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Rotary International Project in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico in the 1980s
In the 1980’s the Gaylord Club, in Northern Michigan, had a relationship with a Rotary Club in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico. Members of the Mexican Club the Gaylord Club exchanged home hospitality visits. (I am quite sure the Gaylord Club planned their visit in the winter season.)
During one exchange, it was noticed that the elementary classrooms in Mexico had dirt floors and roofs made of sticks. It was decided that the Gaylord Club would sponsor the building of new classrooms. Other clubs in our district were asked for assistance. The Traverse City Club and the Holland Club bought into the project. Each year each club sent $1000 to Puerto Escondido to be used to purchase materials needed to build one new classroom. The Puerto Escondido Club furnished the labor. By the time the project was completed, we had 6 new classrooms and brand new bathrooms with flush toilets.
A Gaylord Rotarian was selected to see the completed project. As Chairperson of the Holland International Service Committee, I (Tom Bos) was invited to join him. At the airport we were met by Puerto Escondido Rotarians and their wives with bouquets of flowers. As we were being directed to our cars I said, “No, I need to go through customs and immigration.” One Rotarian said “No, My son is in charge and that will not be necessary.”
The Mexican club was most proud of the new toilet facilities complete with a Rotary Wheel and the names of the Traverse City, Holland, and Gaylord Clubs. I was to officially inspect each and every toilet stall. It reminded me of a movie in which Army Private Gomer Pile was assigned to latrine duty. When the General showed up for an inspection, Gomer said “Attention” at which all the toilet seats snapped up in unison. That is what it felt like inspecting those toilets. It was all very serious business.
While we were there, a Rotarian made arrangements for us to visit Monte Albán, a pre-Hispanic city that had been an ancient capital of the Zapotecs.
This is where I learned the true meaning of “Rotary opens doors”.
Thomas G. Bos
2018