© All
my work is COPYRIGHT
protected and may not be used in any way without purchase, or without my
permission.
Welcome…..
Please note that you may SUBSCRIBE below to this Blog.
NOTE that you may click on any photo for
an ENLARGED VIEW.
Friday October 30, 2015
CONGRATULATIONS to the Hearts Of Gold Foundation and the Prefectura De Azuay on the grand opening of the new Mikhuna Food Bank next to the Mirador de Turi.
This is truly an ambitious undertaking for a very needed service in this city. Special kudos to Natasha Verkley, Executive Director of Hearts Of Gold, and Johanna Vaca, Program Director of Hearts Of Gold, for filling a void and really helping get this project off the ground.
I was a little shocked at the number of Cuencanos who did come out and the number of Expats who did not. It was standing room only at the amphitheater at Turi as festivities finally began in bright sunshine only a 1/2 hour late. The Catholic University of Cuenca is also involved somehow. The Bishop of Cuenca was also on the dais with Richard Verkley, founder of Hearts Of Gold, and Paul Carrasco Carpio, Prefect of Azuay province.
Richard ended up doing the speaking on behalf of Hearts Of Gold, with Johanna doing a great job of translation. I felt really bad for Natasha and Johanna, were basically just left on the sidelines, and not even really acknowledged publicly for their hard work, to my knowledge. Others, like Laura Inks Bodine, who organized the painting of the premises, also seemed to be ignored. Maybe there were just too many people to thank....
Two rows in front of us, some ladies started pounding on an old fellow's back as he was obviously choking. I held back reluctantly and finally some medical personnel performed the Heimlich Maneuver and solved the poor man's problem. I have only performed that maneuver once on a brother-in-law in a panic situation, and I did not feel comfortable enough in my abilities to leap in here today, in front of hundreds of Cuencanos. Luckily everything turned out fine.
I picked up Cristina from work today and we cruised by Otorongo where some of the artisan booths were already set up, then through El Centro. We got home just before a massive thunderstorm.
I hope you enjoy the photos. That
was the day's excitement, Cheers, Al
 |
| The new Food Bank is now a reality |
 |
| It is just to the left of the Turi church |
 |
| Lots of folks gathering for the festivities. |
 |
| Great backdrop of the city |
 |
| This is the actual space for the fledgling Food Bank |
 |
| This says it all |
 |
| This amphitheater soon filled right up. |
 |
| The interior of the Turi church |
 |
| Many Cuencanos came out today |
 |
| The seating area filled up quickly |
 |
| Lots of seniors and indigenous folks on hand |
 |
| Waiting for the poohbahs to take the stage |
 |
| Natasha and her Dad, Richard Verkley |
 |
| I don't know if it was a surprise that Richard was here?? |
 |
| Richard and Johanna discussing strategy |
 |
| The Prefect Paul Carrasco Carpio makes his appearance |
 |
| Richard waiting in front of the HoG banner |
 |
| Finally things get going |
 |
| Natasha and Johanna watch from the sidelines |
 |
| Lovely day for this event |
 |
| Thankfully a small dais of speakers (only 4 actually spoke) |
 |
| Richard giving a little history and a childhood story |
 |
| What a great place for giving speeches! |
 |
| The Prefect of Azuay, Paul Carrasco, dominates the stage |
 |
| Lots of folks from the Catholic University |
 |
| Paul Carrasco is a seasoned politician |
 |
| He was definitely giving a politically motivated speech |
 |
| A few expats were over on this side |
 |
| A mighty big cheque |
 |
| The Bishop had some humour for the crowd |
 |
| Bags of produce were brought in for effect |
 |
| Finally the crowd begins to move out of the amphitheater |
