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Daniel wakes up and walks to school every day, he uses the same notebook for all the school work, because his family cannot afford to provide more.

 

For more information about the scholarship program contact Paulina or click HERE.

 

Click HERE to view a video created by the scholarship students at entreAmigos.

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P�ngase en contacto con Paulina or click AQUI.
 
Spanish translation done by Julie Ferrara. You can contact her for translation details.

This band started out back in June of 2009. Upon its inception, most members had little to no musical experience, but a five day a week practice schedule is providing an opportunity for growth and improvement. They receive instruction from Abraham Duran who travels from Tepic twice a week. On the remaining three days, they practice on their own for two hours under the supervision of their manager, Isabel Cienfuegos Polanco. To date, they have learned 35 songs including a few favorites like "La Pinada", "La Maria", and "El Mudo".

 

On October 4, 2009 Atrakadero performed for the first time at the San Pancho church and haven't looked back. They've performed in Tepic, La Cruz, Borllon and several other towns in the area with more events scheduled for the summer.

 

I had the opportunity to attend one of their practices and sit down with each player to find out what their dreams are not only as individuals, but for the band as well. The answer I got was unanimous - they all want to be recognized as great players in Mexico and be the best band in the area! They also share a genuine desire for the residents of San Pancho to trust in their abilities and dedication. Here is a quick list of what each member had to say:

 

Trumpets:
Luis: "I want to play the best that I can every day."
Yoel: "I want to be a person that everybody recognizes in Mexico."
Armando:  "I want to be recognized as the best trumpet player in Mexico."
Brian: not present

 

Clarinets:
Roberto: "I want all of Mexico to recognize me."
Moises: "I want to become a professional clarinet player and teach others how to play."
Hernan: "I want to own my own recording studio and be a part of the entire recording process. And of course be recognized as a great player in Mexico."
Ramon: "I've been playing for such a short time so I want to become a better player first and then start another band of my own in San Pancho."

 

Trombones:
Robert: "I want to eventually own a King trombone and I want other bands in the area to recognize our name and for us to be famous one day."
Victor Manuel: "I share the same dream as Robert!" He was very shy!

 

French Horns:
Victor: "I first want to learn to play better and then become famous. My future relies on this band to provide for my family. I also want to travel the area performing for people."
Sotero: "I want to become a leader of the band and to teach others how to play."

 

Tuba:
Otoniel: "I want to learn how to play my instrument better and become the best player in the band."

 

Tambora:
Victor: "I want to learn to how to play more instruments."

 

Drums:
Marten: "I want to become famous and make enough money to build my own house one day."

 

Singer:
El Pollo: not present

 

Of course, becoming famous has its costs. Each band member is responsible for buying their own instrument and to pay for their own lessons which includes the cost of the instructor. "They are in desperate need of new or used instruments and monetary help to continue to pay for their instructor. Any donations we receive will keep this band alive" states Isabel. "My goal is to keep these boys off the streets and away from drugs and other dangerous activities. I see how dedicated each one is to the band and I want all of them to succeed."

 

There is no doubt that each of these young men will accomplish their goals and dreams one day. And I look forward to watching them grow as a band and reach their much wanted fame in Mexico.

 

To donate to the band or to book a show please contact Isabel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In pre-Columbian times, chia seeds were a component of the Aztec and Mayan diets and the basic survival ration of Aztec warriors; they even played a role in religious ceremonies. Supposedly, 1 tablespoon of the seeds could sustain a person for 24 hours. The Aztecs also used chia medicinally to relieve joint pain and skin conditions. It was a major crop in central and southern Mexico well into the 16th century, but it was banned after the Spanish conquest because of its association with the Aztec "pagan" religion.
 
Unlike flaxseed, chia seeds can be stored for long periods without becoming rancid and don't require grinding (whole flaxseed is tough to digest). Chia provides fiber as well as other important nutrients, including calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, copper, niacin, and zinc. They also have among the highest antioxidant activity of any whole food--even more than fresh blueberries. And they do good stuff for the body, like keeping blood pressure and blood sugar under control.

 

The nutlike flavor of the seed makes it easy to enjoy in many foods.  You can sprinkle ground or whole chia seeds on cereal, yogurt, or salads; eat a handful of whole seeds as a snack; or grind them up and mix with flour when making muffins or other baked goods. Adding just 2 tablespoons of chia seeds to your daily diet will give you approximately 7 grams of fiber, 4 grams of protein, 205 milligrams of calcium, and a whopping 5 grams of omega-3.

 

You can also make "chia fresca," a popular drink in Mexico and Central America: stir 2 teaspoons of the seeds into 8 to 10 ounces of water (you'll end up with a slightly gelatinous liquid). Add lime or lemon juice and sugar to taste.

10 great foods to add chia to:
� Cereal
� Yogurt
� Salad
� Muffin, cookie, and pancake recipes
� Cottage cheese
� Soup
� Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
� Oatmeal
� Salsa and dips
� Smoothies

Give these little seeds a try. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

 

Chia seeds can be found at most grocery stores or mini supers that sell herbs, seeds, and spices.

 

 

This section is written by Marine Biologist Luis Morales, director and founder of the San Pancho Birding Club and more recently of his own family-owned company Birding San Pancho. Luis has a vast experience on leading nature tours both in land and aquatic (including underwater) habitats. During his last 3 years living in San Pancho Luis has become not only a frequent and avid observer of the local birds and nature but also an educational resource for our community and an environmental activist to help in preserving and restoring natural habitats.

 

Please feel free to contact Luis with your comments/questions. He will be glad to host a community forum on birds and nature and also in helping to preserve the natural resources that make San Pancho so very special.

 

Here`s the first Birds of San Pancho rock-star:

 

The Military Macaw is a member of the Psitascidae family, which includes all parrots, parakeets and macaws. Ara militaris mexicana are large in size 70-80cm or 27in. to 31in. from head to tail and weigh up to 1kg (2.2 pounds). Their predominant color is a light green with a red frontal patch, with a white bare facial area barred with narrow black lines. The flight feathers are blue and the red tail bordered with blue. The large strong beak is grey-black and the iris yellow. Truly a living rainbow!

 

Behavior: Military Macaws live in large flocks and can live about 50-60 years in the wild. They can often be heard long before they are seen. Macaws have strong family and community bonds; they are normally seen flying in pairs either within family flocks of 8-12 individuals or in larger community flocks of up to 60 individuals.

 

Food and feeding: The Military Macaw's diet consists of seeds, fruits, nuts, berries, and other vegetation found on treetops in their forests. Their beaks are well adapted for eating various seeds and nuts as they have the ability to break open the hardest of shells with relative ease. In the San Pancho area they normally feed on the seeds of the Habillo tree (Hura polyandra).

 

Breeding: Military Macaws are monogamous and remain with their mates for life. As they fly in large flocks the mates fly together. They will also be found flying in pairs in their feeding and roosting/nesting areas. Females will lay one to two eggs which only she will incubate for a period of approximately 26 days. Military Macaws will reach sexual maturity in two to four years.

 

Distribution and habitat: It inhabits humid lowland forest and adjacent cleared areas, wooded foothills and canyons. In Mexico, it is found in arid and semi-arid woodland, and pine-oak, humid lowland and riparian forest, moving seasonally to dense thorn-forest. It occurs from sea-level to 3,100 m. (10 thousand feet). Nests and large communal roosts are sited on cliff-faces or in large trees. The three subspecies of the Military Macaw are distinguished geographically. The Ara m. militaris are often found in areas of Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela. The Ara m. mexicana occupy areas in Mexico and the Ara m. boliviana live in Bolivia and Argentina.

 

Conservation status: The population and distribution of the Military Macaw has been decreasing over the past fifty years. The abundance of the Military Macaw has now decreased to less than 10,000 globally. This decrease is mostly due to deforestation and the capturing of wild birds for the pet trade industry. Military Macaws are now listed as Vulnerable on the 2010 IUCN Red List Category. In Mexico it is listed as In Danger of Extinction by the -059-SEMARNAT-2001which is the official norm on threatened species.

 

Interesting facts for San Pancho:
� Elders mention the guacamayas used to be seen flying in large flocks in what is now the San Pancho town. They retreated and became rare sightings as people started to catch them to sell as pets.
� During the last two years there have been 4 official1 reports of birds in the wild adding up 25 individual birds living in the jungles surrounding San Pancho.

 

 

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Sources:
www.wikipedia.com

 

Luis Morales is a Marine Biologist, Director and Founder of the San Pancho Birding Club, and Owner of Birding San Pancho. Luis has vast experience on leading nature tours both in land and aquatic habitats. He has lived in San Pancho for 3 years and has become not only a frequent and avid observer of the local birds and nature but also an educational resource for our community and an environmental activist to help in preserving and restoring natural habitats.

Contact Tamara with comments or suggestions.

lograr

 

English Translation: to achieve, to win; to fulfill; to get, to obtain, to attain, to manage (to do something)