Topsites cache : http://www.sanfelipeliving.com

(U.S. timeline for Terrorism Prevention Act is close at hand)

Due to well needed security measures, the U.S. Government is keeping their promise to ensure the safety of its citizens.  According to the U.S. Department of State, those who travel to and from Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, Panama, and the Caribbean will soon be required to have a passport or other secure document.  The 2004 Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act will be put into effect in stages.  They will be following a timeline so that the transition will allow those affected to meet the requirements by the deadline. 

By January 1st, 2008, those traveling to or from the countries of Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, Panama, and the Caribbean will need to have a passport or other secure and accepted document to enter or re-enter the United States.Phase 1 will require travelers by air and sea to the above mentioned countries to have a passport or another secure and accepted document to enter or re-enter the United States.  This will be in effect as of December 31, 2006.Phase 2 will require the same, but of land border crossings as well as sea and air.  This will take effect as of December 31st, 2007.

When you consider that it takes 6 weeks on average to get a passport, anyone even thinking about travel into or out of the U.S. should start the process sooner rather than later.  Of course, for an additional cost of $60 and overnight delivery charges, you can always expedite the process.  The cost for a passport is $97 for anyone 16 years old and older, and $82 for anyone under 16 years old.  Keep in mind that as of January 1st 2008, everyone will need a passport, regardless of age.  Once you get your passport, it is valid for a long time.  If you were 16 years old or older when you got it, it is valid for 10 years.  If you were 15 years old or younger when you got it, it is good for 5 years.  The biggest complaint from most about the entire process, of course, is the money that it takes to get a passport.  But, at under $100 for 10 years, that’s less than ten dollars per year.  

To start the process, just go to the Passports Home Page.  They have a “How to get a passport” section to help you through it all.  There you can download application form DS-11 (application for passport).  You can even get the application forms at any local post office.

Bruce Barber of the San Felipe Association of Retired Persons (S.F.A.R.P.)

Mr. Bruce Barber is a 20 year resident of San Felipe, has served as the President of the Association from 1995-1999, and now serves on the Board Of Directors.  I met with Bruce Barber on Feb. 17th at his home, then went to their "lodge" where they were excitedly preparing for another event.  The following day was going to be their "Annual Senior Sunday" event.  With activities ranging from Arts and Crafts, music (with guitar and bagpipe), and even a fashion show.  Mr. Barber took time out to meet with me even with his hectic schedule.  Between the upcoming Senior Sunday event, and the Febuary 22nd. 14 day Michoacán Adventure Tour 2007, Mr. Barber was definitely a man-on-the-go.  Like all of the S.F.A.R.P leaders and Board of Directors, Mr. Barber has a great deal of caring and respect for San Felipe's older residents and visitors.  Freda Barber, his long-time devoted spouse, is the current President of the San Felipe Association of Retired Persons.  Mrs. Barber has held the title of President for the last 5 years, served as Director of Activities from 1996-1999, and holds the rare distinction along with Mr. Barber of being Honorary Lifetime Members.

The San Felipe Association of Retired Persons originated in 1991.  Their slogan is "Your presence in this community makes you a member of our informal organization".  Originally, the San Felipe Association of Retired Persons was named "The Friendship Group" by its founder Shirley Thompson.  This association started out as a place where older American and Canadian visitors could relax in a friendly environment outside their homes.  What was then an average meeting of 16 people, has grown into a gathering of over 120 participants.

During my visit with Mr. Barber, he also told me about the San Felipe Cancer Walk.  He is the chairperson  of the MUNICIPAL SERVICES COMMITTEE of the SFCW.  The  The SFCW is a FUND RAISING activity to benefit local Mexican residents with no health insurance or whose health insurance no longer provides for their cancer treatment.  The SAN FELIPE CANCER WALK is a 3-kilometer (2 miles) opportunity people to help men, women and children they've never met.  The San Felipe Cancer Walk is a yearly ceremonial event that will take place on March 24, 2007.  Mr. Barber talked with great pride about the SFCW and how it has helped bring awareness of the very serious matter of cancer to the residents and visitors of San Felipe and the surrounding areas.  As word spreads of the SFCW and what they are doing for their community, more people are registering for future walks.