Welcome to May. Yes, we made it through another Spring Break and Semana Santa and the crowds that come with them, but it's obvious that tourist season is firmly upon us. There have been a lot of people in town and things just keep getting better and better. New restaurants and businesses keep popping up and so many that struggled to stay afloat a few years ago are now busy with people every day. The effects of our rising tourist popularity is obvious and everyone seems to be very happy about it.

The weather has been absolutely perfect and activities abound on every weekend. Concerts and live music are common if that's what you enjoy, or how about a Triathlon or a go-cart race? Or, a local baseball game played in our newly remodeled stadium? Tiburones baseball season is upon us and games are super-fun, exciting, and inexpensive. Fishing tournament, Cornhole tournament, Volleyball tournament, Golf tournament your thing? We've got em. If you like racing, the SADR 150 is coming up on May 12th, or if you prefer to drive with a fun group of folks along the beach all the way to El Golfo, that's coming up on May 12th as well.

If you can't tell, there is always something fun going on around here. All you have to do is show up and get involved. There really is way too much to list and it's certain that I would miss several things, even if I did try so, rest assured, if you come looking for fun and adventure, you'll find it. On the other hand, if you're looking for a relaxing day at the beach, that's really easy to find as well.  

Don't forget to mark your calendars for our 6th annual Las Vegas Night event which will be held at the Beachfront Restaurant at the Sonoran Sky Resort on Saturday, July 1st. More information will be available on the Sonoran Resorts Facebook page and in the June 1st newsletter. In the meantime, give us a call if you have questions.

 

Enjoy your month, come to Rocky Point if you can, and if you need anything don't hesitate to ask. Let me put my experience and expertise to work for you, and remember, as always, I've been here full time for almost 10 years and I am more than happy to help you with whatever you need, whether Sonoran Resorts related or not.  

 

Just give me a call or send me an email any time and I will do my very best to help you. If I can't help you myself, I'm sure that I can point you in the right direction and help find you someone who can. 

    

Circus Mexicus Kick-Off Party with the Strolling Bones and the First Performance by the Chimeras in 25 Years!

 
  

 

 

     

Mountain View Presbyterian Church in Scottsdale has sponsored an outreach mission trip to Puerto Peñasco each November and April since 2014, the year Cyndi Connelly began serving her three year term as a Mission Elder and leader on the Mission Council. As condo owners, Cyndi and her husband, Gordon were familiar with the poverty stricken neighborhoods in this friendly little sea side town. Thus, her first action was to form a Mexico Mission Team and she has organized and led all the mission trips ever since. These groups of 30 to 50 faithful, hardworking Christian individuals, couples and families are very well organized and the projects on their agenda are pre-selected and based on the needs of local individuals, community centers and ministries.

 

The mission wisely began working with a local ministry leader whose ministry has now grown into the very active Oc3an View Ministry, founded by Conrad Flores who has formed relationships with all the charity organizations in and around Puerto Peñasco, especially in the neediest neighborhoods like Barrio San Rafael on the east side of town. You can read more about Oc3an View Ministry in our recent blog at http://www.sonoranresorts.mx/oc3an-view-ministry-is-the-conduit-for-donors-and-doers-to-help-grateful-communities-in-need/.

 

Mountain View's latest mission was Friday through Sunday April 21-23 with 33 members working on a dozen separate projects, among which included roofing two homes, painting a community center and the playground equipment of a local ministry. One project involved adding an addition with a window to the home of a family in Puerto Peñasco.

 

Other projects included volunteers from the church's Children's Ministry and the Special Needs Ministry who brought a variety of games and creative learning activities to entertain and educate hundreds of kids who gathered at several local San Rafael ministry locations including Living Stones Ministry, the Nueva Vida (New Life) Community Center and the I6Eight Community Center.

 

Members of the Special Needs Ministry conducted a discussion class for the parents of children with special needs, such as autism, and others. This class was held at the home clinic of Dr. Alberto Alonso González, the respected child psychologist who runs Apoyo Psicopedagógico y Salud Mental (Psychological and Mental Health Support Clinic), while the children were being entertained with creative activities in the specifically designed learning environment of Dr. Alonso's manicured estate.

 

The Mountain View Mission also works with Kathleen Duncan's non-profit AIM Peñasco organization, which, in addition to working with the students of needy families and children with special needs here in Puerto Peñasco, sponsors the Familias con Propósito en Mexico (Families with Purpose) Orphanage in Sonoyta. This orphanage is funded through donations to the U.S. non-profit Steps of Love organization which accepts donations at www.stepsoflove.org.

 

Watching these enthusiastic mission volunteers in action, it is easy to

see how they've developed in organization and skills over the years. Think about it, every project on their agenda was completed in a total of a day and a half!  Cyndi tells us, "These mission participants are so motivated because they are Living their Faith."

 

That meaningful slogan, "Living our Faith", is printed on their sky blue team t shirts. Indeed, benevolence seems to grow exponentially among these faith-driven volunteers who pay their own way on these trips and often pay for materials and supplies.

 

The Mexico Mission has developed a trusting relationship with Conrad Flores of Oc3an View Ministry who arranges their accommodations at the Granada del Mar beach side hotel in the Mirador and directs the purchase of material and supplies needed for the projects each trip. He also helps Cyndi choose the most deserving recipients of their services and donations. Cyndi adds, "We are so blessed to have Conrad and Oc3an View Ministry on the ground here to guide us through his close relationships with the local ministries and charitable organizations. It's what allows us to accomplish so much during these weekend trips."

 

Cyndi is so humble when she gratefully states, "In reality, we know our missions alone will never end the poverty in this community, but each time we return, we become more productive to make life a little easier for more and more residents here, especially the children.

 

"We can also hope to set an example to encourage and inspire other organizations to choose Puerto Peñasco for their mission trips. In fact, we invite anyone to contact me directly or our church to inquire about how they can participate in our mission trips."

 

Yes, if you are interested in "Living your Faith," or just giving back by helping the needy in Puerto Peñasco, you can contact Cyndi at [email protected], or for information on their other ministries contact Mountain View Presbyterian Church by phone at: 480-998-1085  . You can also visit their website: http://www.mtviewpres.org/

 

Puerto Peñasco is blessed to have such a group of highly organized and productive volunteers choosing to help our needy barrios, not once, but twice a year. We look forward to welcoming them back in November!

 

 

Full Story and More Photos: 

Good News! Science Wants You to Move to the Beach

 

 

 

People have long theorized that living near the ocean is beneficial to one's health, and now there is data to back that theory up. According to a study conducted by the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Exeter in England, those who live close to the ocean are healthier than those who live inland. The report analyzed data from England's 2001 census, consisting of 48 million people. Taking into account age, gender, and socio-economic status, the results indicated that those who lived at the shore were in finer health than their non-coastal counterparts.

 

The study concluded that there was an association between visiting the shore and overall wellness, but the lead researchers stated that this type of study could not prove a direct cause and effect. However, previous scientific studies have focuses on what exactly it is about the coast that stimulates well-being.

 

Either way, it sounds like the perfect excuse to move to the beach that we've all been searching for.

 

Here are five reasons that seaside living improves health:

 

1. The "Om" Factor

 

Do you know that feeling of relaxation that overcomes your body when dig your toes in the sand? It's not in your head. The ocean has been proven to inspire creative thinking, reduce anxiety, and promote compassionate thinking, Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, scientist and author of "Blue Mind," suggests.

 

2. An Active Lifestyle

 

Living by the beach encourages physical activity, ultimately leading to a healthier lifestyle, the Exeter study indicated. Why are people more active at the shore? The coastal paths and beaches encourage outdoor activity, Dr. Michael White, the lead research on the Exeter study said.

 

3. Breathing Fresh, Salt Air

 

There is no better smell than fresh sea air, but start taking deeper breaths at the beach because it is good for you, too. The salty sea air by the coast does wonders for the respiratory system and those with asthma, bronchitis, sinus pressure, and coughing will notice a difference in their condition after just one day at the beach. Ocean air also contains negatively charged hydrogen ions that help absorb oxygen and balance out serotonin levels, resulting in more energy and diminished depression.

 

4. Extra Vitamin D

 

The reflection of the sun off of the sand and the ocean is a great way to get your daily dose of vitamin D. As long as you're smothered in SPF, getting some sunshine everyday is good for your health. Vitamin D from the sun improves autoimmune protection, increases endorphins, lowers the risk of cancer, and enhances bone health. According to research conducted by the King's College London's Institute of Dermatology, skin absorbs vitamin D from the sun even with sunscreen - so pile it on and get outside!

 

5. Swimming in Salt Water

 

There is no greater healer than salt water. Swimming in the ocean enhances the immune system, hydrates skin, and boosts circulation. Seawater that is rich in magnesium also has been shown to relax muscles and helps induce sleep. And with swimming one of the greatest forms of exercise, you're better off paddling around the ocean than in the pool.

 

Welcome Donation of equipment to Civil Protection and Fire Department

 

 

 

The Municipal Civil Protection Unit and Fire Department received a donation of pre-hospital and emergency equipment worth approximately $50,000 USD from the Fire Departments of Show Low and Greer, Arizona, reported Fire Chief Francisco Javier Carrillo Ruíz.

 

Carrillo Ruíz detailed the White Mountain Ambulance Service of Greer, AZ, together with the City of Show Low, AZ presented local staff with sophisticated pre-hospital and emergency equipment consisting of defibrillators, oxygen tanks, instruments to dress broken bones, pumps, vests, and uniforms, among many other items and all of which were in very good condition.

 

The Fire Chief stressed donations made to the volunteer fire department were made possible through contacts and ties of Mayor Kiko Munro in our neighboring state.

 

The Fire Department, Red Cross, and Tourist Assistance Unit are always looking for donations. If you or someone you know can help with supplies, materials, equipment, or funds, please contact me and I will point you in the right direction.  

Mayor Kiko Munro Inaugurates New Recreational Park in Obrera Neighborhood

 

 

 

Joined by children and residents of the Obrera neighborhood, Mayor Kiko Munro inaugurated a new recreational park representing an investment of 3,436,131 pesos.

 

The mayor stressed, "Construction of duly equipped and safe public recreational spaces is reaching into all parts of the community, including those farthest out, such as now in the Obrera neighborhood where there was once an empty lot."

 

He detailed in just a year and half in office, his administration has been able to fully rehabilitate the parks of "Gallo" Estrada, El Lápiz, Brisas del Golfo, La Bondojo, El Abuelo, Unidad Deportiva La Milla, and the Jesús Cota Miranda Athletic Center, along with three Community Centers in the Obrera, San Rafael and Nueva Esperanza neighborhoods, and now the La Obrera II Park.

 

Municipal Health Coordinator Alberto Aldrete Germán reported the "pinacate" (stink bugs) do not represent any health risks in the city.  He stated their notable presence recently is part of the natural reproduction cycle, which once complete, will show their numbers should significantly.

When they're not acting as the skunks of the beetle world, Pinacate beetles make their living by eating decaying organic matter that include just-fallen leaves and flowers. They're active year-round, though they do hide from the hottest part of the day in the hottest part of the year.  

 

Ranging across most of the southwestern U.S. from Oregon to Texas and well into Mexico, Pinacate beetles seem ubiquitous in habitat that suits them -- usually open desert and scrubland, and dry washes. The name Pinacate is of uncertain origin, with some sources translating it as a Mexican Spanish word for "clown" or "acrobat" as a reference to the headstand. More likely, the name comes from the Nahuatl word "pinacatl," which means "small black beetle". Of course, our very own Pinacate Reserve comes to mind for those of us familiar with this area. Whether the beetle was named after the volcano or the volcano was named after the beetle is not completely clear. The beetles are abundant there, and "Sierra Pinacate" sounds way better than "Stink Beetle Mountains."

 

Pinacate beetles are actually fairly engaging and pleasant, and for that reason, few see the motivation to bother one enough to provoke it into action. Reports  of the smell of their weopan vary, using vague terms like "sharp" and "foul." Some mention that the smell cannot be washed off, a further disincentive to much experimentation.

 

The Pinacate beetle can spray its chemical weapon several times its body length, enough to dissuade most small predators. There are more than 30 known Eleodes species and each species carries this concealed weapon, though their method of delivery varies. Some have a greater range than the Pinacate beetle, while others merely dribble the substance all over themselves when threatened.  

 

The precise mix of chemicals in the stink varies from species to species, but all of them seem to be variations on a class of chemical called quinones. Many insects secrete quinones, but most that do so use the chemicals in small doses as hardening agents for the chitin in their exoskeletons. If you're familiar enough with cockroaches to have noted that their armor gets darker and harder as they grow, you've seen "quinone tanning" in action.

 

Eleodes aren't the only beetles who've adopted this defensive technology: most of the more than 40,000 species in the larger ground beetle family to which Pinacate beetles belong use chemical defenses. The practice reaches its fullest flower in two separate groups of bombardier beetles, which mix their quinone compounds with hydrogen peroxide in a sealed abdominal chamber. A chemical reaction between the two creates acrid caustic steam, which the beetle then blasts at its foes.

 

Bombardier beetles, incidentally, are favorites of Creationists, who claim that such a fine-tuned defensive system could not have evolved part-way. But hydrogen peroxide is a byproduct of cellular metabolism, and some beetles mix it with quinones without a pressure chamber when threatened, which causes an icky froth to exude from their orifices. The only evolutionary innovation separating bombardier beetles from the rest is a valve under voluntary control at the beetle's hind end.

 

The Pinacate beetle might not know it's a walking rebuttal to the creationists, but that's okay. Besides, evolution is a two-edged sword. A desert rodent called the grasshopper mouse has devised a fiendishly crafty way of circumventing the Pinacate beetle's defenses: the mice sneak up and grab the insect with both forepaws, stick it butt-first into the sand, and eat it from the head end. If that trick catches on, Eleodes is going to have to alter its evolutionary strategy somewhat.

Green Angels  

 

 

 

If you're driving in Mexico and encounter problems on the road, be it mechanical issues or any other type of troubles, the Green Angels are just a phone call away. They can assist you with car repairs, provide first aid, and offer you information about road conditions or tourist attractions. They are also a good resource for any traveler in Mexico if you need information about what to do in an emergency situation or if you have been the victim of a crime. The phone operators are bilingual and can point you to the best action to take or other resources that may be helpful to you.

 

What are the Green Angels?

 

The Ángeles Verdes (Green Angels) is a fleet of tourist assistance units with bilingual crew who are trained in mechanics and first aid. They patrol all federal and toll highways in Mexico and offer free assistance in the case of a breakdown, accident, or medical emergency.

 

They are knowledgeable about road conditions, and can provide tourist information as well. The Green Angels are funded by Mexico's Secretary of Tourism and they have over 300 vehicles that patrol an average of 60,000 km of Mexican highways every day and over 22 million kilometers each year, providing assistance to motorists.

 

How the Green Angels Can Help You?

 

The Green Angels offer the following services:

 

    Guidance and information about destinations, state and regional tourist attractions and services

    Mechanical assistance and emergency radio support

    Assistance in the case of accidents

    Assistance to the general public in the case of disasters

 

The Green Angels personel are trained in auto mechanics and they carry tools and spare parts so they can perform emergency or temporary repairs, such as changing tires, dealing with an overheated engine, or replacing a gas pump. If your vehicle can not be driven, they can help you arrange to have your car towed in order to make more extensive repairs.

 

They are also trained in CPR, and can administer first aid in the event of an accident or medical emergency.

 

How to contact the Green Angels:

 

You can contact the Green Angels by dialing 078 from any phone in Mexico. The operator will transfer your call to the dispatch service and they will communicate via radio with a unit in your area. If you don't have access to a phone, just pull over and put your car's hood up. When the Green Angels pass on their regular rounds, they will stop to offer you assistance. The 078 phone number is a 24-hour hot line that you can call for telephone assistance at any time. The Angeles Verdes service, however, runs from 8 am to 6 pm every day of the year.

 

Keep in mind that the Ángeles Verdes service is only offered on major highways and toll roads, so if you choose to travel on smaller roads (carreteras libres), you're on your own, though you can still contact the 078 hotline for information. The highway between Sonoyta and Puerto Penasco is patrolled by Green Angels. 

 

Paying for the Green Angels Service

 

Any service provided by the Green Angels is free of charge. You will need to pay for any parts, gas or oil they may use to get your car up and running, though. If you appreciate the assistance they give you, do offer a tip. They may or may not accept it, but it's a nice gesture to offer.