Issue 1049, May 11 - 18, 2017

RIVIERA NAYARIT

New Kids Club in La Cruz Page 05

VallartaTribune.com

E E FR

MARKET NEWS

Los Mangos Mercado

Office : 322 222 6678 info@ronmorgan.net

Pages 12 y 13

CASA ALEMAN

www.ronmorgan.net

$1,199,000 USD

May 11 - 17, 2017 Year 20 Free Issue 1049 Phoot by Madeline Milne

DE I U G

finding your happy Page 06

Featured Property of the Week Page 21

ENTERTAINMENT Page 09

welcome

Welcome to Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit Here is some advice to make your trip a little easier and more enjoyable.

TIME ZONE: The entire state of Jalisco is on Central Time, as is the southern part of the State of Nayarit starting from Guayabitos to the Ameca River and including Nuevo Vallarta.

BUSES: A system of urban buses can bring you from one end of the bay to the other and all the spots in between. Current fare within Puerto Vallarta is $7.50 pesos per ticket and passengers must purchase a new ticket every time they board a bus. Hold on to your ticket. This is your proof and insurance should anything happen.

Bus destinations are typically written on the front of the window.

Those with a ‘centro’ sign will drive through downtown Puerto Vallarta and those with a ‘tunel’ sign will drive through the tunnel roads that go behind the city.

TAXIS: There are set rates within defined zones of town. Do not enter a taxi without agreeing on the price with the driver first. Price is per trip not person unless there are more than four passengers.

Take note of the taxi number on the outside door and where it picked you up. If you lose an item this information will be vital to attempting to get it back.

MONEY EXCHANGE: To exchange money you will need your passport. Best option is to use your bankcard to withdraw funds from any ATM machine. ATM’s in the banks are the safest to use and generally charge lower fees.

USING PESOS OR USD: Businesses must display their prices in pesos and they may also post the prices in any other currency they choose. They cannot refuse to accept pesos. Some service staff may appreciate being tipped in USD and others in pesos. If you are concerned, ask.

TIPPING: How much and when you tip are personal choices and unless otherwise noted a 10-20%

tip on food and beverage and services is standard. Tip the kids and seniors who bag your groceries. They work exclusively for tips. Have change at the ready for musicians and clowns that ride the buses – typically tipping 5 pesos or less. Taxi drivers do not receive tips unless they go to extraordinary lengths.

DRINKING WATER: Puerto Vallarta’s water (at the source) is certified pure enough to drink. For many who live here long term, we drink from our taps with no issues.

For those on vacation, it may be better to stick to bottled water.

EXPORTING PETS: Falling in love with a rescue animal is easy – and it’s easy to take them home with you. The process is quick and inexpensive. You need a certificate of health from a local vet with the appropriate inoculations, among other things. The time of year that pets can travel in the cargo hold of the plane may be your biggest challenge. Contact your airline to double-check their requirements.

COMMON SENSE: Just as you would not walk around your hometown drunk and belligerent, it is not acceptable to do that here. While Mexicans are a forgiving bunch, basic politeness is appreciated. Pay attention to your surroundings. Pay your bills. Be courteous. And have fun!

DRINKING AND DRIVING: First off – just don’t. The consequences are not worth it. Taxis are cheap and plentiful. Fines are as much as 15,000 pesos. You can be taken to jail and your vehicle impounded.

There are many checkstops on the weekends and you will be asked to blow if they suspect you have been drinking.

LEGAL SYSTEM: Not knowing the law is not a valid excuse in Mexico or anywhere. If you find yourself caught in a legal situation be aware that the system works much differently here than you are likely used to. Immediately contact your consulate for assistance.

Director Noemi Zamora noemizamorareynoso@gmail.com Editor Lic. Madeline Milne mmilne@Vallartatribune.com Sales Team Information office ventastribuna7@yahoo.com Designer Cynthia E. Andrade G. cysandra@gmail.com cisandra@vallartatribune.com

May 11 - 17, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Calling in Mexico Calling phones in Mexico can be tricky. There are different codes you need to use depending if you are calling landlines or cellular phones and if they are local or long distance.

LONG-DISTANCE CALLS FROM WITHIN MEXICO For national long-distance calls (within Mexico) the code is 01 plus the area code and phone number. For international long-distance calls, first dial 00, then the country code (U.S. and Canada country code is 1), so you would dial 00 + 1 + area code + 7 digit number.

CALLING CELL PHONES (FROM A LAND LINE) If you are calling from a landline within the area code of the Mexican cell phone number dial 044, the 10 digit number. Outside of the area code (but still within Mexico) dial 045 and then the 10 digit phone number. Cell phone to cell phone only requires the 10 digit number.

PHONE CARDS Phone cards (tarjetas telefonicas) for use in pay phones can be bought at newsstands and in pharmacies.

Pay phones do not accept coins. When buying a phone card for pay phone use, specify that you would like a tarjeta LADA. CALLING TOLL-FREE NUMBERS Some toll free numbers work from Mexico to the US and Canada, but many do not. Those that do work are often not toll-free. You need to dial a different prefix. To call the following toll free prefixes, dial as follows: 800 numbers Dial 001-880-then the number 866 numbers Dial 001-883-then the number 877 numbers Dial 001-882-then the number 888 numbers Dial 001-881-then the number

Emergencies: 911 Red Cross: 065 Fire Department: 322.223.9476 Ambulance: 322.222.1533

Ahoy Cruisers!

NAME PASS DATE CARNIVAL 3,200 03/05/2017 CRYSTAL CRUISES 940 03/05/2017 DISNEY CRUISES 2,400 04/05/2017 CARNIVAL 3,200 10/05/2017 CRYSTAL 1,070 13/05/2017 CELEBRITY 2,499 14/05/2017 CARNIVAL 3,200 17/05/2017 CARNIVAL 3,200 24/05/2017 CARNIVAL 3,200 31/05/2017

Immigration: 322.224.7719 Consumer Protection: 01.800.468.8722 Tourism Offices Jalisco: 322.221.2676 Nayarit: 322.297.1006

Consulates American Consulate 24 hrs 01-332-268-2100 Canadian Consulate 322.293.0098 322.293.0099 24 hrs: 1.800.706.2900

In port this month

In the month of May Puerto Vallarta welcomes 22,909 passengers!

Vallarta Tribune is an activity and entertainment guide and merely publishes information as it is provided by the advertiser or event host. We do not assume responsibility in errors or omissions other than to correct them as soon as they are made known to us regarding event schedules, locations and/or prices. In addition, we do not assume any responsibility for erroneous inclusion or exclusion of information except to take reasonable care to ensure accuracy, that permission has been obtained to use it, and to remove it as soon as is practical upon receiving your notification of error. We recommend you always confirm prior to attending or visiting an event or establishment. Weekly publication edited, printed and distributed by Ediciones y Publicaciones Siete Junio, SA de CV Grupo Editorial Tribuna Calle 21 de Marzo # 1174 Col. Lomas del Coapinole Del. El Pitillal, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco México CP 48290 Tel. 226-0800 editor@vallartatribune.com * www.vallartatribune.com * www.facebook.com/vallarta.tribune

Cut out and put near your phone for handy reference

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Editor’s

editorial

Note

editor@vallartatribune.com

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nce the tourists leave, the locals come out to play.

It’s been a non-stop week of get-togethers, dinners, hikes and in one case, too much vodka!

And it doesn’t appear to be letting up anytime soon. Combined with the big number of ongoing events through the rest of May and well into June, it is as though ‘low season’ is a thing of the past. Congrats should go out to the Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit tourism offices.

They have done a bang up job of keeping the Bay energised with all the ongoing events.

This weekend we have the always well-attended Altruism Festival. Celebrating its 13th year, this event raises funds for 20+ local charities with an evening of the best restaurants and bars in the bay supplying tasty samples and great entertainment with 1000 of your closest friends; once again held in the garden at Casamagna Marriott in Marina Vallarta.

On the 15th we start the two-week run of ‘Restaurant Week’ with about 40 local restaurants around the bay and into Riviera

Nayarit offering special menus at deeply discounted prices. It’s a great way to try those restaurants that are on your bucket list.

Check out the foodie group Gary’s Groupies if you don’t want to dine alone. You can find it on Facebook.

The last week of May welcomes about 15,000 visitors here to celebrate Pride. For the fifth consecutive year, Vallarta Pride will produce a week long festival of cultural events and entertainment including the fabulous Pride parade on Wednesday, May 24. For the first time ever(!) the Mayor of Vallarta and his family will participate along with the police and firefighters.

Don’t miss it! More details in this week’s paper and online.

The weather is set to change with predictions for the first tropical storm to form in the Eastern Pacific this weekend.

The official start of hurricane season is May 15. That means that the rains are coming, as they do every year. And with rains is flooding and so much garbage being swept out into the ocean (and mosquitos - read Pam Thompson’s

Hola Madeline,

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s I read this week’s Editor’s Note I realized you said the Marina Market has closed for the season, but actually they are going through on Thursday night’s until the end of May! There were only about half the vendor’s but it was still so nice and although not crowded there were lots of people enjoying it.

I actually was only writing as the volunteer coordinator for the opening of the Corazon de Nina’s nifty, gifty and very thrifty charity store to say we can’t thank you enough for doing the full article page with photos in our first week of opening.

We still have people donating

regularly, mentioning they saw it in the paper, asking if we’ll be staying open in the summer. Well, we sure hope to and so we are now outfitted with a deli cooler for some fresh produce, veggies and goodies. Plus we carry some household staples, along with new and gently used clothes, books, furniture, artwork, toys and jewellery.

We have several items made with our logo; and, some of our 31 kids in the Corazon de Nina home also make very special necklaces, beautiful cloth gift bags and tortillas! Thank you so much and if you need more photos for a follow up I’d be happy to help.

Nancy Nevison

May 11 - 17, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Medical Matters column this week for more details on how to protect yourself from Dengue and other mosquito-borne illnesses).

Banderas Bay is home to so many beautiful, endemic and endangered species. It is imperative that we work to protect not just the bay, but also the oceans in general. It’s in our power to affect change. Keep a couple plastic bags in your purse, in your car, in your pocket – wherever, and use them to pick up some trash as you walk along the beach or riverbanks.

In addition to the events going on around town, we continue to have a couple artisan/farmer’s markets including the Thursday Marina Market – I stand corrected.

It runs until the end of May. The Friday Marsol Market runs all year round and they’re having a bazaar next week. You can read about it in this week’s paper.

Three Hens and a Rooster Market is Saturdays and I hear the Bagel Guy is back for the summer (real, chewy, boiled bagels)! The Los Mangos Mercado continues to be every Saturday. This is a great spot. Very pretty outdoor setting and they are welcoming new vendors each week.

Lots of live entertainment venues continue to offer nightly shows. Incanto has local favourite Chris Kenny, as well as Sylvie and Jorge from The Zippers fame, in addition to many visiting artists.

Tescalama in La Cruz is staying open all summer. Drop by for the excellent menu, drink specials and the five huge high-def screens to watch ALL THE SPORTS… That’s it for me this week. I’m heading out on a boat, attending the Altruism Festival and then zipping to Canada for a few days.

Be cool. Safe travels, Madeline

What to do if you see a turtle laying eggs Maintain a minimum 10m distance If you take photos, don’t use a flash Don’t block the turtle from returning to the ocean Don’t step on or dig around the nest area Report it to the Department of Ecology at 322 160 3279

Alegre Tours Calendar:

Enjoy this miracle of nature!

Alegre Tours

Sept 29-Oct 09-2017 Argentina/ Buenos Aires/IguazuFall/Mendoza Wine Country November 04-11-2017 Cuba Havana and Varadero Beach November 28-December 05-2017 Mexico City/Cernavaca/Valle de Bravo/Xochimilco/Taxco December 15-2017 Mascota/Talpa 1 Day Tour January 13-19-2018 Guanajuato/San Miguel/Leon February 12-15-2018 Tonala Original Special “Shop Till You Drop” Tour Visit Tonala Marketplace and Furniture Expo March 17-24-2018 Merida/Chichen-Itza/Becal/Uxmal

Reservations & Information: Roberta Valdez 951.760.1068 rvaldez714@hotmail.com

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May 11 - 17, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Seize this unique commercial opportunity in the hottest section of Puerto Vallarta. Before someone else does.

CASA MADERO

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May 11 - 17, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

From Here

Finding

Your Happy Rhonda Zarate

Marcia Blondin

Goddess Gathering a Happy Place

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rhondazaratelifestyle@gmail.com

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oddess gatherings are the most magical, powerful, inspiring events one can partake in. Sorry if you are a dude reading this but I would suggest running with this idea for you and your boys, create something similar for your tribe. Maybe you could start a movement of the Man-Gods, just go for it!

Last week I was invited to a gathering of women for a joining of the souls, feasting on chocolate and sharing of the hearts.

As the waves crashed on the rocks with a steady rhythmic flow, the energy in the room built stronger and stronger until it felt like we were one unit.

Each woman was gifted the space of having her moment to share whatever it was she wanted to speak about.

Allowing her just to be and an invitation the rest of us to practice our listening skills instead of our chirping in skills. (I think that was a suggestion for me.)

This lazy, beautiful day reminded me yet again the impor-

marciavallarta@gmail.com

tance of connection.

My favorite thing in this world is hanging with my tribe. Sometimes new tribe members just appear even when one is not expecting it.

You can feel the like-minded heart energy, and you know. It is almost like a happy drug that you cannot get enough, leaving you wanting more.

When we said our goodbyes I felt so ready for the week, so happy and able to take anything on.

I believe that we have to consciously be aware of taking care of our mental health.

The feeling of feeling good is different for everyone as we are our own unique being. For some people it is in the mountains or the ocean, or it could be going for a long run.

The run, not so much for me, more like shanasana at the end of yoga is my sweet spot.

Whatever it is that makes you feel so good is because you let your mind go, enjoy, relax and

reboot. There can be so many pressures put on us in this world; it is imperative that you figure out how you are going to make your mental health an equal priority as your physical health.

For me, one of the things that fills me with happiness is spending time with my tribe, for you, it could be the quiet moments spent alone.

Wherever you can just be yourself and let it all hang out in the most carefree way is where you belong.

We are so very blessed to live in such a big beautiful world.

Every day is a bright light of happiness, we just have to figure out how to harness that and keep a tight reign on it, so feeling good becomes a daily event in your life.

Homework: Find your fix of feeling good. Keep searching until you find it, feel it, and are called back for more. It is out there I promise you that, you just have to seek it my friend.

Xoxo Rhonda

lmost at the very end of Los Muertos Beach is Mantamar Beach Club Bar & Grill. It was my first time at this lovely place; it was not, alas, to enjoy the bar, the restaurant, the pool, lounge chairs or the water, rather the occasion was the official Press Conference announcing the 13th Edition of Vallarta Lifestyle’s Restaurant Week.

A popular concept all around the world and Puerto Vallarta has the immense distinction of being the ONLY city in all of Mexico to use this terrific idea to promote our destination internationally.

The idea is simple: take some of the finest eateries in the Bay of Banderas and, for two weeks, have them produce a menu at a fixed price – quite often at a 50% discount! – for people to try the restaurant that at other times might be out of financial reach.

It is a super way for locals and the many tourists who come specifically to dine like kings and pay like princes. Besides Mantamar, 43 other restaurants are in the mix this year: enjoy from May 15th to the 31st. See restaurantweekpv.com Three of the above-mentioned restaurants contributed to last week’s fundraiser for Fundacion Careaga that took place at Casa Karma. We dined on salad prepared by Café des Artistes with wonderful owner/chef Thierry Blouet in attendance; deliciously creamy soup by La Leche and the main course cooked to perfection by Trio. Interspersed with Celebrations Vallarta Jim Lee’s magnificent mac and cheese martini and Chef Memo’s cheesecake.

One of Fundacion Careaga’s beneficiaries is a karate school whose students put on a riveting display of the sport. One of the young men has been selected to represent Jalisco in an upcoming karate competition in Monterrey.

The small group of young men and women doing various katas on the stage showed immense concentration breaking boards

and performing the katas with grace and amazingly controlled power. What a gift these young people have received from Fundacion Careaga and that goodness will no doubt be extended to others throughout their lives. My respects.

The evening wrapped up with “Moelle” a jazz quartet that so intrigued me, I jumped at the first chance to see them in concert two days later at Incanto.

“Moelle”, a French word meaning “marrow” in English - vocalist Fernanda Sakura sings in both as well as Portuguese and her native Spanish. Fernanda was born and grew up in Aguascalientes and has lived for the last 13 years in Vallarta. Her group, “Moelle”, composed of guitarist Jusan, bassist Marro and drummer Carlos, has only been together for six months. Each musician is keenly professional and respectful of one another and to their principle task on the stage which is to back up Fernanda – nothing more and nothing less. They all played with a resolute accuracy and a delicateness that I found so refreshing. They were loud when needed and practically whispering when it was time; amazing musicianship.

And now on to Fernanda – the star. At 26 she is very young and admits candidly that the sadness/sorrow/pain in an upcoming song has never happened to her but…off she goes, fearlessly and wonderfully. She is quite shy and the juxtaposition of a girlish giggle followed immediately by the strength of “I Put a Spell on You” took my breath away. Fernanda – you did at least that, From Here.

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May 11 - 17, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Paradise Treasure

and Parenting Leza Warkentin

Orlando Gotay, Tax Attorney

mommyinmexico.wordpress.com

tax@orlandogotay.com

A Mother’s Day Letter Dear Kids, Well it’s Mother’s Day again.

Actually it’s Mother’s DAYS again, because we are a Mexican/Canadian family, so I get two. You might think this isn’t fair, but it means you’ll probably get to eat in a restaurant twice so I’m not sure what you’re upset about.

I just wanted to justify all the fuss I’ll be expecting, because I’m probably not the best mom on the planet. Sometimes you m ay even wish you live in Never Land where there are no parents and where a kindly fairy covers you in golden flying dust instead of insisting on a regular bedtime.

I will agree that I’m not the best mom on the planet. I’ve spent a bit of time on Pinterest, so I have plenty of evidence to support that. I’d give the award to the lady who painted an illustrated world’s map on their child’s bedroom wall, or the mom who created a natural wood bunk bed with real twig ladder for her twin sons. But perhaps I am not the worst. I said PERHAPS. And that’s what this letter is about, kids.

I may not always remember to cut the crusts off your sandwiches and put little notes in your lunch, but sometimes I sneak a mini chocolate bar in there.

Because I don’t really like the Milky Way ones, so there are a few extra. I may not pay the biggest allowance in town, but I make sure to pay you back when I “borrow” some out of your wallet.

Almost always.

I may not know what all the cool, popular songs are right now, but I always sing along when they

Hunting

come on the radio, extra loud so it makes up for not knowing all (any) of the lyrics.

I may not always be patient when you break the rules, but I rarely call you out in front of your friends (I have The Look that says it all anyhow, such as Wait Til Your Buddy Goes Home, My Man).

I may forget that you asked me not to sing “The Goodnight Song” because you are too big and too awesomely cool now, but I’ll tuck you in and hug you as long as you want and pretend I don’t notice that you still need your mama.

I may not be able to buy you the latest technology, or the name brand clothing, or the boots that I know you will wear exactly one time and then put them away until you grow out of them (because we LIVE AT THE BEACH, GIRLFRIEND). But I’ll stay by your side when you’re sad. And I’ll fight for you even when you don’t know it. And I’ll be your greatest fan when you get

out there and do those gutsy things you do.

Someday, when you’re all grown up, you’ll have the worst day of your life because you will fail at something. Miserably. Spectacularly. And for a minute, you are going to feel more alone than you ever felt in your life. But then you’ll remember, and you’ll pick up the phone. And I’ll be there on the other end. Every.

Single. Time. The Not-So-Cool Mom. The Not-Always-Together Mom. The Loud-Singer Mom. The Too-Tired -For-Math-Homework Mom. I’ll be there.

And while I’m probably never going to tattoo your name on my body and then pin it to my own “Super Mega Cool Mommy” Pinterest board (because, pain), your names are tattooed forever on my heart.

Because I might not be the best mom on the planet, but I’m pretty good at loving the two of you.

Love, Me (Your Mom)

Orlando Gotay is a California licensed tax attorney (with a Master of Laws in Taxation) admitted to practice before the IRS, the U.S. Tax Court and other taxing agencies. His love of things Mexican has led him to devote part of his practice to the tax matters of U.S. expats in Mexico. He can be reached at tax@orlandogotay.com, online radio at mixlr.com/orlandogotay or Facebook: GotayTaxLawyer.

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here has been debate as to whether increased tax policing regarding offshore holdings produce meaningful results. There are regularly Justice Department announcements about the latest indictment, persons who pled guilty to tax evasion, false returns, Foreign Bank Account Report (FBAR) nonfiling and such.

But besides that, what else proves that crackdowns work?

A paper presented in late April by economics professor Joel Slemrod of the University of Michigan may offer clues.

“Taxing Hidden Wealth: The Consequences of U.S. Enforcement Initiatives on Evasive Foreign Accounts” presents the first meticulous analysis of what the Treasury accomplishes, examining if it has induced more reporting.

After the 2009 crackdown, “new” compliance went through the roof. Many new foreign accounts were being declared on FBARs: a sudden uptick of 19 percent, with an increase in aggregate wealth disclosed of around $75 billion.

“New reporters” had their reported interest income go up by 63 percent, dividends by 25 percent, and capital gains by 18 percent.

The paper says that most of these folks have respectable income levels, but not all were “super rich”.

The net is still wide enough.

Those numbers suggest there is a “there” there.

And I don’t say this to fear monger, as I don’t believe in that.

As Rick Blaine said in the movie Casablanca, it is important to understand the point of view of the hound, as well as that of the fox.

It was the first time I know of someone getting access to FBAR data. Slemrod argues that his analysis could tell apart holders of accounts opened for “legitimate” reasons versus others, and followed this with a per country analysis of individual responses, including those motivated by the various offshore “disclosure” programs, as well as ones that opted for a “quiet disclosure” (complying on a go forward basis without admitting to prior infractions).

Who knew: Mexico was in the “top 25 list” of FBARs filed by people who admitted to having undeclared accounts in 2010 and 2011.

Folks, let’s be candid about this. They have hit the mother lode.

Other countries have also realized there is a trillion dollar sized stash of undeclared wealth lurking around somewhere, waiting to be detected and taxed. Mossack-Fonseca big.

There is a “there” there.

And yes: one of the research team economists works for the IRS.

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entertainment

Entertainment continues at Incanto

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azz Quartet, Moelle, has been gaining in popularity around Banderas Bay with their unique style of crispy blues and smoky jazz. Lead singer, Ferny Sakura, originally from Aguascalientes, has been performing since age 13. Often referred to as an ‘old soul’ vocally, her grandmother was a big influence on her early musical aspirations.

She went on to compete in several radio-sponsored singing competitions, ultimately winning several awards. Other members of the band include Carlos Alcantara from Mexico City on drums, Marro Bassie, originally from Jamaica on bass, and Jusan from Vallarta on guitar. All have come together through their passion for jazz/ blues and love of performing.

Moelle plays on Sundays at 8 pm.

Dwight Blake is an accomplished pianist, singer and composer who is passionate about music and loves to entertain. In this final performance of ‘Name That Song!’ he will perform a variety of songs randomly chosen by the audience during the show. Dwight is well-

known for singing the hits of favorite artists like Stevie Wonder, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, and Michael Bublé. Dwight Blake plays an added show on Thursday, May 11 & Saturday, May 13 at 8 pm.

Singer-songwriter and American Idol finalist David Hernandez returns to Incanto starting May 16th. He garnered national attention with his powerful voice and affable personality during Season 7 of American Idol.

David began acting and singing at age six, starring in musicals throughout his home state of Arizona.

He currently writes and produces music, including his recently released hit single ‘Beautiful’.

David Hernandez plays May 16 23, all shows 8 pm.

Sylvie & Jorge from the popular local band The Zippers will play on Tuesdays beginning May 9 at 8 pm.

Sylvie’s rich, uninhibited vocals, accompanied by the talented Jorge on electric guitar, create an evening of soulful rock and jazz.

Alberto Cuevas ‘El Diamante’ stars in ‘One Night in Mexico’ accompanied by Salvatore on piano.

Next show May 19 at 8 pm., with Special Guest drag artist/comedian and Comedy Central alum Hugo Blanquet from Mexico City.

Moelle jazz Quartet plays on Sundays at 8 pm in the cabaret.

Singer/guitarist Audi Rodriguez plays in the piano bar on Sundays starting at 7PM Singer/guitarist Gabriel Reyes plays select nights at 5 pm. Singer and songwriter Chris Kenny plays jazz/blues/ classics on Saturdays at 8 pm.

Open Mic hosted by Tracy Parks with music by Chris Kenny is on Thursdays at 7 pm. And BINGO with Pearl fundraisers are held on Saturdays at 5 pm with special guests.

For more information and online tickets visit Incanto’s website www.

IncantoVallarta.com.

Incanto’s cafe is open from 9 am -11:30 pm.

Tuesday thru Sunday, with piano music by Salvatore starting at 10 am on the riverside terrace. Happy Hour is 2 pm – 6 pm. Incanto is located at Insurgentes 109 (at the Rio Cuale). Box Office opens at 10 am Phone them at 322 223 9756 for reservations. Closed Mondays.

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May 11 - 17, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Medical Matters

Que Paso at UDG CUC Michael Nolan

Pam Thompson

Michael Nolen is the host of ‘The Good Morning Wake Up Show,’ which is broadcast as part of the University of Guadalajara’s 104.3 FM radio station at the CUC campus in Puerto Vallarta. Every Saturday at 9 AM

Pamela Thompson operates HealthCare Resources Puerto Vallarta, a multi-faceted, independent, resource network that is here for your total health and well-being. We offer assistance to help find a physician, hospital and diagnostic service for any healthcare needs. www.healthcareresourcespv.com

104.3wakeupshow@gmail.com

pamela@healthcareresourcespv.com

What’s happening at The University of Guadalajara / Coastal University Campus, in Puerto Vallarta?

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efore anyone sends me their opinions on vaccines (anti) – I will start by saying that vaccines are a very personal decision. Some want them and some don’t. I am just putting the information out there and then, one can decide what to do.

Shingles Vaccine: Yes, now we have the Shingles vaccine available here. In the past, the vaccine for Chicken Pox was given which, obviously, is not exactly the same.

Anyone who has had shingles or knows someone who has had them, knows how painful they can be! Zostavax is a live attenuated virus vaccine indicated for prevention of herpes zoster (shingles) in individuals 50 years of age and older. Limitations of use: Zostavax is not indicated for the treatment of zoster or post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). Zostovax is not indicated for the prevention of primary varicella infection (chicken pox). Contraindications of the use of Zostavax: History of anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reaction to gelatin, Neomycin or any other component of the vaccine. Immunosuppression or immune deficiency. Pregnancy.

Dengue Vaccine: Dengue is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes in endemic areas (such as Mexico).

The vaccine used to prevent

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his Saturday May13, from 8 am to 1pm, there will be another UDG Social Service Brigade in the EL NOGALITO, NEIGHBORHOOD, Mismaloya. The Brigade is a university program that is held once a month in a different community in the Puerto Vallarta area. The University will offer health care, legal advice, self-construction of public housing, psychological health, nutritional, financial and accounting services, and physical fitness.

The Brigades helps disadvantaged communities in the region; University teachers, social service providers and students of UdG Central University Costa will be there to help. The program’s goal is a commitment to social equity and improving the living conditions of the disadvantaged, by offering basic services to those in need.

The program seeks to create a greater social awareness among students of UDG – CUC. For more information, please contact: Mtra.

Maria Guadalupe Gomez Basulto (322) 226-2263 Ext 66263 ALL THE ABOVE SERVICES ARE FREE. AND IT IS OPEN TO EVERYONE. The spring semester is about to come to an end. Finals will begin soon. The good news is there will be classes held this summer.

Next week I will have all the information on the classes to be taught and what you need to do for enrollment in the summer semester.

The UdG is a public university and is open to everyone.

This Saturday on my “GOOD MORNING WAKE UP SHOW” We will have three interviews about the ALTRUISM FESTIVAL taking place this coming Sunday, May 14. And a big SWEET surprise.

Please tune in from 9am to 11 at

A Couple of Vaccines

104.3 FM or on the net at, ​http:// udgtv.com/radio-puerto-vallarta/ en-vivo.

And for MOTHER’S DAY The most remarkable thing about my mother is that for thirty-five years she served the family

nothing but leftovers. The original meal has never been found.

MOM, I love you and miss you every day.

Till we meet again Michael

Dengue is now available and it is called DENGVAXIA. In studies so far, the vaccine has an approximate 60% efficiency. Contraindications: Anyone with auto-immune disease or immune deficiency (current treatment with high dose steroids or immunosuppressors), HIV. Three doses are needed. The protection begins after the first dose but it is not completely effective until after the third dose. Dose schedule: First dose and then two more, six months apart.

A reminder that on Monday, May 22 we will have Dr. Jaime Zayas, who is the Director of the Salud (Health Department) speaking on Dengue, Zika and Chinkingunya (all mosquito borne diseases). As we move into the rainy season it is important to understand what you can do to prepare your home as much as possible to minimize the amount of mosquitoes in and around it and as well, to learn more about the diseases associated with mosquitoes.

For further information on the vaccines or the talk, please just shoot me an email: pamela@healthcareresourcespv.com and we will send you all of the details!

It’s warming up out there! The humidity is creeping up so drink a couple extra bottles of water!

Here’s to a swell week!

expat

11

Two Expats in Mexico Paul Kurtzweil www.qroo.us

Life in Mexico: Why Some People Pay Up to 380% More Per Kilowatt of Electricity

W

hen we first moved to Mexico, I was surprised that so many of our fellow expats were obsessed with how much electricity they used. Many of them even told us that they wouldn’t turn on their air conditioners because electricity is so expensive.

I really didn’t understand what all the fuss was about because I didn’t think my electric bill was that high – at least at first. After a short time in our new condo, our bimonthly electric bill increased dramatically from one billing cycle to the next. Naturally, I thought it was some kind of accounting error because our usage had not increased.

After a bit of investigation, I learned that the electric company, Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE), had reclassified us as a high consumption household based on our usage the previous months.

This classification is known as DAC (doméstica de alto consumo).

Once we reached that level, we were billed at a much higher rate per kilowatt hour. When I say higher – I mean a lot higher.

Prior to the change, our first 250 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity were billed at $0.711 pesos per kWh. After the change, we were charged $3.436 per kWh. That’s an increase of over 380% — ouch!

To make matters worse, they also tack on an additional charge of $183.54 pesos ($9.17 USD) to every bill if you are rated as a high

consumption household.

Subsidies The government provides a subsidy to help cover the cost of electricity, but you can only get it if you keep your usage within the limits set by CFE. We were getting those subsidies when we first arrived and that saved us quite a bit of money.

The subsidy is based on a tier system and it affects the rate that you pay per kilowatt hour.

Take a look at the picture below.

This was taken from a bill that we received when we were still receiving the government subsidy.

The first 250 kWh (básico) was billed at $.0711 pesos per kWh. The next 200 kWh (intermedio) was billed at a slightly higher rate of $.0839 pesos per kWh. Anything above that level (excedente) was billed at a much higher rate of $2.859 pesos per kWh. This is only an example.

The individual rates will vary by assigned billing zone and time of year. Once you know your billing designation (next section), you’ll be able to find the exact rates on the CFE website.

Usage Limits CFE determines your usage limits and rates based on the minimum average temperature for your area in the summer. The higher the average minimum temperature, the more electricity you can use before being losing your subsidy.

The following chart shows the minimum average summer temperature thresholds for each classification: The chart below shows the kilowatt limits per classification. If the average bimonthly electricity usage exceeds the amount shown for the past 12 month period, you’ll lose your government subsidy and fall under DAC billing.

You can determine your billing category by looking at the section marked “tarifa” on your CFE bill. Akumal is classified as 1B, which means we have to keep our bimonthly average below 800 kilowatt hours if we want to receive the subsidy. That’s difficult to do if you run your air conditioner on a regular basis. (ed.: Author resides in Akumal, Q. Roo. Most neighbourhoods in Puerto Vallarta are also 1B.) If you’re already paying the higher DAC rates, then “DAC” will appear in that section of the bill.

If that’s the case, you can always find out your billing classification by either calling CFE or asking one of your neighbors to check his or her bill.

Once you are on DAC billing, every single kilowatt hour is billed at the same high rate. CFE will also tack on fixed fee (cargo fijo).

You can get off DAC by consistently reducing your usage below the CFE allotted limit. Once your average for the previous 12 months is below the target number, you’ll start receiving your subsidy again.

Let’s Wrap This Up In writing this article, I started thinking how odd it would be if the price of other consumables — such as food and gasoline — was determined by a person’s history of prior consumption.

For example, anyone who bought a lot of junk food would be classified as a high consumer and would be charged 300% more for every bag of Cheetos. If a person drove a long way to work every day, he or she would end up paying 300% for every gallon of gasoline – and so forth.

I’m glad this only applies to electricity or I might have to go back to work just to pay for beer and margaritas.

All joking aside, it definitely pays to watch your electricity use while in Mexico. It comes down to finding a balance between comfort (air conditioning) and staying within your monthly budget.

Ed. This article was originally published January 17, 2017.

Amounts may have changed in this time. Check the CFE website directly for the most up to date information.

May 11 - 17, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

DO YOU REALLY NEED

THAT STRAW?

IF YOU DON’T NEED THAT STRAW, THEN THE NEXT TIME YOU ORDER A DRINK SAY -

Sin popote, por favor!

Frankies has gone crazy!

A bottle of red house wine plus a Margarita pizza for only $290 pesos from 5 - 11pm

Valid from May 11 - 17, 2017 Open from Tuesday to Saturday from 5-11pm Venustiano Carranza 276 Zona Romántica 223 2267

Mercado Los Mangos Welcomes New Vendors

By Paco Ojeda

A

s other farmers markets in the region begin to wrap their seasonal activity, inquiries from vendors interested in selling their products at Mercado Los Mangos is on the rise. “Our requirements are fairly basic,” commented Ana Espinoza, Mercado Los Mangos coordinator.

“We look for local entrepreneurs whose own products can enhance the variety and quality of products already available at our market, which means that eventually we will be forced to limit the number of

vendors offering similar products.”

An important requirement— along with a standard application form—is proof of current fiscal status, a certificate that can be obtained through Mexico’s Servicio de Administración Tributaria (or SAT, Mexico’s equivalent to the US’ Internal Revenue Service). Volunteers are available at Mercado Los Mangos on Saturdays, 10 am - 1:30 pm to receive documentation or answer questions on how to fill it out properly.

Once applicants are

pre-selected, they are invited for an interview and review (or sampling) of their products with the selection committee. This allows both parties to clear any questions that may arise about Mercado Los Mangos’ operation, expectations and so forth.

This past weekend, Mercado Los Mangos welcomed new vendors, including Gustavo Ávalos and his wife, Rosa, from Campoverde Organic, their Las Palmas-based farm, where they specialize in a surprising variety of Asian vegetables, eggs, greens

and ginger. Joaquín Mauleón also joined the market with La Vaca Gorda, his brand of 100 percent

natural yogurts.

Mercado Los Mangos continues to offer a broad variety

of homemade products created by local vendors every Saturday, 10 am - 3 pm. A spacious green lawn and shaded seating areas make it ideal for visitors to enjoy a delicious meal, live music, also allowing them to discover Los Mangos Library’s many courses and workshops for children, teens and adults. The address is Francisco Villa 1001, Colonia Los Mangos, only one block away from Costco. For more information visit Biblioteca Los Mangos online at www.bibliotecalosmangos.com, or visit Mercado Los Mangos on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ MercadoLosMangos.

local

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May 11 - 17, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Creative hands of Mexico Leigh Thelmadatter

osomadre@hotmail.com

Leigh Thelmadatter is a profesor at Tec de Monterrey, Mexico City, Wikipedian, and semi-professional researcher on Mexican handcrafts and folk arts. She has a blog called Creative Hands of Mexico and is working on a book on Mexican paper maché.

Exploring crafts towns around Lake Patzcuaro

M

ost of us who get hooked on Mexican handcrafts and folk art begin with the typical tourist markets selling trinkets to tourists, with the colors and novel forms as the attraction.

As we learn more, we become more interested in the processes, culture and people behind the items that we admire.

Tours specifically to bring people into contact with artisans and the places they live are a growing but still niche business. So many of these towns are still neglected, in part because of tourist’s fears and in part because artisans do not know how to market themselves to a global audience. But the extra effort is worth it. Buying in the small crafts towns is that it is much more likely to buy locally-made items and even buying directly from the artisans themselves.

Michoacán is one of three major producers of Mexican handcrafts, but knowledge of this lags behind the reputations of Oaxaca and Chiapas. One reason for this is that it has no major resorts. Its major tourist attraction is Patzcuaro, along the lake with the same name. Most of its tourism is national, with the exception of the Day of the Dead, when it is insanely crowded with people coming to see the marvelous traditions relating to this holiday.

Although the rest of Michoacán has a number of notable crafts towns, the highest concentration of these are around this small lake. The reason is historical. In the early colonial period, authorities sent a man by the name of Vasco de Quiroga to Michoacán to bring order to the chaos created by the first conquistadores.

Atrocities by Nuño de Guzman and others forced native populations to flee. Working from Patzc-

uaro, Quiroga not only put an end to slaughter, he also laid the groundwork for the establishment of trades to entice the native population to return. Different towns specializing in different trades, such as the working of various textiles, metals, wood, etc. carry on much of this old system.

The cultural and economic heart of the lake region is the small city of Patzcuaro, on the south shore. However, the city’s economy is based on tourism, not handcrafts. It does serve has the main outlet for much of the handcraft production of the area, with many shops and street vendors making merchandise easily accessible to the casual visitor.

The quality and authenticity of this merchandise varies quite a bit and a little knowledge goes a long way in a country that truly believes in “buyer beware.”

One exception in the sea of resellers is the workshop and store of Mario Gaspar, located in the first portal of the Casa de las Once Patios. Gaspar specializes in the making wood items and gourds covered in a lacquer technique that dates back to the pre Hispanic period. Lacquering is a very labor-intensive process, as is the application of extremely fine gold leaf that can be found on most pieces. Unlike the vast majority of shops, Gaspar has informative signs (in Spanish) among his wares and visitors are encouraged to see the family at work in the back and talk to them about what they are doing. Gaspar has won numerous awards over the decades, and says he is the only person doing the work in Patzcuaro. That does not mean his is the only outlet, but you will be buying what you pay good money for.

Various towns work with wood,

including Cuanajo, Erongaricuaro, Quiroga and Pichataro, but Cuanajo is the best-known and most-accessible for tourists, with the others having little or absolutely no indications for visitors that any handcraft activity goes on here. Cuanajo is best known for furniture in which flowers, plants, some animals and even people are carved relief-style and painted in bright colors.

This furniture is easily found in Patzcuaro and is prominent in handcraft fairs such as the Tianguis and Competition held in conjunction with the Day of the Dead festival. But despite the numerous shops/workshops in Cuanajo lining the only road entering the town, few sell this iconic furniture.

Today, most of the furniture made and sold here is a generic rustic or even modern design, a change that came about a decade ago or less. The reason for this is that most who come to Cuanajo are locals, whose taste in furniture has changed. Most of the carpenters can still make the “old” furniture but the few who do regularly, do so for foreign customers.

Wood masks are the specialty of the small town of Tocuaro, located a short distance west of Patzcuaro. It has about fifteen blocks tops, with about five or six families dedicated to this craft and some other woodwork. The best-known name here is that of the Horta family. Wood masks are

a necessity for several traditional dances, but they were not always made here. Juan Horta learned the craft in Pichataro and Quiroga and brought it back to his hometown, established a workshop on Morelos Street. The workshop still bears his name, today run by his sons. It, and the nearby workshop of Felipe Horta, are open to passing visitors. Just ring the bell.

More in line with expectations is Santa Clara del Cobre, just southeast of Patzcuaro and away from the lake proper. This town specializes in the making of copper, with many of the town’s residents dedicated to it. Individual workshops may or may not advertise their presence to visitors, but the town has a small but

local

15

May 11 - 17, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

My Fitness Journey Katy Saunders

tksaund@gmail.com

Sit-Ups the Right Way

W decent copper museum, various stores on the main plaza and the main parish church is very tastefully decorated with elements made from this metal.

Ihuatzio is on the eastern shore and best known for the working of reeds and rushes gathered from the lakeshore. Traditional items include baskets of varying sizes and shapes as well as sombreros. It is also home to the Tzumindi workshop, which specializes in the making of surprisingly heavy and sturdy furniture covered in the twisted dried leaves of bullrushes. The sturdiness comes from the frame, which is soldered metal over which the rushes are woven. The town center does not have shops, but there are a few on the main road that lead to the town from the highway that connects Patzcuaro to Quiroga.

The next major crafts town is Tzintzuntzan. The main tourist attraction here is the local archeological site, with its unusual round pyramid/platforms. The added traffic supports a number of shops in town focusing on (mostly) locally-produced pottery and various decorative items made from straw. It is home to the Morales family. Angelica Morales is noted low fire pottery with unique line designs. These were initially developed by her father, but she has since perfected them. Her brother Luis Manuel has gone in a different direction, introducing the production of high-fire wares with modern designs based on traditional and pre Hispanic motifs. The best-known family work-

ing with straw is that of Faustino Guzman, which can make very large and very elaborate scenes with this very simple material.

North of Tzintzuntzan is Quiroga, which does have shops and stalls selling handcrafts, but the goods here are of dubious quality and origin. It is a small, crowded city, not conducive to wandering tourists. On the north shore is the very, very small community of Santa Fe de la Laguna. The area facing the highway is filled with shops selling mostly pottery to passing traffic, but there is nothing here that cannot be found anywhere else. What is worth a stop in the area is around the town plaza. Most women here still wear traditional dress (all or in part) and there are several interesting shops selling blouses, skirts and aprons, some of which are heavily embroidered and/or covered in sequins. Also recommended are the local breads that are sold on the square.

The little towns around the lake are worth the visit, even if they do not have the tourist amenities that Patzcuaro has. They are real towns with real people living real lives, and pleasant surprises wait in store. In Ihuatzio, my husband and I were invited off the street to partake in atole being served in honor of the local image of the Virgin Mary and I had the best tortilla I have ever had… hand pressed and cooked over a comal on a wood fire, of course.

Artisans are heavily dependent on tourism to survive. A common refrain we heard is how

sales are down because of the drop in visitors to the region. Unfortunately, Michoacán has a reputation for being dangerous as it is the home of one of Mexico’s drug cartels, La Familia Michoacana. This keeps many tourists away, both Mexican and foreign.

I strongly believe that any danger they may pose is way overblown.

The reality is that it is the people who live in Michoacán who have far more to risk from organized crime than any tourist there visiting for a few days. I should also note that the dangerous areas are near drug trafficking routes, which are in the mountains/coast significantly west of the Patzcuaro area. It is perfectly safe to rent a car and go exploring around this beautiful countryside…. the biggest “danger” we encounter here is stray cattle crossing the road.

All photos by Alejandro Linares Garcia unless otherwise noted

ant a tighter tummy? Try sit-ups. Sit-ups are great for working the abdominal area, they target the core muscles that keep us erect and help to stabilize the spine.

Why do sit-ups? They help to flatten your tummy, they tone and tighten the abdominal muscles that contribute to stronger spinal support and can prevent lower back injury in some cases. They increase our overall strength, and for anyone who spends lots of time at the beach you know that there are no better bragging rights than six-pack abs.

Sit-ups are great because we don’t need a gym or any heavy lifting equipment or machines to perform them. We can enhance the practice by using a yoga mat or stability ball but for the most part abs can be done anywhere from the living room floor, to the garden, to a hotel room. So why do so few people do them on a consistent basis? I’ve had to dig a little deeper to find out why, and came up with a few reasons, but the one that stands out the most is the question of form.

The problem stems from not doing the sit-up correctly and by pulling forward on one’s neck it causes soreness to the neck muscles. People who use their necks to lift tend to target those muscles rather than their rectus abdominis muscles, doing very little for their core and stiffening their necks in the process.

What is the right way to perform a sit-up? For one, you want to make the exercise as easy

as possible to start and then increase the difficulty gradually.

Lying with your lower back flat against the carpet or mat, bend your knees keeping your feet on the ground. Bring your elbows behind your head, and with your hands back behind your ears.

Keep your arms in a fixed position and slowly using your core muscles, lift yourself up towards the ceiling, rather than your knees.

This is the first phase of the exercise and also known as a “crunch”.

Do fifteen and then rest for one minute, repeating this three times. Try this exercise three times a week for a month, and I guarantee you will feel a noticeable difference in your strength. If you suffer from lower back pain, you may feel some relief from the stresses on your back while walking, lifting and performing day to day tasks, including sitting for long periods of time.

Try a 30-day sit-up challenge, invite your friends to do this with you and reward yourself for completing all 30 days.

If you want more guidance and motivation to keep going, or would someone to show you how to best perform a sit-up try a class at Yoga Vallarta, the classes are either yoga or Pilates, but all involve extensive core exercises and at least one with a sit-up.

Another class is Salvador’s full body class at TFC (The Fitness Club below Molina de Agua) for a ton of fun.

Email me at: tksaund@gmail. com and I will send you my video and let me know how it’s going!

Enjoy the month of May and add spring into your step!

Remember, be happy, be healthy, be fit!

Hello, we are here, to ensure your well-being.

We have come to Puerto Vallarta now to offer you the best healthcare and well-being that our 45 years of experience can provide.

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riviera nayarit

May 11 - 17, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

13th Annual Altruism Festival this week!

D

on’t miss the charity fundraising event of the year! One of the year’s most popular charity events, the 13th annual International Festival of Altruism is once again hosted at CasaMagna Marriott Resort Puerto Vallarta and American Consular Agent, Kelly Trainor.

This popular event will be held in the beachfront garden at the CasaMagna Marriott in Marina Vallarta at 6 pm on May 14, 2017.

Those who attend will not only

have the opportunity to learn about some of the most important local charities and non-profit organizations, but they will enjoy food and drink served by the bay’s best restaurants and entertained by the area’s top dancing, musical and cultural groups. Every year, over one thousand Puerto Vallarta residents and visitors turn out for this event, with all proceeds donated to Banderas Bay area charitable organizations who are in need of a little help, including

The World on Your TV El Mundo en su TV is offering an internet streaming device that allows almost all TV channels in the world (over 100 from the USA, thousands from Europe; over 80 countries in total), that are being streamed live, to be available on your TV, with no monthly fees.

about everything on our website at www.elmundoensutv.com. If you are interested in our device, that is completely portable, please contact us to offer a demonstration of the capabilities.

We offer to demonstrate the unit in your house or condo, free of charge. If You would also have almost all live you wish a demonstration in our office, sporting events, all movies and all TV that is free of charge. series. Again, with no monthly fees.

The purchase price is 100 USD or the The most important aspect is this is exchange rate of the day. If you decide completely internet-based; you have to to purchase it with a personal installahave 7 Mb/S of speed, more is better. tion and demonstration, the additional In my office, we only have 7 Mb/S and charge is only 200 Pesos. it works fine.

If you are unsatisfied after 7 days, I will With 10, it is like watching TV, Period. refund your entire amount paid. The I also offer a complete manual of how installation charge is not refundable. to truly enjoy this experience, as well as instructions on how to even make Tel. 221 0111 Local 20, it better for you. We provide YouTube Las Palmas 2, Marina Vallarta. videos, as well as written instructions todd@remaxinpv.com

w w w. e l m u n d o e n s u t v. c o m

Amigos De La Cruz De Huanacaxtle, A.C. While you will enjoy the cultural and entertainment portion of the event, everyone comes to watch the cooking presentations and enjoy the extraordinary culinary feats by some of Puerto Vallarta’s finest restaurants including: La Peska & Frascati, Barcelona Tapas, Café des Artistes, Café Gourmet, Daiquiri Dick’s, Kaiser Maximilian, La Leche, Pie in the Sky, River Café, Vista Grill and more.

Tickets, which include food, drinks and entertainment, cost $400 pesos in advance or $500 pesos at the door. Tickets are not sold online.

You must contact one of the participating charities to purchase your ticket directly.

For more information: www.facebook.com/FIAPV

riviera nayarit

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May 11 - 17, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Fun on the Riviera Nayarit Cat Morgan www.rivieranayaritfun.com Cat@RivieraNayaritFun.com

H

ey Everybody! I can feel the downshifting of gears as the pace begins to slow around the north end of the bay and in the smaller pueblos on the Riviera Nayarit. Having my friend AnnMarie in town was the best! We enjoyed ourselves eating and drinking on the playa. The beach vendors seemed stressed and hounded us like crazy, which was quite unpleasant; more for my friend as I am use to this general behavior after living here seven years now.

They, too, can feel the shifting towards the summer season as the expats return to their homes taking their monies with them. I feel it is so important to create other avenues of work and education for the vendors, such as the Restaurant Management Program Andrea with the Black Forest Restaurant in La Cruz provides.

It certainly was fun to take some time off with a dear friend.

We hiked from Boca to Las Animas trail, which has really changed! It is still quite the stair stepper and not an “easy peasy” hike as my friend Sylvie Scopazzo with the L.O.C.A. club would say. We loved the workout! In the last year the continuing construction has really unfolded. I can remember when this trail was more

off of the beaten path. Now, one can see it is well travelled, as well as much better maintained with lots of signage. Enjoying several beach days, including at my fav Playa de Destilideras, lots of shopping, more eating and drinking, and girl time! YAY! SPRING CLEANING. While many snowbirds have already flown the coop, a few are packing their suitcases. Why pack what you no longer want? It is the season to clean out what you do not need. This makes more room for the things that you do want to bring into your life. Sandi Nystrom with the John Ozzello Food Bank and Humanitarian Aid says, “You can take them (your gently used items and non perishable goods) to YoYo Mo’s in centro Bucerias or JD Tours on Lazaro Cardeñas.

That is the drop off location for the food bank. We will take the donations to our centers who will distribute them to the needy in our area.”

13th Annual International Altruism Festival The American Consular Agent Kelly Trainor and Marriott Resort Puerto Vallarta team hosting the 13th annual Altruism Festival.

This is one of my favorite festivals for several reasons. Primar-

ily, this fest is all about the nonprofit organizations that help so many here on the Banderas Bay and the Riviera Nayarit. All of the proceeds from this event are donated to the charitable organizations that need a little help.

Stop by the chairities booths to discover more about them and how you can contribute.

The fact that it’s an all inclusive party for a very low cost where you eat the most delicious and beautifully created food, drinking to your heart’s content from a full bar while enjoying fabulous live music and entertainment along with a special fireworks show does not hurt my feelings at all!

I also want to mention there is a raffle. Purchase a few extra tickets to win amazing gifts that have been donated from businesses from PV throughout the entire bay area.

It’s a truly fabulous time seeing your friends and meeting new folks as well. Last year each of the 19 participating nonprofit organizations received $46,487 pesos!

You may purchase tickets in advance from your favorite non-

profit organization for only $400 pesos, or $500 pesos at the door. LOVED this photo I took of our announcer last year..Captain Jack Sparrow…ARRR..SEE YOU THERE AMIGOS! Gay Pride Week in PV is coming up on May 21st to May 28th if you would like to participate in the PV fun, or not…! According to VallartaPride.com, “After being requested by the LGBT community for several years, and thanks to the boom in LGBT tourism in Puerto Vallarta, on April 6, 2017, the Office of Gender Equality was inaugurated in Puerto Vallarta.” Mayor Arturo Dávalos Peña states, “We have already taken very important steps, such as the establishment of samesex marriages that became legal in March of last year.”Also commenting, “In this City Hall we will be aware that human rights are respected. With this office we will have advice to guide and help us have a more peaceful and inclusive Puerto Vallarta, a support that is very necessary for everyone.”

“This office will help us serve

LGBT tourism much better, we want them to feel safe and in case of a mishap they are given help quickly and efficiently, not discriminated against.” And adding, “Thanks to the interaction, coexistence and cultural exchange with tourists, we have made important advances in the creation of an inclusive, plural and diverse citizenship.

Puerto Vallarta is today a city where we consider the respect for differences through dignified, respectful and equal treatment for all people, regardless of nationality, race, religion, sexual orientation and gender identity to be of primary concern.”

Now, if only the rest of the world could get it! I am proud to be living in Mexico; a place where everyone can be treated equally regardless of gender or race.

Viva Puerto Vallarta, Mexico!

Thanks so much for tuning in this week. For questions please email me at Cat@RivieraNayaritFun.com.

Looking for Energy Healing? Cat@NewEnergyConsciousness.com Have a super week everyone.

AHO!

Events Calendar Have an event you want to promote? Email the details: Where, When, Who and What by Monday 5pm to Editor(at)VallartaTribune. com to be included in that week’s paper.

All events can be found online at www.vallartatribune.com/events NOW ADD YOUR EVENT ONLINE – FREE ONLINE LISTINGS! May 14. 13th Annual Altruism Festival Casa Magna Marriot in Marina Vallarta. $400 in advance, $500 at the door. Starts 6pm. Includes

food, drink and entertainment.

Proceeds help twenty charities.

Tickets purchased through local charities.

Restaurant Week (May 15 - 31) This restaurant festival takes place for two weeks in the Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta, where some of the best restaurants in Mexico offer three-course prix fixe menus. It’s a fantastic opportunity to try out new eateries.

Riviera Nayarit Wind Festival (May 19 - 21) This is without a doubt one of the destination’s anchor festivals and it’s among the top 10 best

of the year thanks to its wow factor, the amount of participants and, above all, the perfect conditions for kitesurfing in both Bucerías and La Cruz de Huanacaxtle.

Grab a blank and join everyone on the beach to watch this sporting event.

Hecho en Mexico (May 20) Once again Garza Blanca Resort and Hotel Mousai in Puerto Vallarta will be hosting a colorful tribute to Mexico’s art, culture and traditions with Hecho en México (Made in Mexico) 2017.

The cultural event is set to celebrate all things Mexican with a special

Mexican Festival that is open to both guests at the hotels as well as locals who wish to purchase tickets for the special event.

Vallarta Pride (May 21-28) Vallarta Pride is now an 8-day annual event that pays tribute to the LGBT community with arts and cultural events, concerts, films, beach parties and a lot of fun to show the world the fabulous diversity of our destination.

Jarretaderas Shore Fishing Festival (May 21) Shore fishing tournaments are held year round in different villages around the Riviera

Nayarit, with Jarretaderas next on the list.

The entire purpose of the exercise is for families to come together and have a great time while the participants show off their fishing skills.

Riviera Nayarit Mountain Bike (May 27) Mountain bike lovers rejoice: this is your event, which combines the beach at Litibú with the mountain at Higuera Blanca for an amazing event. Cyclists 18 years and older are welcome to ride till the wheels come off!

Look for more information each week as the events get closer to their date.

charities

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ADORABLE DOG IN THE SPOTLIGHT... CHARLEY

by Janice Gonzalez harley is a Lab mix between five and six years of age and almost 51 pounds. He loves his people and will not insist on long runs because he is a low energy guy. He is sweet and very playful and is good on his walks.

But afterwards, he just wants to rest and relax. Charley is good with all other dogs if they are not alpha.

Charley is not a real fan of felines, though, and he will give chase. He has been neutered, dewormed and is up to date on all his vaccines. If

May 11 - 17, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Coral #5 building donated for one year by Dawn & Jon Moss

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a low energy dog sounds like the ideal companion for you, contact us at spcapv@gmail.com for an application.

SPCA of Puerto Vallarta

By Janice Gonzalez

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he SPCAPV has started a new opportunity for businesses to contribute and become sponsors. Write to clare23leach@gmail.com to join us.

Come and spend a rewarding afternoon cuddling the animals at Puerto Vallarta’s SPCA Sanctuary.

Our dogs and cats are awaiting “forever homes” and your help is needed to jump start their socialization. The goal is to get these animals adjusted and ready to interact in the real world. The majority of the SPCA animals either come from extremely abusive situations or they have been abandoned. Your love and attention can make up for that sad history.

During your visit, you can interact with the animals and even take a dog (or two or three) for a walk.

Reservations to visit the sanctuary need to be made in advance.

To make a reservation, contact us at spcapv@gmail.com. We appreciate any donations you can bring for our

rescues and also please feel free to bring treats for sanctuary staff as they truly appreciate it.

To see our animals available for adoption, visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/spcapv. Go to Photos where you will also find individual Albums for all the animals available as well as a bit of their history. Please be aware that our adoption fee within Mexico is $1,500 pesos. To make donations via PayPal, select the “Donate” option on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/spcapv or on our website at http://spcapv.com/donate/.

You can drop off any donations for the SPCA at Hacienda San Angel located at Calle Miramar 336, above Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in El Centro.. Get involved…rescue, adopt, foster, volunteer, donate or educate. You can learn more about the SPCA Puerto Vallarta by checking us out at www.spcapv.com/ home or on Facebook.

La Cruz Kids Club moving to new space

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he Kids Club needed to move to a new space when Carmen was told that she had to move out of her library by June 1, as the primaria (elementary school) needed the classroom for next year. The parents and principal were hoping to raise enough money to add a structure within the grounds by June 1, but they were unable to do so. This wonderful space at Croal #5 is being donated to Amigos’ use for one year by local residents Dawn & Jon Moss.

The contract and insurance are being worked out. But Amigos has been allowed to move into the space but not hold classes until the details are completed.

After meeting with the principal, Carmen and her band of volunteers including Line Bureau, Beth, Amy, Jenny & David Marshall, Steve Cross, Berenice Uribe and

the children - moved Carmen’s materials to the new space and started putting all in order.

Workers came in to install sinks and faucets, repair toilets, and secure cabinets and put desks and bookshelves together.

After the installation is complete, the whole space is to be thoroughly cleaned.

A special thanks to Berenice and Carmen’s daughter Heidi in Guadalajara, for providing furniture, which includes a play kitchen area for the children to learn English through play.

When all is completed, Carmen will have an Open House. Already parents and children are stopping by to look into the windows.

Volunteers are figuring out how they can participate: Beth to teach English through puzzles and games; Carmen & Jenny teaching reading and writing in Spanish to those first and second graders who are struggling; David teaching science and magic tricks.

Parents have also stopped by to ask about classes in English for adults.

What fun!

Berenice and Carmen

Workers putting bookshelves and desks together

Beth with the boys Efrain, Rafael, Charley and Alan

VALLARTA SHOPPING AND SERVICES

Hand-made Mexican Tiles, Talavera, Saltillo, Mosaico

for shows & times visit

www.BTPV.org

...come play with us!

Tickets available -Vallarta Tickets Online -Theatre Box Office

287 Basilio Badillo in Old Town Box Office Phone: 044-322-728-6878

599 Juarez, El Centro, Puerto Vallarta 322 206 2536 sales@colibridesignvallarta.com

English Spoken Puerto Vallarta & Banderas Bay Real Estate * Trusts * Wills * Inmigration * Civil Criminal Specializing in Immigration.

Real Estate. Condominium Law

Cell. 322 278 6694 felixzaratelawyer@gmail.com

WE PICK IT UP AT YOUR DOOR!

LET YOUR DONATION OF GENTLY USED FURNITURE / HOUSEHOLD ITEMS HAVE A HUGE IMPACT THROUGH US! WE MAKE DONATION AS SIMPLE AS POSSIBLE, PICKING IT UP AT YOUR DOOR AND ISSUING A RECEIPT ON THE SPOT. IT HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY! YOUR DONATIONS ALLOW US TO PROVIDE A SAFE, STABLE, LOVING HOME FOR 24 GIRLS - ALL FROM HIGH RISK SITUATIONS INCLUDING ABANDONMENT, ABUSE & EXPLOITATION - WHEREIN THEY NOW HAVE A SENSE OF PERMENANCE, ACCESS TO SCHOLARSHIPS FOR ALL LEVELS OF EDUCATION PLUS ONGOING COUNSELING, MEDICAL/DENTAL ATTENTION AND MORE

BY DONATING, YOU ARE HELPING US CHANGE THE COURSE OF HISTORY ONE GIRL AT A TIME!!

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: 224 9209 322 217 2401, 322 180 8086 CASAHOGARCORAZONDENINA@HOTMAIL.COM WWW.FUNDACIONCORAZON.MX

Throughout the summer we are having a daily 99 peso dinner special-a different feel good, comfort food everyday.

First drink at Dinner is available from 4 to 10 Que Pasa is 2 x 1 Happy Hour is daily from 5 to 8 Aquiles Serdan # 625 Col. Emiliano Zapata Phone: 223-4006 michael@quepasavallarta.com quepasavallarta.com

PV’S First Ballroom Walk in... dance out!

Learn to dance $20.00 USD (Per person) 3 Private lessons 1 Group lesson 1 Practice party

479 Juarez Two blocks east of El Malecon Facebook PV First Ballroom +52 (322) 292-0026

BOLERO SAMBA RUMBA TANGO MERENGUE MAMBO SALSA BACHATA WALTZ CUMBIA VIENNESSE WALTZ CHA CHA CHA SALSA

OLD FURNITURE, NEW BEGINNINGS

Over 50,000 readers each month with delivery from Mismaloya to Sayulita and the only paper distributed at the airport in International arrivals.

Contact editor@vallartatribune.com to learn more!

BOLERO SAMBA RUMBA TANGO MERENGUE MAMBO SALSA BACHATA WALTZ CUMBIA VIENNESSE WALTZ CHA CHA CHA SALSA

Are you selling your home?

CUMBIA VIENNESSE WALTZ CHA CHA CHA SALSA

CUMBIA VIENNESSE WALTZ CHA CHA CHA SALSA

www.vallartatribune.com

Marsol Friday Market by the Pier

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ur Summer Market has begun at the Marsol Hotel: We are happily receiving vendors and buyers from other markets that have closed until the fall. Our proximity to the most popular beach in the city – Los Muertos – makes it easy to go shopping and hit the beach on the same day.

Juan Manuel makes creatures from different kinds of wire then fills the forms with stones and other found objects. His creations run the gamut from witches and dragons to iguanas (likely Juan Manuel’s biggest seller) and flamingoes resplendent with real feathers. Juan Manuel also creates jewellery from found beach treasures mixing them with semi-precious stones and beads. Whatever pieces you find displayed will be uniquely strange and compelling and great conversation pieces for your coffee table or your garden! And, in case you are concerned, the creatures filled with stones, are not as heavy as you think.

Lovely Gaby crochets and embroiders handbags, dresses, blouses and beach cover-ups for women and girls. She also has gorgeous cotton silkscreened Tee shirts.

If you are looking for an unusual and very Mexican gift consider coffee from Chiapas. Either whole bean or ground, medium or dark roast, this coffee is grown and hand-roasted in

a wood-fired oven on Ausel’s family ranch in Chiapas.

The Marsol’s monthly Bazaar takes place Tuesday, May 23 from 10 to 2. Everyone is welcome to come and sell whatever they have for sale!

Reserve your space from Sherry or Marcia this Friday.

The Marsol Friday Market by the Pier is open from 9:30 to 1:30 pm.

Three Hens & a Rooster Market News O ur Market is pleased to announce that Peter Hardy, Vallarta’s Bagel King, is back with us for the summer and into early fall.

Peter has come a long, long way in a relatively short period of time introducing different types of bagels and bread to our community.

Joining Peter next week is Mark Hughes, known all over the Bay of Banderas as the “Pie Guy”, and the best maker of quiches in the world.

Mark insists it’s his pastry that sets him apart from other bakers;

that may be true. Whatever the reason, there will be a plethora of baked goods sweet and savoury, available all summer long at Three Hens. Mark is taking some well-deserved time to fish after another successful season at the Olas Altas Farmers’ Market, so look for him at Three Hens Saturday, May 20th.

Ricardo Mazcal, our resident Herbalist, is continually improving the packaging of his powders, creams and lotions. This is great news for those who have come to love his products and have plans to

go north for the summer. His largesize plastic jars make packing his “Maz Mix” home easier and more economical. (Always put plastic and/or glass containers in a large, sturdy ziplock bag before putting them in your suitcase.)

Jeanine, Pat and Gloria Sue all continue to prepare amazing foods and desserts that keep us smiling week to week.

Three Hens & a Rooster Market is open every Saturday from 9 to 1 pm at Venustiano Carranza 466 in Old Town Vallarta

Featured Property of the Week

CASA RINCONADA NUEVO VALLARTA 4 BED, 4 BATHS, 3,738 Sq Ft.

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his stunning resisence was lovingly built by the current owner, professionaly designed and decorated.

While spacious by square meters, this home feels even larger, with 2 car covered garage, gardens, covered terrace with bbq area and

fountains. Every single space on this home has been exquisitely decorated with marble tiles and acents, granites all made taking

attempt to detail. Built in security.

The customized high quality kitchen features exclusive granite counters. dining and living rooms with double

height ceilings. Central water filter and separate a/c mini splits for all the house boardwalkrealtypv. com/properties/casa-rinconda/

entertainment

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Farmer’s Markets

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ost Farmers Markets run from November through April, though a couple are all year round. Typically they start about 9am and end between 1 and 2pm. Each is a little different and all of them are fabulous!

PUERTO VALLARTA Three Hens and a Rooster Market Saturday 9 – 1pmYear round at Venustiano Carranza 466 in Emiliano Zapata Marsol Friday Market by the Pier Friday 9:30 – 1:30 pm Year round at Marsol Hotel Lobby in Old Town.

Mercado at Los Mangos Library Los Mangos Saturday 9-2pm SAYULITA & SAN PANCHO Mercado del Pueblo Friday 10-2pm on Revolucion Street Great local and organic market with many vendors available only here.

Mercado del Sol in San Pancho at the Plaza del Sol Tuesdays 10-2pm LO DE MARCOS, GUAYABITOS, CHACALA AND LA PEÑITA The Tianguis Lo de Marcos is held on Luis Echeverría street Saturday 9-2pm

May 11 - 17, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

George Clooney: Actor, Screenwriter, Producer, Director The Early Years

By Fred Jacobs

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eorge Clooney was born in Lexington, Kentucky on May 6, 1961. His mother, Nina Bruce, was a former beauty queen and city councilwoman. His father, Nick Clooney, is a former TV anchorman and TV game show host. Show business runs in the family and George’s aunt was the famed cabaret singer and actress Rosemary Clooney. His maternal great-great-great-great-grandmother, Mary Ann Sparrow (Hanks), was the aunt of President Abraham Lincoln. Through the Hanks family line George is also a distant cousin of actor Tom Hanks.

George was raised a strict Roman Catholic, and was even an altar boy early on. When George was about to enter high school, he developed Bell’s palsy, a condition that partially paralyzes the face.

Although it went away within a year, it was his first year of high school, “which was a bad time for having half your face paralyzed”, George has said in interviews.

George was a solid A & B student in high school. He was also a good baseball and basketball player. He even tried out to play professional baseball with the Cincinnati Reds in 1977, but he did not pass the first round of player cuts and was not offered a contract.

George then went to Northern Kentucky University from 1979 to 1981, majoring in broadcast journalism, but he did not graduate.

He made extra money with a host of odd jobs, including selling women’s shoes, selling insurance door-to-door, stocking shelves, working construction, and cutting tobacco.

By sheer luck, George got his first taste of acting, when he got a role as an extra in the TV mini-series “Centennial” in 1978. It was partly filmed near his hometown and George signed up for some

extra cash as an extra.

George liked the whole process of film making and eventually made his way out to California. Even having a famous aunt in Hollywood to open doors and make introductions, things were not easy for George. His first major role came in 1984 in the short-lived sitcom called funny enough, “E/R” (not to be confused with the well-known hospital drama “ER”, on which George would co-star a decade later).

George then landed a recurring role as the hunky handyman on the hit sitcom “The Facts of Life”.

Next came a recurring role on the hit comedy “Roseanne” where he

played her boss. George’s first role on the big screen was not a great one and was in the “B movie” comedy horror called “Return of the Killer Tomatoes” (1988).

It was around this time that George walked down the aisle for the first time, marrying fellow actress, Talia Balsam (daughter of actor Martin Balsam and actress Joyce Van Patten). But the marriage would not last and the two divorced just four years later in 1993.

George never gave up trying to “make it” and finally after several more years, he landed the TV role that would make him a household name. George got the role of Dr. Doug Ross, alongside Anthony

Edwards, Julianna Margulies, and Noah Wyle, on the hit NBC medical drama “ER” in 1994. George left the show in 1999, after just five years (and while the show was still a hit) to concentrate more on the big screen.

But he left the show with two Emmy award nominations under his belt, for Best actor in a Drama.

Next week we’ll look at George’s rising star on the big screen, being a semi-confirmed bachelor, and his work fighting for the needy in the world.

Fred Jacobs is a full time resident of Puerto Vallarta and the author of three books.

Where can I find the Vallarta Tribune?

Over the past month we have been making small changes to our distribution locations; hopefully making it easier for you to find a copy. The Tribune will be available for pick up at the tourist offices in the main plaza as well as in Park Lazaro Cardenas, in Puerto Vallarta. You can shop and pick up

a copy of the Tribune at the Friday Marsol Market, the Saturday Olas Altas Market and at the Amigo’s de La Cruz table at the La Cruz Sunday Market. In addition to all of our advertisers, look for the Vallarta Tribune in restaurants, resorts, galleries and salons around the Bay of Banderas and north into

Sayulita and San Pancho. We distribute 10,000 copies in high season from Mismaloya to San Pancho each week.

Marina Vallarta: Benittos, The Coffee Cup, Re/Max, San Javier Hospital Nuevo Vallarta: Eddies, Barracuda’s, Nopalitos, US Consulate,

Chasers Sports Bar Bucerias: Mark’s, Sandrina’s, Yo-Yo Mo’s, Luna Lounge, Esquina 22 La Cruz: Oso’s Oyster Bar, Octopus Garden, Tescamala Sayulita: Don Pedro’s, Punta Sayulita, Choco Banana, Sayulita Wine Shop San Pancho: Hotel Cielo Rojo

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CROSSWORD SOLVE!

games

May 11 - 17, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com