First, we realize it's been a while since our last update, and we have one in the works. However the probability of a force 4-5 hurricane in the region has trumped any and all other concerns for the moment. As well, if you have received multiple copies of this missive, or are receiving it after requesting to be dropped from the list, please accept our apology. We are attempting to expedite this matter given the urgency of those whom it most concerns making evacuation plans or other emergency actions, and we have sent it to the list en masse without redacting as we might normally do....
We realize that the first and foremost consideration is for human life - as one with loved ones and many strong interests in the area, I have profound concern regarding the protection of lives and property. However, those of us who have made our missions in the Animal Welfare community of the region understand very well the suffering of the animals under the best of circumstances. Please, for those who may be so inclined, don't misunderstand our intentions when we post information about how the animals can best be helped and accommodated during a time of severe need.
Gracias Playa is a website to assist patients, with little or no money, to pay for costs of their treatments, medication, and studies.
We work with doctors that donate their time to help people heal, but with every diagnosis brings a list of needs. We like to barter, that’s why there are tours, coupons and sponsors on our site. Patients live in this region so it is possible to contact them directly, so it easy to lend a helping hand...
Playa del Carmen takes home the overall prize in the team competiton at the 4th Annual Bomberos Training Academy!
After an incredible community effort the 4th Annual Training Academy happened last week, and our Playa del Carmen Bomberos won the team competition on Saturday while a Cozumel Fireman took home the individual prize. Thank you to everyone who made it possible, and a very special thank you to the 10 firemen from the United States who took vacation time in order to particiapte! We could not have done it without their help and the support of the community so THANK YOU! We are a stronger community becasue of it.....check out the action photos below.....
How can we ensure the sanctity of our beautiful coastline?
Sustainable development is, according to the definition on SEMARNAT’s website, development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The development plan for Akumal (on the Riviera Maya), which will soon be voted on by the council of the Solidaridad municipality, is the antithesis of this concept. Without having met the needs of the current population, it speculates on the exploitation of the future, billing our children and grandchildren the high cost of our lack of vision.
The Angels of Michigan State University Come to Playa
Tuesday, 15 March 2005
By Caroline Page
The Michigan State University medical mission, for Angel Notion, was a smashing success!
Dr. Peter LaPine has been leading missions since 2001 to Angel Notion, the free medical clinic in Nic Te Ha, a village just north of Playa del Carmen. Angel Notion, as you may know, provides education, medical aid, and opportunities to Mexican people of “lesser means and special needs”. “Dr. Peter”, as he is often called, is an Associate Professor of Audiology & Speech Sciences at Michigan State University, where his work includes voice and vocal pathology, resonance characteristics of the aging voice, surgical voice restoration and prosthetic vocal devices. When he hops a plane to Playa del Carmen, he doesn’t come for the bars and beaches. Instead, he leads a group of medical professionals on a working holiday to help the poor of Quintana Roo.
First Annual Benefit and Auction for The Playa del Carmen Bomberos!
Tuesday, 15 March 2005
Come out and support The Bomberos with an evening of fun and entertainment at Captain Bob and Sons.
On Saturday March 19, come on down and enjoy an evening of excellent food, live music, raffle prizes, and an auction. All of the proceeds will go to The Bomberos to help support their 4th Annual Fire Academy. They are in critical need of donations and support to ensure that the academy will be held here in Playa del Carmen.....
Michigan State University Doctors Come to Playa del Carmen!
Monday, 14 March 2005
By Evelyne Bevacqua
A Volunteer's Perspective:
Thank you ANGEL NOTION and Lavonna! The opportunity to volunteer for your association is a real privilege.
Monday morning:
Dr. Peter Lapine –Jefe MSU, Nancy Nelson, Audiologist and Yours Truly boarded the Ferry to Cozumel and went to their center. As soon as Nancy plugged in her machines, and checked that everything was functioning properly, the patients came in, and it was an incessant ballet throughout the afternoon......
HELP!! We are asking for your help and support to ensure we can host our 4th annual academy.
For the past 4 years we have had a statewide academy where all of the fire departments in the state of Quintana Roo come to Playa del Carmen for training courses. For most departments of the state this is the only opportunity they have for training for the year. It teaches our departments how to work together, to manage large fires, and to learn new techniques in fire safety. Last year we assisted Cozumel for the first time in our states history, and we worked side by side with Cancun on several different occasions as well.
Women in Action: GWAPAS (Great Women At Puerto Aventuras)
Monday, 07 March 2005
This new women’s community organization was founded just this past December, and they are already growing in membership, and taking action in the community!
The idea was formulated by Donna Carey, a resident of Puerto Aventuras since 1998. She has been involved in the community for many years, and has worn many different hats as a business owner as well. Currently she is the co-owner of Tiramisu, an Italian restaurant, Pelican tours, a boat tour company, and she is one of the authors of The Hammock Sutra Calendar, a calendar made in the spirit of making love in a hammock.....
Emergancy Care for Animals in the Regions Affected by Hurricane Emily
Gracias Playa is a website to assist patients, with little or no money, to pay for costs of their treatments, medication, and studies. 
By David Nunez, Akumal Resident
By Caroline Page
By Evelyne Bevacqua
This new women’s community organization was founded just this past December, and they are already growing in membership, and taking action in the community!