"The oldest continuously operating club in the world south of the Tropic of Cancer"
Hacienda Yunque: Growing a Sustainable Future
At Tuesday’s Rotary Club of San Juan meeting, we had the pleasure of welcoming Alexandria and Joanna, who shared their vision for Hacienda Yunque, an agritourism project taking shape near El Yunque. Their presentation invited us to think about food sustainability, the importance of supporting local agriculture, and the opportunities that agritourism can create for Puerto Rico. They envision a place where farming, education, tourism, and community come together, allowing visitors to experience and appreciate the value of agriculture firsthand.
What made their presentation particularly interesting was their vision beyond their own farm. Alexandria and Joanna hope to support other farmers by providing technical assistance, helping them navigate regulatory and compliance requirements, and guiding them toward funding opportunities that are often difficult to access. Their goal is not simply to build a successful agricultural enterprise, but to help strengthen the broader farming community. It was a wonderful reminder that entrepreneurship can also be about creating opportunities for others. We look forward to watching Hacienda Yunque grow and seeing the impact they hope to make in Puerto Rico.
Welcome to Our Rotary Family!
We are also delighted to welcome FR Iris Violeta Díaz, wife of our fellow Rotarian José M. (Pepito) Rivero, as the newest member of the Rotary Club of San Juan! We are happy to have her join our Rotary family and look forward to the fellowship and contributions she will bring to our club.
Join Us Next Tuesday!
A reminder that next Tuesday, October 13, we will gather at 6:00 p.m. at PRoduce: Mercado–Deli–Café, located at 722 Calle Hoare, San Juan, for our monthly social. We hope you’ll join us for an evening of fellowship, good conversation, and an opportunity to continue building our Rotary community. Feel free to invite a friend!
We look forward to seeing you there!
ENID
Monday, September 21, 2026, thanks to Jorge Gonzalez, Past club president, we celebrated International Peace Day at Muñoz Rivera Park in Puerta de Tierra. We had the opportunity to see the design for the Pablo Casals’ peace monument created by artist and master sculptor Nilda Comas. Lilly Garcia gave a very inspirational message on the topic giving special emphasis to the students present at the activity. There was representation of e-club, Carolina, UN club and Boys and Girls club. Here are some photos taken by DG Gerry Cumpiano and PDG Juanita Valentín Morris. We look forward to seeing the final sculpture in two years’ time.
Photos by:FR Juanita Valentin Morris P.D.G. & FR Gerry Cumpiano, DG.
Photos by: FR José M. (Pepito) Rivero, P.D.G.
Dear Fellow Rotarians:
Last Tuesday we were invited to celebrate our social night at Atlantic University, located in Guaynabo, in what used to be the old City Hall (Alcaldia). The facade has been protected, and inside, they have done a terrific job of converting the building into new classrooms, labs and other facilities for their approximately 1,200 students. It was founded in 1983, it is a private, non-profit institution which specializes in digital arts, media and technology, including programs in digital design and computer animation.
Its President, attorney Alexandra Barquin, was an excellent host for the evening, explaining all about the University. She took us to one of the communications labs, with all the latest facilities for the students. She explained how the students use creative technology and other endeavors to serve the community.
They treated us to a delightful buffet, and all our members were very appreciative of their hospitality. Thanks also to Dr. Ramon Barquin, Alexandra's husband, who is a member of our Club but couldn't attend because he was in a commercial mission outside Puerto Rico.
Hope to see you next week at AFDA, with our then guest, Professor Cox Alomar.
Take good care of yourselves.
Delia Colorado
Vice President
🍀 Celebrate St. Patrick’s for a Cause 🍀
Join us on March 17 at Ocean Lab Brewing and raise a glass for education. 💚
This event supports our Student Scholarship Program, benefiting Fundación Estéfano and Hogar del Buen Pastor.
🎟️ Early Registration: $35 (through March 15)
🎟️ Late Registration or at the Door: $40
Includes 2 drinks, an assortment of appetizers, and 20% off additional purchases.
📅 March 17 | ⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 Ocean Lab Brewing – Liberty Square at San Patricio Plaza
Reserve your spot and celebrate while making a difference! ⚙️💛
FR Juanita Valentín-Morris, P.P., P.D.G.
Hogar Buen Pastor more Information, click on the next line:We sadly announce that our oldest Rotary member Dr. Rafael Aponte, died at the age of 97. He was a Rotarian for over 60 years. His memorial service and viewing will be at Ehret funeral parlor, Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 2:00 PM on; with a mass at 6:00PM. Our condolences to his wife Margarita and family. He will be missed.
Yours in Rotary,
Juanita
Yours in Rotary,
Juanita
CONGRATULATIONS to JOSE "PEPITO" RIVERO OLMEDO, who was honored by District 7000 for his outstanding efforts as Editor of San Juan Rotary's e-Garita. The weekly newsletter delivers the Rotary message and our Club activities to members and island fellow Rotarians.
DISTRICT GOVERNOR Juanita Valentin Morris presented Rotary International's 100 YEARS OF MEMBERSHIP certificate to Club President José M.(Pepito) Rivero Olmedo, P.D.G. in recognition of San Juan Rotary's century of the Object of Rotary, Service Above Self.
Celebrating 107 Anniversary
San Juan, PR 00907
United States of America