¡Gracias, District Governor Celin Palacio and Maru Gamboa Mayorga, for visiting Seaside Rotary!

Seaside Rotary was delighted to welcome District Governor Celin Palacio, his wife, Maru Gamboa Mayorga, and Assistant District Governor Carolina Rath of Playa del Carmen for a memorable day on Tuesday, October 13, filled with fellowship, inspiration, and a firsthand look at the impact of Seaside Rotary’s service projects.

It was an absolute pleasure getting to know Celin and Maru and learning about their long and impressive history with Rotary.

We are especially grateful to Carolina, a longtime friend of Seaside Rotary, for her superb translation and support throughout the day that enabled the conversations to flow effortlessly.

The visit began with a hands-on tour of Torres de la Paz, a remote village school supported by Seaside Rotary, its powerhouse Principal, Martha Honorina Herrera, and many generous donors.

From shoes and dental hygiene to sustainable infrastructure and nutritious meals, the morning showcased four important service projects making a tangible difference in the lives of local children and their community.

Project #1: Kicks4Kids — Putting Children on the Right Foot

Seaside Rotary member Judy Walburn kicked off the day with another successful Kicks4Kids shoe distribution. In all, 90 pairs of shoes and 180 pairs of socks were distributed, reaching children of every age, from the biggest kids to the tiniest munchkins! (Yes, we even get teeny tiny sneakers donated which is wonderful for younger siblings of school aged children.)

For children living in remote villages, shoes are much more than an everyday necessity. They help protect vulnerable feet from parasites, snakebites, and other hazards that can lead to illness and missed school days.

Through Kicks4Kids, Seaside Rotary helps children take safer, healthier steps toward a brighter future while removing one more barrier to regular school attendance.

Project #2: Dental Hygiene — Healthy Habits with Diego the Dinosaur

Next, Seaside Rotary member Deena Johnson visited each classroom to demonstrate proper toothbrushing techniques with the help of a very special assistant: Diego the Dinosaur!

There were plenty of giggles and smiles as Diego demonstrated how to brush for two full minutes before delivering a particularly enthusiastic spit. The fun lesson reinforced an important lifelong habit, and every child received a new toothbrush to take home.

By making dental hygiene engaging and accessible, Seaside Rotary helps children develop healthy habits that can last a lifetime.

Project #3: Sustainable Infrastructure — Power, Water, and Sanitation

A school needs more than classrooms and teachers to thrive. Reliable electricity, clean water, and safe sanitation are essential to a healthy learning environment.

Seaside Rotary President Lynn Behrendt-Luchs and Past President Susana Hawley showed the visiting delegation the infrastructure systems established at Torres de la Paz, including:

• Solar panels that harness the sun’s energy to provide electricity for the school and its feeding program.
• Solar battery storage to help provide electricity when sunlight is unavailable.
• A solar-powered water system that provides access to clean water.
• A biodigester sewer system that supports responsible wastewater treatment.

These systems are especially important in remote communities where conventional access to electricity and water can be limited. The benefits extend beyond the school: access to clean water throughout the community helps children and families protect their health and well-being.

District Governor Celin expressed interest in exploring opportunities for Seaside Rotary to collaborate with other Rotary clubs that could benefit from similar sustainable infrastructure solutions. By sharing knowledge and experience, Seaside Rotary may help bring these practical, life-improving systems to additional communities.

Project #4: Feeding the Future — Nourishment, Dignity, and Community

The morning tour concluded with Seaside Rotary’s Feeding the Future program. After being teased all morning by the enticing aromas of freshly cooked rice, warm corn tortillas, and pork with peas and carrots simmering in a savory sauce, lunchtime had finally arrived!

The children lined up, washed their hands at the handwashing stations, collected their meals, and enjoyed lunch with their friends. When they finished eating, they cleaned up and put their dishes away.

It was a wonderful demonstration of how Feeding the Future provides more than nutritious meals. The program also encourages healthy routines, independence, responsibility, and the simple joy of sharing a meal together.

Adding an extra touch of celebration, the friendly team at PlayaPops treated the children to popsicles in a variety of flavors, including coconut, lemon, and Nutella. It was a sweet ending to an already special morning!

Seaside Rotary Club Meeting — Sharing Ideas and Celebrating Service

After leaving Torres de la Paz, Celin, Maru, and Carolina returned to Playa del Carmen to join Seaside Rotary’s regular Tuesday meeting at La Vagabunda on 38th Street.

District Governor Celin shared a moving reflection on the projects he had witnessed that morning, along with entertaining personal stories about life with Maru in Chiapas and their experiences as he carries out his responsibilities as District Governor.

He presented Seaside Rotary with a district flag and explained the significance of its symbols and imagery, giving members a deeper appreciation of the district’s identity and traditions.

Celin also presented a Parachico statue, sharing the history and cultural significance of the traditional dancers of Chiapa de Corzo, Chiapas. The Parachicos are an important part of the region’s cultural heritage and are recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The meeting included special recognition of Seaside Rotary’s leadership and commitment to service. Celin presented pins to the club president, secretary, and treasurer, along with a special pin for the past president. He praised the club’s sustained work on community projects and the continuity from one president to the next—a testament to the dedication and teamwork required to maintain meaningful, long-term service initiatives.

Seaside Rotary President Lynn Behrendt-Luchs presented Governor Palacio with a gift reflecting the club’s unique international identity: a soccer ball signed by Seaside Rotary members, each noting their country of origin. With a nod to the global excitement surrounding FIFA and the international spirit of the beautiful game, the gift celebrated the many nationalities represented within this small but active club.

Lynn also shared a video created by Seaside Rotary member Bob Bosse, who worked behind the camera for local public television before retiring. The video highlighted 18 months of Seaside Rotary projects and fundraisers, offering a vivid overview of the club’s ongoing commitment to improving lives throughout the community.

A Wonderful Day of Rotary Fellowship

The day concluded with dinner at L’Italiano, giving Seaside Rotary members another opportunity to enjoy the company of their distinguished guests and celebrate the friendships that make Rotary special.

From the laughter of children receiving new shoes to the lasting benefits of sustainable infrastructure, the visit was a powerful reminder of what Rotary can accomplish when people come together in service.

Seaside Rotary extends its heartfelt thanks to District Governor Celin Palacio, Maru Gamboa Mayorga, and Assistant District Governor Carolina Rath for their visit, encouragement, and genuine interest in the work being done at Torres de la Paz.

It was a day filled with connection, inspiration, and shared purpose—a celebration of the difference Rotarians can make when they work together to serve their communities.

Together, we celebrate the spirit of Rotary: Service Above Self.