Issue 1081, December 21 - 27, 2017

Vibes & Vices

Out & About

best of...

Monzon Brewing Co.

Naughty or Nice for Christmas

What I love most about Vallarta

Page 12

Page 16

Page 26

VallartaTribune.com

E E FR

Dec 21 - 27, 2017 Year 20 Free Issue 1081

DE I U G

Christmas Traditions in Mexico Page 09

CROSSWORD paGE 37

VALLARTA SHOPPING paGES 34-35

EVENTS CALENDAR PAGE 32

www.vallartatribune.com/best-vallarta-2018

Presents | A Private Collection Art Sale Original 1970’s drawings by renowned Mexican artist and sculptor

Sergio Bustamante J OV AN Y

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Friday, December 22nd, 6 - 9 p.m.

Hosted by Vintage Wine Bar

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Join Jovany and associates for this extraordinary opportunity to own one of these 39 rare vintage Bustamante original drawings!

Ranging between 1970 to 1979, these never-before-seen Sergio Bustamante pieces have been privately collected over the years. Some works of art were created during Bustamante’s extended 1972 European trip to Amsterdam. Since the 1960’s.

Sergio Bustamante has been internationally recognized in the world of creative arts. His works are on demand around the globe; giving the probability that they will increase in value over the years! Characteristics of his work are in the triangular faces smiling at the visitors along Puerto Vallarta’s famous Malécon.

Hosted by

Vintage Wine Bar Upstairs at the Food Truck Park Blvrd Francisco Medina 2450 Puerto Vallarta (322) 212-5771

Bustamante_12_18_17_25X32.16.indd 1

Ropero de Jovany

Venustiano Carranza No. 300, PV Zona Romantica (322) 260-4943 www.roperodejovany.net

12/18/17 10:44 AM

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 editor@vallartatribune.com Designer Cynthia E. Andrade G. cysandra@gmail.com

Dec 21 - 27, 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 PRINCESS CRUISES 2,600 02/12/2017 HOLLAND AMERICA 1,266 05/12/2017 PRINCESS CRUISES 2,600 06/12/2017 PRINCESS CRUISES 2,400 09/12/2017 HOLLAND AMERICA 1,266 11/12/2017 PRINCESS CRUISES 2,600 12/12/2017 PRINCESS CRUISES 2,600 12/12/2017 NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE 2,900 18/12/2017 PRINCESS CRUISES 2,600 18/12/2017 OCEANIA CRUISES 684 18/12/2017 PRINCESS CRUISES 2,600 19/12/2017 CARNIVAL 3,200 20/12/2017

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 December Puerto Vallarta welcomes 39,712 passengers!

HOLLAND AMERICA NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE PRINCESS CRUISES CARNIVAL HOLLAND AMERICA

1,848 24/12/2017 2,900 25/12/2017 2,600 26/12/2017 3,200 27/12/2017 1,848 31/12/2017

Vallarta Tribune is an activity and entertainment guide and 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 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

T’was the night before Christmas

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nd like that, even the mouse was at the fiesta, dancing to the music and smacking piñatas. We are just a few short days away from Christmas, and I think it’s essential that I give you a little fair warning - things happen a bit differently here.

Typically the days leading up to Christmas are filled with posadas.

Probably if you’ve heard loud, latenight parties in your neighbourhood – that’s a posada or a party – but if it takes place at this time of year, we can call it a posada.

Based on the story of Mary and Joseph looking for shelter, Mexico celebrates nine different posadas.

Aside from the religious aspect, it’s a time to meet with friends, co-workers, and family, visiting each other's homes and enjoying the libations of the season.

Christmas dinner is on the 24th and gifts are exchanged at midnight. But like most things here in Mexico, the emphasis is on enjo-

ying the time with your friends and family, more than the oodles of loot under the tree. In my experience, Christmas morning is a non-event, usually spent recuperating or visiting other friends and family members around town.

If you’re in the Vallarta area, there are many Christmas Eve events at local bars and restaurants. Be sure to read further on for great tips on where to go and what to do this holiday season.

This week we feature two guest articles from Emily Murray and Janice Gonzales as they share with us what makes Vallarta their favourite place to be. We are coming up on the last three weeks to vote on the best beaches, bars, restaurants and more around the Bay of Banderas and through Riviera Nayarit. Jump online to www.Vallartatribune.com to cast your votes, and you’ll be entered to win some great prizes including a weeklong stay at Villa del Palmar Flamingos, tickets for dinner and a show at Luna Lounge, a day tour on Chica Locca or a Pirateship Cruise. The contest is open to all relevant businesses, and anyone with an email

address is welcome to vote. I look forward to seeing all your great picks in the coming weeks.

For now, if you don’t have plans for Friday night – check out the Raicilla Tasting event at di Vino Dante. For only 350 pesos you’ll be treated to a selection of appetizers, tastings, cocktails and lots of information on this favorite local spirit.

Do any last minute gift buying at the various markets around town.

I was at the Thursday evening market in Marina Vallarta last week where I bought a beautiful purse, a dozen Chiapas hearts and animals, and so much fantastic food, freshly roasted coffee and even snacked on a plate of homemade perogies.

You can also get these perogies at the Saturday Three Hens Market in Old Town.

On Saturday I stopped by the Old Town Farmer’s Market, and despite the rain, it was still busy. I found a few more Christmas presents and ate a gorgeous, orange sticky bun.

Enjoy your weekend! Shop local.

Support local events. Be generous and kind.

Merry Christmas to all.

Madeline

The Timeless Gift Will Never Be Forgotten

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and documentary once the park is completed.

2. Looking for the perfect gift for your favorite creative? El

Parque de los Azulejos can give your loved one the experience of a lifetime. Enjoy a 3-Day Workshop where you get to design, tile and grout.

3. Lazaro Cardenas Park and Old Town has been so special to so many people. Please consider making a donation either in the park or online in someone’s name or as an anonymous donor. Please help us make our goal of 3 million pesos come to reality.

Purchase a gift for 1 or for a group. We have special holiday pricing going on now until the end of December.

We would love to have you be a part of history!!

A new resource launches in Puerto Vallarta to highlight the Best of Banderas Bay and Riviera Nayarit

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he Vallarta Tribune, Puerto Vallarta’s longest publishing English language newspaper, launched its first Annual Reader’s Choice Awards on November 16, 2017 in answer to the 4.2 million visitors arriving in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit each year looking for reliable recommendations on everything from the freshest seafood restaurants to the quietest beaches.

With over 200 categories on the ballot, visitors and residents looking for the best, freshest, safest, most romantic will find whatever it is they seek in the Pata Salada Awards which aim to take an overwhelming number of choices and provide a succinct and easily accessible resource for preferred picks.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to get exposure to a bigger audience.

A Reader’s Choice Award takes some of the corporate control away from bigger review companies like Yelp, Facebook and Trip Advisor. This is for the people, by the people and the Tribune sees

this as a community resource,” says Madeline Milne, editor of the Vallarta Tribune.

The Reader’s Choice Awards are open to residents and visitors to cast a ballot for their favorites. The online voting is bilingual to ensure the Spanish speaking community shares their top choices. All voting will take place between November 16 and January 11. As a thank you for participating, voters will be entered into a drawing to win prizes including a week-long stay at the Villa del Palmar Flamingos Resort in Nuevo Vallarta.

A Pata Salada, or Salty Foot, is what locals from the Puerto Vallarta area are called; the Pata Salada Award highlights this local knowledge. The top five picks will be recognized in the January 16 edition of the Vallarta Tribune, as well as online. The winners, and any other businesses that want to participate, will be published in a guidebook in February 2018 that will be made available through local resorts, tourist offices, restaurants, and galleries. vallartatribune.com/best-of-2018

Assist with INM ( Immigration )

Vehicle Registration

Don’t know whom to call?

Mark in PV

ExPat Transition Services Phone : MX Cell 52 322-133-8251 WhatsApp : +52 1 322 133 8251

US 001 225-231-1403

facebook: Mark in PV email: markschons@yahoo.com

Free Estimates - From Mismaloya , Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta , to Punta de Mita

Home Repair Problem Diagnosis - Home Serviceman Referrals and More!!

oya, PV, to Punta de Mita

Manage your Property in Your Absence

ecember in Puerto Vallarta is beyond magical; starting with all the fanfare for the birthday celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Channakuh, the lighting of the Menorah and Christmas!

Finding the perfect unique gift to match the magic of the city and your sentiments for your loved ones is not always easy.

El Parque de los Azulejos gives you three great gift ideas that lasts a lifetime.

1. Give the gift of remembrance, celebration, Pets, Performers and more. Every customized tile in the park has its own unique story and we cannot wait to share those stories in our forthcoming book

Locals know best

Answers for All your Relocation Questions.

editor@vallartatribune.com

Next week at the Farmers’ Market you will find great things!

NARISA’S THAI CUISINE Authentic Thai Dishes

Serving the Local Markets & Home Catering Home Delivery & Pick Up Service Try our more than fifty flavors in aguas frescas

thaicuisinepv@gmail.com Tel: (332) 222-8331 Cell: (322) 888-9840

We cover events

mibarrarefresca@gmail.com cel. 3221274968

Follow us:

Pruebe nuestra única y original paella y tortilla Española Try our unique and original paella and Spanish tortilla Tenemos servicio para eventos privados Contact us to cater your private events Tel:2254273 • Celular:3223038922 • Mail: nochipam@hotmail.com

CHILEAN ARTISAN WHOLE GRAIN BREAD Love it when healthy meets delicious? Don’t miss out!

Long time family recipe all the way from Chile to your plate.

Flax, sesame, and sunflower seeds are some of the ingredients that make for this healthy, nutritious, and delicious bread. facebook.com/TheChileanBread

325 Basilio Badillo

Cel: 322 143 3809

Karen Mical Designs

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El Taco Ranchero

Heriko Joyería

Tacos, burritos, quesadillas, huaraches y sopes

Heriberto Saucedo Pérez Artista Diseñador Cel. 3222.190 56 32 Fb: Heriko Joyeria herikojoyeria@hotmail.com Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

lamancha90@hotmail.com

Cel. 449 198 4281

bluber1979@gmail.com

Meet Oksana of Sana Spices Sayulita

By Mary Stehley

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herbs cannot be grown in the same climate she has to travel to find others.

When Oksana learned that red peppers grew in Baja California she found a grower, went there to see the facility and now she has the red peppers sent to her.

“All of the spices I sell, I have to see how they grow them and where they grow. I want to make sure it is organically grown and it’s pure – not right next to the road and near traffic. I need to know what they use to grow it and how they work it in. I do a lot of research on the spices that I buy. I usually buy them fresh

Olas Altas Farmers Market Christmas raffle Saturday, December 23, 100 pesos.

and then toast and /or dehydrate them. “ Oksana lives six months in Sayulita and six months traveling on spice voyages to Veracruz, Tabasco, Chiapas, Ukraine, Asia and Europe.

You can find Oksana at the Mercado del Pueblo in Sayulita on Fridays, the Olas Altas Farmers Market on Saturdays and La Cruz on Sundays.

Her products are also sold in Terrenal, the organic food store in Sayulita. You can contact Oksana at 333 443 1761 and sanaspicessayulita@gmail. com to place an order. She also ships within Mexico.

The Olas Altas Farmer’ Market is a North American style market that celebrates the tradition and culture of Mexico’s outdoor tianguis markets. All OAFM products are either locally grown or handmade within 75 kilometers of the city.

If you’re looking for the perfect spot to enjoy traditional Mexican crafts, live

music and delicious artisan food, look no further than the Olas Altas Farmers Market.

We offer more than 90 booths of “Handmade and Homegrown” goodies as well as prepared foods such as tamales, tacos, empanadas, homemade ice cream, paella, pozole, coffee, jams, cheese and baked goods, all just steps away from the famous Los Muertos Beach.

You can also find musical instruments, paper mache animals, bagels, soaps, jewelry, meat pies, clothes, leather bags, weavings, fermented foods and vegan and vegetarian dishes.

We’re open from 9:30 to 2:00 pm every Saturday from the first Saturday in November to the last Saturday in April. We’re located in the Lazaro Cárdenas Park in Vallarta’s Emiliano Zapata neighborhood.

For only 20 pesos an hour, you can park in the garage directly beneath the park.

ltas A s Ola mers’ A ANZ R Far rket R A Ma STIANO C VEN

Ignacio L. Vallarta

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PINO SUAREZ

iving in Mexico and having her own spice business was never a plan for Oksana Oliinyk. Born and raised in Ukraine, Oksana, owner of Sana Spices Sayulita, has called Sayulita home since 2012. She has traveled to 21 countries in four continents searching for the knowledge that only locals can provide.

“Since I was a child I had a strong interest in herbs. We rarely used Western medicine in my family and we grew most of our food,” explains Oksana. “My mom is an herbalist, not professionally but for our family.”

Oksana’s first blends were curry, one of the healthiest spice blends, coffee and golden latte spice. These three blends are still the most popular. She has developed an extensive line of products since she began including turmeric shots, saffron from Ukraine, asafetida (a plant resin), dill and purple basil which she grows herself, Svanetian Salt, Coffee Spice and French Fish Spice. She also makes custom blends for people who have allergies or just have an idea of a blend they want.

A lot of the herbs come from her own garden. But since all

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Located in Park Lazaro Cardenas, Old Town in Puerto Vallarta. Find us on Facebook at Olas Altas Farmers Market.

Cell. 322 134 4162 MEXICO, (952) 583 0329 USA & CANADA info@muchococo.com www.muchococo.com

Basilio Badillo 326 Old Town, Puerto Vallarta 322.223.3889 www.banderassoapblends.com

The Salvation Army Children's Choir, Every Saturday in December, Donations Welcome

news

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Dec 21 - 27, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

CMV breaks out with new cruises tailored to Mexicans C

ruise & Maritime Voyages is designing a program exclusively for Mexicans, with Magellan to operate a short season of Pacific coast sailings in early 2019 under the Cruceros Marítimos Vacacionales banner.

Magellan will commence operations Feb. 3, 2019, with an introductory winter debut season of eight seven-night cruises embarking at Acapulco on Sundays. The season ends March 31.

As the operator of the only current exclusively Mexican program, CMV plans to extend the season in 2020, he added.

The itinerary includes Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo. Acapulco will be the primary gateway port serving the Guerrero region and Mexico City, while Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta will serve as secondary gateways for Guadalajara, León and the northern Mexican states.

It has been reported that CMV signed a letter of intent with Puerto Peñasco, where construction of a pier has been stalled for some time. The company said it’s looking at many options, including Puerto Peñasco, but nothing apart from

the announced ports has been concluded.

John Dennis, VP sales & marketing in CMV’s North American office in Fort Lauderdale, will assume responsibility for the commercial management and business development of the Mexican operation with a maiden season capacity for 12,000 passengers.

Dennis said the decision to move forward followed extensive development work over the past year with numerous visits and meetings with many key stakeholders and government officials.

The program is ‘another sign of trust in Mexico and Acapulco,’ according to Alejandro González Molina, secretary of tourism, Acapulco.

The fact that Mexicans won’t need passports and visas to travel on a tailor-made cruise for them has a

‘lot of potential. It’s a clever idea,’ González said.

CMV will be opening a dedicated sales office in Mexico City and officially launching Cruceros Marítimos Vacacionales and Magellan’s 2019 program during first quarter 2018.

Big trade events are planned in Mexico City, Acapulco, Guadalajara and at the 2018 Tianguis Turistico, Mexico’s leading tourism fair, to be held in Mazatlán.

Special introductory fares are planned with great deals for children and a 25% single supplement for solo travelers. Attractive honeymoon packages plus group deals offering further savings, free berths and other benefits also will be available.

In years past Pullmantur operated a dedicated cruise product for Mexicans for a stint, while a 2011 start-up, Ocean Star Cruises, was

short-lived after a fire aboard Ocean Star took the ship out of service.

‘With the recent growth of domestic tourism in Mexico we firmly believe that the market conditions are now suited to the launch of an authentic Mexican cruise product and multi-resort and vacation experience,’ said CMV’s Chris Coates, group commercial director.

‘The product will be very much tailored to Mexican tastes and aspirations. We believe that Magellan’s quality, size and bed configuration make her ideally suited to this business with the focus very much on the domestic home market and developing a product for Mexico.’

The 46,052gt Magellan (ex Holiday and Grand Holiday) joined the CMV fleet in March 2015. The ship has capacity for 1,800 passengers. Dining options include the Waldorf and Kensington restaurants, an additional specialty restaurant and the more informal Raffles Bistro. There are five lounges, seven bars, a casino, spa and wellness center, gym and a new specialty coffee shop. Other facilities are a library and card room, shopping galleria, two pools and three whirlpools.

Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta completes $3.2M renovation

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iesta Americana Puerto Vallarta All-Inclusive Resort & Spa has unveiled three new redesigned spaces. After a four-month renovation period and a $3.2 million investment, guests are now able to experience the new

beachfront Chulavista restaurant, the adults-only Sonne Club and the new alfresco restaurant, La Veranda.

The beachfront Chulavista restaurant is now a buffet eatery with two new seating areas that

boost its occupancy capacity from 170 patrons to 270.

Located on the rooftop of the Chulavista restaurant, the Sonne Club has an infinity pool that offers a 180-degree view of Banderas Bay. La Veranda is the resort’s

newest culinary experience offering dinner daily, including grilled meat, lobster and shrimp. A chef’s table sits 14 people who can enjoy a front seat to the chef preparing the menu right in front of them.

Original: Travelweekly.com

Mexican Biodiversity Institute Celebrates 25th Anniversary

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exico, ranked as one of the top five countries in the world in terms of biodiversity, is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the founding of the National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity (CONABIO).

The CONABIO, which focuses on research and conservation,

was created under an agreement reached by the federal government ahead of the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as part of an effort to improve the understanding and management of Mexico’s natural resources.

The commission marked its 25th anniversary during a ceremony at the

National Auditorium on Wednesday recognizing the members of the public, business community, government and institutions that have contributed to protecting Mexico’s natural wonders.

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Rafael Pacchiano, former Environment and

Natural Resources Secretary Julia Carabias and CONABIO director Jose Sarukhan participated in the event. A total of more than 930 million pesos ($49.9 million) was spent on 2,500 projects approved by the commission in recent years, despite the budget cuts implemented by the government, Sarukhan said.

Municipality is first to outlaw plastic bags

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n Querétaro, stores will not be permitted to provide disposable bags to customers Plastic bags will be banned in the municipality of Querétaro beginning April 1 next year, making it the first municipality in Mexico to implement the measure.

The prohibition is part of a wider environmental protection law that was approved unanimously at a council meeting Wednesday and will prevent businesses from providing disposable plastic bags to customers. “. . . Protecting the environment is a fundamental principle to build a more sustainable city with a better quality of life,” Querétaro Mayor Marcos Aguilar Vega said in a press release.

Aguilar Vega also announced that due to the high cost involved, biodegradable shopping bags would not be distributed to residents as had been previously announced.

Instead, he called on residents to cooperate with the ruling by buying one of three alternative bags, adding that they would be available at a cost accessible to all.

“Being the first municipality in Mexico to take this step, I want to ask all of you to feel proud and to contribute so that this mission can be an example that is repeated in the rest of the republic,” Aguilar said.

Approval of the law “places our municipality as a national leader in environmental matters,” he added.

Sanctions for businesses that don’t comply with the new ordinance will include confiscation of the outlawed bags, fines ranging in value according to the size of the offending establishment or even revoking their operational licenses, the mayor explained.

However, he stressed that the decision to implement the law is based on evidence that the bags are extremely harmful to the environment and its aim is to stop that damage and raise awareness about the issue rather than impose punishment.

Two million disposable plastic bags are currently used in the municipality daily, with each one taking between 100 and 500 years to break down completely.

holidays

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Christmas Traditions in Mexico

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n Mexico, Christmas is celebrated from the December 12 to January 6. While there are many similar traditions to Canada and USA, most have their own unique Mexican flavor.

Here are a few things you might experience this holiday season while visiting us in the Puerto Vallarta area.

From December 16 until Christmas Eve, children often perform the ‘Posada’ processions or Posadas.

Posada is Spanish for Inn or Lodging. There are nine Posadas that celebrate the part of the Christmas story where Joseph and Mary looked for somewhere to stay.

In each Posada, children are given candles and a board, with painted clay figures of Mary and Joseph. They call at the houses of friends and neighbors and sing a song at each home. The song they sing is about Joseph and Mary asking for a room in the house.

But the children are told that there is no room in the house and that they must go away. Eventually they are told there is room and are welcomed in! When the children go into the house they say prayers of thanks and then they have a party with food, games and fireworks.

Each night a different house holds the Posada party. At the final Posada, on Christmas Eve, a manger and figures of shepherds are put on to the board. When the Posada house has been found, a baby Jesus is put into the manger and then families go to a midnight Church service. After the Church service there are more fireworks to celebrate the start of Christmas.

As well as the posadas, there is another type of Christmas play known as Pastorelas (The Shepherds). These tell the story of the shepherds going to find the baby Jesus and are often very funny. The devil tries to stop them by tempting them along the way.

But the shepherds always get there in the end, often with the help of the Archangel Michael, who comes and beats the devil!

Nativity scenes, known as the ‘nacimiento’, are very popular in Mexico. They are often very large, with the figures being life size!

Sometimes a whole room in a house is used for the nacimiento, although this is less common now.

The figures are often made of clay and are traditionally passed down through families.

As well as the normal figures of the Mary, Joseph, Jesus, the Shepherds and Three Kings, there

Tip: In Pitillal, a neighbouring suburb of Vallarta there are a couple of hops that specialize in nativity scenes during the holidays. These are worth exploring – especially if you’re a fan of miniature items. are often lots of other figures of different people, including women making tortillas, people selling food and different animals and birds, like flamingos!

The figures can be bought from markets in cities all over Mexico.

The baby Jesus is normally added to the scene during the evening of Christmas Eve. The Three Kings are added at Epiphany.

Christmas Eve is known as ‘Noche Buena’ and is a family day.

People often take part in the final Posada and then in the evening have the main Christmas meal.

At midnight, many people go to a Midnight Mass service, known as the ‘Misa de Gallo’ (Mass of the Rooster). There are lots of fireworks to celebrate Christmas Day. People in Mexico also celebrate ‘los santos inocentes’ or ‘Day of the Innocent Saints’ on December 28 and it’s very much like April Fools Day in USA. In some areas in Mexico children expect Santa Claus to come on December 24. In the south of Mexico children expect presents on January 6 at Epiphany, which is also known as ‘el Dia de los Reyes’.

On el Dia de los Reyes the presents are left by the Three Kings (or Magi). If you’ve had a visit from Santa on Christmas Eve, you might also get some candy on

el Dia de los Reyes!

It’s traditional to eat a special cake called ‘Rosca de Reyes’ (Three Kings Cake) on Epiphany.

A figure of Baby Jesus is hidden inside the cake. Whoever has the baby Jesus in their piece of cake is the ‘Godparent’ of Jesus for that year and is expected to host a large tamale party on February 2.

Candelaria (also known as Candlemas) takes place on the 2nd February and it marks the end of the Mexican Christmas celebrations. Lots of Mexicans have a party for Candelaria, usually feasting on traditional tamales.

Dec 21 - 27, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

local

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Dec 21 - 27, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Medical Matters Pam Thompson

pamela@healthcareresourcespv.com

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

Calling for Help

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’ve fallen and I can’t get up!” Who hasn’t heard that phrase? Did you know that we now have that special button and system available here in the area? It is called the PERT System and it is via the company called Safecare, headed up by our Emergency specialist, Dr. Fernando Marquez. This is a GPS rapid response emergency company.

The PERTs are linked to a platform, in case of an emergency and all one has to do is press the emergency alert button and you will send

a distress call with your location via GPS. They also have voice-to-voice contact through the PERT in order to start providing you with recommendations (English speaking) and will send the nearest ambulance to you (at no extra cost as long as it is for a real emergency).

At the time of the purchase, a medical file is prepared so that the medical operator (usually an emergency specialist and always English-speaking) has access to it in order to facilitate medical decisions and you will be transferred to the nearest available facility that has the capabilities to treat your

Venecia 290 Col. Díaz Ordaz Fluent English Spoken Porcelain veneers, crowns and bridges.

Dental implants, Dentures Go to www.pvsmile.com.mx for address and directions

specific needs.

For costs, there are two plans: a) Cost of the PERT (1,500 pesos) and a monthly fee of 820 pesos or b) one payment of 8,200 that includes one year of service as well as the PERT. PERT users as well, receive CPR training, in order to guarantee the best resolution of any emergency. Two daytime home visits by a physician and additional visits at a preferred price. Availability for home- performed medical checkups at a preferred price (Includes lab work, medical evaluation, Electrocardiogram evaluated by a cardiologist). For further information and details, please email me and I will put you in touch with Dr. Marquez for details.

Since the PVTribune is doing the “Best of Banderas Bay & Riviera Nayarit” campaign, I thought it would be fun to ask “my” physicians their favorite things! After all, they have lives and things that they do and love as well!

Dra. Cinthia Becerra chooses “House Mama” as her favorite place for breakfast in Nuevo Vallarta (Boulevard Nuevo Vallarta 676) and though they serve meals throughout the day, she raves about the breakfasts there! She also likes Sonora Sur located next door. Dra. Cinthia is adventurous and active.

She told me that she goes at least once a year on Rhythms of the Night (to see the new entertainment) along with various other activities in the area including Vallarta Adventure Canopy tours.

Dra. Cuevas (oncologist) has a long list and a fun one! She says that taking a panga to Las Animas, swimming in the ocean (she likes to swim in La Cruz in front of Mandarin Beach club), watching the sunset at the end of Los Muertos pier, eating

an elote in El Pitillal, Tacos Huichos in La Aurora (in front of the church) are some of her favorites (and imagine being an oncologist; one would definitely need some relaxing escapes). A guilty pleasure is Barra Bar where you can sing and dance until 8am – obviously with friends and a couple of bottles of Chivas! Also Abolengo on Fluvial.

You rock Dra. Cuevas!

We are happy to do presentations to your group, condo association on various healthcare related topics, and general healthcare information on the area and of course, there is no charge for this. That being said, my calendar is filling up so if you would like to schedule something, please let me know!

Here’s to a ho-ho-ho week!

Paradise and Parenting Leza Warkentin

Come and enjoy a wonderful day

mommyinmexico.wordpress.com

I am the preschool coordinator and nursery teacher at the American School of Puerto Vallarta. I am also both unsurprised and not a bit sorry that this list of my favorites is mostly about places to eat. If you can live in Vallarta without appreciating some of the good eatin’ around here, you have to be at least half Vulcan.

Christmas Cansancio

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’m a little bit tired, dear ones. There’s a lot I love about the holiday season: the music, the lights, the friendly Mexican Santa at Galerias who tries to speak English to the gueras of Vallarta.

But there’s a few things that threaten to drag me down; such as Christmas parties until 3am directly across the street, the traffic, the extra sugar coursing through my body, and my eye twitching in traffic. To name a few things.

Thanks to the parties, to which I am not invited but still reap the sound benefits of, I have not been sleeping well, and thus my parenting is less than top notch. Currently I have a zero tolerance policy on critical problems such as speaking above an indoor voice and arguing over the last half cup of milk. I have an earlier than usual bedtime curfew and my school lunch packing is becoming a little erratic. Because I am a teacher, I am also able to enjoy large groups of students who wake up each morning to a mischievous Elf on the Shelf who reminds them that it’s almost Christmas and Santa is coming and now let’s go see Miss Leza to do some math. I’m sure you can imagine the rest. On top of it all, my son is thirteen and very wise and urgently needs my daughter to know that Santa isn’t real. He is indignant that we continue to deceive his sister, and plus, why should she enjoy living in a dream world if he no longer has that luxury? This isn’t what I signed up for, and it wasn’t covered in the manual that comes with each child when the stork lays them lovingly into their cribs for the first time. My husband is racing from one gig to the next, and if I needed his help I should have asked for it about three months ago. I’m actually pretty certain that he isn’t even sure what Santa is bringing on Christmas Eve, because Santa and he

haven’t had time to even stop for a second under the mistletoe, let alone have a conversation. And Santa has had a few seriously stressful moments when she found out that most of the stuff she was bringing on her sleigh might have trouble getting imported down the chimney.

Santa needs a massage and a pedicure.

Yes, I’m kind of tired. But my parents are arriving this week, and glory be. The feeling inside of me is probably like how George Washington felt during the Revolutionary War when he called in the cavalry; kind of like survival might be a possibility, at least for a few more days.

And the other great thing is that my brother and his family are arriving on Christmas Day, which means a full week of housefuls of people and food and deciding what eleven people will do all together, every day. I love it because then there will be several other people to decide stuff, and to braid my daughter’s hair, and to send the kids to other rooms when they get too loud. I can sit back and relax and not worry about clean uniforms and fruit in lunches for appearance’s sake. I will sleep past 6am EVERY DAY and get up and drink three cups of coffee while setting out some donuts for the kids and call it breakfast.

It’s time for a break and a reset. It’s time for family and for a lot of belly laughs (it counts as an ab workout until January 8). It’s time to lay aside all the stress of the season and enjoy the very best parts of Christmas: family, love and gratitude. And if you don’t celebrate Christmas, that’s ok. If you live in Vallarta, and your heart is open wide, the love and gratitude will find you (Well, perhaps not in the traffic. But quite possibly on the beach, and most definitely in Galerias while saying hola to the Mexican Santa).

Fruits, vegetables, and seafood with the highest quality and freshness. Great variety of organic foods, bakery, traditional sweets, handmade items, crafts, jewelry and gourmet delicacies. All this in a pleasant outdoor setting with live music and an excellent location in the heart of the Bahía, at Centro Empresarial Nuevo Vallarta.

From November 7th, 2017 to April 24th, 2018.

Tuesdays

from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm

Paseo de los Cocoteros # 55 at Centro Empresarial Nuevo Vallarta Back Parking Lot Nuevo Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, Mexico.

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local Vibes & Vices: Monzon Brewing Co.

AJ Freeman

cosmiccapt@gmail.com

AJ Freeman is an adventurous spirit, serial friendmaker, and general enthusiast. He lives his everyday life hoping to demonstrate the nearly infinite potential for discovery and wonder on this small wet rock orbiting a dim yellow star in the backwoods of the Milky Way.

I

t is said by historians that beer was a significant factor in the development of civilization, when we Sapes realized it was a lot easier to make and enjoy the ageless social lubricant while living together in organized societies.

Since those pioneering visionaries first dared to dream of a more perfect world through brewing, beer has played a central role in unlocking the full potential of the human animal...for better or worse. For better, there is Monzon Brewing Co, the brick and mortar ambition of world-traveled brewing couple Reid and Miranda.

After meeting in the States and moving to Mumbai, India to write a new chapter together, they opened a craft brewery in the area and eventually decided to spread their eclectic brand of beermaking to the Mexican coast.

You know, that tired old story.

The Vibes: Located at Venustiano Carranza #239 in the heart of the city, Monzon Brewing is the obvious vision of folks dedicated to what they do. The main serving area is dominated by picnic-style booths of various sizes from “couple” to “community,” offering a breezy and casual setting for dining, discussion, and of course, plenty of drinking.

The timeless “we make beer here” aesthetic is a natural backdrop for the space, putting the heavy machinery involved with the creation of bread’s older brother on full display for your consideration.

The massive tanks and metalwork are part of the industrial-style décor, making a statement of pride in profession.

After struggling through some early misfortunes such as construction that cut the establishment off from some of the most popularly patrolled streets in town in its infancy, Monzon Brewing Co is quickly gaining traction as a local fixture thanks to promotions like its’ brewers’ brunch, which gives day drinkers all the beer they can drink until 3pm on Sundays along with breakfast.

The people know their target market, that much is very clear.

The Vices: Monzon is home to a surprisingly inspired full-time menu of bites along with featured presentations like the regular pop-up burger night that I’ve been following local chef Sean around the city for since at least last year this time.

Still, a brewery’s top billing must always be its’ beer, and this one does not disappoint.

From the smooth drinking and slightly sweet Sol a Sol (personally evaluated for its’ sun-to-sun drinkability) to the tasty yet formidable Maybe Manaña salted chocolate stout, Monzon Brewing Co. boasts a much more imaginative suite of selections than other local brew houses.

If you, like me, have found the charm of endless Pacifico fleeting, it’s more than worth a visit.

The founding couple also takes a focus on being good neighbors, which shows in initiatives like the Christmas toy drive, which invites patrons to bring in a new toy to light up the face of a local child this holiday season.

Miranda’s background in childhood education also gives her a keen understanding of practical psychology along with a soft spot for the younglings, which is why they reward all donations with a tall glass of gingerbread ale. Altruism is great and all, but you can’t drink it, amirite?

The Verdict: More than any other beverage, beer is a reminder of humanity’s time-honored tradition of enlightened self-interest. Left to our own devices, we’re little more than confused monkeys in fancy linens. Still, by working together and maximizing our unique talents, we can create something truly remarkable...like society, or alcohol.

With its welcoming atmosphere and carefully crafted draft list, Monzon Brewing Co. endeavors to cultivate a little of both, which is a proven way of making our world a better place. Maybe I’ll catch you there.

Dec 21 - 27, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

art & culture

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Dec 21 - 27, 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.

Preserving the ‘soul’ of rural pottery among urban sprawl

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lthough not as well known to tourists as places such as San Bartolo Coyotepec, Mata Ortiz and Tonalá/Tlaquepaque, Metepec in the State of Mexico is an important producer of pottery. Its making dates back to the pre Hispanic period. Bowls with legs called “cajetes” are a common archeological find here, used for ceremonies on the hill that still overlooks the center of the town. A number of the decorative elements on these pieces can be found on modern ones.

The making of these ceremonial pieces was forbidden by Catholic authorities, and production of utilitarian items became important.

Even today, local markets are filled with locally-made bowls, plates and “cazuelas” actual cooking pots made of clay, which range from those holding only a few cups of food to giant ones requiring two or more people to lift and put onto a charcoal stove.

But the need for something ceremonial/religious did not entirely disappear with the evangelization efforts. Sometimes during the early colonial period began the making of Trees of Life, originally representations of the story of the Garden of Eden, which over the centuries became a traditional wedding gift and more recently, a tourist and collector item.

There are several families who dominate the making of these trees, having developed reputations over three or even more generations.

One of these is the Hernandez family, the proprietors of the El Sol Family Workshop.

The roots of this family extend back in the Metepec area well back to when this area was farmland and wetlands, before the urban sprawl of Toluca overran with shopping

centers and housing developments for commuters both to this state capital and Mexico City.

But the family works to preserve what they can of old Metepec.

Inside the house, things are pretty much the same as they were generations ago. Like traditional artisan families of this type, the transmission of knowledge from generation-to-generation is important, as well as having a patriarch who represents the family to the outside world. Today, this role falls to Hilario Hernandez Sanchez, despite the fact that he is only in his forties.

The family’s production was limited to the making of pitchers for pulque and other utilitarian items.

But the making of the pitchers, with their decorative heads of farm animals and personages from popular culture, gave young Hilario a creative outlet, which led to more. He began painting simple designs when he was 8 or 9 and despite having absolutely no formal training, his decoration was soon noticed. He was invited to enter a piece in a competition for young artisans, which won second place.

The experience encouraged him not only to learn absolutely everything his family could teach him, but also to seek out other maestros (who he reverently calls “señores) in Metepec, including those in their 80s and 90s who had been doing this themselves since they were children. They taught him many of the philosophical attitudes towards his work that he maintains to this day.

One aspect is to conserve as much of the old techniques and designs as possible. For Hilario, Trees of Life are not just decorative objects or collectors’ items, but rather representations of Metepec’s history and culture, and need to be respected as such.

He is rather romantic about work and artisans of the past.

While he admits that the work was done primarily to make a living, he believes that the artisans of the past had a more emotive and

Minature Tree depicting Adam and Eve demonstrated by Hilario Hernandez spiritual connection to the working of clay. To him, this relationship is extremely important. He talked at great length about the need to “caress” the clay and even ask its permission before adding foreign elements such as the wires used to suspend small decorative elements on Trees.

The family does what it can to preserve the old technique, but modern realities have forced some changes. Wood-fired kilns are now prohibited and brushes made with animal hair are impossible to purchase, so gas and synthetic brushes are standard. Hilario states that he avoids orders for multiple copies of a design and designs he feels are not respectful to tradition.

But there is some flexibility here as well. While no two overall pieces will be exactly alike, many of the tiny elements on trees, etc. such as birds and flowers are created with the use of molds.

Absolutely traditional Trees of Life represent the Garden of Eden, but other themes can be found, such as Day of the Dead, Mexican handcrafts and aspects of Mexico’s history. These he does gladly as they honor Mexico’s heritage.

He has refused orders for more commerical themes, such as a request for a Pokémon Tree, but he has done ones for Mexican companies (the Toluca area is home to many factories), even putting company logos on the tree if he is permitted to interpret the design in his own way.

Hilario’s role as the face of the family workshop means that he himself is limited to making three or so pieces per year, but these

Nativity scene with wire-suspended elements.

pieces tend to be the best the family produces for national level competitions and very special orders, such as a Tree depicting the life of Pope Frances, given to the Vatican by the Mexican government.

The rest of the production is by other members of the family, under Hilario’s supervision. This work includes other detailed decorative pieces such as (Noah’s) Arks.

These tend to stick more to the traditional Biblical story but there are signs that this too is seeing a similar development as the trees of life. Pulque jars, some with elaborate decoration can be found, as well as figures of dolls, Metepec’s “mermaids” (in reality a water sprite

said to have inhabited the old wetlands) and even cazuelas still made by his mother.

Hilario believes in the future of this family business, not only because several of his children and grandchildren show promise as artisans, but because the family has been able to manage the various aspects of the business in house, keeping costs down and allowing them to maximize their ability to make a living. As of now, nine are involved full time in some fashion, across three generations.

Photos by Alejandro Linares Garcia except those with a *, which used with the permission of the El Sol Workshop.

Hilario in the store section of the family home/workshop in Metepec

entertainment

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P

aco Ojeda on Music presents Desert Island Bossa Nova on Friday, Dec. 22 at 4pm. Another in his popular music lecture series featuring the Brazilian groove that took the world by storm during the 1950s and 1960s. He will also present ‘Liberace, Oh my! A Tribute to Mr. Showmanship’ on Christmas Day at 7pm, starring Incanto pianist Salvatore Rodriguez playing the music of the iconic performer.

These events are always entertaining and informative.

Dec 21 - 27, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Incanto Celebrates the Season with Bohemia Viva, Andrew Johns, Paco Ojeda, Vanessa Amaro and Dwight Blake ‘A Very Bohemia Viva Christmas’ variety show will play one night only on Saturday, Dec. 23 at 6:30pm. Special Guests include Paco Ojeda, Opera Soprano Vanessa Amaro, Tracy Parks and Alain Perreault. The audience will be invited to ‘singa-long’ to their favorite holiday music, presented in both English

and Spanish. Bohemia Viva continues to present their weekly show, Kaleidoscope, on Wednesdays at 6:30pm. Watch for their all-new show The Sound Garden debuting Jan. 10 at 6:30pm.

Opera singer/soprano Vanessa Amaro presents, ‘Heavenly Hits’, accompanied on piano by Jean-Guy Comeau on Dec. 28 at 4pm. This will be a very special evening featuring a variety of classical, opera, holiday and contemporary music.

Andrew Johns is a keyboardist, singer/songwriter. He has worked in Corporate Entertainment for the likes of IBM, TaylorMade Golf and Ferrari, just to name a few. He

has traveled the world performing his one man show, featuring the music of Elton John, Billy Joel and Queen. Andrew continues to write and record, and is truly an electrifying performer blending highenergy music and comedy. He makes his Incanto debut Dec. 26 & 27 at 9:30pm.

Join the New Year’s Eve Celebration - Dinner & Show at Incanto starting at 5pm with Dennis Crow on piano. Two dinner seatings (7pm & 8:15pm) with entertainment by The Red Suitcases band starting at 7:30pm. Vallarta showman Dwight Blake will perform at 10pm in the main theater, featuring 70s & 80s Disco, followed by an after

party and celebratory toast at midnight. Prepaid reservations are requested. Visit Buy Tickets Now on Incanto’s website.

Hit stage comedy Buyer & Cellar is now playing for a limited run through Dec. 28. Starring César Bravo and directed by Alain Perreault, it’s an outrageous comedy about an underemployed actor who goes to work in Barbra Streisand’s Malibu, Calif., basement. “Hilarious! Beyond brilliant.

This show will go down like butta!”

— Entertainment Weekly.

‘Greater Tuna’, starring Ron Spencer and Tracy Parks is now playing. With over twenty characters played by just two actors with forty-two costume changes, it’s a wild, fun ride to smalltown Tuna, TX, chock-full of hilarious comedy.

Jean-Guy Comeau plays piano on Mondays and Thursdays 5-7pm. Joby Hernandez sings and plays guitar on Mondays at 7:30pm and on Wednesdays at 5pm.

Stolie plays ‘Acoustic Tuesdays’ for Happy Hour at 5pm. Latcho and Andrea: The Blond Gypsies play select Tuesdays at 7pm in the cabaret theater. Tongo plays Latin/Cuban rhythms on his handmade instruments on Tuesdays at 7:30pm. The Red Suitcases band plays on Sundays and Wednesdays at 7:30pm. Open Mic is on Thursdays at 7:30pm co-hosted

by Tracy Parks and Beverly Fairfax with Luis Villanueva.

‘The Joanie Show’ starring Joan Houston with Bob Bruneau plays on Fridays at 5pm. Hannah Brady sings jazz/blues Fridays 7-9pm accompanied by Adel on piano. Singer/guitarist Gabriel Reyes plays on Fridays at 9pm and Saturdays at 10pm. Bingo With Pearl is held on Saturdays at 4pm.

Media Luna band plays Saturdays at 7:30pm. Pearl’s Gurlz Drag Revue plays on select Saturdays at 9:30pm. Pianist Dennis Crow plays standards and showtunes on Sundays at 5pm and 10pm and on Wednesdays at 10pm. Salsa dancing/lessons with instructor Francisco Ledezma is on Sundays at 8pm on the upper terrace.

Tickets are available at www.

IncantoVallarta.com.

Casual dining is always available with Salvatore playing piano mornings starting at 10am. Happy Hour 2-6pm daily. Incanto is located at Insurgentes 109 (at the Rio Cuale). Call 322 223 9756 for reservations.

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Dec 21 - 27, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Hugo Barajas At Galeria Pacifico Cocktails 6-10 Pm, Dec. 27 & Jan 3

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uring the Wednesday Art Walks downtown on December 27th and January 3rd, the highly acclaimed artist, Hugo Barajas, will be present for cocktail inaugurations of his eleventh solo exhibition at Galeria Pacifico, The gallery´s spacious second floor location is located at 174 Aldama Street, just 100 feet up from the Malecon in the historic zone.

Barajas grew up in Guadalajara but currently splits his time between there and the Vallarta area. He spent his youth apprenticing in ceramics and stained glass workshops, and he still produces three dimensional work in those materials in addition to cast bronze and welded steel.

The standout piece in last year´s Barajas exhibition was a steel face 7.5 high by 6 feet long by 2.5 feet wide and weighing nearly seven hundred pounds.

His paintings are in oils on

linen, and there will be twenty seven new works presented in this show. Hugo recognizes Mexico´s deceased master, Rufino Tamayo, as having the strongest influence on his work. He also acknowledges a strong admiration for Pablo Picasso, but he does not call his own work cubist. He prefers the term, “constructivism,”

which better conveys his process of fragmentation of objects using primary colors, and has reference to the 20th Century movement in art of that name represented by Joaquin Torres Garcia of Uruguay, with parallel movements in education, psychology and philosophy.

The later is well portrayed by philosopher Paul Watzlawick´s statement, “Reality is a construction of the one who observes it.”

The exhibition will be mounted through January 30th, but Galeria Pacifico always maintains a significant display of Hugo Barajas´ paintings and sculptures. The gallery also sponsors the Free Malecon Sculpture Tours at 9:30 every Tuesday morning starting next to the Hotel Rosita, as well as the new Free Sunset Malecon Sculpture Tours starting at Galeria Pacifico at 6:00 every Thursday.

Both of these tours continue through mid-April and are in support of our non-government

funded library and cultural center, Los Mangos, which has represen-

tatives present to gratefully accept any donations offered.

SAYULITA BRANCH NOW OPEN!

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Dec 21 - 27, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Out & About in Vallarta Jim Lee

jim@livingvallarta.com

Jim Lee has been a resident of Vallarta for eight years, and is owner of Living Vallarta, a real estate, rentals, events and lifestyle management company.

Active in the gay community, he is a supporter of Act LGBT and Pride Vallarta, Act II Entertainment and Incanto Cabaret.

Naughty or Nice for Christmas

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he holidays are upon us and it’s that time of year when choices are a plenty, but you just can’t do it all. House parties, theater performances, drag shows, holiday dining and beautiful weather (for the most part) ring in the fabulous fortnight of Christmas & New Year’s. It’s time to take the reindeer by the horns and find out just what Santa brought to you in Vallarta’s gayborhoods in Old Town and the South shore.

WHAT A DUMP!

My day starts out by helping hand out toys, clothing and food to the thousands of children and parents who come to “Christmas at the Dump”. Don’t forget to add your favorite charity to your Christmas list this year and next! I also have a special request for the Volcanes Children’s Project – please consider becoming an Adopt Volcanes donor of a regular monthly pledge of 500 pesos or more. This group’s after and before school program serves over 350 kids a day. Send special congratulations to my soccer teams there – they just started a few months ago and are winners!

Contact jim@livingvallarta.com for more information on both charities.

RESERVATIONS, PLEASE! This year portends to be the busiest vacationer season yet, so reservations at your favorite (or soon to be) restaurant are a must, particularly for Christmas dinner & New Year’s Eve. Always at the top of their game, Casa Cupula & Taste Restaurant have a holiday double header which is hard to beat. Enjoy a six-course plated dinner with holiday cocktail for just 799 pesos on Christmas, and then their sumptuous New Year’s Eve buffet with welcome drink for 1499 pesos. You can also take it up a notch by going VIP at their NYE for 1699 pesos for premium seating close to the featured entertainers, Piel Canela.

Either way you get free admission to their fireworks party afterward.

Fusion Gourmet restaurant is a hidden gem in Old Town. Try their holiday three-course traditional dinner with a twist on either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day for just 400 pesos. They have some of the friendliest waiters in town and their menu is one of the most creative this side of the river.

Also, don’t forget Joe Jack’s Fish Shack. What’s special this holiday is a brand-new look after a several months renovation on Basilio Badillo. Kuddos for the beautiful tile floor on the first level, and the private dining room on the second.

Persons of the Year – William Hevener, Sylvie Scopazzo & Gene Mendoza

NYE at Casa Cupula The BIG New Year’s Eve party is the NYE PVR 2018 Carnaval at Oscar’s Restaurant. If you are looking to celebrate with a thousand of your closest friends, check it out at www.willgorges.com

PEOPLE OF THE YEAR

We tried to whittle down the list of nominees for “Person of the Year” to just one, but it was impossible.

And why try? There are so many supporters of the gay community who should be recognized for their generosity of hearts, brains and dollars to help make Vallarta what it is today – a vibrant and giving city which so many of us are proud to call our home.

So, from the many candidates, we narrowed it down to three.

William Hevener has led the LGBT charge for many years in PV. His plate is very full as the current Executive Director of Act LGBT and as leader of the Honorary Executive Committee for Pride Vallarta. He has fought many a battle for government permits, neighborhood agreements and gay rights in Vallarta.

Just take a quick look at Sylvie Scopazzo’s Facebook page and

you will see why she was selected as person of the year. One of the most popular singers in town along with Jorge, plus the Zippers, and founder of the Ladies Outdoor Club Adventures, she left her microphone at home and traveled to Oaxaca this year to help build homes for the earthquake displaced victims.

No list would be complete without Gene Mendoza, owner of Fusion Gourmet, past President of Act LGBT Puerto Vallarta and current board Member of Amapas Neighborhood Association in charge of Neighborhood Safety/ Security. One of the many “faces” of Vallarta, he might be introducing the Mayor at a gay community forum by day and then showcasing local entertainers at his Diablos Bar by night. Let’s give a hand to these three great leaders in our community!

WELCOME TO THE GAYBORHOOD

people-watching perch. Across the street, CC Slaughters was not to be outdone by many of the other bars when they opened their once dark martini lounge to the street as well.

Continue down the street to La Margarita, La Noche and Fiesta Bar & Lounge, all long-time favorites.

And then the explosion of new bars begins. First with the amazing Club Fuego, this large venue is reminiscent of the old Manana Club. It features a front bar, open patio seating, showroom for drag and stripper performances and a dance club. I predict this is going to become the hot spot for happy hours on the patio.

Kinky’s, a gay karaoke bar, opened earlier this year down the street across from Wet Dreams bar, and has just recently welcomed new neighbors, Debraye and Kika Dance to its block as well.

Enjoy any or all these new neighbors and have a wonderful New Year. Exactly!

Calle Lazaro Cardenas has become the Rodeo Drive of gay bars in Vallarta. Start the crawl at Mr. Flamingos for a fun open-air

Carnaval NYE Party at Oscars

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Dec 21 - 27, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Open call to local artists

Your weekly schedule of

Artisan Markets & Events

inVallarta and Riviera Nayarit

There are regular markets called ‘tianguis’ that occur in many neighbourhoods throughout the week. You can usually buy fruits and veggies, clothing, household items. The markets and events here represent local producers, artisans and entrepreneurs. Unless noted (*) most run from the first week of November through April.

FRIDAY *Marsol Friday Market by the Pier - 9:30 am -1:30 pm Open every Friday all year located on Francisca Rodriguez street Sayulita Mercado del Pueblo - 9am -2 pm

V

isual artists in Puerto Vallarta and area are invited to participate in the XVIII Annual Art Sale and Auction at the Los Mangos Library.

The participants must be over 18 years old, working or exhibiting in the Banderas Bay area and with a genuine interest to contribute to the Los Mangos Library’s free services and programs.

Los Mangos library is one of a kind non-profit that enriches people’s lives and encourages

positive social changes while providing inspiration, education and opportunities.

GENERAL INFO: 1. Free THEME 2. FORMAT artwork framed must measure more than 60 cm (2 ft) and must not exceed 1.50 mts (3 ft). The sculptures must measure more than 30 cm (1 ft) and must not exceed 60 cm (2 ft) in width, length and height.

3. Only 120 pieces will be received. The artwork must fit the

format to be accepted.

4. The donor / artist must be willing to donate a minimum 50% of the sale price to Library Los Mangos 5. The artwork must be delivered to Los Mangos library: 1001 Francisco Villa Ave., Colonia Los Mangos. Hours: Monday to Friday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Please keep in mind that Los Mangos library will be close December 21st. to January 3rd

SATURDAY Olas Altas Farmer’s Market - 9:30 am - 2 pm at Lazaro Cardenas Park *Three Hens & a Rooster Market 9 am - 2 pm Every Saturday all year, locate at Venustiano Carranza 466 Los Mangos Market 9:30 am -2 pm - at 1001 Francisco Villa SUNDAY Huanacaxtle Farmer’s Market - 9am -3pm - Located at La Cruz Marina TUESDAY Riviera Market 9am - 2 pm Located in Nuevo Vallarta in the parking lot behind the Casino.

WEDNESDAY Bucerias Forever Spring Market - 9am - 1pm - Across from Esquina 22 *Vallarta ArtWalk - 6 pm - 10 pm See their map for locations.

Bohemio Artisans Co op - 625 Lazaro Cardenas, Old Town Wednesday Friday and Sunday 10 - 2 THURSDAY Bucerias ArtWalk - 7-9pm - along Lazaro Cardenas Marina Vallarta Night Market- 6 pm -10 pm - along the marina

Celebrating Women Artists Mapa/Map - Visita sin guías / Self guided tour 13

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Centro, Hidalgo 424 01 (322) 223 5476 Ro’Wo Interiores • Marina Vallarta Plaza Neptuno No. A-1 01 (322) 22 122 58 arterowo@hotmail.com www.rowogaleria.com

Historic Center

CORONA 176

LOFT

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Wednesdays • Miércoles 6 - 10 pm GUADALUPE SÁNCHEZ 858

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ESTACIONAMIENTO

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Arte Contemporáneo de México

CENTRO Leona Vicario 230 Col. Centro • +52 322 222 1198 ROMANTIC ZONE Venustiano Carranza 307 Col. Emiliano Zapata +52 322 688 2127 Puerto Vallarta • México

Aldama No. 174 • Centro 2nd Floor / Piso Tel.: (322) 222 1982 Fax: (322) 222 5502 www.galeriapacifico.com galeriapacifico@gmail.com

FINE ART GALERIA

ZARAGOZA

galeriapetraluna@gmail.com

M

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T. 322 2233 490

www.galeriapetraluna.com

INTERNATIONAL

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Guadalupe Sánchez 803-A Puerto Vallarta Jal. Centro

CORONA 176 - A

galería (322) 222 6353

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PÍPILA

I

n this long overdue moment of awareness and hopeful atonement, for the perception of secondary status ascribed to women, it should be noted that the same prejudices have been historically rampant in the visual arts.

There are exceptions, of course; Frida Kahlo, Georgia O’Keeffe, Helen Frankenthaler and now Agnes Martin among them, but largely women painter’s works were placed on the back burners in the Pantheons of fine art. And, usually by male writers, historians and critics. Of further interest, recent studies have concluded that the first artists were indeed women. In those studies, perhaps seventy five percent of the handprints from the caves of Southern France and Spain are thought to be women’s.

The Loft Galeria has always embraced, promoted and prospered exhibiting the fine work of women artists. For us, this is not coincidence.

Presently we are showing works of Nicola Wheston, Rocio Vargas Pons, Shirley Verrette, Rita Vega, Susan Seaberry, Paulina Vilchis, Michele Savelle, Nicole Strasburg and Mariana Vilchis Tarrago and Connie Conally.

On The Red Wall at the foyer we are featuring new and wonderful lyrical works of Shirley Verrette. Gouache on paper, Shirley’s imaginative paintings offer a visual embrace of their unique titles with a most fascinating construct.

We invite you to relax in comfortable surroundings while viewing fine works of several featured artists. Join us, we look forward to your visit!

The Loft Galeria at Calle Corona 176A; just steps up from the Malecon, in the Central Historic District of Puerto Vallarta.

We are open from 11am – 6 pm most days and Saturdays from 11 am – 3 pm. Also, by appointment: 322 222 6353 – Closed on Sundays.

ALLENDE

THE LOFT GALERIA

A non-profit dedicated to contemporary art.

Juárez 598 · Col. Centro Tel. (322).222.0541 opcvallarta@gmail.com

www.oficinacultural.org

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RESORTS MALECON SHOPPING/ARTWALK

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1. MARINA RIVIERA NAYARIT 1. CENTRAL BUS STATION 2. NUEVO RIVIERA NAYARIT 2. VERSALLES BUS STATION SEA 3. MARINA VALLARTABY MARINA 3. OLD TOWN BUS STATION 4. CRUISE SHIP TERMINAL BUCERIAS BUS STATION 1. MARINA RIVIERA 4.NAYARIT 5. LOS MUERTOS PIER/ WATER TAXIS 5. INT’L AIRPORT - PVR

2. NUEVO RIVIERA NAYARIT 3. MARINA VALLARTA MARINA 4. CRUISE SHIP TERMINAL 5. LOS MUERTOS PIER/ WATER TAXIS

SHOPPING 1. GALERIAS VALLARTA 2 2. WALMART/SAMS CLUB LAND 3.&COSTCO AIR 4. LA ISLA 1. CENTRAL BUS STATION 5. PLAZA CARACOL 2. VERSAILES STATION 6. MEGA/BUS LA COMER BUCERIAS 7. WALMART VALLARTA 3. OLD TOWN BUSNUEVO STATION

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POINTS OF INTEREST

IFICO GOLF COURSE IA GOLF COURSE HOPPING BU GOLF COURSE MINGOS GOLF COURSE GALERIAS VALLARTA IGRE GOLF COURSE WALMART/SAMS CLUB VIDANTA COSTCO INA VALLARTA ISLA ALA VALLARTA

9. 5 DE DEC. CEMETARY 16. HIDALGO PARK 1. TURTLE RESCUE CAMP 10. MIRADOR CERRO DE LA CRUZ 17. THREE HENS MARKET 2. WHALE OF A TALE HOLE GOLFING 11. MALECON POINTS OF MARKET INTEREST 18. MARSOL 3. PLAYA ESCONDIDO 12. VIRGIN DE LA GUADALUPE CHURCH 19. MUNICIPAL MARKET 4. KISSING BRIDGE 1.

TURTLE RESCUE CAMP 1. PACIFICO GOLF COURSE 20. EMILIANO ZAPATA MARKET 5. EL CORA CROCODILE SANCTUARY 13. LOS ARCOS AMPITHEATRE 2. WHALE OFCULTRAL A TALECENTER HOLE 2. BAHIA 14. ISLA CUALE 21. CUALE 6. PUERTO VALLARTA SIGN GOLF COURSE 3. PLAYA ESCONDIDO 3. LITIBU GOLF COURSE 15. LAZARO CARDENAS PARK 22. 5 DE DEC MARKET 7. ESTERO EL SALADO 15. OLAS ALTAS FARMERS MARKET 4. KISSING 23. HUANACAXLE 8. PITILLAL PLAZA 4. FLAMINGOS GOLF BRIDGEMERCADO COURSE

5. EL TIGRE GOLF COURSE 6. & 7 VIDANTA 8. MARINA VALLARTA 9. VISTA VALLARTA

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MIRADOR CERRO DE LA CRUZ 29. RED CROSS 11. MALECON 30. LOS ARCOS NATIONAL PARK

5. EL CORA CROCODILE SANCTUARY 6. PUERTO VALLARTA SIGN 7. ESTERO EL SALADO 8. PITILLAL PLAZA

12. VIRGIN DE LA GUADALUPE CHURCH 13. LOS ARCOS AMPITHEATRE 14. ISLA CUALE 15. LAZARO CARDENAS PARK 15. OLAS ALTAS FARMERS MARKET

16. HIDALGO PARK 17. THREE HENS MARKET 18. MARSOL MARKET 19. MUNICIPAL MARKET 20. EMILIANO ZAPATA MARKET 21. CUALE CULTRAL CENTER 22. 5 DE DEC MARKET 23. HUANACAXLE MERCADO

5

24. FOREVER SPRING MARKET 25. BUCERIAS ARTWALK 26. RIVIERA FARMERS MARKET 27. MARINA ARTISAN MARKET 28. MOVIE + PICNIC 29. RED CROSS 30. LOS ARCOS NATIONAL PARK

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E

fren Gonzalez resides in Ajijic, (his birth place) with his family, in a home he built entirely from the sale of his paintings. For years he struggled with the dream of living and supporting his family from his art; a dream he realized everyday, brick by brick. Born on June 1, 1972, this 45 year-old, impassioned, local talent, stands out even in the pantheon of Lakeside greats. His paintings are intensely alive, full of color, meaning and insights into Mexico.

"Art started with a pencil," Efren says, "almost as soon as I could hold it," and despite a few short detours, the journey to becoming a "working" artist began early. Efren grew up in Ajijic, winning local and regional drawing competitions as early as primary school. Although

Dec 21 - 27, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Galleria Dante presents Efren Gonzalez he preferred Art to Math and Chemistry in high school, he still didn't know that one day it would be his career. Sometimes, he still lacks confidence, he admits.

After high school, Efren started out studying Architecture and then Plastic Arts, but shortly found that he hadn't the patience for either.

What career would suit him best?

He had worked in restaurants, factories, and as a translator, but only to gain his daily bread (his salary), drawing and painting all the while, as a function of his being.

Still undecided as to what to do, Efren was offered a grant to study

Happy Hour 5pm - 7pm all drinks 2 for 1 Now with air conditioning Open Tuesday to Saturday from 5-11pm Venustiano Carranza 276 Zona Romántica 223 2267

Art at a small college in Maryland.

He made the most of the opportunity. More than anything he learned there, he was enriched by seeing in person, great works he had only admired in books. One year later, he returned to Ajijic and took up his brush.

Leaving the hardships of the days when he peddled his work himself, Efren is now sought after by galleries across North America.

A prodigious painter in all media: watercolor, pastel and acrylic, but oil is his preferred medium. Efren participated in the famous Neil James art program in Ajijic. He studied with various artists: Antonio Cardenas; International painter, B.R. Kline; watercolorist. Luis Eduardo Gonzalez; sculptor Kent Clark and etching master, Juan Navarro.

Efren paintings depict the things he sees in everyday life– the colorful people and landscape of his beloved Mexico. He is equally well known as a muralist having completed his first intricate mural in the 90's and since then many more in his beloved Ajijic.

Efren will be painting in the gallery several days before his show, so please come meet this talented young man.

Since his show at Galleria

Dante last December Efren has had a busy year. He started 2017 by giving painting classes in Ajijic, Manzanillo, Melaque, and La Manzanilla. He created & installed a ceramic mural in Coyoacán in Mexico City.

Then he exhibited in Houston and Austin. He traveIed to Petaluma California to take oil classes from Camille Przewodek. He was invited to give watercolor classes to a small group in Portugal on

a month-long trip around the country. He just returned in early December from Chicago where he exhibited at the UNAM campus, Chicago.

After his exhibit here, he has a programmed exhibition in La Manzanilla and will finish his season with an exhibition in Austin Tx. He is also negotiating to work with a gallery in Toronto and an exhibition at UNAM Ottawa, Canada.

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From Here

Marcia Blondin

marciavallarta@gmail.com

M

y good friend Jovany (whose store, Ropero de Jovany was made more famous last week by fellow columnist AJ Freeman), has put together a collection of Sergio Bustamante’s early (1970’s EARLY!) drawings and sketches and he’s having a sale! If you’ve ever walked down Juarez and peered into the building housing Sr. Bustamante’s amazing jewelry and sculptures, you have an idea of how eclectic, unusual and fabulous his pieces are. Jovany will be selling this rare collection at The Vintage

Wine Bar which can be found upstairs at the Food Truck Park across from La Isla Shopping Mall. Go and see this coming Friday, December 22, (one day only!) from 6 to 9 pm.

And buy yourself a Christmas present of Mexican artistic history. See Jovany’s ad in this issue.

According to Paco Ojeda’s press release a few days ago, SETAC raised in excess of $200,000 pesos at the recent fundraiser held at Casa Karma for “a world without AIDS for children”. Bravos to

all who attended and helped this important organization in Valarta.

What to do for food Christmas Eve? If you are craving a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings, you just have to head straight to Seasons PV – they are waiting for your reservation.

Find out menu details on page two.

If you have had enough turkey to last until next Thanksgiving, reserve a table at Azafran in the heart of the Zona Romantica on Olas Altas. The restaurant, formerly known as Michel’s and Deux Mec, is offering up choices that include avocado/mango salad with prawns; duck breast; a seafood medley; beef and pork duo and dessert that features homemade gingerbread ice cream!

Azafran’s special menu will also be served Christmas Day. By this time next week, all eyes will be on New Year’s celebrations so it’s time to wish each one of you a very Merry Christmas.

However you celebrate, whatever you eat, wherever you eat it, have fun and be safe and give thanks for all you have and always share the love.

That’s it for me, From Here.

A registered Mexican charity providing a nurturing family environment for 45 at-risk children and youth of all ages supported entirely through private donations and self-sustaining initiatives. Attend an event and find out how YOU can make a difference!

CORAZON THRIFT STORE

HUMANITARIAN TOUR & BRUNCH

Now open in Marina Vallarta in front of Hotel Melia on the malecon.

Hours: Mon- Sat. 12-8pm Marina Las Palmas 1 local 8

Every Tuesday at 10am Tour the home and enjoy a delicious brunch prepared by the Corazón Family.

RSVP jean.jewell@hotmail.com

Fundación Corazón de Niña A.C. Calle San Luis Potosi #355, Colonia Primero de Mayo, Puerto Vallarta FB Corazón de Niña www.fundacioncorazon.mx admin@corazondenina.mx For more information please call 322 888 1999

Dec 21 - 27, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

With Billy C., King Of 50s Rock'n'Roll

entertainment

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Dec 21 - 27, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

“Don Henley - Music & Song” Robert Kilian’s Tribute To Don Henley & The Eagles

“Drunken Caribbean Rock’n’Roll” Brian Neale's Party Time Tribute To Jimmy Buffett Merv Buchanan merv@uvs.com

B

ehind recording star Jimmy Buffett's image as the happy, easy going singer-songwriter is a very successful businessman.

Besides managing his numerous concert and recording projects, the creator of what he calls “drunken Caribbean rock'n'roll” owns numerous restaurants, nightclubs and other ventures, constantly travelling between them in his private jet. His many beach bum-themed songs, like “Margaritaville”, described by music industry people as “gulf and western music”, are wildly popular with his worldwide legion of fans who call themselves “Parrotheads”.

Canadian singer/songwriter Brian Neale began performing Buffett's songs and other “happy hour” music while attending Capilano College in Vancouver, British Columbia. From the city's folk music clubs, he moved on to acting, writing and other entertainment industry jobs, before developing Canada's first internationally successful Jimmy Buffett tribute show. He has performed throughout North America, Germany,

Austria, Barbados, The Dominican Republic, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, Portugal, The UK and The Virgin Islands. But says Neale “The Bahamas is my favourite place on earth”.

Besides doing Buffett songs, Brian also writes and performs his own award-winning mix of tropical, country, rock and love songs, making him the life of the party wherever he goes. His first CD, “Common Behaviour” features songs about his travels on the gulf coast and in the Bahamas.

His latest CD, called “Living The Life” is all about his love of the life and music of the Caribbean and features a pair of outstanding songs; the wistful “Two Chairs On The Beach” and the hilarious “Drinkin' Ain't As Easy As It Looks”.

This month Brian comes to Banderas Bay for shows at The Luna Lounge, in Bucerias, La Pina Colada, in Guayabitos, and his second annual “Margaritaville Beach Party”, at El Rio BBQ, in Paso Ancho. In early January, he moves on to Mazatlan, Florida and the West Indies. More info is available on the venue web sites and elsewhere in this publication. *Copyright 2017. No part of this material may be used in any manner without the prior written permission of the author.

Merv Buchanan merv@uvs.com One of the most storied American rock bands, The Eagles, were formed in 1971 by Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Bernie Leadon and Randy Meisner, all of whom had performed in Linda Ronstadt's backup band. During their decades-long career, they toured the world, earned 5 American Music Awards, 6 Grammys and were inducted into The Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame. They also sold more than 150 million records, of which 6 were #1 albums. Their “Greatest Hits” album was the best selling American album of the 20th century.

In 1972 their debut album “The Eagles”, which included hit singles “Take It Easy” and “Peaceful Easy Feeling”, was the first to reach the charts. Their third album yielded their first #1 single “Best Of My Love”.

Their fourth album “One OF These Nights” was their first #1 album. But the title song from their “Hotel California” album was their biggest hit of all. The album eventually sold more than 32 million copies, world wide.

The Eagles went on hiatus in 1980, but began to record and tour again to rave reviews in 1996.

In 2016, founding member Glenn Frey passed away, but the tours continue to the present day. The current lineup is Don Henley, Joe Walsh, Timothy Schmidt, long time friend, country singer Vince Gill and Frey's son Deacon.

The popularity of The Eagles and their large repertoire of hit songs has made the idea of Eagles tribute bands a no-brainer. One of the best is Toronto based “Take It Easy” which features lead singer and multi-instrumentalist Robert Kilian. Affectionately known as “keyboard Bob”, Kilian began classical piano lessons at the age of 3.

Quickly mastering the instrument, he soon began experimenting with different musical styles and it wasn't long before he discovered rock. “Listening to rock music on my radio or stereo made me want to learn more about it. But seeing a rock band on stage changed everything. I knew right away that's what I wanted to do”. A succession of band gigs followed. He played everything from polka music to

heavy metal, as he paid his dues, eventually becoming a much sought after bandleader, sideman and studio musician.

Besides being a busy studio musician, Robert performs all over Canada. Not only as an Eagles tribute artist, but as half of a popular “dueling pianos” act. This month, he brings his tribute to Don Henley and The Eagles to Mexico for the first time. He performs

on December 24th (the 24th is already sold out) and 25th at The Luna Lounge, in Bucerias, and on December 26th, at La Pina Colada, In Guayabitos. More info is available at www.lunaloungebucerias. com and here in the pages of The Tribune. Feliz Navidad! *Copyright 2017. No part of this material may be used in any manner without the prior written permission of the author.

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Dec 21 - 27, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Welcome Home Sheryl Novak

sa.novak@solutionsmexico.com

Sheryl Novak is an expat Canadian who has owned a home in Mexico for over ten years. She is the owner of SOLutions Mexico – the online furniture store for your home in Mexico and The Furniture Store by SOLutions Mexico, a brick and mortar show store in Bucerias. She is considered the expert on sourcing all styles of furniture for all sizes of budgets, in Mexico.

Is this a mistake you might make?

I

t has been close to ten years since I began living in paradise.

For almost the same number of years, I have also owned an online furniture and décor store in Mexico.

Looking back, I was such a newbie when I first set out to furnish our new condo in Bucerias. I did not know where to go to buy furniture.

I did not know what items would last and purchased solely based on what I thought looked nice.

Trying to fully furnish a condo in a short period of time in an unfamiliar country was overwhelming, to say the least. I certainly made mistakes and wasted money.

That’s why I started my company – to help others avoid the furniture buying mistakes I made.

Over the years, I have learned a lot about furniture. I have learned about which materials will last in this climate and which ones to avoid. I am often asked what I think people should do differently when buying furniture here for their home in Vallarta Nayarit. The most important advice is about how to allocate your furniture budget.

The biggest portion of your budget for furnishing your home in

Mexico should go towards outdoor living. With our desire to fully enjoy our beautiful weather here in Mexico, it is without question wiser to allocate more of your furniture budget towards outdoor furniture.

With spectacular weather that’s the main reason most of us decided to move south during the winter season – to be outdoors.

Therefore, it follows that the furniture we will use the most will be our outdoor furniture. Invest the bulk of your budget on outdoor furniture so that the pieces are comfortable, look good, and will last in this climate.

Full outdoor kitchens are going to continue to be a huge hit. Instead of the stand-alone gas barbecue, the trend is to see more built-ins.

Just as our indoor kitchens have become the center of entertaining in the colder months, so will the outdoor kitchen in the warmer months.

In Vallarta Nayarit, outdoor kitchens will become the new feature in designer homes.

The newest outdoor kitchen incorporates an island for guests to socialize, a fully stocked wine cooler and comfortable bar stools as well as purified running water and electricity. Why cook inside, when you can enjoy the weather

and entertain outdoors around your new outdoor kitchen?

Outdoor living rooms are also continuing to be on trend. Most outdoor furniture manufacturers now carry sofa and sectional lines.

Remember how the indoor living room was the staged room for special guests, while the outdoor

living room was the one for daily use? Outdoor sofas and sectionals are now manufactured with materials that can withstand the elements longer.

Performance fabrics mean the covers do not fade from harsh sun nor mildew from rain and humidity, yet still remain soft. Out are the old, hard

boat fabrics! New foams now stand up to the elements longer. Frames are built with materials such as polywood, coated aluminum and steel, and plastics that do not rot or require significant maintenance.

A relatively new addition to the outdoor living furniture line is the outdoor recliner. With the growing number of baby boomers, as well as advancements in durable covers and frames, expect to see new lines of motion chairs available as an outdoor living item.

The cost of outdoor electronics is also starting to fit within mainstream budgets.

Imagine binge watching your favorite streaming series in your outdoor living room on a flat panel TV or outdoor screen. With advancements in screen technology to reduce glare and a growing market the cost of outdoor electronics is expected to drop significantly in the next couple of years.

Flooring, roofing, fireplaces, outdoor rugs and lighting will all come together to create a new space to spend our evenings.

Outdoor living is the next trend and one that looks like it will be here to stay especially if you have a home here in Vallarta Nayarit.

Christ Church by the Sea Plaza Genovesa ~ Center Courtyard Palapa Avenue Francisco Medina Ascensio 2015

  Chistmas Eve, December 24, 2017 Congregational Caroling ~ 6 pm English Services with Communion ~ 6:30 pm







O co m e le t us A d ore Hi m, Ch r i s t the Lo rd Email mypvchurch@gmail.com www.christchurchbythesea.org

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Dec 21 - 27, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

A few of my favourite things

By Janice Gonzales

A

bit of serendipity resulted in my introduction to the organization I have come to love, the SPCA de Puerto Vallarta.

After living here for a few years, I was feeling a bit unsettled and unfocussed. There wasn’t much to keep me occupied and I hadn’t made many new friends. One day a friend suggested I answer a casting call. So, on a lark I did and was hired as an extra on the set of “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” being filmed here in town. I made a new friend on the set after spending the day talking together and she later phoned me about another opportunity. We had spoken at some length about our love for animals and she said the SPCA here in Vallarta was looking for volunteers. She took me to meet a few volunteers at the local library one Saturday where they were holding adoptions. I committed to helping them each Saturday and have never looked back. Today my involvement is considerably more!

There is a term in the software industry called “scope creep” and that’s what happened initially.

For those of you unfamiliar with the phrase, it’s when a project increases in size from the original projection because of the mindset: well while you are doing this you can also do that, etc. I remember a conversation where I was asked if I would consider taking over the

responsibility of the newsletter.

Sounded easy enough to do, I could do it from home and it would be fun. And then of course you might as well do the press releases at the same time. And so, it began.

Well if you are doing the newsletter that means you also need to maintain our contact list. And if you are reporting on our adoptions in the newsletter you might as well maintain the adoption database. And you are a pretty good writer so how about you write up the adoption ads and then post them to multiple websites. In retrospect I went from a few hours each Saturday to pretty much working every day. Some days it’s a few hours just answering emails. Other days it may be an overnight trip escorting dogs to the US or Canada.

And what do I get out of all this volunteering you may wonder?

Well I am the true winner in this relationship. My life is richer and more satisfying than ever. I feel an integrated part of this wonderful community.

I have learned that being able to contribute is the most satisfying feeling in the world. I have met some inspiring people and formed wonderful relationships that may not have been afforded to me had I not started volunteering.

I no longer feel unsettled and unfocussed. I am right where I belong.

What I love the most about Vallarta

By Emily Murray

I

arrived in Puerto Vallarta on January 2, 2015, with a backpack and my dog. My life was in need of a change, and Vallarta is the place I chose to make that change.

It was time to make some lemonade from my lemons.

I took this photo on the first day I lived here, on a hike from Boca to Las Animas beach. I still remember how I felt that day: like I’d just applied a much needed salve to my soul. Like I was defrosting, literally and figuratively. Like life had just gotten a little softer, sweeter.

The beaches of Vallarta, as you can see, are stunning. If you look closely, you can see the city trailing off in the distance. In this photo, is everything I love the most about Vallarta.

The impossible beauty of it.

The lush jungle hills, the sunshine, the birds, the sea, the art, the iconic church of Guadalupe, the taco stands. The palm trees. And don’t forget the people. The fami-

lies. The beauty of their togetherness, their love and caring for one another. You may not be able to see it all, but it’s all here in this shot.

In Vallarta, it’s all beautiful. Even the parts that aren’t “textbook” beautiful.

It’s slower, more deliberate here.

It’s always warm, the sun is bright.

Here, high art is showcased with as much pride as the street art. There are many white tablecloth establishments... and even more places where you can eat that taco right on the side of the road, sitting on an overturned bucket. There are homes which many of us will never be able to afford, and plenty of housing for the Average Joe too.

There are thousands of people who have traveled the world in search of their home, and found it here. There are thousands more who were born here, and have no desire to ever leave.

There is a juxtaposition in Vallarta that I find beautiful,

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fascinating.

People are allowed to be who they are here, which might be even more lovely than all the pristine beaches and bucket tacos in the world. But it’s not just that you’re “allowed” to be who you are, you’re completely expected to be who you are. You are welcomed, with open arms, just as you are.

“Don’t change a thing”, Vallarta says, as it sidles up and steals a kiss from you. And you blush, you sigh, you rest your head on its shoulder and you fall in love a little more.

Yes, the thing I love the most about Vallarta, is the heart-stopping beauty of it all. Some of that beauty is skin-deep, sure... it’s hard to argue with a nice beach. But a lot of that beauty is in its soul, in the open arms of its people, in their art, the impromptu dancing, the Sundays, the togetherness. It’s all so rich, so humbling.

It’s all so completely beautiful.

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Dec 21 - 27, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Discover the New Season of Dinner Shows at Luna Lounge Bucerias By: Debbie White

L

una Lounge Bucerias, the North Shore’s premiere entertainment venue, invites you to a new season of incredible food and top notch musical entertainment Each dinner/show begins at 6:30pm with a fantastic 4 course meal followed by a first class musical tribute show.

Returning for a 5th season, The Crazy Bitches are back on Tuesday nights with all new music, costumes and racy humor. At 7pm, sit down for a delicious meal of barbecue chicken, steak and ribs along with salads and side dishes.

Following dinner, enjoy some wild fun with The Crazy Bitches Drag Show, starring Miss Diva Divine and the gals.

The Crazy Bitches will entertain you with hilarious and outrageous musical parodies featuring a unique mix of music, dancing and outrageous, adult oriented comedy. You’ll see them perform Cher, Madonna, Tina Turner, Beyonce, Celine Dion and others, as they sing and dance like the real stars. Last Tuesday’s show

was superb with the return of a few favorite numbers from last year and some fabulous new material. The Crazy Bitches will also be featured on Wednesday nights beginning in January.

Last Thursday night, Jeff Brewer debuted at Luna Lounge with “Piano Man” starring the music of Billy Joel. Jeff has portrayed Billy Joel for over 20 years and truly captured the man and his songs! This was one of the best musical tribute shows ever!

The audience fell in love with Jeff

and his remarkable performance as Billy Joel.

On December 21, Luna Lounge hosts a “50’s Rock’ N’ Roll Party” featuring Billy C, king of rock’ n’ roll guitar. The show will feature the hits of the biggest stars of this era. Billy C. will have you on your feet and singing along to all those songs that you love. The dance floor will be jumping as Billy C performs the hits of Chuck Berry, Little Richard and more!!

Luna Lounge has a very special holiday dinner/show planned for

December 24 and 25. Enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner followed by the incredible music of Don Henley and The Eagles Tribute starring Robert Killian.

Relive hits like “Hotel California,” “One of These Nights,” “Boys of Summer” and “New Kid in Town,” just to name a few. This is a show you don’t want to miss!

Coming up on Thursday, Dec. 28, Samira returns with “Truly Tina,” her entertaining tribute to Tina Turner. Samira has the look, the voice and all the moves. She is absolutely irresistible as Tina Turner! Samira is exactly why we love “tribute shows” so much!

Luna Lounge has your perfect New Year’s Eve planned. On Sunday, Dec.31, enjoy a wonderful 4-course dinner and bring in the New Year with Brian Neale and “A Tribute to Jimmy Buffet.” Brian will perform all the great Buffet hits like, “Margaritville,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” “Volcano,” “Changes in Latitudes,” and many more. We love the music of Jimmy Buffet and Brian will bring these songs to life for your NYE. More

exciting musical tribute shows are planned for January through March. Don’t miss tributes to Jim Morrison, Adele, Roy Orbison, The Everly Brothers, John Fogerty, Queen, Elton John, Elvis-The Early Years, Elvis-The Vegas Years, Neil Diamond, Paul McCartney, Whitney Houston, Memories of Motown, Johnny Cash, The Blues Brothers, Celine Dion, Eric Clapton, ZZ Top, Patsy Cline, Aretha Franklin, Lou Armstrong, Bon Jovi, St. Patrick’s Day Show, Kenny Rogers and Bryan Adams. Amazing vocalist, Jackie Bristow debuts and singing sensation, Amy Armstrong returns, as well as Cabaret star, Miss Conception. And awarding artist, Brittany Kingery comes home for 2 performances.

Go to www.lunaloungebucerias.com for more information about shows and tickets. Don’t miss any of these incredible valuepriced dinner shows. They offer a wonderful evening of food, fun and entertainment. Plan ahead and don’t forget to bring your guests and friends along to the North Shore’s best venue!

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Dec 21 - 27, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Fun on the Riviera Nayarit Cat Morgan www.rivieranayaritfun.com Cat@RivieraNayaritFun.com Cat Morgan is owner of RivieraNayaritFun.com and also NewEnergyConsciousness.com If you have any questions, comments or Riviera Nayarit news please contact her at Cat@CatMorgan.me

H

ey Everybody! Wow! It’s almost Christmas and the Bay is alive with all kinds of music, dinners and celebrations to share with friends and loved ones.

Let’s get to it!

Beginning with this Saturday, December 23, 8-11pm at the Octopus Garden with an amazing Motown Show with Dwight Blake! You may get your tickets at the Octopus Garden in La Cruz.

I met and became friends with Dwight about five years ago, before he became popular around the bay. He is a delight to know; what an amazing talented man! Dwight travels the world headlining his Motown Show; playing keyboards and singing music from the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Four Tops and so many more! This will also includes favorite Christmas carols. A one night only show you will not want to miss; super barrato at 250 pesos. See you there!!

If you have not made Christmas Dinner resos yet, make your reservations! For some ideas in La Cruz you can check out Black

Forest Restaurant with Winfried creating a special menu or you can also order the 2X1 Schitznel.

Latcho and Andrea every Friday along with Lobo performing every Mon beginning Jan 8, Mare Nostrom has a delightful Christmas menu; new Thursday 7 to 9 live music rock & roll w/ Rock On Band, and also their Sat and Sun 10am brunch. You may check both out on Fbook! Down at the Green Tomato in La Cruz Diego

Mondragon and Friends play Saturdays Dec. 23, 30 and Jan. 6 at 7:30 pm; a small La Cruz venue featuring our beautiful and talented friend Zoe Wood on guitar and vocals, Eduardo Leon on lead guitar and vocals, Emuanel de la Rosa on bass, Kristian Pentangeli on percussion, and the ever so amazing Diego Mondragon on violin. Diego really blew me away the first time I saw him play when he stepped in with Gypsy Rumba at Los Arroyos Verdes on Thanksgiving.

Speaking of Los Arroyos Verdes, they are celebrating the holiday very differently this season with a Christmas Pool Party with

Gypsy Rumba! Enjoy the day with Cheko and the band, swim, eat, lounge by the amazing solar heated pool (not many heated pools around!), then take a siesta and head out to enjoy another holiday fiesta! Over in Bucerias more Christmas celebrations abound with Esquina 22, Marks Bar and Grill, Sandrinas, Encore; the best Jazz with Armi and the band… too many to list!

Whip Lashed in Banderas Bay is having an amazing Holiday Lash Special! Get your lashes on for the holidays…you will want to keep them on forever! Swim, play and wake up beautiful…I love mine; no more mascara! Check it all out on Fbook or the ad in this week’s paper!

Bucerias Children’s Library has sold out of all of the bilingual calendars; however, more are being sent and should arrive next week.

They will be available at Gringo’s Book Store and Splash of Glass. If you need more than 1 or

2, please email Rita Kollock: rgkollock@gmail.com . This is their big fundraiser for the kids.

The library has a huge turnout every Saturday for story time and making crafts. Books are loaned out to the children. They are open Tues – Sat, 10 – 2pm. Closed Dec 26-Jan 2 for the holiday. Stop on by and check out what they are dong.

Gracias from the library board!

Thanks for tuning in this week.

Look for Vincent and his Oaxaca family rugs next week; please stay tuned for that amazing story! You can find Vincent at the Sunday La Cruz Market. Whishing everyone a splendid week! The rain is gone and blue sunny skies ahead.

Check out our FB page Riviera Nayarit Fun and LIKE us. I enjoy posting fun and interesting information about what’s up and other Mexico information. If you have any questions please email me at Cat@RivieraNayaritFun. com I am happy to help however possible. AHO!

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Dec 21 - 27, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Busing Banderas Bay Bruce Howells

busbanderasbay@gmail.com

Bruce is a retired Canadian, who along with his wife Velma, took a “mulligan” on life and escaped the cold of Canada and settled in the Vallarta area. Fulfilling a retirement dream of not driving anymore, Bruce will use public transportation to tour the bay and tell his tales here. Tips and itineraries welcome.

Email: busbanderasbay@gmail.com

Busing from Bucerias to La Peñita Market The Experience: Our trip started at Mega on the outskirts of Bucerias, where we caught an ATM bus into town and exited past the lights at “El Centro”, at the blue bus sign to await a Touring type Pacifico bus to Guadalajara, Varas or Tepic. These buses only stop at this one location in Bucerias. For today’s trip the bus arrived around 10:30 am. I believe there is at least one an hour. Today, for the first time we had an all green Pacifico bus.

IMPORTANT: Read the windows for destinations!

We were joined by another couple that was headed to the Palladium resort, but had no idea how to get there. We explained the difference between the bus to Punta de Mita (which they needed), the bus to Sayulita, the Collectivos and the Touring Pacifico bus we were waiting for. Our bus came first, we wouldn’t let them board, kept telling them they wanted the ATM bus or a collectivo to Punta

de Mita. They were standing at the curb looking confused as we drove off. I wonder if they ever made it to the Palladium?

Boarding the bus we had no idea of the fare, [advice I offer people is “learn your numbers in Spanish”] and to my amazement, when he said “cien” I knew it was 100 pesos. We made sure the driver understood we wanted off at “El Centro” in La Peñita.

The ride up was rather slow (an hour) and uneventful as the traffic was heavy and hardly anyone was passing on the curves. Always lots of great jungle scenery, OXXO stores, fruit stands, and topes to keep you occupied.

We exited the bus in La Peñita at “El Centro”, safely crossed the highway and headed down the main street.

The sights and sounds that greet you are amazing. From vendors selling flowers & fruits, restaurants grilling chicken and beef on the curb, merchants selling their wares and piling product on the sidewalks, taxis’ hollering at you, blaring their horns at other drivers, gas delivery trucks traveling the

streets with messages blaring through speakers on the roof, and a mass of humanity all going about their business, small town Mexico at its finest.

We met our friend exactly as planned, and kudos to our amiga for remembering that when we said we’d be there by 12, we meant Bucerias time as there is a time zone change between Bucerias and La Peñita.

During the Thursday Tiangus it seems like half the town turns into a market with fresh fruit, pastries, candy, leather, glassware, used tools, clothing, plants and anything else you can think of on display. A remarkable visual and audio memory!

Time to head home! We walked up the hill to the Pacifico bus terminal, past all the vendors, taxis, restaurants, kids, dogs, mothers and babies, everything that makes

We met our friend exactly as planned, and kudos to our amiga for remembering that when we said we’d be there by 12, we meant Bucerias time as there is a time zone change between Bucerias and La Peñita. this Mexico.

We bought our tickets at the bus terminal and we were charged 220 pesos. In times of stress, I revert to my English and we both said, “We only paid 200 on the way up”. We paid 200 …we love Mexico!

We were first on the bus and were able to sit in the front row of the touring class bus. What a great view and comfy seats, not only with springs, but with arm rests,

recliners and A/C. We made it back to Bucerias and I asked the driver in Spanish “Puedes alto a Mega”? Not what Google translate suggested, but he stopped!

Another fun day and no driving required!

For additional details,photos and tips, view the online article at www. vallartatribune.com/category/ columns/busing-banderas-bay/

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What’s In a Letter?

By John Warren

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ome of my friends are really old. I can tell, because they remember the fairground ride, The Tunnel of Love. Back in the 1950’s and before, these rides served a necessary social function; as Dave Samuelson writes in The American Amusement Park, “the darkness became a big draw for romantically inclined couples looking for a little intimacy in a time when any public display of affection was frowned upon.” For our younger readers, an excellent description of the place where our forefathers/mothers formative gropes and sloppy tongue-kisses of their sparkling youth occurred can be found at http://www. hopesandfears.com/hopes/city/ city/214995-whatever-happenedto-the-tunnel-of-love Fast forward a few decades, change the first letter from a “T” to an “F” and you will find in Puerto Vallarta a Funnel of Love. It’s a club known as the IFC or International Friendship Club. www.ifcvallarta.com The club raises money, draws thousands of volunteer hours and is supported by dozens of businesses around town. All these benefits are then funnelled down to hundreds of Mexican kids who need help.

IFC has one paid employee, the one and only Josué, who takes care of the office administration and accounting and anything else he is asked to do. Volunteers, both inside and outside the club, do all the other work of the club.

A group of volunteers that has been performing miracles for the

last 32 years by changing faces and lives is the team of surgeons, anaesthetists and nurses who fly to PV from Guadalajara three or four times a year and donate their time to IFC’s cleft palate program. They are supported by the CMQ hospital, which donates the surgical space for the team to do their magic. Other volunteers co-ordinate between patient families and medical team and generous homeowners provide free accommodation. IFC pays all the expenses. All treatments are free.

A majority of all money raised

by IFC comes for the operation of the Home Tours – see www.toursforvallarta.com A club member works hard asking homeowners to allow the club to show their homes to tourists and residents. Others take the money, provide name tags and act as guides and docents on the 44-passenger buses to ensure that everyone has a safe and pleasant time. The generosity of the homeowners is a key component to the IFC’s success.

Last year the club had over 600 members; some of whom were actively engaged in club activities and some who bought their membership just to get the discounts at restaurants and businesses. It took dedicated volunteers to walk the streets and contact the owners of over 100 of these supporting businesses. Without them membership fees would be down and kids would not have been helped. IFC appreciates the volunteers and the businesses.

Other volunteers run the social activities and bring money into the funnel. Movie nights are popular, lectures are sometimes overflowing, bridge is taught and played, happy hour on Fridays is well attended and special events are enjoyed and provide further

funds. The level of commitment to the club’s mission “to raise and distribute funds and provide volunteer service in response to the medical, humanitarian and educational needs of the Mexican community” by its members and supporters is amazing.

Funnels have both a top and a spout. Where does all the money and the support go?

As well as the cleft palate program, IFC has a dental outreach program in Boca de Tomatlan providing almost free dental services in that area. The club has thirty volunteers this year who will be teaching English to any Mexican over the age of eight for free. It has a Patrocinio program that contributes to medical requests from families who are to poor to pay. Financial assistance is given to a variety of programs and charities including ALAS Escuela de Canto, American School, Arroyos de Esperanza, Orquestra Escuela de PV, IAMPV, SETAC Solidaridad, Volcanes Education Project, Casa Hogar Maximo Cornejo, Corazon de Niña, Dives in Miseracordia, Clinica Sta. Barbara de Rehabiltacion Vallarta, Pasitos de Luz, Salvation Army (Ejercico de Salvacion)and CANICA Ninos Con Cancer Asociacion. Each of these organizations is contacted throughout the year to ensure the club’s support is being used wisely.

That takes volunteers too.

It seems not to matter what or whether you are religiously inclined at this time of year; everyone has something to celebrate. Members of the International Friendship Club have much to celebrate after another very successful year of fundraising and providing help to Mexican children and we would like to thank everyone who contributed to its success. Muchas gracias!

Dec 21 - 27, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

SPCA of Puerto Vallarta

By Janice Gonzalez

I

t was wonderful to be back at the Olas Altas Farmers Market seeing friends even in the rain!

We will be there each Saturday from 9:30 am until closing at 2:00 pm. The market is located in Lázaro Cárdenas Park. This is in addition to our presence at the Marina Art & Market each Thursday from 6:00 pm until 10:00 pm. Be sure to come by and say hello. In the spirit of giving, if you are looking for the perfect holiday gift you can pick up one of our special “Kiss my Mutt” t-shirts, a gorgeous 2018 calendar or even a special bag made locally by our friend Lisa Love. All these items and a few other goodies can be yours for a small donation which helps support our rescue efforts. Your donations are always welcome and needed!

We have scheduled tours to our sanctuary, by reservation only, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If you have your own transportation, please let us know. To reserve a spot on a tour, contact us at spcapv@gmail.com.

We appreciate any donations you can bring for our rescues and please feel free to bring treats for sanctuary staff as they truly appreciate it. Those items we ALWAYS need include: collars and leashes; toys and more toys! both stuffed and hard plastic (no soft plastic as they can chew off pieces and swallow); large towels; blankets;

sweaters and coats; post-surgical cones (both the cone shaped and donut inflatable ones). Our rescues are now fed a total raw diet so please refrain from bringing any dog food or treats, but we do have healthy homemade treats available (at cost) for the dogs when you visit the sanctuary.

If you would be interested in volunteering some of your time or want more details, please contact us at spcapv@gmail.com.

To see our animals available for adoption, visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/spcapv.

There are photos and also individual albums of our rescues as well as a bit of their history. Please be aware that our adoption fee within Mexico is $2,000 pesos. Contact us at spcapv@gmail.com to obtain an adoption application.

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 the Olas Altas Farmers Market, the Marina Art & Market or 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.

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Toys For Tots A Roaring Success This Year

By Jerry Lafferty

Letter to the Editor Dear Editor,

A

T

oys for Tots fundraisers this past weekend were incredibly successful, with attendance up nearly 50% for both the golf tournament on Saturday, December 9 and the gala dinner dance on Sunday, December 10.

We now plan to deliver in excess of 5,000 toys and smiles, to needy kids in the Banderas Bay area on Three Kings Day in early January.

The public is encouraged to participate with us, in what is a joyful highlight of the holiday season.

Please call the Navy League’s Carol Smith at 044-322-1374902 or Dorothy Piontkowski at 322-209-0064 for details on where and when to join in.

The charity golf tournament was held for the 18th consecutive year at Club Corp’s Weiskopf course at Vista Vallarta. We had a near capacity field of 115 golfers, men and women, of widely varying skill levels. Prizes were awarded to Best Team, Worst Team, and everything in between.

It was great fun for a great cause.

Club Corp provided their beautiful course free of charge, and also generously threw in a delicious Mexican luncheon at the Awards ceremony. They’ve been a lead sponsor of Toys for Tots

Dec 21 - 27, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

since inception 18 years ago. We applaud them!

The following night, the Marriott CasaMagna Resort and Spa in the Marina hostSed, also for the 18th consecutive year, a fun-filled dinner/dance in their spacious ballroom. Matching the generosity of ClubCorp, the Marriott picked up the total tab for a gourmet dinner prepared by their award-winning chef, plus wine and other beverages for over 200 guests.

A great dance band was provided by Coldwell Banker Real Estate. They were preceded by a children’s mariachi band, who entertained guests for the 3rd

consecutive year.

Toys for Tots is organized annually by the local Navy League Council, led this year by Carol Smith of Carol’s Boutique fame.

The Navy League has been assisted each of the past 18 years by 2 very generous partners, Club Corp and Marriott. Joining them this year were long-time supporters Coldwell Banker Real Estate, Patron Tequila, Honda and many others. What a great credit they are to our community.

Stay tuned for plans for the distribution of toys in early January, after schools reconvenes following the Christmas holidays.

few months ago a few ladies started getting together for lunch in a few different Marina locations. We’re made up of young and young at heart, retired mostly and all living in Vallarta yearround and we’re from all around the world; but certainly the Canadians make up the majority, eh!

We call ourselves “The WOW Ladies” (Women On Wednesdays) and our purpose is just to enjoy meeting, eating and learning about where we’ve chosen to live. Our ‘few’ ladies has grown to fifty plus but bi-weekly lunches still promote businesses run by women.

We had a special Christmas lunch recently at Villa Rouse on Pelicanos in the Marina, lovely three course meal but a highlight was the most beautifully decorated CUPCAKES by TORI. There were

Dear Editor,

I

must say you should be ashamed printing “Say No to Paper Lanterns.” I suppose you would jump off the cliff if you did what entire countries did? This BS is way too much especially during the holiday season. Tell me how many “Palapa’s” have caught fire due to a “Paper Lantern”in Puerto

Where Is This?

Sandra Cesca

ADORABLE DOG IN THE SPOTLIGHT...RUFUS

By Janice Gonzalez

O

h my, this is one gorgeous Saint Bernard mix! Rufus is around 1.5 years old and weighs almost 60 pounds. This big boy is super playful and has the best disposition. He just loves his people and playtime with other dogs. Rufus is well behaved on his walks with his humans. He is not good with cats, however. Rufus has been neutered, dewormed and vaccinated. If this beautiful boy is just what you are looking for, contact us at spcapv@gmail.com for an application to adopt Rufus.

N

oche Buena as the poinsettia is called here is indigenous to Mexico.

Growing up to 12 feet tall, the flower shape is thought to signify the Star of Bethlehem and the red color the blood of Christ which Aztecs used as a dye and for medicinal purposes.

Find this on a guided walk around historic Vallarta with PuertoVallartaWalkingTours.com. Stroll the cobblestone streets, typical of Spanish Colonial architecture, while absorbing the sights, smells and sounds of daily life. Visit markets, historic buildings, and workshops. Get immersed in the culture while exploring areas you might not find on your own. www.puertovallartawalkingtours.com

Snowman, Reindeer, Wreaths, Trees, Snow Flakes and Santa Hats on every table and they were all different flavours. You can find them at her PV CUPCAKES store at Plaza Caracol or the Thursday Night Marina Market; at the front steps of Dz Route 66 Diner.

The photo is of Tori, who delivered dozens of cupcakes and then helped place them at each tablesetting. Please print this to help us celebrate Christmas and highlight another wonderful woman making her life and business in Vallarta.

Feliz Navidad from Nancy and all the WOW Ladies!

Vallarta? How many “huge structure fires and wild fires” have happen in Puerto Vallarta because of “Paper Lantern”? How many serious burns to humans or killed animals that eat them or entangled in their fallen remains”in Puerto Vallarta. Printing this “fake news” concerning Puerto Vallarta is all BS. Did you think why those countries you mentioned are different from Puerto Vallarta?

I am glad to see the twinkle in the eyes of young and old and the smiles when they see the skies filled with “fire balloons”as they should be called and sending well wishes for the living and the dead.

All My Best, Rudy Kovacs Rudy, Thank you for your emphatic email. I respectfully disagree with you on this issue.

If even one palapa catches fire, or one turtle is entangled in the refuse, or one person is burned, it is one too many. These lanterns, while pretty, are basically trash - potentially dangerous trash. It’s okay to learn and progress while we move forward in life. Teaching children to care for their environment is infinitely more important than a momentary twinkle in their eyes.

You asked for numbers but I don’t have those as they are not gathered in any official capacity but I did put a call out for people’s personal experiences and I have attached them here. Last year one landed in my continued on next page

entertainment

32

Alan Alda Actor, Writer, Director

By Fred Jacobs lan Alda was born Alphonso Joseph D’Abruzzo on January 28, 1936, in the Bronx, New York City. His father was actor Robert Alda, and his mother was a former beauty-pageant winner. Alan had a nomadic childhood, as his parents traveled around the country as his father was a performer in burlesque theatre circuit.

In 1956, Alan received his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Fordham College, where he was also a member of the college FM radio station. During Alan’s junior year, he studied in Paris and acted in a play in Rome. Alan also performed with his father on TV in Amsterdam. In college, he was a member of the ROTC, and after graduation, he served for a year at Fort Benning, and then six months in the US Army Reserve on a tour of duty in Korea.

Alan began his serious acting career in 1958, as a member of a comedy revue at the Cleveland Play House. In late 1964, would land a role that would get him to the next level. Alan played Felix in the stage version of “The Owl and The Pussycat.” He continued to play Felix the “Owl” for the 1964-65 Broadway season. In 1966, he starred in the musical “The Apple Tree” on Broadway, and he was nominated for a Tony Award, as Best Actor in a Musical for that role.

Alda has his first major TV exposure as part of the cast of “That Was The Week That Was,” which ran as a series from 1964 to 1965. Alan made his big screen debut as a supporting role in “Gone are the Days!”

A

After several more supporting roles on the big screen, Alan’s star skyrocketed when he landed the role of Hawkeye Pierce in the TV version of the hit movie M*A*S*H. In the film, Hawkeye was played by Donald Sutherland. But on the small screen, Alan quickly made the role his own, as the series evolved from a light medical comedy in the early seasons, to more dramatic themes in the later years.

The ensemble cast of the TV series evolved over its 11 seasons, and Alan was the only series regular to appear in all 251 episodes during the entire run.For all but the first season, M*A*S*H would remain solidly in the top five TV shows, every year that it was on.

In all, the show was nominated for over 100 Emmy awards and won fourteen. Alan was nominated for twenty-one Emmy Awards, and won five Emmy’s for both acting and directing. Alan also took part in writing nineteen episodes, including the 1983 2½-hour series finale “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen,” which was also the 32nd episode Alan directed. That final show remains the single most-watched episode of any American broadcast network television series.

While in college, Alan would meet his future wife, Arlene Weiss and after graduating college, they were married. They are a Hollywood miracle, married for 60 years. Alan commuted from Los Angeles to his home in New Jersey, every weekend for 11 years while starring in M*A*S*H. Alan’s fame from M*A*S*H provided him a platform to speak out on political topics, and he was an early and vocal supporter of women’s rights and the feminist movement of the 70s and 80s. In 1993, Alan co-starred with Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, and Anjelica Huston in Allen’s comedy/mystery Manhattan Murder Mystery.

In 2004, Alan became a regular cast member on the hit show “The West Wing,” portraying a Republican U.S. Senator and presidential candidate, winning an Emmy for his role in the final season of “The West Wing.” Alan appeared in twenty-eight episodes during the show’s sixth and seventh seasons.

In 2004, Alan played another conservative Senator in Martin Scorsese’s “The Aviator,” opposite Leonardo DiCaprio and earned himself an Oscar nomination for the role. Alan then returned to Broadway in 2014, in the revival of “Love Letters” opposite Candice Bergen.

These days, Alan is content to spend his energy writing, working for social causes and enjoying family life with his eight grandchildren. Both on camera and off, Alan Alda has made his mark on American society.

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

Dec 21 - 27, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

continued from previous page yard and I had to gather all the pieces and throw them in the garbage We did a lantern release a few years ago at la palapa in la Cruz.

The stone that you light detached or dropped out of several of them...some before they got off the ground, some mid air... maybe just that particular type that was used, but I scooped my son up and got him away from the general area pretty quick….

Saw one released from a condo above fly past the one i was in... then fly into the patio of one with the owners out of town and lit a palm type plant on fire... we dumped buckets at it and the condo owner got a mess and lucky. Had we not been there... well... how fast can bomberos get up them stairs... bust the door... and get it out before it lights the nice wood chairs and some drapes... etc…

I had one almost land on me a few New Years ago, within an inch.

Very startling!!!

I had one blow onto my windowsill on NYE 2013-14. Flames licking through the screen. Managed to knock it off the sill to save my drapes from going up in flames. A week later on 3 Kings Day , in Coapinole, one landed on the electrical transformer & the usual tangle of wires outside my SIL’S house. We weren’t sure what kind of damage it might have caused, so my partner got on the roof to poke it away with a broom stick (that part scared me most!). I hate those things.

Lite the neighbours roof up a couple years ago! Wind was blowing in the wrong direction...... the wire piece is a hazard for marine life when it ends up in the ocean! Never use them anymore. Found it in our back yard 2 years ago. Really bad for the

environment, let alone the wildlife and fire hazard.

One burned down the Tropicana nightclub (a big Palapa) in Acapulco, New Year’s Eve a couple of years back.

While at a municipal band performance and dance in the plaza next to Los Arcos amphitheater several years ago, a lantern was lit and released, then blew right into a tree in the plaza and completely burned it.

I am sure there are many more stories both locally and around the world about the damage caused by releasing flaming paper and metal into the sky.

Editor, Madeline Milne

Hi Madeline,

M

cGinnis, my service dog died last week. He was well-known and loved by many people in Puerto Vallarta As you know, articles were written in the Tribune about him as well as informing the public about service dogs. He was a trailblazer by educating and gaining acceptance by some bus and taxi drivers, restaurants, and other public businesses pertaining to the Mexican law concerning service dogs.

Sincerely, Donna Feldman

Upcoming Events

I

f you have an event you’d like to include here, please email editor@vallar tatr ibune.com.

Non-profit/community events are listed free of charge.

For a calendar of all events visit vallartatribune.com/eventos Tuesdays – Malecon Sculpture Tour from 9-11am meet the artists, learn about the sculptures that line the malecon and support the local library. Starts in front of the Millennium Sculpture (in front of MacDonalds) Wednesdays – Vallarta Artwalk from 6-10pm through 13 galleries in

Centro. See the advertisement for more details.

Friday, December 22 Raicilla Tasting at Di Vino Dante 8pm. Learn more about Raicilla, local traditions taste a selection of cocktails prepared with Raicilla and enjoy Mexican appetizers. 350 pesos Reservations 322-199-5081 Wednesday Dec. 27-29 Sinergiarte Festival The 12th Sinergiarte San Pancho Collective Cultural Festival 2017 with the theme “Coexist for a Conscious and Collective Change.” Exhibitions and workshops for dance, theater,

music, literature, performance, photography, video, multimedia, painting, sculpture, martial arts, sports and more.

December 30 II Festival de Pirotecnia Luminia Fest A choreographer Fireworks display designed by local pyrotechnicas expert, Marcelo Mantecón will be held on the Malecon. Live music featuring local bands, mariachi and more starting at 8pm.

December 31 II Festival de Pirotecnia Luminia Fest - New Years Eve Celebrations The city of Puerto Vallarta will celebrate New Years Eve with live

music and fireworks show, starting at 8pm on at the IPEJAL Field beside the Sheraton Bugambilias Resort. Popular Mexican Rock band, Plastiko headlines.

Saturday January 6, 13, 20, 27 Vallarta Cup Race Series About 20 sailboats will participate in this series of races, which not only serve as competition but also inspire moments of camaraderie among the assistants thanks to the traditional Saturday theme parties held after every race at the Vallarta Yacht Club in Nuevo Vallarta.

January 16-24 La Cruz - Patron

Saint

Festivities In order to celebrate their patron saint, local citizens head out on a maritime pilgrimage on their gaily-festooned boats from La Cruz de Huanacaxtle to Bucerías. Local festivities in the town plaza nightly.

January 28 – February 4 San Blas International Migratory Bird Festival San Blas is undoubtedly one of the top migratory and endemic bird watching areas on the continent.

Several artistic and cultural activities revolving around the birds will be held during the festival, as well as tours along the traditional observation routes.

Christ Church by the Sea Worldwide Anglican Communion

“WE HAVE NOT MOVED�

Church Services Sunday 10:00 a.m.

Sunday School ages 4 to 12 years Christmas Eve 5:00 p.m. Carols and festive party Come celebrate the birth of Our Lord Jesus If you can, bring an appetizer or dessert for the after party, drinks provided English-Traditional Holy Communion All faiths welcome-Casual Dress Christ Church by the Sea has always welcomed people from all walks of life and denominations. We are open to all race creeds political and sexual orientation.

Christ Church by the Sea has been serving Puerto Vallarta for 17 years supporting schools, teaching English language, serving the hospitals with layettes for the new born, serving in prison ministry and the handicapped schools Across from airport, northbound service road next to Sixt and Thrifty Car Rental Blvd. Fco. Medina 7936, Puerto Vallarta Questions? Father Jack Wehrs e mail: jackandshirley1@att.net Text 1 619 300 7377 Tel 044 322 229 1129

Web site: www.christchurchbythesea.com Complimentary parking at Sixt Rental Car

VALLARTA SHOPPING AND SERVICES Mercado los Mangos and Three Hens & A Rooster Market on Saturdays 7

Marsol Friday Market by the Pier FELIZ NAVIDAD MARSOL FRIDAY MARKET

BY THE PIER

CADA VIERNES 9:30 am - 1:30 pm ART ARTE JEWELRY JOYERÍA CRAFTS ARTESANÍA CLOTHING ROPA PASTRY PASTELES HOME DECOR MUEBLES HERBALIST HERBALISTA FOOD COMIDA MUSIC MÚSICA

HOTEL MARSOL 103 FRANCISCA RODRIGUEZ OLAS ALTAS

W

hy not give someone you love a piece of the past that was cherished and worn with great pleasure, perhaps only on special days of the year like Christmas or New Years? Stop by and talk to Lalo. His table is full of lovingly preserved jewelry – rings, pendants, necklaces, bracelets and more. All in working order (fabulous brooches) with the patina of age left intact. In the jewelry retail business for decades, Lalo now contents himself with passing on his tremendous knowledge and his love for the craftsmanship of an era long past. Give something this year that will

Alegre Tours Tonala “Special Shop Till you Drop” Tour February 16-19-2018 Visiting Furniture Expo in Guadalajara and Tlaquepaque

Merida, Chichén Itza, Uxmal, Becal February 24-March 03-2018 Cuba, Havana, Varadero Beach May 05-12-2018

Reservations & Information: Roberta Valdez 951.760.1068 rvaldez714@hotmail.com Hand-made Mexican Tiles, Talavera, Saltillo, Mosaico

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

become a treasure…one more time.

Give the gift of a healthier life with creams, potions and herbal extracts from Ricardo Mazcal.

Everything is made entirely by hand from recipes written by his Nahua great-grandmother.

The ancient art of working with tree bark is alive and well in the Marsol Friday Market. See exquisite designs that will make the walls happy wherever they

www.vallartatribune.com www.vallartatribune.com www.vallartatribune.com FABFABRICFELLOWS

Pandamonia Boutique

Aprons - Pillows Masks - Cooling Ties

CHRISTMAS COOKIE BOXES Large and small sizes available

Three Hens & A Rooster Market V. Carranza 466 Saturdays 9 to 1 Contact Bill Kelly at

unonumerobomb@gmail.com

Three Hens & A Rooster Market V. Carranza 466 Saturdays 9 to 1 Contact Pat Thunherst Wagner at ptwagner@comcast.net

Three Hens & A Rooster Market

M

hang!

One of Vallarta’s finest bakers, Kim McKindle, also loves dogs and gives them free treats when their masters visit the Market. Kim donates profits to LADRA, so help her help the homeless and sick dogs around town by buying some of her dog treats. And don’t forget you!

Sticky buns, scones loaded with fresh blueberries and fab angel food cake when the weather is right!

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

ujeres Magicas Boutique is upstairs at Three Hens Market. Inside you will find handmade clothes – dresses, skirts, blue jean jackets and adorable outfits for young girls (think grandkids dresses!). They are adorned with exquisite embroidery work from Chiapas. Every piece in the boutique was handmade by women who were taught by two ex-Vallartenses Pam and Cherie. Don’t forget to look at the lovely purses and belts.

Extraordinary work – made with love. What great gifts to give and to receive.

Holiday breads and seasonal-fabric wine bags that are strong enough for gigantic bottles of any spirits for giving!

See Pat’s Pandemonia Boutique also for clothes, shoes, cat-inspired goodies galore you’ll never find anywhere else in Vallarta.

And don’t forget some fudge for you!

Bill Kelly’s amazing aprons are available at the Fabulous Fabric Fellows

– if you hurry, there’s one gorgeous Christmas apron left! Alejandro, the other ‘Fellow’, makes beautiful wreaths – check them out!

Jeanine and Barbara and Gloria Sue can be counted on for superb entrees to take home. When you’re too busy going to parties to cook, they are a blessing indeed.

Don’t forget desserts! La

Dulce Vida always has the finest pastries (and some rye bread!) on hand. Their regular packaging is better than gift wrapped!

Visit our eclectic Market every Saturday, all year ‘round. Three Hens & A Rooster Market is open from 9 am to 1 pm at Venustiano Carranza 466 in Old Town Vallarta.

Marsol Friday Market by the Pier Three Hens & A Rooster Market on Saturdays

mexicasupplement@gmail.com

Marsol Friday Market by the Pier and Three Hens & A Rooster Market on Saturday

Sherry Vallarta HOME DE’COR

Personal Shopper

Buy & Sell ~ Anything & Everything

sherryvallarta@yahoo.com 044 322 137 7063

Marsol Friday Market by the Pier and Three Hens & A Rooster Market on Saturday

charity

36

Dec 21 - 27, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Non - Profit and Charitable Organizations For visitors to Puerto Vallarta who wish to support the less privileged in our paradise, this is a list of some of the many organizations that could benefit from such kind gestures. If you would like your organization recognized here, please email details to editor@vallartatribune.com.

Amigos de La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, A.C. contributing to the quality of life in La Cruz through cultural, educational, environmental and charitable assistance programs. Tax Deductible. w w w. a m i g o s d e l a c r u z . o r g Contact Amy Welch amywelchpdx@comcast.net Alcoholics Anonymous: In English Puerto Vallarta Alanon Club - Basilio Badillo 329 recoverpv.com Amazing Grace Missions Assisting families in Magisterio & Progreso with necessities and job training and English. slw2014nv@gmail. com American Legion Post 14: raises resources and manpower to improve facilities needing building maintenance americanlegion14.org Amigos del Magisterio Food delivered directly to workers at the PV dump, their families and schools in Magisterio and Volcanes. Also, food to New Beginnings, Pasitos de Luz, and Caritas. 100% of donations to the people, no overhead.amigosdelmagisterio.com lysephilrioux@ hotmail.com Asilo San Juan Diego Home for the Elderly - Contact: Lupita Sanchez Covarrubias 222-1257 or malupita88@

hotmail.com or mexonline. com\asilosanjuandiego.htm Asociación Down - Assistance to persons with Down’s Syndrome – Contact: Ana Eisenring at 224-9577.

Banderas Bay Women’s Shelter - Safe shelter for women & children victims of domestic violence. compassionforthefamily.org Becas Vallarta, A.C. – Provides scholarships to high school and university students. Tax-deductible in Mexico and USA. Polly Vicars at (322) 223-1371 or Buri Gray at (322) 221-5285.

CANICA - Centre for Children with Cancer. Provides aid for treatment and services including transportation to GDL. Contact Director, Evelia Basañes 322-123-5688.

Casa Hogar - A shelter for orphaned, abandoned, disadvantaged or vulnerable children. Luz Aurora Arredondo at 221 1908, casahogar_maximocornejo@ hotmail.com Centro Comunitario SETACGLBT – Services the GLBT community, including treatment and referrals, education, English classes, HIV testing and counseling. Paco Arjona 224-1974 Clinica de Rehabilitación Santa Barbara - Rehabilitation of the handicapped.

Contact: Laura Lopez Portillo Rodriguez at 224-2754.

COLINA Spay and Neuter Clinic - Free and by-donation sterilization clinic in Old Town. Only open Saturdays, Contact: cez@rogers.com or 322-104-6609

CompassionNet Impact – Transforming the lives of people living in chronic poverty. Job creation, education, emergency & more.

Tax-deductible. Cell: (322) 133-7263 or ric@4compassion.org Corazon de Nina A safe, loving, home-environment for 40+ children and youth rescued from high-risk situa-

Entangled Whales. Biol. Astrid Frisch Jordán, Arce #541. Col. La Primavera Puerto Vallarta, Jal. 48325, Mexico, Tel/Fax: (322) 29 37 851 fibbcatalogo@yahoo.com Families At The Dump: Supporting families living in the landfill or garbage dump thru education and sustainable opportunities. familiesatthedump.org

Puerto Vallarta. www.ifcvallarta.com La Brigada de la Basura: A weekly meeting of neighborhood children to clean Vallarta Streets. Contact Que?Pasa 223-4006 Mexico Ministries & Mission, Inc. raises funds to the poor in Vallarta. Contact Fr. Jack+ 044 322 229-1129 christchurchbythesea.org Navy League - assists in the transportation of donated medical supplies from the U.S., organizes work groups to paint and repair facilities New Life Mexico - Challenging Child Poverty with health and education programs.

Philippa Vernon pvp@newlifemexico.com

tions. Donations & volunteers always welcome! Totally selffunded. www.fundacioncorazon.mx Cruz Roja (Red Cross) Handles hospital and emergency service in Vallarta. It is the only facility that is authorized to offer assistance to injured people on the street.

Contact: 222-1533, 222-4973 Desayunos para los Niños de Vallarta A.C. Feeding programs, education programs, day care centers for single mothers. 2234311 or 22225 72

Fundacion Punta de Mita LDG. Ana Lilia Medina Varas de Valdés. ana@fundacionpuntademita.org Tel. (329) 291 5053 Friends of PV Animals Volunteers working to enhance the lives of shelter animals. For info and donations visit friendsofpvanimals.com Grupo Ecológico de Puerto Vallarta: Arq. Luz del Carmen Pérez A cayro_13@hotmail. com grupoecologico.com

Discapacitados de Vallarta, A.C. (DIVAC) association of handicapped individuals dedicated to helping one another.

Ivan Applegate at 221-5153.

Horizonte de Paz: Welcoming shelter for men of all ages who are troubled w/alcohol & drug addiction.In great need of cash or material resources Contact MAYNOR Tel 281 0644 horizontedepaz@live. com

Ecology and Conservation of Whales, AC. National Coordination Network for the Assistance of

International Friendship Club - Provides medical, educational and social services to those in need in

Paraíso Felino AC Refuge and Adoption Centre for cats and kittens in the Bay of Banderas. Luis Donaldo Cel. (322) 120-4092 Pasitos de Luz - substitute home for low income children with any type of handicap, offers rehabilitation services and more. 299-4146. pasitosdeluz.org Purr Project – no-kill feline rescue located near Puerto Vallarta providing homeless cats and kittens a recuperative stay with the ultimate goal of adopting them out to loving homes, sterilized, vaccinated and disease free. www.purrproject.com PEACEAnimals - Free mobile spay/neuter clinic operating 48 weeks a year, primarily in Puerto Vallarta. Tax-deductible. peaceanimals.org EV

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In Puerto Vallarta the VallartaTribune is available for pick up at the tourist offices in the main plaza as well as in Park Lazaro Cardenas, You can shop and pick up a copy of the Tribune at the Friday Marsol Market, the Olas Altas Farmer’s Market

and the ‘Three Hens and a Rooster Market, on Saturdays 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. We distribute 10,000 copies in high season from Mismaloya every thursday.

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

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Dec 21 - 27, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

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