THE BORDER LINE
by Jerry Haas
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For the last several years, Mexicans have not been the largest group crossing into the US without documents. Instead, the largest group has come from Central America and in particular the countries of Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador. While overall the numbers have gone down, the numbers from these three countries have increased dramatically. To understand why, please join us for the special
Breakfast & the Border
event at Canoa Golf Resort on Tuesday, February 19. Consul General Virginia Staab will give us a valuable perspective from her work in the US Consulate in Guatemala. Now head of the US Consulate in Nogales, Mexico, Consul General Staab felt the call to go into diplomatic service after 9/11 after a career in the private sector. As a person, she brings warmth and commitment to her work. I first met her when she talked with our summer interns in June. I liked her honesty and her ability to engage students in important conversations. She will be an excellent presenter. To reserve your spot at the February 19
“Breakfast & the Border”
gathering, click the link or at
www.bordercommunityalliance.org
or call Shauna at 520-398-3229. The cost (including a hot breakfast) is $25 for non-members and $20 for members.
Jerry Haas
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BCA TRAVEL as a Political Act
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Popular travel expert Rick Steves’ book “Travel as a Political Act” was the topic of a recent class that I led at BMO Harris Bank. We had a lively discussion, sharing places where we had been and how travel to other countries had shaped our view of the world. In this broader context, “politics” is no so much about the political party you belong to, but how you think society should be organized and what it means to be a good citizen. After the class ended, I got to thinking about how my own view of the world has been shaped by the travel I’ve done in my life: West Berlin in 1967 where I worked one summer while in college; Mozambique in 2001; numerous times to South Africa; visits to Russia, South Korea and India. Then I thought about how my travel with BCA has shaped my perspective. I love the way travel with Alex and Alma and others helps me to see the bigger picture, the good with the bad, recognizing that there is more than one way to do things, and people are more creative than you think. What has traveling with BCA done for you? Send me an email: jndhaas@gmail.com
Jerry
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Any of you who have taken the Nogales tour with Alma Cota de Yanez know the term “social investors.” It’s her way of challenging us to do more than charity. We learn, we relate, we listen for what’s needed. Did you know that all of our tours include social investment? For example, every time we take a group on a Gastronomic Tour, BCA makes a donation of $100 to the Down Association’s culinary skills program. Students in this program learn how to make delicious apple pastries sold at local coffee shops. That’s social investment. Another example is our upcoming Kino Bay Tour, which includes a visit to a Seri Indian village and school. We’ll be donating hard-to-get school supplies to this remote spot. And that act illustrates another important component of social investment – thinking long-term. So thank you for joining us in practicing what this means.
Jerry Haas
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BORDERLAND FORUMS
Click date to sign up.
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For more information on our tour schedule and Borderland Forums
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Reservations for this event must be made through the Tubac Presidio (520) 398-2252
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TOURS
click date to sign up
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Beautiful Rio Sonora Tour
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NEW- Bisbee /Cananea
2 spots left
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THE MAGIC OF OAXACA! Almost 300 people came out for our event at the West Center on January 15! Porfirio Gutierrez brought a deep spiritual presence to his presentation on his native region, revealing a love for the land, his ancestors and the natural dye-making process. His beautiful rugs shimmered with creative vitality. Many, many people expressed thanks for the day and signed up for more information about BCA’s tour to Oaxaca next year (January 2020). As of this date, the exact dates and price have not been set so stay tuned and we’ll get that information to you as soon as it is confirmed. Meanwhile, savor the memory of the day and the special chocolate Minerva Rincon prepared.
Jerry Haas
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Retired human resource officer Susan Scott recently joined BCA’s Board of Directors, filling a position vacated by Bob Reid. Susan found out about BCA last year while on the Tour to Spain, led by Alex La Pierre, Luis Valle and Rocio Preciado. She is no stranger to the southwest, having gone to school at the University of Arizona before her career took her to the West Coast. When she retired, she decided that since she had always lived in urban areas, she wanted to try a more rural setting. That led her to Sonoita, where she is an active leader and volunteer. When she was asked why she wanted to serve on BCA’s board, she talked about how much she believes in BCA’s mission “Bridging the Border and fostering community through education, collaboration and cultural exchange.” We are delighted to have Susan join us and welcome the opportunity to learn more about “the other side of the mountain” (Sonoita) where she lives and how we can relate to that fascinating area.
Cecilia Quade, BCA Board President
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Myriam and Ian Glennie and Richard Quade at Membrillo Festival
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Sara Martin at Green Valley Volunteer Fair.
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WEBSITE FIXES: Our new website is up and running and we love the look and the graphics. Some of you have given us valuable feedback with suggestions to improve its access and functionality. Changes are being made now that we think you’ll like. Thanks for your help and patience!
Jerry Haas
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BCA POLICY: REQUIRED BORDER CROSSING DOCUMENTS
All travelers on BCA tours to Nogales Mexico must have a valid (not expired) passport, passport card, Sentri or Global Entry card. All travelers on BCA tours to destinations beyond Nogales (e.g. Magdalena, Hermosillo, Rio Sonora, Kino Bay, Cananea, etc) must have a valid (not expired)
passport.
(NOTE: passport cards, Sentri or Global entry cards are not accepted at the immigration checkpoint KM 21. Also note that regular or “enhanced” driver’s licenses [good for Canada] are not accepted at the US-Mexico Border.)
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Tubac Office now open!
Regular Office Hours
Tuesday & Wednesday
9:00 am -12:00 pm.
Additional hours by appointment.
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I-19 2221 E. Frontage Rd.
Bldg H Suite 201-202
PO Box 1863
Tubac, AZ 85646
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