New Telephone Dialing System
In early August a new system that will eliminate several prefixes and will only require remembering a string of 10 digits. The current prefixes including 01, 044 and 045 used to dial long-distance landlines and local and long-distance cellphones will be phased out on August 3.
It will no longer matter what type of phone you are using, or where it is located. The only numbers to dial will be the area code — two or three digits long — and the local phone number — seven or eight digits long, effectively making all phone numbers in the country 10 digits.
Those numbers should be dialed for local and long distance calls alike. Callers from abroad will only require Mexico’s two-digit country code, 52.
Nationwide and local emergency numbers, such as 911, will remain the same.
US Currency must be in mint Condition!
In late March of 2019, Mexican banks and foreign currency exchange businesses began rejecting US dollars of all denominations with even the slightest defect.
Businesses can no longer exchange these bills as they will not be accepted by Mexican banks. These rules apply to all Mexican businesses, they will not accept torn, worn or bills with even the slightest stain, ink or writing on them.
This cash becomes useless to us unless an American client willing to bring us mint-condition bills in exchange for the slightly used dollars.
If you are bringing US Cash with you make certain it is in mint condition. If you are conducting business or receiving change in US currency, inspect it to make certain it is in good condition.
Aurita’s Cozumel Corner
Papeleria now Independent of the Cozumel Sun
In November of 2015 I announced the grand opening of a licensed and fully stocked office and school supply store “Papeleria y Novedades Mama Lilly.”
The idea blossomed from TCS’s on-going garage sale that helps fund our community projects for the underprivileged.
Our Goal
Having and running a legitimate business had a twofold mission, to help fund our charitable giving and as an instrument to train my adopted family and other locals in the neighborhood marketing, merchandising, accounting, tax reporting, every aspect of running a business. The end goal: self-sufficiency.
We drew people to the store via the garage sales. We had to place the garage sale items in the store, as we did not have the manpower to run both. As expected, the first few years were trial and error as we investigated the needs of the community.
Trial and Error
We realized quickly that selling school supplies alone will not support a family. There too many school vacation days in Mexico! There was little to no business during school vacations.
We have added some snack, Coca Cola Products, and ice cream. The store now binds books, laminates, and has internet and phone service available. There are arts and craft supplies, costume jewelry, cosmetics, gift items, gift bags, wrapping paper and a number of novelty items. Avon and Mary Kay products are in stock and the neighbors actively place orders.
Success!
I am proud to announce that I have turned over the store in its entirety to Bartolo Martinez Martinez and his wife Gelmy Martinez Cabrera. The unpaid original investments and personal loans have been erased from the books. Effective this month I am available on a consultant basis only. Gelmy, Bartolo, and 16-year-old son Julian work the store.
Thanks to all of you that have made this possible by patronizing the store and your donations. The store will not make them rich; it will supplementing their income to support a family of four.
Introducing Cozumel’s “Casa de la Creatividad”
“Casa de la Creatividad” is a place where children, teens, and adults may come to explore and discover the world of creative activities; to gain confidence, be empowered, and enriched, and positively affect their families, their community, and beyond.
It is a free choice-based, art studio for the local children. The belief is that art plays an important role in the development of children. It is a time for them to use their creativity and imagination. With the discovery and exploration, the children develop their abilities and skills, gain confidence and grow their self-esteem. This is all very important to empower the children to feel capable and independent.
Staff help with technique without changing or directing the vision of the artist (children). There are no classes, it is free time in the studio for the children to explore and discover the world of art. There are occasional workshops, or introductions to new materials with guided sessions.
They do not charge a fee. They ask that if you have resources, that you donate some pesos each time you come. If you don’t have the resources, donations of recycled materials are encouraged—cardboard, egg cartons, cd’s, bottle tops, paper towel and toilet paper rolls…
They have materials for painting, drawing, manualidades, recycled materials all the time, and the materials that rotate are —clay art, stamping art, and wood sculpture. They have drumming workshops for the kids to developed body awareness and rhythm.
CDLC opened in August 2018. They are located in CTM neighborhood. Between 60-80 children attend each week, almost all of them live in the neighborhood.
They are a USA non-profit 501(c)3 organization and operate by donations only. If you wish to donate of volunteer contact Anita Norrie WhatsApp 1+ 720-841-2770.
