A festive group of Rotarians and their spouses and guests enjoyed San Juan Rotary's Valentine Party.  The menu included an appropriate heart-shaped dessert and wine, to add to the occasion.  Classical guitarist, JUAN CARLOS GARCIA, provided the musical entertainment.  President Pepito's wife, Iris Violeta, presented each woman with a lovely red rose.  

FOUNDER & PRESIDENT Julio Soto Cubano of Pisadas de Amor, an organization formed to help seniors in need, gave a video presentation highlighting various homes restored in San Juan, Manati, Caguas and Vega Baja.  Replacing furniture, cabinets, stoves, refrigerators, clothes and other goods destroyed by Hurricane Maria, made the homes habitable again.  With” A Todas Por Mis Viejos", as the theme, the video clearly showed the dramatic changes In the lives of many affected oldsters.

CLUB DIRECTOR GEORGANNA HILDEBRAND brought us up-to-date on several of the Global Grants funded by Rotary International including the Global Grant for Teatro Por Amor in Peace and Conflict Resolution.  This Grant covers all four housing areas that have recruited students studying conflict issues like drug use and gangs. Another large project for a Global Grant is the economic recovery in Punta Santiago (together with P.E.C.E.S.), a project that will provide equipment and training to ten businesses that were damaged by Hurricane Maria and will train 50 underserved residents in carpentry.  As reported previously, Rotary clubs in the States have been most generous in sending monies and relief efforts continues as we find worthy projects. 

In the coming Spring, the Rotarian Magazine, Rotary International's monthly publication will feature our Global Grant Program, Teatro Por Amor.  Rotary International recently sent four of their Communications Team to Puerto Rico to get a first-hand look at the work our club is doing in island communities, including Teatro Por Amor.  The four RI representatives are:  Tom McVey (Sr. Social Media Content Strategist), Claudia Urbano (Latin American Global Communications Team), Vanessa Glavinskas (Contributing Editor The Rotarian Magazine), Alyce Henson (Staff Photographer & Multimedia Producer).  That's our Rotarian Armand Pique in the photo with the visitors from Rotary International!

Invite you to participate in their Golf Tournament to benefit the multiple programs offered to children, teens and adults in Dorado, Vega Alta, Vega Baja and Toa Baja.  The Jane Stern Dorado Community Library and each of its satellites - together a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization - are neighborhood centers in each community, connecting people, young and old - to learning programs, online resources and one another.  Ron and Anne Chevako, Co-Administrators of the Libraries, thank you in advance for your support, which is needed and appreciated!  Tournament details to follow:  Golf Tournament at the Plantation facilities in Dorado on Saturday, October 13.  Breakfast/Registration 7:30 am.  Shotgun start 9:00 am.  Two-person scramble.  Awards luncheon immediately after the event.  Prizes:  Three best scores at two levels.  Non-traditional Goodie Bags.  Food & drink at stations on the course.  Entry Fee: $175 per person.  Payment via https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-jane-stern-community-libraries-golf-tournament-tickets-49958382868?aff=ebdssbdestsearch or for sponsorship and registration information please contact Zayra Caraballo at (787) 613-2025 or zayra.caraballo@sdcl.org

A non-profit organization consultant, Ana Maria Dapena, spoke on it's mission to educate and inspire the arts of the Caribbean.  To date, the organization has served over 6,000 underprivileged children and adults.  Rotarians who would like to help in this endeavor and/or get more information,  are urged to contact Ana Maria at 787-429-8810 or anadapena@aol.com.