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.