Tropical Musings from Paradise May, 2020

Hello my friends from Riviera Nayarit Mexico.

I find that we are all asking, “can 2020 be over already or can we have a redo?”

The reality is no, we are where we are and it’s time to pull even more tightly together as a community to hold onto and preserve our livelihood’s, our dignity and our community beliefs.

There has been a lot happening in Lo de Marcos lately… in fact, some in the community feel we deserve our very own series on Netflix!

So much is happening that for the first time in 7 years, Galvan will not publish its normal Monthly Newsletter, instead we want to draw your attention directly to Lo de Marcos and its needs at this time.

Help the Helpers in Lo de Marcos!

Lo de Marcos seems a safe haven in the midst of the COVID storm but the pandemic is taking a huge toll on our people. Thankfully there have been no positive cases In Lo de Marcos because of smart precautions here and statewide – no tour buses, the beaches closed, hotels, bars, restaurants closed, and the entrance to the Pueblo monitored 24/7 – all fantastic in keeping the community safe BUT with everything shut down, many people are out of work and there is no end in sight.

A contribution from you will aid these THREE valiant efforts!

The Food Bank experienced exponential growth! The food bank went from a normal distribution of supplies every two weeks to around 30 people to: 70 people the next week, 200 the next week with 300 distributions anticipated this week! Supplies are basic essentials: rice, beans, maizena, oil, tuna, pasta, etc. Jacque Graff created the project 4 years ago and has had good funding, excellent workers and a solid system for distribution. But at this level of need, please consider a generous donation to keep the Food Bank supplied! Make your donation at the El Centro de la Gente Facebook page – https://www.paypal.me/elcentrodelagente (add a note to say what your contribution is for)

The Community Kitchen, a Spontaneous Local Effort! The Community Kitchen, organized by Luz Ma Palomera with a group of dedicated volunteers, is now serving over 400 hot meals daily! Obviously there is a huge need and tireless volunteers are cooking and distributing to (socially distanced) citizens ensuring at least one nutritious, hot meal per day! Please help buy the supplies they need by contributing here. There is no fancy webpage or FaceBook page, just people helping people! Your contribution here via PayPal will go to Armando Contreras (Chair of Los Amigos de Lo de Marcos and local good guy) who will then distribute the funds in pesos to the kitchen. https://www.paypal.me/galvanrealestate?locale.x=en_US
(add a note to say what your contribution is for)

Hungry Hounds – When people are suffering their pets suffer too. Nancy McKenna began distributing dog food last week and the need was overwhelming. She went through 100 pounds (not kilos) of dog food in 20 minutes. You can contribute to feeding the dogs (and cats) of LDM by sending a contribution via PayPal and entering this email address as the recipient of your contribution.
LoDeMarcosrescues@gmail.com (add a note to say what your contribution is for)

If you’re local, send Nancy a personal message and she will come pick up either pet food or cash.

Here is how you can support the Businesses that are staying open

Its slim pickings right now in the Pueblo but there are still options available for food delivery, laundry service, even a chocolate store that will deliver. If you don’t want to leave your house, there is even taxi driver listed who is happy to pick up your purchases in town.
We compiled the list of what’s available right now.

Check it out here and show your support please. https://www.galvanrealestateandservices.com/where-to-shop-and-eat-in-lo-de-marcos-during-the-covid-19-virus-crisis/

*******

In closing, the team at Galvan has been flooded with well wishes, questions and emails during this time and from the bottom of my heart, I thank each of you for the love that you have for our Pueblo and the generosity I have seen firsthand.
Together we are making a difference and we will return to this Paradise again next Season.

Stay safe and remember that we are all in this together.

Armando Contreras
Broker, Galvan Real Estate and Services