The first workshop for Mexican Day of the Dead occured on Tuesday, October 11. The workshop was taught by Alejandra Resendiz at Puente’s Learning Center. Participants watched a video about Dia de Muertos to learn more about the holiday. They then made sugar skulls. There will be three more working sessions before the final presentation of  the work  on November 3rd at the Pescadero Grown farmer’s market. A community altar will be built at the market and all are encouraged to bring remembrances of loved ones.

Día de los Muertos) is a Mexican holiday. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. It is particularly celebrated in Mexico, where it attains the quality of a National Holiday. The celebration takes place on November 1st and 2nd, in connection with the Catholic holidays of All Saints’ Day (November 1) andAll Souls’ Day (November 2). Traditions connected with the holiday include building private altars honoring the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed and visiting graves with these as gifts.

The program is funded by the San Francisco Foundation Faiths Project.

View the article in the Half Moon Bay Patch.

Peter Chupity

On Tuesday October 11^, two Puente staff members attended a practical class for newly licensed radio amateurs (hams)The class was taught by Peter Chupity a radio operator for the Ares of the SC4 Amateur Radio Club. The president Jeneen Sommers was also in attendance along with another ham operators.

Having licensed ham operators is part of Puente’s plan to provide emergency communication services during disasters for the South Coast of San Mateo County. Puente currently has two licensed amateur radio operators and plans to have more in the future. We have four mobile radios “handhelds” and a larger radio at Puente.

Puente’s disaster response efforts are funded in part by the Silicon Valley Community Foundation.

Honorees Barbara Turner (right) and Janet Murphy (center) stand with Puente's Executive Director Kerry Lobel

On October 2, Kate and Jeff Haas at Echo Valley Farm hosted Puente’s Second Annual Afternoon Thank You Party to recognize Puente volunteers and supporters. Nearly 175 participants attended the event. Pescadero resident, Janet Murphy,  received the 2^nd Annual Ray A. Nelson Award in recognition of her decades long-work with farm and nursery workers and their families. Barbara Turner received a Volunteer Recognition Award in recognition of her decades long-work as an ESL Teacher and mentor.

Thanks to all of those that support Puente throughout the year. And special thanks to the local farmers and producers for providing local and delicious food for the meal: Special thanks to our local farmers and producers: Harley Farms, Del Sur Farm, Addwater Farm, Flygirl Farm, Farmhouse Frosting and Buttercup Cakes, Markegard Family Grass-Fed , Echo Valley Farm, and Glaze Catering.

Click here for more photos by Lars Howlett.

Puente Board Member Gabriel Echeveria honors Janet Murphy

Kate and Jeff Haas of Echo Valley Farm welcome Puente supporters

  All photos, @Lars Howlett