
NOTE: This is NOT an official govt. sponsored website. It is a site that publishes news of interest to the Cozumel Community. If you are not already receiving the official
"Warden Message" emails directly from the Consulate in Merida, I encourage you to also to register at: http://merida.usconsulate.gov/merida/registration.html to be sure that you are receiving the official govt. news from Merida.
If you want “News from Cozumel" updates, just enter your email address in the right side column where it says: "Enter your email here”. Then click "OK.” A form from Change Detection will pop up asking you to choose a password and how often you wish to be notified that there is a change to the site (every time, daily, weekly, etc.) Then, when there is a new posting you will automatically receive an email that looks like this:
"Note: Do not reply to this email! This message was automatically generated by your Change Detection system. For help or to contact a human, see the information at the very end of this email. Thanks! At your request we are sending you this alert to let you
know that a page you have been monitoring has changed. The following monitored page has changed:
http://www.cozumel.net/News-From-Cozumel/
Just click on the (http://www.cozumel.net/News-From-Cozumel/ ) link & it will take you right to the new posting.
Thanks for your understanding and please help to get the word out on the new format.
Anne R. Harris U.S. Consular Agent in Cozumel Public Office Hours 12-2pm Mon-Fri Villa Mar Mall in the Main Plaza (behind Fat Tuesdays) 2nd floor, right rear office, Office Ph (011 52 987) 872 4574 Cell (011 52 1 987) 876 0624 for emergencies
News Blog: http://www.cozumel.net/News-From-Cozumel/
Email: usgov@cozumel.net or anne@cozumel.net
Fax: (011 52 987) 872 6662 or 872 4485
U.S. Consulate in Merida
http://merida.usconsulate.gov/index.html
U.S Embassy in Mexico City
http://mexico.usembassy.gov/eng/main.html
Letter to the Editor
My name is Kelly Anne Mattheis, I live on the island, and I really appreciate all your hard work that is happening with the paper Tiempo de Cozumel.
I make it an effort to pass on information to clients I have who own properties on the island as well for my own use.
I would like to add to "Services Section" under Bancomer English Division. Being a new business owner here in Cozumel, I have had firsthand experience with the "Bancomer English Division" thanks to Javier Alsono Gonzalez Lopez. He is located at the 30th Street Bancomer branch location, between Calle 12 y 10; called "Cozumel Plaza Norte" From the first moment I walked into the bank he was ready and eager to assist me. He is most professional and informative and always available to assist. He has made my banking easier than I could have ever imagined. Hats off to Bancomer and to Javier!
Thanks for all you do.
Kelly Anne Mattheis
COZUMEL ROCKS S.A. de C.V.
Cozumel Concierge & Property Management
Calle 8 Norte #433, entre av. 20 Norte y av. 25, Col. Centro
Cozumel, Q, Roo 76600,Mexico, 52-987-878-4323, www.cozumelconcierge.com
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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.
Calle 7 Sur #57 between Melgar & 5a South
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.
Free bowling lessons and dollar specials are offered on Sundays. For more information contact Stacey at 878-4321 or at
staceydianne@yahoo.com
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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!
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.
Gardener
Everyone's favorite for all your gardening needs! He is reliable and very reasonable. Orlando 987-105-3000.
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
MARY KAY SKINCARE PRODUCTS
Priced in pesos and delivered to your doorstep Call Sue at 987-107-9997 or e-mail
suecampbell4448@yahoo.com
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. - 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
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.
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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