LAS HERMANAS

DE TRONCONES

Providing Opportunities for Women and Children

Through Education

October 19, 2024

¡Bienvenidas y Gracias!

Are you interested in joining Las Hermanas? We would love to have you! Dues are 2,000 pesos, or $125 USD. Click here to join.

Woud you like to renew your dues? Click here to do so. Thank you!

(Supporters are welcome to join wherever they reside, worldwide! Receive our newsletters, become a member, and join us!)

Thank you to Tad Webster and Steve Straughan of the Vernon Company for donating some Las Hermanas merchandise for us to offer in return for donations. See the article below for more details.

Thank you to our donors this month:

Ronda Katzer of Creston, Iowa

Sergio and Daphne Kapfer of Bethesda, MD

Thank you to those who donated jewelry this month:

Geri Sheriff, Greenfield Iowa.

Donate Now!

Why Donate Jewelry?

They say that jewelry brings sparkle to everyday life. Those who visit our Las Hermanas boutique (on the beach road) discover treasures from all over the world, and the sparkle brings light and life to the people of our villages.

When you donate your jewelry to Las Hermanas, you provide a fundraising lifeline. This was our very first fundraising effort, and it continues to be one of our best. We have pop-up jewelry events at our weekly luncheons, where members, restaurant staff, and patrons walk away with fun finds while providing donations.

Every piece of jewelry tells a story. Pack the pieces you no longer wear in the luggage for your return trip to Troncones. Let your jewelry tell a tale that continues long after you last wore it.

New Printer For the Troncones Telesecundaria

The teachers in our schools are heavily dependent on printers, as the education department provides minimal materials for the students. The sixth grade at the Troncones Telesecundaria (or middle school) had been using an old printer, and it finally wore out.

The principal explained the situation to our representative, Pedro Palacios, and asked if we could donate a printer, and thanks to the monetary donations our supporters have made, we were able to say yes. Our Board Member and Director of Education, Kim Kovel, coordinated the purchase, and presented the printer to the class. You can see the gratitude on these faces. We are making a difference for these sixth-grade students, and their teacher, thanks to your generosity!

Auction Prizes Needed

Our annual gala isn’t until March, but preparations are underway already. This is an opportunity for having fun with friends while supporting our mission, and it’s also a chance to bid on fabulous items and experiences offered during our auction. We need your help in coming up with auction items. Please get creative and bring some treasures with you when you return to Mexico for the season.

Do you have antiques? Handbags? Designer clothing? Do you have a portable art piece, such as a painting that will fit in a suitcase? How about articles of home decor? Extras that you think would be fun and interesting??

Do you create art, jewelry, eye-catching accessories, and want to promote your work? (The stunning sculpure on the right was donated las year by the artist, Victoria Ryan. ) Or do you have leftover samples taking up space in your stateside home?

All of these items would be perfect for the auction held during our March Gala, some of which will be offered online, and some available in-person only.

We are busy preparing for another fabulous evening, a chance to make new friends and walk away with a great find. But we can’t succeed without the imagination and generosity of our members. Thank you for your ongoing support!

October Student of the Month

Henry Jesús Rulfo López is a 12-year-old student who has been dedicated, responsible and bright since he was very young. In elementary school he was often the best in his class, winning first place from first to sixth grade. Henry is quite fortunate because his family is extremely supportive, and understands the value of education.

He lives in the community of Troncones, and each morning he gets up very early to travel to Zihuatanejo, where he attends high school. He knows the importance of punctuality!

He likes to analyze and observe, and is quite organized in his work and in everything he does. When Henry has a question, he knows he can ask his teachers for assistance. He is respectful and polite with everyone, and very much enjoys helping his classmates.

In addition to his studies in Zihuatanejo, he attends English class at the Las Hermanas Learning Center every Friday from 3-5 p.m.

Congratulations, Henry! We wish you continued success in the future.

Las Hermanas Merch

As you read above, generous supporters have donated some items with our logo. We will be offering these caps at the annual Kermes, scheduled for November 30 at the basketball courts. There will be a limited number of these available, so grab them when you see them!

There will also be a few branded tee shirts and tote bags available in the near future at the Las Hermanas boutique and/or our weekly luncheons. These items will be fun ways to show your support for the work of Las Hermanas!

Our Learning Programs Are Growing

The classes at our Learning Center and the Library continue to be successful, as more students sign up. The after-school programs, provided for students who need extra help in reading and math, serve over seventy students per week, with twenty hours of instruction provided by two certified teachers. These classes are essential, because it is difficult for students to master the basics in the short, four-hour school day.

English literacy classes serve over thirty students per week, who are learning English via listening, speaking, reading and writing. This class is taught by a certified teacher who excels in this field, and teaches six hours per week.

Our new writing and computer literacy course meets for two hours per week, with over twenty students attending. They are learning how to put their thoughts into words by using MS Office programs, skills that will serve them in high school and beyond.

The library, or biblioteca, is a hub for reading, study, research, and group projects. A certified teacher is there for twelve hours per week, ready to provide middle and high school students with any extra assistance they need. Over thirty students per week are taking advantage of these resources.

All of these programs require funding–for the teachers, learning materials, internet access, utilities, and monthly rent. You can imagine how these costs add up, and it is only because of your generosity that we can provide this support for our students. The community is so grateful that we are working with them in setting up their students for success!

Save The Dates

Plans are already in the works for next season, and we want you to be the first to know. Mark your calendars for these events:

Kermes: Saturday, November 30, 2024
Annual Members Luncheon: Wednesday, December 4, 2024, hosted by Ann Hatfield Merritt, Casa Colorida
Linda Purl Concert: Wednesday, January 15, 2025, hosted by Teri and Ken Lebow, Casa Vida
2025 Gala and Auction: Sunday, March 2, 2025, hosted by Nancy Winarick and Richie Seigler, Casa Congrejo y Toro