Feliz Diciembre Rocky Point and welcome to the holiday season! Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, we get to look forward to Christmas and New Year’s which is always some great times in Peñasco. I think this might be my 18th New Year’s in a row in town. It truly has become my relaxation week where I get to recharge, reboot and of course carry on a bit 😊! As our holiday season gets nearer to us, please look through this Rocky Point Times and find one group that you can reach out to and help someone out who truly needs it. There are so many organizations and nonprofits that are assisting those that can really use some extra love and can always use some spare time, monetary donations, clothing items, household items………it is probably time that all of us go through our homes and condos and declutter and freshen things up a bit. You will feel better and the difference you make in someone’s life can be forever! So, let’s all do each other a favor and find a way to help out one of the groups in our town that helps support those in need………after all, you will be assured a blessed holiday 😊 and you won’t be considered the Grinch!!! Speaking of blessed, I feel very blessed to know one of our bartenders around town and am lucky to call him, amigo. Rene Garcia Rivera has worked at a plethora of bars around town and is always such a positive, outgoing, kind person that I thought it would be great for all of us to get to know Rene a little better.
Marco~ Tell us a little about you, Rene. Where are you from and how did you end up in Rocky Point?
Rene~ I am originally from Chalco Edo here in Mexico near Mexico City. In about 2005 I moved to Phoenix and lived there for about 2 and ½ years. Then in 2008, I had a friend who wanted me to go see his grandma in Rocky Point because she was ill. He was unable to get to see her, so I agreed to go. I had never heard of Rocky Point and had no idea what to expect. So, off I went, and I ended up taking care of her for about 3 weeks. I ended up getting a job at The Thirsty Parrot and falling in love with Rocky Point! I worked with Martin and that’s where I met Kenny Wallace and was amazed at the beach concerts there especially the Dirty Heads concert.
Marco~ Wow, it seems everyone knows everyone here in some way or another. I just wrote an article with Kenny featured this year. Where else have you worked in town?
Rene~ Shark Bite, Santana’s Coffee, Wrecked at the Reef and Boo Bar. Boo Bar is really where I met so many of the bartenders around town today that are still my friends! I also worked at Tekila Bar, and I have been currently working at Leo’s Bar in Old Port for the last 2 years. I also work at Big Boy Toys doing mechanical work as well as auto body work. I also help Kenny out doing some prep work in his real estate business. I always like to learn new things, so it suits me well to have several jobs going on in my life.
Marco~ That’s awesome, yes, I agree…… you need to stay busy and keep juggling…. otherwise, things sort of get complacent. Your English is very good. How did it get so good?
Rene~ Well I went to high school in Maryvale for 2 and ½ years in Phoenix so I learned a lot there, but I also studied English in Mexico. Bartending in Rocky Point also helped me a lot due to all the English-speaking clientele.
Marco~ Yes, same for me as well. I studied Spanish in high school and college but learned a lot by immersing myself in the language right here in Mexico! What are some of the things you like to do for fun in Rocky Point when you are not working?
Rene~ I like hanging out with friends, sleeping, doing something creative and of course going to the beaches in town because they are so amazing.
Marco~ Indeed!!! It does really seem that the more you explore around town, the more you realize how different the beaches are from each other! Tell me about your familia!
Rene~ Well, I have 2 sisters, Mariela and Elizabeth who both live in Chicago, USA. My brother, Daniel lives in Chicago as well. I am the baby of the family 😊. My mom still lives in Mexico City and unfortunately my dad passed away when I was 10 years old.
Marco~ Aww, sorry to hear the last part. When you are not at Leo’s Bar, where do you like to hang out for some drinks?
Rene~ I really love the live music. On Thursday’s I like to go to Jillz and weekends to Bandito’s, Manny’s, Tekila Bar, JJ’s……really anywhere where there is live music.
Marco~ Nice! That’s definitely one of the best things about Rocky Point……the live music! What keeps you in Rocky Point?
Rene~ The people are so friendly which keeps you here. Whether it is the people who come down once or twice a month, the locals or the first-time visitors. It just seems as if everyone is happy here. I really like it too as I get to meet new people and friends and learn about the places they are from.
Marco~ Anything else you would like the Rocky Point Times readers to know about you?
Rene~ I love helping others to have the best time in Rocky Point! I always try to enjoy the small things in life, especially the peaceful times. Life is really beautiful, and life is short! Like Roger Clyne says, “Here’s to Life!”.
Wow, what a refreshing soul! Rene is truly another one of the kindest guys around town. He always greets you with a big smile and a hearty laugh. I am blessed to be able to call him friend for more than a decade which is truly reMARCOable. So, when you are in Old Port next time, pop in and say hello to Rene…. tell him Marco sent you……. you will be happy you did as you will most likely have a new friend in Rene!
It is time to break out those SILVER BELLS…………
City sidewalks, busy sidewalks, dressed in holiday style
In the air there’s a feeling of Christmas
Children laughing, people passing, meeting smile after smile
And on every street corner you hear
Silver bells, silver bells
It’s Christmas time in the city
Ring a ling, hear them ring
Soon it’ll be Christmas day!!
Silver bells, silver bells
It’s Christmas time in the city
Ring a ling, hear them ring
Soon it’ll be Christmas day!!
ADIOS AMIGOS
GOD BLESS
Marco
