Yucatan News: Trees and Treatment
Armando Manzanero to Receive Award
Yucatan has more treasures than just its Maya archaeology. One of these Mayan treasures is Armando Manzanero, one of the few remaining composers of 20th century music in Yucatan. On March 3, 2015, Armando Manzanero will be presented the 2015 Silvio Zavala Medal for Culture and the Arts. Even that prestigious award is not enough to thank this great composer, pianist, singer and cultural ambassador. Armando Manzanero received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in the United States in 2014 and his career continues to provide the world with a vision of the romantic heart of Merida and all of Yucatan. One of our favorite Armando Manzanero performances is a duet of “Adoro” with Placido Domingo in concert at Chichen Itza. That performance can be watched here .
What Happens to the Recycled Christmas Trees?
For the past three years, Merida has carried out a program that provides free collection points for Christmas trees when the season is over. In January 2013 and 2014, there were only two collection points, with a combined total of just under 3,000 trees each year. This year (January 2015), the number of collection points doubled and the number of trees collected rose to over 4,000. Residents can still put their trees out by the street to be picked up, but there is a $20 peso fee. Bringing the trees to the collection points costs nothing. The question then becomes one of the final destination of the trees. The used Christmas trees are put through a wood chipper and turned into mulch for trees and plantings in public spaces. This keeps them from becoming fire hazards and/or the cause of environmental contamination. This is one of the most successful programs in the city and we hope everyone will participate in it.
Cancer Treatment News in Yucatan
It is a given that the earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the more likely it is that it can be cured and now Yucatan is equipped to provide the latest in medical skill and technology to do just that. Hospital General Agustín O’Horán is now equipped and staffed to provide the latest advances in chemotherapy, Nuclear Medicine and radiotherapy, including a linear accelerator, teletherapy and brachytherapy. These were formerly only available at the Red Cross Cancer Center. Now, O’Horan will be able to provide up to 60 or even 90 sessions per day, meaning that many more forms of cancer can be stopped in their tracks. Between the resources of the Red Cross Cancer Center and O’Horan Hospital, it looks as if Yucatan’s ability to diagnose and treat cancer has just taken a giant leap forward.
Poinsettia Industry Blooming and Booming!
Whatever happens to those little businesses the state supports? We see loads of articles about officials coming to small, interior towns, with money for, usually, local ladies to start sustainable businesses; but then what? Well, we would ask the six producers of poinsettia’s in Yucatan; but we doubt they would have the time to tell us. Last year, six producers, with greenhouses in Hoctun, Homun, Kanasin, Conkal, Mococha, Dzununcan and Teya, hit a home run for Christmas Eve! They actually couldn’t keep up with demand and are currently expanding their operations. They do have the money because, in just two years, they have grown their client base to the point where their association is free and clear. They are adding three more producers and taking on more contracts than ever before. They’re even exporting cut flowers, in the off season, to Canada. What a wonderful story of blooming success!
Spring Break Travel for Yucatan’s Students
The American Consulate in Merida issues 40,000 visas per year for Yucatecos headed north for business, school, and vacations. In order to get this done, they have a system for students and exchange students that starts online, 30 days before the applicant comes to the office. Merida is one of seven Mexican cities participating in this program. This takes well over 15,000 students and exchange students out of the long waiting lines and ensures that they can come and go on the dates they need to leave school and return to school. What a relief to have that kind of stress taken off of students! If this program works for them, maybe it will be in the future of the traveling public soon. We can only hope.
Street Dogs Headed North of the Border
Evolución Animal, a local shelter for dogs and cats, with the help of some of their volunteers, has been in contact with a number of animal shelters in Canada and the United States. It seems that those shelters have certain requirements in order to remain open, one of which is to be of service to a certain number of animals. If they fall below that number, they are in danger of being closed and the employees losing their jobs. Enter the overpopulation of dogs and cats in Yucatan. Sylvia Cortes Castillo, founder and director of Evolución Animal, and her volunteers have made arrangements to send some of their dogs north to underutilized shelters in Canada and the United States. With three success stories under their belt, they are ready to send six more dogs in search of new homes. What a wonderful opportunity! Many thanks to Sylvia Cortes and to each and every one of the volunteers!
Fire Season Comes Early This Year
Agricultural burning will take place this year (2015) from February 15 through May 30. Since there will still be strong winds during this time, please be on the lookout for smoke and fire when driving in rural areas and do not hesitate to call the fire department if you see a wildfire or a fire that is out of control. If you see smoke ahead, do not drive into it. If you have no choice, turn on your lights so that others can see you. Civil Protection has not yet issued the burning calendar for 2015, but we will watch for it and post it in the News when it comes. Last year, due to late rains, Yucatan had fewer wildfires than ever before. Hopefully, by moving the dates for the burning season, that will be the case for this year as well.
Merida Vies for Inclusion in Select Group of Cities
“Cities and Local Governments” Group, in association with UNESCO, is developing a list of the 500 most important local governments and cities in the world. Merida wants to be on that list and has an excellent chance of being accepted. This is all about power – cultural power – and Merida has been steadily increasing its visibility through contacts and networking with international partners to facilitate the mobility of artists and the sharing of culture. Merida also works hard to ensure that all aspects of culture have a sustainable foundation and her unique cultural characteristics are well known worldwide. Hopefully, it will not be long before Merida is named as one of the 500 most important cities in the world.
Center for the Development of Women: Izamal
We cannot help but remember the opening of the first senior citizens’ center outside of Merida in Yucatan. It didn’t take long for every town to have their own and for senior citizens to find their active and engaged place in the late 20th century. Now, centers for the development of women are springing up everywhere. Domestic violence is on the run. Women are getting more educational opportunities than ever before, and they are taking full advantage of the opportunity to own and operate their own businesses. With the opening of the new Center for the Development of Women in Izamal, this northwest corner of the state joins a network that will ensure the success of many more families in rural Yucatan.
Gasoline War on the Belize Border
It isn’t really going to be a gasoline war because Belize is simply going to beat the socks off of PEMEX from the word “go.” As the price of oil continues to drop, Belize has decided to pass the savings on to customers. This means that, in the Free Zone, with no taxes to pay, gasoline is now 12.76 pesos per liter and is expected to drop to 10 pesos per liter within a couple of months. The demand is already so great that Belize has built new gas stations with up to 12 pumps. Illegal gasoline outlets are already developing in rural areas on the Mexican side of the border, so we will just have to watch as this situation plays itself out.
