October is here, Halloween is just around the corner, then Thanksgiving, then Christmas, then the year is over. You must know by now where I'm coming from, Again. Time just keeps flying by... I really do love October in Rocky Point. It may just be my favorite month of the year. The weather is cooler, but not too cool. The water is still very warm for swimming. Fishing is good and fresh shrimp start coming in from the boats. Sunsets are the absolute best. What's not to love? I drove by the other day and snapped a photo of the new road to the convention center. It is coming right along and word is that things should be up and running by the end of the year. Here's a pic as of a couple days ago. This is taken from the Cholla Bay end and you can see the convention center in the background. It was also Sunday, so no workers are in the photo. 
There were two very strong storms that hit Mexico last month causing lots of damage and loss of life. The people are in real need and the local Red Cross is accepting donations. Due to the distance, they are only accepting monetary donations at this time. If you happen to be in town, please stop by their office and do what you can to help. Aeromexico stepped in to fly donations of food, clothing, and other supplies from Penasco recently as well. Friend of Puerto Penasco, founder and long time editor of the Rocky Point Times Newspaper, Tom O'Hare, passed away in September. Tom will be truly missed. Here is a statement from the Rocky Point Times Facebook Page: " It is with a heavy heart that I post news about the passing of our Editor, Father, Husband and friend Thomas Nelson O'Hare III. He passed away yesterday. Not only is our family experiencing a tremendous loss, but Rocky Point has lost a great promoter and someone who truly loved living there. I am sorry we didn't contact many of you personally, but I hope you will all understand. I could write a thousand page eulogy about my Father but you all know what a great man he was. He was loved by us and by many whose lives he touched. Rest in peace Tom and party your ass off. We love you and will miss you dearly!"  We at Sonoran Sales Group are still staying busy. Tourism cooled off a little over the past couple weeks but we are booked up again as we enter October. I expect to have a very good Fall season and I look forward to this month's activities. Things just keep getting better and better here in Rocky Point at the Sonoran Resorts. Come on down and see for yourselves!
Please check out some of our condos for sale along the right column.
You can see all of our listings by going to our website:
IMPORTANT: if you have email service through Yahoo or Gmail, please scroll to the bottom of this email and click "View Entire Message" to see the entire newsletter. For some reason, those email providers tend to cut part of it off.
Sincerely,
Jim Ringquist
Broker/Director of Sales and Marketing Sonoran Resorts Spa - Sea - Sun - Sky 602-476-7511
Once again, I hope that you enjoy the newsletter and continue to recommend it to your friends. Our audience keeps growing and I really appreciate all your positive comments. Thanks for the help in spreading the word. Also, please feel free to give me thoughts, suggestions, or ideas for future newsletters. If you would like to see any of my previous newsletters, please click this LINK to go to the newsletter archive page on our website. |
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Goal to begin Puerto Peñasco Home Port in November
During a brief interview with Javier Tapia Camou following the Puerto Peñasco Mayoral Address earlier this week, the Coordinator of the State Commission for the Promotion of Tourism (COFETUR) made assurances that per State and Federal programming this coming November should see the laying of the first stone on what will become the Puerto Peñasco Home Port. This project will include an investment of nearly 600 million pesos and is expected to boost new tourism markets in the area.
"We have everything ready to begin; the environmental impact report has been presented and it is a sure thing the first stone will be placed this year. We are looking at November for this, which is close," underscored Tapia Camou.
The first phase of the Home Port project will include an investment of 195 million pesos, which have already been approved by the Federal Government for the construction project in the area of Sandy Beach. The project is expected to take at least two years.
Tapia Camou stated another of the projects expected to begin operations by the end of this year is the Puerto Peñasco Convention Center, investment in which tops 150 million pesos. Work on the final phase of the project is currently underway.
The Convention Center, also located in the area of Sandy Beach, will be able to accommodate groups of 2500 people and will be promoted to attract both business visitors and artistic events of international caliber.
Laying of first stone on Home Port to be promoted on international scale
Miguel Guevara Askar, City Coordinator of Tourism Promotion and Foreign Affairs, indicated in order to both enhance and place construction of the Puerto Peñasco Home Port on an international plane, there are plans to hold a celebratory event marking the laying of the project's first stone. This would include extending invitations to special guests such as Governors from along the US/Mexico border, as well as Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto.
"Time is upon us but we are going to hold a formidable and extraordinary event. We will put the funds together however we can in order to hold a grand event to promote inauguration [of the project]. We will seek to have benefits from expected future gains so that Puerto Peñasco achieves good results within the short-term, and not solely during construction. We are planning to invite governors from other border states, including New Mexico, Arizona, and California; we are really looking forward to this," emphasized Guevara.
The City Coordinator of Tourism Promotion and Foreign Affairs concluded Puerto Peñasco will become a city of "before" and "after" the Home Port.
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Raising The Dead - Dia de los Muertos November 1st and 2nd
The attitude towards death evidenced in the quintessentially Mexican holiday of Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) might be puzzling for some. It isn't difficult for foreigners to interpret dancing skeletons, candy skulls and general drunken revelry as disrespect for the dead and grief at human loss.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
For those accustomed to hushed voices, formal clothing, a solemn priest and an absence of children as fitting for the graveside, this festival flies in the face of propriety. Bright flowers, loud music, colorful decorations and seasonal sweets are characteristic of a popular cemetery in Mexico City on the first two days of November.
This tradition has been relished in the past as uniquely Mexican. Nobel laureate Octavio Paz said, "The Mexican . is familiar with death, jokes about it, caresses it, sleeps with it, celebrates it; it is one of his toys and his most steadfast love."
Profit-rich Tradition?
Some academics are critical of the historical roots of Día de Muertos and say that it is more about profit than respect for the dead. Certainly, in some parts of Mexico City, the holiday has become a full-fledged tourist attraction. Entrance fees to cemeteries have become the norm.
But the November 1 Noche de Muertos ritual goes on whether tourists come or not. On the remote island of Pacanda on a lake in Michocán, as well as Yunuen, one rarely finds a tourist.
Visitors to the far islands need to bring their own provisions, as no tacos are sold, much less tourist trinkets. Moreover, the vigil also takes place at an unexpected time-not the witching hour of midnight. At the cementary on Pacanda, visitors begin to trickle in between 1 and 2 a.m. with bundles of food, stacks of long white candles, and materials to construct elaborate altars.
In contrast to urban graveyards, no one laughs or drinks. While the graves are decorated, the atmosphere is industrious, and then settles into a reverie, as candles flicker and locals settle into their blankets for a long, cold night. It is not recognizably mournful, nor intensely meditative-more a sort of limbo enhanced by the aroma of copal incense, mixed with the smell of hot candle wax, fading damp flowers and weeds from the lake. It seems perfect for spirits of the departed to return to sit in a fond and melancholy communion with the living.
There is not just one Day of the Dead, but two - Day of the Little Dead, for children, on November 1, and Day of the Adult Dead, on November 2.
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If It Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It-Duplicate It! Opening Soon-The Hut!
That seems to be the internal mantra of Rocky Point's bar owner, Randy Gahan, who's been duplicating his successful system of building and operating bars and restaurants here since 2009. As the Wrecked Group readies their fifth project, expected to open the first weekend of October, we reflect back on the amazing successes of their first four.
The Group's first [ad] venture was to perform a radical re-do of the old Señor Shrimp location in the Malecon and turn it into one of the hottest hangouts in the area. They even took the one small space where a restroom could be installed, made it into a co-ed facility with a sign on the door saying "Both" and it, too, became the in place to "go". Of course, we're talking about the Boo Bar, which was sold to friends, Scott and José a few years ago.
Shortly thereafter, the old spring break party spot on Sandy Beach known as the Reef became available. At that time, it was little more than a stark deteriorating concrete man cave that made the Wrecked Group salivate with visions of a hot beach bar hang out. With a clear and creative objective they jumped all over the opportunity with some "no holds barred" decorating and furnishing which transformed it into a mesmerizing Pirate's theme with an excellent in house rock band and great food that has controlled the weekend beach crowd ever since.
The Wrecked Group has opened two other Wrecked-themed locations downtown since, but sold them both in order to stay on top of the continually growing original Wrecked at the Reef as it started attracting bigger crowds and well known bands such as Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers. In fact, Roger and the Peacemakers will perform at JJ's Cantina in Cholla Bay on Friday night October 4th and at Wrecked at the Reef on Saturday October 5th (limited seating tickets are available through the Peacemakers web site at www.circusmexicus.net.
We were surprised to learn how little prior restaurant experience existed among this group. Success in this business usually comes with a degree from the College Hard Knocks but, as in the case of Randy Gahan, he brought his business organizational skills to the group that were developed through more than 25 years as the owner and operator of tire and auto repair stores. Bookkeeping and customer relations acumen are essential in both of these fickle businesses.
With all the successes in the bar business here, the Group confirmed suspicions that customer relations in the restaurant and bar business would be a much more positive experience because clients enter with a cheerful attitude as opposed to arriving with a broken vehicle expecting, and often getting, worse news to darken their mood even more.
"In the restaurant business, all we have to do is give our guests good service and value to maintain the high spirit they entered with," Randy philosophized, "plus we get to make new friends, many long term, every night of the week." The Wrecked Group also enjoys being a part of the community capable of helping those with needs through their annual Blanket Drive and other donations and support provided for worthy causes.
Project #5: The Hut
When the popular Chango's Bar and Grill located at the entrance to the Sonoran Spa and Sonoran Sea Resorts became available recently, the Wrecked Group just could not resist the opportunity to add their creativity to a venue with which they were so familiar, especially considering the future fate of Wrecked at the Reef when the new home port construction begins.
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UTPP signs agreement with Sonoran Resorts
UTPP Press Release
To strengthen University-Business relationships, the Technological University of Puerto Peñasco has signed a collaborative agreement with Sonoran Resorts.
Engineer Fernando Anaya Millán, General Director of Sonoran Resorts, took part in the event along with University President Rafael Mendívil Millán.
"We appreciate the interest of working closing with our students," expressed the UTPP President, "Thank you for this opening, with such actions we can strengthen the University-Business relationship."
Engineer Anaya stressed, "Thank you for taking Sonoran Resorts into account for the signing of this agreement. In fact there is already a project to be developed between UTPP and Sonoran Resorts, which entails a studio at the company that will deal with the implementation of software that will allow us to provide better service to our clients. This project represents just a small example of the exchanges there may be between the company and the university."
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Club Pelícanos de Peñasco 5th Annual Bicycle Race October 6th, 2013-Open to all!
For the fifth consecutive year the Pelicans of Puerto Peñasco will celebrate the club's anniversary along with 80 to 100 of their fellow cyclists and gather at the Barclin Circle K Pemex Station (that's the last one on the road to Sonoyta) for an 8:00 AM departure. Trophies will be awarded in three categories:
Women's: whose race route will cover 40 kilometers (24 miles)
Men's Open (up to age 45): race route will cover 60 km (36 miles)
Veterans (politically correct for those guys over 45): they will also cover 60 km (36 miles)
This sounds like a lot of fun! If you'll be down on the weekend of October 4, 5 and 6, maybe for the Roger Clyne performances on Friday and Saturday, or JJ's One Club Open Saturday morning, why not bring your road bike and meet some new friends on Sunday?
Really cool Pelican Trophies will be given for 1st through 3rd place in each category and medals will be awarded for 4th through 13th place in each category.
The race leaves and returns to the Barclin Circle K and uses the Coastal Highway route (map). The award ceremony will take place there as well as some other fun activities. You can count on the race lasting from 1 ½ to 3 hours.
Entry Fee is only $10.00 U.S. or $100 pesos and the first 70 registrants get a T-shirt.
Early registration is on Saturday from 4-6 pm at Plaza de las Madres in front of the Baseball Stadium. Just look for the Tequila Peñasco Banner and the Banner that promotes the race in Spanish "5th Carrera Ciclista"
Sunday registration will open at 7:00 AM. Everyone is asked to please register on Saturday if at all possible so the race is not held up by late registrants. Thank you.
The club has arranged full support from the local police, Red Cross ambulances, Fire Department personnel and equipment and water stations along the route.
The local club is expecting 100 or more cyclists coming from as far away as Hermosillo, Caborca, and Nogales, Chihuahua, Rosarito, Mexicali and other cities. They had over 80 last year and have grown every year.
Charlie Muratore of the race committee is an executive with the company that owns Tequila Peñasco, a major sponsor of the race. Charlie is a founding member of Club Peñasco and has been riding seriously since the early 90's.
The other sponsors include: Erick Burgers (on Calle 13); EcoFun Boat Tours; Coca Cola; Mar y Sol Hotel; Easy Walls (Drywall); Vigamex Construction Supplies; and Vitality Spa who will be on hand to give riders 10 minute shoulder and neck massages for $100 pesos. You'll see the sponsor's logos on the posters to help you recognize them in town. Many are avid cyclists as well.
For more information or to pre-register, call Charlie on his U.S. phone number: 520-907-4348. If you're in Mexico his cell phone number is 638-380-5028.
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La Esperanza para Nueva Vida (Hope for New Life) Community Center Launches Toy Drive
Barb and Mark Olszewski are launching the annual La Esperanza para Nueva Vida (Hope for New Life) Community Center drive to collect Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers that are distributed among the 500 or more neighborhood kids during the all afternoon celebration held at the center in December. This year they also plan to include the kids of the Rolling Rockies Wheelchair Basketball team along with selected families they've been helping with food and clothing for many years.
As she does throughout the year, Barb starts buying from clearance sales beginning in January. Gifts for kids are at the top of her long list of things that will contribute to the learning, health or strength and structure of the family unit in this community that she and Mark have loved and assisted for nearly two decades. She's always gearing up to take advantage of the clearance and sales seasons where creative kids stuff can be purchased at the biggest discounts. Pre-holiday sales make up one of the reasons she starts the Christmas drive in October. "There are many sales in retailers' ads around this time where you can "get more for less," Barb says, illustrating the commitment behind the most popular saying among her large group of kind-hearted friends and donors in the U.S. and our little slice of paradise by the sea, "it's all about the kids!"
During this time of year, Mark doubles his dose of good will splitting time with his mission as mentor to the Rolling Rockies Wheelchair basketball team and adds the aka of Santa Claus showing up at the parties of various schools they assist through their Adopt-a-Classroom charity, other homes and centers. Mark's up for about anything where he can bring a smile to the faces of kids. It has not yet been disclosed whether (aka) Santa Claus will be featured at this year's Esperanza para La Vida Nueva event. Mark (Santa) has been known to surprise kids by the bunch, even entire neighborhoods both in appearances and mode of transportation. In the past, Santa has been seen amazing kids as he tooled through neighborhoods, making grand entrances on his custom mini-version of a Harley Davidson-before he gifted it to the kids of one of the neighborhood families.
In case you need a couple of ideas to get your own creative juices flowing on what you might look for that will make these kids the happiest (keeping in mind they are going to love and appreciate every present they receive) here are a few from Barb's extensive experience:
Based on past attendance, there will be over 500 kids at the La Esperanza para Nueva Vida Community Center party. But, Barb says, don't worry because they will give out every toy donated. What they do with any extra toys is open the gates to the kids off the street who usually gather later in the day to see if they can get in for a hot dog (not because it's free, but because they are hungry) or a toy (not because it's free, but because they probably don't have one.).
There's no need to gift wrap because they let the kids choose their presents. Although, wrapping paper, ribbon, labels and tape are appreciated and used for gifts to deserving families invited from outside the surrounding neighborhood.
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AJSonora; First Class Magazine and Charitable Children's Foundation Bring Their Good Will to Puerto Peñasco
Having operated successfully in Caborca since 2011, contributing their expertise to a variety of social and business needs in that community, AJSonora Publishing and Publicity Solutions has opened in Puerto Peñasco with a flair for which Caborca has become accustomed.
Among many events planned by this forward thinking young organization, is one taking place tonight (Thursday September 12) at Ramon's Restaurant in the Sonoran Sea in the form of a true Mexican Grand Soirée to raise funds that will go to assist four charitable causes here in Rocky Point: La Casa Hogar Esperanza Para Los Niños; Lion's Club of Puerto Peñasco; Children's Foundation; and the AJSonora Foundation for Children.
Billed as the "Gran Velada Mexicana" featuring the popular mariachi troubadour, Mauricio Ruiz as the featured entertainment along with a live mariachi ensemble, the event will include "Bocadillos", and a cash bar from 8:00PM until Midnight, all for a $200 peso donation. Sounds like all will benefit from this event, especially the children. Again, the benefit will take place in Ramon's Sonoran Sea Restaurant.
You can purchase tickets at the restaurant or reserve them by calling the AJSonora office at 690-1246. You may also inquire at aescalante@ajsonora.com for more information. Learn more about our new neighbors at www.ajsonora.com.
Come out to help the kids and get to know some folks who care about the health and welfare of the children in our community.
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Rocky Point's Shrimp Season is Here
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Camaron (Interesting Old Shrimping Documentary)
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"Shrimp Boats are a comin', their sails are in sight,
Shrimp Boats are a comin', there's dancing tonight."
So goes the song, which perfectly fits Puerto Peñasco, a very important port for production of shrimp, beautiful beaches and tourism. The shrimp season-the period of time the boats are permitted to "harvest" shrimp-is set by law from September through March, a period of seven months. There are between 108 and 118 shrimp boats in Puerto of various size-but most are approximately 185 feet in length. Each is powered by a large diesel engine with a second smaller engine for electricity. A normal crew consists of the captain, a mechanic, a cook and three workers. At times, there may be an additional two or three young men on board as apprentices, called "turkeys".
The boats go out on the high seas for between 30 to 40 days at a time and go out great distances from shore, to the Bay of Kino, Guaymas, Mazatlan, and other locations. The captain has his own quarters, and below the wheel house is a room with bunk beds, a small dining area, a kitchen with refrigerator, and a restroom. On the rear deck are the hoists for the nets, a tank to rapidly freeze the shrimp, an opening down to the large freezer and a room for ice. The shrimp nets are hoisted up and the shrimp dumped on the deck, where they are washed clean of sand and acidity. They are "de-headed" by simply twisting off the heads, and then placed in the freeze tank. The tank has a solution of salt and water with freeze coils. Within approximately 15 minutes, the shrimp are frozen, and this process also keeps them from sticking together. Once frozen, they are placed in large bags and taken to the freezer below deck.
The first month of the season is best for quantity of catch, and a boat can return with as much as 25,000 pounds of shrimp. Each month, the amount of the catch decreases until during the last month of March, when the crew may only catch 1,000 to 1,500 pounds. It is during the last months that some of the boats go out only at night, and only for about 50 miles. They may not dock for 15-30 days, as they return each morning and anchor off the Malecon ( The Point ) coast of Puerto, and can be seen with their nets extended to be dried and repaired. There is a strip along the Malecon shore line that has several places where shrimp and fish are sold. You do not see frozen shrimp here, so you may assume they all are fresh-but the only time the shrimp are actually fresh-that is, they have not been frozen-is when you can see the boats anchored off the shore. Because they return each morning, they can keep some of the catch on ice, and small boats go out to buy the fresh catch to sell in these market places. There is no guarantee that the shrimp you buy are fresh, but this is the only time it is even possible. All those we spoke to in the business insist that there is no difference in quality or flavor between fresh or prior-frozen shrimp. For the jumbo shrimp, it only takes 10 to 12 of them to make one pound, with the smaller the size, the more per pound. When the shrimp season ends, the boats continue to go out for fish.
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World's appetite for table grapes turns bunches of land in Sonora into vineyards
Those grapes you just bought at Safeway, Fry's, Bashas' or Albertsons probably haven't taken the 5,250-mile trip from Chile. It's quite possible, this time of year, they were on a vine a day or two ago near here, just a three hour drive south from Tucson.
"This was the first time we had done anything like this," said Puig, "and it was absolutely rewarding to me. There wasn't a detail in two-pound clams that we didn't cover." The era of the Sonora table grape is at hand and it's a good bet those Thompson Seedless, Flames, Perlettes, sugarones, red globes or black seedless you're chomping are from the Caborca or Hermosillo areas.
An industry that did not exist 30 years ago now commands respect worldwide. This year, some 16.3 million, 19-pound boxes are being harvested with most coming through the U.S. Port of Entry at Nogales. The season started the first week of May and lasts about nine weeks.
Sonora accounts for 90 percent of Mexico's table grape production. The state exports almost all of its production, dispatching several dozen brands to more than 30 countries. Some 10,000 acres are under cultivation today. That number is only one-fourth the total land under grape cultivation in the United States and a fraction of the 190,000 acres harvested by Chile, the world leader. But it is still astonishing for a region that had no presence until the beginning of the 1980s.
This year's anticipated harvest represents an increase of 13 percent over last year. Perlettes were the first variety to appear on the market. Flames, sugarones, red globes, black seedless and other lesser-sought and experimental varieties have followed. As the world's appetite for grapes switches to seedless, so do the growing patterns of Sonora's 100 or so producers.
Grape production continues to be labor-intensive, but by no means low-tech: Agribusiness consultants from all over the world are in Sonora to work on increasing production, minimizing water use, creating new varieties and opening new markets. Though the lifespan of a vine may exceed 30 years, the typical vine in Sonora is pulled out in less than 15 years because of changes in the industry.
The grapes come from Sonora, but the labor in harvesting them does not. The Sonora ventures are controlled by many of the same families who, from the 1950s to the 1970s, produced grains for Mexico's domestic markets. But it is the work of swarms of laborers from Mexico's poorer states - as many as 10,000 by estimates - who are actually doing the work. In teams, they measure, cut, pare and place grapes into what are called "clam shells," attractive and resilient plastic two-pound packages. It is those packages that wind up in corner groceries and warehouse supermarkets in the U.S.
Thanks to training that includes on-site workshops in the vineyards, these workers make few errors when it comes to preparing and dispatching. As much as 8 percent of the U.S.-bound harvest did not meet U.S. Department of Agriculture standards a decade ago. Today, that figure is less than 2 percent. (See related story.) Even when grapes are rejected, it is generally for appearance, not safety. Some of the rejected loads are returned to Mexico for sale in the domestic market.
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Rock Your Favorite Dancing Shoes for Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers October 4th and 5th!
Friday and Saturday October 4th and 5th will mark the the third time this year, Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers are gonna bless our little slice of paradise by the sea with their signature rock stylings that never fail to energize everyone within earshot.
Friday Night October 4th
The music begins at JJ's Cantina on Friday night at 9:00PM with Roger, P.H. Naffah and Jim Dalton under the stars presented by Mexican Moonshine Tequilas.
Tickets are on sale now at www.circusmexicus.net in limited numbers at $20.00 each. Seating will be on a first come first serve basis, so plan to arrive early.
Saturday Night October 5th
There will be two shows Saturday night at Wrecked at the Reef Patio Stage beginning at 8:00PM, presented by Mexican Moonshine Tequilas.
Again, seating and tables will be available on a first come first served basis at Wrecked, so plan accordingly. A limited number of Tickets are on sale now at www.circusmexicus.net for $30.00 each.
RCPM will play two full sets with the first set to be an unplugged performance of rare tracks dating from the Refreshments' repertoire all the way through present day RCPM faves.
The second set will be a fully plugged, full throttle rock show as only RCPM can deliver!
As a special note, all kids under 12 are free with paying adult. Unfortunately, according to local law, the kids must vacate each venue at the completion of the shows.
All tickets are sold through www.circusmexicus.net and will be available for pick up with proper ID at WILL CALL beginning Friday afternoon of the show.
Stay in touch through the circusmexicus website as well as the other RCPM social media sites on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates. Or you can call Greg Ross at 602-818-6494.
Discounted condos are available for rent at the Sonoran Spa and Sonoran Sea Beach Front Resorts at www.rprmexico.com by entering code rcc1024.
What better way to start the fall season in Puerto Peñasco than with the high energy beats of Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers! Get on line and get your tickets NOW!
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13th Annual Rocky Point Rally Coming to Puerto Penasco Soon
The 13th Annual Rocky Point Rally® is coming November 7th - 10th, 2013!
In 2012, nearly 4800 bikes came down to Puerto Peñasco for fun, hanging with friends, and making new friendships.
For thirteen years, the Rocky Point Rally® has been a gathering spot for bikers from the U.S. and Mexico who come down to take in the spectacular sunsets, camaraderie, great weather (well, except 2011 when it rained like never before - and was still great!), and activities including the parade, music and fun on the malecón, events, and beach concerts at area hotels and condo complexes.
The Rally has also made contributions to various charity organizations over the years, made possible through a small registration fee.
Everyone who comes for the Rally enjoys the atmosphere at local bars and restaurants and Puerto Peñasco has been recognized as a destination that is exceptionally "biker friendly."
We invite you to come down for the 13th Annual Rocky Point Rally®, Nov. 7 - 10, 2013!
Charity organizations that receive donations from the annual event include: the local Red Cross, Puerto Peñasco Fire Department, Home for the Elderly, La Montaña school for children with special needs, the George Papanicoulau cancer prevention group, and the Offices on Integral Family Development (DIF) in both Sonoyta and Puerto Peñasco.
Thank you for your contributions!
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Mike & Eilene Bibb Bear Crosses for Casa Hogar; Top Off Sister María's September
Sister María Del Buen Consejo, Mother Superior of Casa Hogar home for the elderly, had an exciting month in September! She celebrated her birthday on the 16th, and the month was topped off with the installation of two new crosses and a statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe, an event that moved her deeply and it showed.
The crosses are not just any crosses. They were handmade by Mike Bibb, who, with his wife Eilene, has installed 16 of his works in and around Puerto Peñasco so far. During every trip Mike finds a new location for his art, takes exact measurements, and then returns to his home in Safford, Arizona to begin the detailed design and building of these gems of craftsmanship.
Woodworking was Mike's hobby throughout his career with UPS, so when he retired he began channeling his woodworking expertise toward creating and donating crosses to churches of all sizes who are in need. Mike creates his crosses with such great detail the finished piece is a veritable work of art, which he gladly and generously hangs for posterity on the walls of any religion-based organization that requests one. Rocky Point benefits the most as the Bibbs' favorite destination.
When the Bibbs roll into town from Safford, you can count on two things: a lot of laughter from Mike's satirical adlibs, and that one or more of our institutions will be blessed with one or more of Mike's stunning custom made crosses. It's always a special occasion for everyone in attendance, and a much anticipated event for the recipients, as in the case of Sister María.
Sister María was so excited and grateful back in July when she learned that her long held desire to have a cross mounted on the front entrance archway and in the dining room was going to become a reality as Mike looked around the facility asking exactly where she would like the cross to be hung.
When he and Eilene returned in September with the finished works of art, they brought their longtime travel friends Norm and Shirley Moffitt who have helped them hang crosses in Puerto Peñasco on previous occasions. This trip, however, Mike and Eilene also brought a special surprise gift for the good Sister and Casa Hogar.
After installing the beautifully precision welded and coated metal cross on the archway outside, the large group of onlookers, made up of the staff and volunteers, the patron sponsor of Casa Hogar, Rubén Rodriguez; Kory Bonini, the indispensable catalyst for this and other installations by the Bibbs; Father Jorge Lopez from the new Iglesia de San Francisco next door, and almost all of the 23 residents moved into the dining room to continue watching Mike and Norm attach the cross to the wall inside.
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Mark and Barb Olszewski Recognized for Years of Charity Work
Their charitable work is appreciated by a list of organizations and individuals as long as Sandy Beach (O.K., depending on the font size you use to make up that list); and now it has been officially recognized as Mark and Barb Olszewski received a most deserved award from The Uncommon Women on Common Ground Group on Tuesday September 10, 2013.
Back in May of 2012, we featured these good people in our blog and developed an admiration for the purity of their intent to help; to just help; whoever and whatever cause that is in general need at the time; and our admiration-and friendship-has grown exponentially ever since.
Just in case you may not be familiar with this couple (sorry, there aren't adequate adjectives to properly describe the simplicity of their "good neighbor next door" honesty and friendliness); they are a "perfect match" in love for 26 years, married for 22 of them and have lived in Rocky Point for 17 of those.
It won't take you long to know that they live from the heart, and put their hearts into everything they live for. Nor do you have to look far to discover there is no ulterior motive or long term goal to be anything more than helpful-no rules, no discriminating restrictions and no boundaries other than to do everything they can to help.
After spending some time with this pair you will notice something missing: negativity. It's made even more obvious by the abundance of enthusiasm with which they approach everything they do, indeed, even their philosophy on life and their faith in humanity.
"Why are we here on God's earth if not to help our fellow man in need." says Mark, who grew up 100 miles south of Chicago in the small town of La Salle-Peru. "My Dad taught me to look at others' needs before my own; to help them until they can help themselves. Then they will know how to help others when they can."
Barb is from the same philosophical mold, raised in a part of Missouri so rural the family mail box was seven miles from home! "We always helped others," Barb confides, "living that far from nowhere, it was second nature!"
As humble as they are, their years of continuous service to our little slice of paradise by the sea did not escape the appreciation of the local club known as Uncommon Women on Common Ground, themselves active in a number of charitable endeavors. At their monthly meeting of Tuesday, September 10, 2013, held at the Mexico Beach Bum restaurant in the Malecon, the group documented their gratitude by honoring Mark and Barb with a bundle of gifts, cards and other symbols of thanks, topped off with a framed "Certificate of Recognition and Appreciation" beautifully expressing,
"For their profound and abiding altruism through myriad and unique contributions to the Puerto Peñasco community, particularly the Adopt-A-Classroom program, La Esperanza para Nueva Vida, A.C., and Los Rolling Rockies Wheelchair Basketball Team."
It's obvious the club couldn't find a frame as large as Sandy Beach to list all the other charities Mark and Barb have helped, and continue to help. They also knew it would not affect this unassuming couple.
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Faithful Feathered Friends are Enroute to Our Little Slice of Paradise by the Sea of Cortez!
Of course we have plenty of beautiful bird species that love it here in Puerto Peñasco and spend the year around, so, interspersed with some hot news about the exciting events coming up in Rocky Point during the next 60 days and longer, we'll be sneaking in a few articles about one of the most unique aspects of wildlife we enjoy on a daily basis here on the edge of the Sea of Cortez; that being our population of sea birds.
Today's blog is a seemingly random collection of oddball and/or little known facts of interest about more than just the shore birds who hang out at our hang out. But there's really just a little method to the madness within these tidbits because so many of them illustrate the crossover instinctive, even learning abilities of our winged neighbors. Nature has helped develop necessary skills, physical specialties and truly amazing attributes among these mostly ancient creatures that allow them to survive among the fittest.
Some of the "amazing" facts may not seem to have a lot to do with the above introduction, but were too interesting to leave out, so enjoy!
By the way, upcoming blogs will more specifically cover such interesting characters as the American Oystercatcher, all the great variety of Terns who seem to love it here in Puerto Peñasco, and other interesting and intelligent avians who readily pass their knowledge of the use of tools to survive on to the rest of their maturing species.
Here we go: A bunch of facts you may not know about our feathered friends!
- There are more chickens in the world than humans. Over 4000 million of them! (I'll have all drumsticks, please!)
- Not exactly on the above topic-and certainly not dinner conversation-but vultures have a great value to the world. They eat rotting, putrefying carcasses and stop the spread of disease, but never get ill themselves. That is partly because they have a bald head which prevents bacteria from setting up house as they have to reach into and pull out the meat since they have weak claws and legs preventing them from attacking or lifting their prey.
- The countries of Albania, Egypt, Mexico, Moldova, Virgin Islands, Zambia, and The USA all have a form of Eagle as their national bird.
- England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales do not have a national bird.
- Why is it traditional to eat turkey on Thanksgiving Day in the USA? In 1621 the Pilgrim Fathers put on a big feast that included roasted wild turkey, to give thanks for their successful harvest, and invited all the Native American Indians who had helped them to set up the colonies, to join them. In view of this, in 1863 President Abraham Lincoln decided that every fourth Thursday in November was to be a national holiday to keep up the tradition of thanksgiving, with roast turkey on the menu. No wonder, then, that Benjamin Franklin fought so hard to make the Turkey our national bird!
- The fastest animal in the world is the Peregrine Falcon which can reach speeds in excess of 100 mph when swooping for prey.
- The slowest bird in the world is the American woodcock flying at speeds of 5 mph (8 kmh) without sinking.
- A flock of crows is called a 'murder'. Does that mean that three crows sitting on a fence is an "attempted murder?"
- Ever had the delicacy "Birds Nest Soup?" Think about this: Some swifts build nests that are made almost entirely from the bird's saliva, on the rocky surfaces inside caves. These nests are then harvested by man because they are the main ingredient in the delicacy bird's nest soup.
- The reason you don't see a lot of sea birds wearing sunglasses is because the eyes of sea birds, such as gulls, contain special droplets of red oil in the retinas, which act as a sun filter to help with the glare from the sea and sand, rather like built-in sunglasses.
- A true heroine in the historic bird society was Florence Bailey (1863-1948), after whom the Bailey's chickadee is named. She was the first woman to become a member of the American Ornithologist's Union in 1929. An activist strongly opposed to the use of bird feathers in women's fashions, a lobby which saved literally hundreds of thousands of our most beautiful full-feathered birds, and encouraged the use of binoculars rather than guns to be aimed at birds.
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In honor of the upcoming Dia de los Muertos, here is a recipe for a popular bread commonly made for the special occasion. This bread is slightly sweet and traditionally placed/served on the altars of loved ones during "Day of the Dead" festivities. The dough is formed into bone-like shapes to decorate the top of the loaf before baking it.
Prep Time: 3 hours
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours, 40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 1/4 cup water
- 6 cups flour
- 2 packets dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 teaspoons whole anise seed
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 4 large eggs
- Glaze (see below)
Preparation:
Bring all ingredients to room temperature (except for the water which should be very warm) before beginning.
In a large bowl, mix together butter, sugar, anise, salt and 1/2 cup of the flour. In a separate bowl combine the eggs and the water. Add the egg/water mixture to the first mixture and add in another 1/2 cup of the flour. Add in the yeast and another 1/2 cup of flour. Continue to add the flour 1 cup at a time until a dough forms.
Knead on a floured surface for about 1 minute. Cover with a slightly damp dishcloth and let rise in a warm area for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Bring out dough and punch it down. Remove about 1/4 of it and use it to make bone shapes to drape across the loaf (see below.) Or divide the dough into smaller pieces to create other bone shapes. Let the shaped dough rise for 1 more hour.
Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes for smaller loaves and up to 45 minutes for larger loaves.
GLAZES (After glaze is applied you may decorate with additional colored sugar.)
- Bring to a boil- 3/4 cup sugar and 1/2 cup fresh orange juice. Brush on bread and then sift some additional sugar over the top.
- Mix 3 tablespoons orange juice concentrate and 1/3 cup sugar with 2 egg whites. Brush on bread during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Bring to a boil- 1/4 cup piloncillo, 1/4 cup sugar, 2/3 cup cranberry juice and 2 tablespoons orange zest. Brush on bread after bread has cooled.
BONES The most common bone decorations are very simple. Sometimes it's just a matter of forming ball shapes and pressing them into the loaf in a line. You could also take a piece of dough, roll it into a long cylinder and place a ball at each end. You can get much more detailed if you like, but even a slightly "knobby" looking loaf will get the idea across.
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A Lesson in Mexican Gestures
 OK, so you are learning some Spanish and now you're ready to visit Rocky Point to give it a first hand try. Remember that in Spanish, the hands are used frequently both to assist in a conversation or as an independent part of one. Some gestures are subtle and others, not so much, but it doesn't hurt to have a bit of a roadmap in understanding some of what you see.
Here are a few gestures you might come across (or use) in Mexico:
* No Means No!
The pointer finger is pointed towards the sky and waggled back and
forth. This means that you are NOT interested in whatever is offered
- Hurry Up!
This gesture, shown by rubbing the forefinger and thumb together, does not mean money in Mexico, it means you need to get moving! - Expensive
Holding the thumb and forefinger up with the fingers of the hand towards the viewer indicates that something is expensive. You'll see husbands making this gesture to their wives in the markets or other shopping venues. - Cheapskate
If you are haggling with someone and you notice someone else nearby tapping their bent elbow consider yourself insulted. Tapping on the elbow means "stingy" or "cheap" in Mexico. - Cunning
You should watch out for someone who is "colmilludo", which loosely translates to cunning or crafty. This is indicated by tapping one's eyeteeth which are called "colmillos" in Spanish. This gesture refers to someone that is always looking out for himself. It is used both positively and negatively it just depends on the context -- but I get the feeling that this is rarely used as a compliment. - A**hole
Here's one gesture you will want to be careful with since it resembles the Western "OK" sign. It is formed by touching the thumb and forefinger together creating a very small circle. This is extremely rude and never used to someone's face. - OK
As mentioned above the "OK" sign is the same here as at home. Just make sure that circle you make isn't too small! - Lazy
The gesture for lazy is a cupped palm facing upwards, like you are holding something heavy. One or both hands can be used in this gesture. This is highly inappropriate because it refers to lifting "huevos" (which is Mexican slang for testicles). Basically the meaning behind this gesture is that the owner's "huevos" are so big and heavy that he can't get up!
That should be enough information to get you in trouble for now. I'll work on some more for next month. Until then, enjoy your October!
Saludos, Jim Ringquist
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This condo must be seen to be believed. Panoramic views down the beach in both directions. It has never been a rental and looks brand new. The owners are anxious to sell and are offering great terms and even One Year with No Payments. Call our office for more details. This one could be your dream come true.
602-476-7511
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Sonoran Spa W109
2BR Ground Floor
$255,000
Link to Listing
Super low down payment
on this beautiful two
bedroom ground floor condo
at the Sonoran Spa Resort. Just $36,000 down and
you can assume a fully amortized loan at 5.9%.
That deal is hard to beat.
Fully furnished and ready
to go. Great rental
income potential.
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Best priced 1 bedroom at the Sonoran Sky! This is a very nice condo with fantastic views. It shows very well and has been a great rental. You can't go wrong with this condo whether for your personal use or as a money making investment through rentals. Call or stop by one of our sales offices for more information. This one will sell soon.
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Great condo. Great Price. Great Terms. No Payments for One Full Year! This one is a great deal just waiting for you to take advantage. Terms are negotiable and it is a great rental. Nicely decorated and turn key ready for you.
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Sonoran Spa E209
2BR East Building
$179,000
Link to Listing
 Prices like these are almost a thing of the past! Buy this one before it's gone. It is a great price on a turnkey 2 Bedroom. Fabulous views and priced to sell at only $179,000!
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Sonoran Spa N601
1 BR End Unit
$124,900
Link to Listing
Back On the Market! GREAT price on this one end unit bedroom at the Sonoran Spa. This one won't last long so come and take a look. This unit is nicely furnished and ready to move in.
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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This beautiful condo is priced right and has the best financing opportunity available in the entire resort. Just 20% down and 5.9% fully amortized for 20 years! The true beachfront location, great price, and financing, make this one a surefire winner. Come and take a look today. Sold unfurnished.
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Sonoran Spa E203
2 BR East Building
$189,900
Link to Listing
PENDING SALE
Great views from this oceanfront 2 bedroom at the Spa. Nicely furnished. Ready to move in and priced to sell.
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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 Step right off your patio and onto the lush grounds of the Sonoran Sea Resort. Directly ocean front and steps from the beach. This condo will make a great rental or keep it all for yourselves. Either way, you can't go wrong with the fully amortized 20 year financing available. Condos like these don't come along very often Come check it out for yourself. You'll be glad that you did.
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Sonoran Spa W301
3 Bedroom End Unit
$335,000
Great price on this immaculate end unit 3 bedroom at the Spa. This is a very nicely decorated, move-in ready condo that needs nothing. Come and take a look before the prices go up. Stunning Ocean and Old Port Views.
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Sonoran Sea W903
2 BR Model Perfect
$269,000
This unit is very nicely furnished and has some of the best views in town. Enjoy the tremendous views of Old Port and the Sea of Cortez from your large private terrace. This condo is totally turn key and the only thing missing is you...
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Sonoran Spa W609
2BR Premium Patio
$349,000
Link to Listing
 Beautiful two bedroom condo with huge extended patio for entertaining. Owner will carry with 40% down. Great Views!
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Sonoran Sun W207
2 Bedroom West Building
$249,900
Link to Listing
 Great Terms on this beautiful 2 bedroom West building condo at the Sonoran Sun. Just 20% down gets you in and you will have 20 years at 5.9% to pay it off. True oceanfront living can be yours for only $49,800 down.
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Sonoran Sun W612
1BR West Building
$159,000
Link to Listing
Not many of these great one bedrooms left and this one is a beauty. Fabulous views and a great price. This would make a great rental or keep it for yourself. Either way, you can't go wrong here. Beautifully furnished and ready to go, this condo can't be beat. You really need to come and see this one before it's gone.
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Sonoran Sun E801
3BR End Unit
$439,000
Link to Listing
 You really need to see this condo! Grand views of the Sea of Cortez from your wraparound balcony is just the beginning. Priced to sell and one of the very nicest condos on Sandy Beach. This one is a must see.Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Sonoran Sea E703
2BR East Building
$212,000 Cash
Link to Listing
This is a great price on a fantastic condo at the Sea. True oceanfront luxury with unbelievable views from your private terrace. Nicely furnished and ready to go. This unit also has an impressive rental history and would make an excellent investment. Call or stop by one of our sales offices today.
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Sonoran Sea E508
3BR East Building
$399,900 Terms
Link to Listing
New Listing
Priced to sell with great financing available. This newly remodeled large 3 bedroom condo has unbelievable oceanfront views and it can be yours with just 20% down. Then, you can take a full 20 years at 5.9% to pay it off.
Come and take a look or call one of our sales Reps today.
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Sonoran Sun W801
3 Bedroom west Building
$437,000 Terms
 Price Reduced! True luxury with a wrap around patio doesn't even begin to describe this beauty. The views from this condo are unbelievable. Fully furnished and turn key ready to go, this dream come true can be yours with a reasonable down payment and owner financing terms. Come and see this one. You'll be glad that you did.
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Sonoran Sky 1410
4 Bedroom Premium End Unit
$700,000
This is a rare opportunity to own an upper floor premium end unit at the Luxurious Sonoran Sky for a great price. Buy this condo and have instant equity. 4 bedrooms and a huge wraparound patio with absolutely stunning views. These 4 bedrooms don't come on the market very often and this is a great price.
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Fabulous 2 Bedroom condo at the Sonoran Sea Resort. This is one of the few remaining great deals at the Sea.
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Sonoran Sun E201
3BR Wrap Patio
$429,900
This one must be seen to be appreciated. Fabulous views from your huge wrap around terrace. Beautifully furnished and never in the rental pool. Come see this one and make an offer. Owner is motivated and ready to sell.
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Best priced 1 bedroom at the Sonoran Sky Resort. This one is unfurnished and waiting for your creative design. Seller financing is available with 25% down. Great Buy!
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Sonoran Sea E707
2 Bedroom East Building
$225,000
Link to Listing
Beautiful 2 bedroom condo at the Sonoran Sea overlooking the pools and the beach. Great condo, unfurnished and ready for your special touches. Not many at this price left for sale.
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Sonoran Sea W902
2 BR West Building
$219,000
Link to Listing
Huge price decrease and fantastic views make this one a HOT buy. Great condo. Great price. Great views. You can't lose on this one. Take a look!
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Sonoran Sea E901
3 Bedroom End Unit
$429,000
Link to Listing  Luxury 3 Bedroom end unit condo at the Sonoran Sea. This is an immaculate condo and a great rental income property. Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Sonoran Spa N407
1BR North Building
$119,000
Very nice condo priced to sell. The days of condos for this price are just about over. Hurry in to check this one out. It is nicely furnished and move in ready. Great buy!
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Sonoran Sun E709
3 Bedroom Premium
This 3 Bedroom 3 Bath Premium condo must be seen to be appreciated. Great price and shows like a model. Not used as a rental. This one is a Must See beauty with ocean front views beyond belief.
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Sonoran Sun E502
2 Bedroom 1/8 Share
$49,900
Link To Listing
 If you are looking for a beautiful, fully furnished, beachfront condo at the Sonoran Sun with fractional ownership, this is your lucky day. This condo is beautiful and well cared for . Cash or financing available for this great opportunity.
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Sonoran Spa E503
2 Bedroom East Building
$189,900
This is a great price on a two bedroom condo at the Sonoran Spa. Prices are going up and now is the time to act.
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Sonoran Sea W403
2BR - 50% Ownership
$149,000 Terms
If you are looking for a 2 bedroom but prefer to share the cost with someone else, this is the perfect opportunity for you. This is a fantastic condo and here is your chance to buy 50% ownership. The Seller is even offering terms. Just 25% down and you are the proud co-owner of this beachfront beauty. Call or stop by one of our sales offices today for more details.
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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We are Rocky Point's only exclusive and dedicated team who have always, and will always, sell Sonoran Resorts and only Sonoran Resorts!
If you are looking for a team of real professionals who specialize in Puerto Penasco's best family of "True Beachfront" resorts, you've found us, and we are here to serve you.
No one can serve you better when it comes to the Sonoran Resorts. We were there at the beginning, and we will continue to be there.
We don't just sell the Sonoran Resorts, we ARE the Sonoran Resorts. We work directly with the Developers, the HOAs, and the Rental companies. We can help you in ways that no one else can.
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