Comments on: Winners of “Build a Bigger Posadas Contest” http://posadas-project.com/2009/12/04/more-winners-of-build-a-bigger-posadas-contest/ Three children. One American dream. And the angels who guided them. Fri, 22 Jan 2010 23:15:39 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: WebSupport http://posadas-project.com/2009/12/04/more-winners-of-build-a-bigger-posadas-contest/comment-page-1/#comment-23 WebSupport Fri, 22 Jan 2010 23:15:39 +0000 http://posadas-project.com/?p=323#comment-23 Mark, First off, THANK YOU for your beautiful note about Las Posadas in San Mateo's North Amphlett's neighborhood. Secondly, my apologies for not replying last month. I am just learning how to use the WORD PRESS format, and neither I nor the Posadas Project assistants saw your comment. When we read it this afternoon, we were very touched. Our hopes to help spread the spirit of Las Posadas were exceeded when we read your reply and realized how helpful the grant had been. Evelia sounds like a special person who cares deeply about strengthening the bonds of community. We remember you and the community in San Mateo in our thoughts and prayers and will make sure that the grant provider knows of the positive effect the Posadas Project had in your corner of the world. If you have any digital photos of your Posadas, please send them! Gratefully Mark McGregor, S.J. Mark,

First off, THANK YOU for your beautiful note about Las Posadas in San Mateo’s North Amphlett’s neighborhood.

Secondly, my apologies for not replying last month. I am just learning how to use the WORD PRESS format, and neither I nor the Posadas Project assistants saw your comment.

When we read it this afternoon, we were very touched. Our hopes to help spread the spirit of Las Posadas were exceeded when we read your reply and realized how helpful the grant had been. Evelia sounds like a special person who cares deeply about strengthening the bonds of community.

We remember you and the community in San Mateo in our thoughts and prayers and will make sure that the grant provider knows of the positive effect the Posadas Project had in your corner of the world.

If you have any digital photos of your Posadas, please send them!

Gratefully

Mark McGregor, S.J.

]]> By: Mark Hecht http://posadas-project.com/2009/12/04/more-winners-of-build-a-bigger-posadas-contest/comment-page-1/#comment-8 Mark Hecht Sat, 12 Dec 2009 18:26:36 +0000 http://posadas-project.com/?p=323#comment-8 I want to thank you for the grant you made to Evelia Chairez and the North Amphlett neighborhood of San Mateo. Last night I attended the Poasada along with 150-200 residents of the largly Latino neghborhood. Father Juan Manuel Lopez of Saint Mathews Church blessed the group and the neighborhood. He explained the tradition of La Posada and led the group in prayer. With lighted candles and a Nativity Scene the group sang traditionl songs and hymns. The procesion was cut short due to rain. After the ceremony, a traditional dinner was served (prepared by the locals). Later, the San Mateo Fire Department arrived with none other than Santa Claus atop the truck. Santa brought small gift bags which he individually gave to the children when they met with him. The San Mateo Police Chief, Susan Manheimer along with a number of her officers stopped by for dinner and to remind the community of their support. The Children enthusiastically devoured three pinatas while the adults mingled. The party wound down with dancing from a local DJ. Afterwards everyone worked together to clean up the area. This neighborhood of San Mateo in years past had been the victim of gangs, drug dealings, personal theft and shootings. The neighbors lived in fear, afraid to call the Police. Events like this have changed this neighborhood. Your grant, among other things, allowed Evelia to rent a tent, which saved the event. Because of the rain, it would have been difficult to shelter that many people in the 3 car garage that we planned to use. In truth your grant provided the "shelter" which is what Posada is all about. Thank you again. Mark Hecht I want to thank you for the grant you made to Evelia Chairez and the North Amphlett neighborhood of San Mateo. Last night I attended the Poasada along with 150-200 residents of the largly Latino neghborhood. Father Juan Manuel Lopez of Saint Mathews Church blessed the group and the neighborhood. He explained the tradition of La Posada and led the group in prayer. With lighted candles and a Nativity Scene the group sang traditionl songs and hymns. The procesion was cut short due to rain.

After the ceremony, a traditional dinner was served (prepared by the locals). Later, the San Mateo Fire Department arrived with none other than Santa Claus atop the truck. Santa brought small gift bags which he individually gave to the children when they met with him. The San Mateo Police Chief, Susan Manheimer along with a number of her officers stopped by for dinner and to remind the community of their support.

The Children enthusiastically devoured three pinatas while the adults mingled. The party wound down with dancing from a local DJ. Afterwards everyone worked together to clean up the area.

This neighborhood of San Mateo in years past had been the victim of gangs, drug dealings, personal theft and shootings. The neighbors lived in fear, afraid to call the Police. Events like this have changed this neighborhood.

Your grant, among other things, allowed Evelia to rent a tent, which saved the event. Because of the rain, it would have been difficult to shelter that many people in the 3 car garage that we planned to use. In truth your grant provided the “shelter” which is what Posada is all about.

Thank you again.
Mark Hecht

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