Mayor John Warner, Hanging out at The Grace

Most Amazing Grace regulars are familiar with the many hats of John Warner:  co-founder of Summit Huts, Town Mayor, dentist, early AM Peak 8 skinner, civic-minded citizen, enthusiastic participant of many Bump Buffets – the list could go on to fill a page.  The staff at the Grace also knows and loves Warner for his generous contributions to our workload:  He’s the only Mayor we know who leaps in to help bus tables, greet customers, and wash dishes if he happens to be here when we get slammed and in the weeds.

Warner thinks of the Grace as a community asset;  we like to think that Warner, likewise, is a kind of touchstone for our town. In recognition of his generous spirit, the Grace is shining a light on his good deeds for our upcoming “Good At The Grace” community philanthropy day. Dr. Warner will be returning to the Highlands region of Guatemala in May 2011 to work with Global Dental Relief, a Denver-based non-profit with whom he previously worked in 2006 at a New Orleans East Side clinic after Hurricane Katrina. The focus of the Guatemala clinic will be restoring teeth for villagers who otherwise could not afford dental care.  Warner expects to treat 15-20 people per day.

The 2010 Winter GOOD AT THE GRACE day will be on December 26th, 2010, which, incidentally, is John’s 60th birthday. Come on by and see us- all net profits and donations to the Tip Jar will go towards Dr Warner’s May 2011 Global Dental Relief trip.  Read up on his upcoming trip below!

You’ve traveled several times to Guatemala to offer free dental care to poor communities.   Why Guatemala?  And how does this work fulfill you?

I have always been interested in Central America, especially Guatemala, because of their decades long civil strife and suffering and the USA’s clandestine involvement via the CIA. The people who I have met and treated are wonderful. They are happy with a simple life and simple things. They have a grace and serenity that is important for a North American like me to experience.

What are the biggest needs of the people you treat?

Guatemalan dental patients are like any patients in that they need preventive care with an emphasis on education about diet, nutrition, and home care. The culture of extracting teeth vs. restoring teeth needs to change as well. I would really like to see more outreach from the urban centers into rural Guatemala, but unfortunately Guatemala is torn by discrimination against the rural citizenry by urban citizenry. Additionally, rural youth ought to be invited to the urban centers and trained in all types of health care. Perhaps a “Physicians Assistant” like model for medicine and dentistry in rural Guatemala.

Last August, a longtime volunteer and Dental Director of Global Dental Relief, Dr. Thomas Grams, was killed in Afghanistan while working with the International Assistance Mission. How do you think this will affect Global Dental Relief’s work around the world?

I never met Dr. Grams, but he was beloved and very devoted to the dental needs of the impoverished world. I am sure he will be missed not only for his vision and work, but because of the sheer numbers of people he cared for over the years. I’ve probably cared for 300 patients in my work in Guatemala; this pales in comparison to his contribution. He has probably touched the lives of tens of thousands of people.

Is there a specific story from your volunteer that’s struck a deep chord in your heart?

I have become a Facebook friend with a young man from Guatemala. His name is Benedicto and he lives on the non-resort side of Lake Atitlan. He is an artist, community activist, and volunteer for his region of Guatemala. He is worldly because he has been to the US and elsewhere to study English and develop his art, yet he always goes back to his region/village to assist his community as much as he can. He cares for a disabled brother, several sisters, his parents, and his community. He always has a big beautiful smile and a terrific attitude about his life and his circumstances.


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