Christmas 2011: Email 2
19 Dec
December 5, 2011
To All Friends and Volunteers:
Thanks to many of you, the 2011 Christmas house building project is well under way. Two weeks ago, Jared and I went to Rocky Point to get things started for this year. We determined that the lot we have is large enough to build two houses on it and we received enough early financial contributions to pay for the foundations and septic systems to be constructed. This work has been done and should be finished by mid-December. The lot is located about one mile east of Boulevard Dominquez;. We have also met with the two families that will be the recipients of the houses Sergio Lopez and Abraham Martinez.
If you would like us to send you a contact containing the site location that you can save to you smart phone, just Text Jared at 801-860-8686 with your name and the message “please text me the contact with the attached site” and we will text it back to you, or try clicking on this URL. http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&q=31.323530,-113.502528%20%28Puerto%20Penasco%20SO,%20Mexico%29
FUNDRAISING
As of today, we have received actual donations in the amount of approximately $31,000. Based on this contribution amount and having confidence that the rest of you will make your contributions soon, we have committed to building two (2) houses this year. This means we need to raise at least $20,000 more within the next couple of weeks. If you haven’t already done so, please mail your contribution check toFHF MEXICO, INC., and mail it to Ralph Pew, 1744 South Val Vista Drive, Suite 217, Mesa, AZ 85204.
VOLUNTEERS
As of today, we have received confirmation from 16 families that they will be in Rocky Point between Christmas and New Year’s to work on the houses. Of these families, there will be approximately 65 volunteers available for work. We will need about 85 volunteer workers each day from December 27thto December 31st in order to complete the two (2) new houses. Accordingly to the e-mails we have received, the following families have confirmed their participation in the project this year: Barnes, Brady, Bishoff, Dalton, Fackrel, Finlayson, Hafen, Jacobson, Lake, Nyland, Parker, Parrish, Pew, Porter, Price and Scoresby. If this information is inaccurate and you are committed to be in Rocky Point, please e-mail me as soon as possible. We have two (2) families that are tentative commitments: McAllister and Sobotka.
WHAT TO WEAR
The weather between Christmas and New Year’s is generally cool and sometimes windy. Bring layers of clothing to work in. It will be cool in the morning, mild to warm during the day and cool after the sun sets. The first three days will be dirty. We will be working with concrete and block and it is very dusty and messy. Please bring gloves. The fabric gloves with plastic dots on them work best. Everyone will want to have multiple pairs. You could easily use a pair a day per person, more if you don’t keep track of them. They are inexpensive. Please bring and wear safety glasses. Dust and sand are miserable in the eyes and it is easy to prevent. Hats are a very good idea. We highly recommend them as well. Don’t be fooled by the cool weather. The sun will be bright and can cause sunburn.
TOOLS
It would be very helpful if each family could bring the following small tools/equipment and be willing to leave these items for use on future projects:
- · Two hammers
- · Two inexpensive aluminum 24-inch levels.
- · One roofing wacker-tacker with two boxes of staples
- · Two 2 or 2 ½ gallon plastic buckets with metal handles
- · One 5-gallon plastic bucket
- · One large and one medium diamond shaped mortar trowel
- · 2-3 inexpensive tape measures
- · Several construction crayons/pencils
We are also in need of a few larger items:
- · Wheelbarrows with solid tires
- · 6-foot step ladders
Please contact either Ralph or Jared and let us know if you can obtain or donate any of these larger items (used would be fine). If you cannot transport them to Rocky Point, we have trucks and trailers coming down that can carry the items. Jared and Ralph are making another trip to Rocky Point Thursday afternoon, December 15th, and could transport these larger items if you can deliver them to Ralph’s house before then (1757 East Indigo Street, Mesa, AZ 85203).
ACCOMMODATIONS
We have arranged for discounted “owner” rates at the Las Palomas Golf and Beach Resort. If you have not already made your housing arrangements, please contact Jared Parker or you can call Ivan in reservations at Las Palomas direct. (+52 (638) 108 1000). Tell him you are with the Parker Pew group that is building the Christmas houses, and that you want to book your room at the “owners rates”. Ocean view are less than ocean front.
FOOD AND WATER
Each family is responsible for their own food and water. There are lots of Mexican taco stands and other places to eat and snack for lunch located near the site. The work site is about 15 minutes from the Las Palomas Resort and the RV park on Sandy Beach. Three grocery stores are close by. Families can make their own dinners or many families enjoy going out to dinner and experiencing the quaint authentic Mexican restaurants in Rocky Point. You will want to bring drinks, water and snacks to the job site for your family each day.
RESTAURANTS
Here are some ideas of places to eat in Rocky Point:
- · Don Julio’s: Traditional Mexican food. It is in the old Hacienda Las Fuentes location.
- · Mare Blu: Italian food, along with steak and seafood, located at the reef.
- · Mary’s Seafood: Casual, located on the Malecon.
- · Lukas Chicken: Casual, inexpensive, always good.
- · Taco Brissa: Great tacos and papa rellenos. Inexpensive and good.
- · Xochitl’s: Great breakfasts and tortilla soup, located at Choya Bay.
- · Rossi’s: Reasonable for breakfast, lunch and early dinner, located at corner of Constitution and No-reelection.
- · Flavios: Mexican food, located on the Malecon.
- · Street hot dogs: Look for the “chili dogo” or the bacon wrapped dog with Pico, lime or jalapeno mayo.
- · Friendly Dolphin: Mexican food with great old Mexico décor, located on the Malecon.
- · Ramon’s: Mexican food cooked Chef Ramon.
- · Fresh street tamales and tortillas can be found around the corner from Rossi’s on Constitution
BATHROOMS
For the convenience of all volunteers, there are gas stations/convenience stores within short driving distance from the job site that have bathrooms.
MEXICAN FIESTA
The Fiesta is going to be Wednesday evening, December 28th. We are finalizing plans for the location. The cost will be between $10 to $15 per person. There will be food, live music, dancing and lots of fun. This Fiesta is always the highlight of the week providing a chance to mingle with fellow volunteers, enjoy good food and music. We will need to get a commitment and collect the money from those who will attend the Fiesta when we meet on Tuesday morning to start the project. This way, we will make sure that there is enough money to buy the food and pay for the mariachi band.
TEE SHIRTS
Tee shirt orders will be finalized December 10th. The shirts are long sleeve tees and are $15 each. Contact Jared Parker for any other questions you have about tee shirts. We can get youth and adult sizes.
DEVOTIONAL/SAFETY MEETING
Prior to commencing work on Tuesday, December 27th, we will all meet together for a short devotional, safety instructions and work crew assignments. We will meet at 8 a.m. at the LDS church building in downtown Rocky Point. The building is located directly north of the cell tower for the phone company in downtown Rocky Point.
We will keep you notified of further information as it becomes available.
Thanks to all.
W. Ralph Pew
480-461-4670 (office)
602-432-2329 (mobile)
T. Jared Parker
