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News TOURISM UP
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Nov 14 - 20, 2014 Free Issue 919
Local
LINDSAY PRIME MAYER
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Travel MICHOACAN
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Photo courtesy Archive
Monarch Butterfly
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Friday Nov 14 - 20, 2014 Director noemi zamora noemizamorareynoso@gmail.com Editor Lic. Madeline Milne mmilne@Vallartatribune.com Editorial Board Marcia Blondin Raymond C. Beaty Lois Ellison John & Christie Forget Landon Hollander Nancy Van Landingham Robina Oliver Sales Team Rebeca Castellón rebeca.castellonn@gmail.com RAMIRO LOPEZ ventastribuna7@yahoo.com Designer Cynthia E. Andrade G. cisandra@vallartatribune.com cysandra@gmail.com Vallarta Tribune is an activity and entertainment guide and merely publishes information as it is provided by the advertiser or event host. We do not assume responsibility in errors or omissions other than to correct them as soon as they are made known to us regarding event schedules, locations and/or prices. In addition, we do not assume any responsibility for erroneous inclusion or exclusion of information except to take reasonable care to ensure accuracy, that permission has been obtained to use it, and to remove it as soon as is practical upon receiving your notification of error. We recommend you always confirm prior to attending or visiting an event or establishment. Weekly publication edited, printed and distributed by Ediciones y Publicaciones Siete Junio, SA de CV Grupo Editorial Tribuna Calle 21 de Marzo # 1174 Col. Lomas del Coapinole Del. El Pitillal, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco México CP 48290 Tel. (322) 226-0829, 226-0800 editor@vallartatribune.com * www.vallartatribune.com * www.facebook.com/vallarta.tribune
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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 San Blas in the north. BUSES: A system of urban buses with different routes can bring you from one end of the bay to the other and all the spots in between. Current fare is $7.50 pesos per ticket and passengers must purchase a new ticket every time they board another bus. There are no “transfers”. 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.
EXPORTING PETS: Fall in love with the street dog outside your hotel or a puppy on the Malecon doesn’t mean they can’t come home with you. The process is fairly inexpensive and only takes a day or two. You need a certificate of health from a local vet among other things. The time of year that pets can travel in the cargo section of the plane may be your biggest challenge. For the most up-todate information contact the Puerto Vallarta SPCA at spcapv@gmail.com.
COMMON SENSE: Just as you wouldn’t walk around your hometown drunk and beligerent, it is not acceptable to do that here. While Mexicans are a forgiving bunch, basic politeness is appreciated. For the guys, peeing in public is a major faux pas and if you are caught, can get you tossed in jail or an expensive fine. Pay attention to your surroundings. Pay your bills. Be courteous. And have fun!
MONEY EXCHANGE: Although you may have to wait in line for a few minutes, banks will give you a higher rate of exchange than the exchange booths (caja de cambio). You will need your passport. Better yet, use your bank card to withdraw funds from any ATM machine. Note that ATM’s in the banks are the safest to use and generally charge lower fees.
DRINKING AND DRIVING: First off – just don’t. The consequences are not worth it. Taxis are cheap and plentiful. Fines are as much as 10,000 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.
DRINKING WATER: For the 17th year in a row, Puerto Vallarta’s water has been awarded a certification of purity for human consumption. The quality of the water tested at the purification plant varies greatly from what comes out of the tap at the other end. So do be careful. If you want to be doubly sure, you can pick up bottled water just about anywhere.
LEGAL SYSTEM: Not knowing the law is not an valid excuse in Mexico or anywhere. If you find yourself caught in a legal situation be aware that guilt is presumed until your innocence can be proven. This is a very difficult lesson to learn if you are visiting from the United States or Canada in particular. Immediately contact your consulate for assistance.
Flower of the Week - Candlebush
Sandra Cesca
Senna Flor de Vela (Spanish) Senna alata
Calling phones in Mexico can be tricky as it is different than in the US or Canada. 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 (for the U.S. and Canada the 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, then the 10 digit number including area code. 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 newstands and in pharmacies in denominations of 30, 50 and 100 pesos. Pay phones do not accept coins. When buying a phone card for pay phone use, specify that you would like a “tarjeta LADA,” because pre-paid cell phone cards are also sold in the same establishments. Calling Toll-Free Numbers Some toll free numbers work from Mexico to the US and Canada, but many do not. 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: 060 Red Cross: 065
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his genus includes over 350 species of herbs, shrubs, and trees. The cinnamon flavored bark has tannins used for henna skin and hair dye; as a thickening agent in the food industry; as a purgative, laxative, dieter’s tea, herbal elixirs and tonics for various conditions, including fungal skin infections and hemorrhoids. The leaves and flowers are used in Thai and Lao cuisines. This plant is one of over 200 found in Sandra’s color-coded guidebook, Tropical Plants and Walks of Puerto Vallarta. Available at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens’ gift shop www.vbgardens.org,
Calling in Mexico
Non-Emergency Police Immigration: 322.224.7719 322.290.0507 Consumer Protection: Fire Department: 01.800.468.8722 322.223.9476 Ambulance: 322.222.1533
Page in the Sun Bookstore, and from Sandra at the Farmer’s Market on Saturdays. Information on her
many area walks can be found at: www.escaperoutevallarta.com.
Consulates American Consulate Nuevo Vallarta: 322.222.0069 24 hrs Guadalajara: 333.268.2145
Tourism Offices Jalisco: 322.221.2676 Nayarit: 322.297.1006
Canadian Consulate 322.293.2894 24 hrs: 1.800.706.2900
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Editor´s Note
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ast week I had the pleasure of seeing Assorted Fruits and Vegetables on opening night. The play was fantastic. Very funny, moved at a fast pace and had some great break/out scenes including Marcia Blondin doing a rap in a sideways hat and pants. If you know Marcia, this is aready funny. Last year I saw half a dozen live performances, some better than others, but all were what you would expect with local community theater and no budgets. Assorted Fruits and Vegetables was a pleasant surprise and indicative of the quality of production we can attain here in Vallarta. Hopefully it is a sign of things to come. The show runs until November 22nd on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at Act II Entertain-
ment’s Main Stage. NOTE: If you are sensitive to air con, bring a sweater or sit on the far right side of the theater. This weekend we have a free two day, Art Festival of Nayarit featuring local artists including latin music and many forms of dance. Friday night at 7pm its at the plaza in Sayulita and Saturday night at the marina in Nuevo Vallarta. The idea is to showcase the different types of art and entertainment you can enjoy in Nayarit. It’s an excellent initiative and hopefully one that takes off. Events are starting to stack up with lots of options for just about every day and night in December. Keep an eye on our Events page at the back of the paper to see what’s going on across the bay and if you have an event you’d like to promote, please send me an email and we’ll gladly publish it. Deadline is Tuesdays for the following Friday-Friday publication. Plenty to do this weekend. My mom’s coming for a last minute visit so I’ll be busy cleaning my house. If I get a chance, hopefully I’ll see you at the markets this weekend. Be sure to check out the new market (reincarnation of sorts of the old co-op market at the Paradise Commu-
Friday Nov 14 - 20, 2014
THIS WEEKEND! Festival of Arts – Riviera Nayarit
L nity Centre) at Venustiano Carranaza 466 between Naranjo and Jacarandas streets in Colonia Emiliano Zapata (Old Town).
ooking for something different to do this weekend? On Friday, November 14th in Sayulita and on Saturday, November 15th in the Marina at Nuevo Vallarta starting at 7pm is a free Arts Festival featuring some of the most popular acts from around Nayarit with free live performances of many styles of dance and Latin music. This is the first Festival of Arts being promoted in Riviera Nayarit. Some of the participants include N´Movimiento, Puerto Ritmo, Salsa Class, Quilombo, Anel & Germán, Shanti Studio, Grupo Alika y Efren Muñoz-Zumba, with dance styles encompassing hip hop, bachata, salsa, jazz, African and Salsa-Tango fusion. This festival is designed to be inclusive of the many art forms found in Nayarit and to demonstrate there are many ways to enjoy yourself while visiting the area.
SPCA of Puerto Vallarta Stop by and visit us at the Old Town Farmers Market. You can pick up a 2015 calendar or other SPCA merchandise available for sale…or just stop by and say hello. 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. How to become a volunteer? Volunteers are needed all over! We have pawesome volunteers in Canada, the United States and of course here in Puerto Vallarta. Volunteers do many tasks from visiting our shelter and walking,
cuddling or taking care for our animals, driving people to and from the sanctuary, social media and web site work, posting online "For Adoption" ads, airport transportation, crate management in BC and Alberta, home checks, animal delivery to new homes, foster home management, newsletters, adoption stands, Farmers Market booth, networking and fundraising. All types of talent are needed but most important is DEDICATION. Check out our album of volunteers on Facebook. This week we want to acknowledge Liberty Benedict,
who volunteers remotely for the SPCA. She is responsible for posting ads on websites across Vancouver and Vancouver Island as soon as our rescues are making their way to British Columbia foster homes. She sends out applications and information to help find fur-ever homes for our sweethearts. You too can come and spend a rewarding afternoon cuddling the animals at Puerto Vallarta’s SPCA Sanctuary. Our dogs and cats are awaiting “forever homes” and your help is needed to jump start their socialization. The goal is to get these animals adjusted and ready
Letter to Editor: Dear Editor Madeline, want to tell you how wonderful I felt the story about Don Gallery written by Kathleen Phelps was; she was able to capture the magnificent man that Don really was in her article. I met Don shortly after he and Patricia moved to Puerto
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Vallarta. They lived across the street from me. He twisted my arm to get me to join the writers group he was starting despite the fact that I was not a writer. I will be eternally grateful to him for that. Every year Don and I cele-
brated our birthdays together at the writers group with a giant cake which was provided for us by them. I will never forget those wonderful times we shared. We will all miss Don very much. Most Sincerely, Frank K. Meyer
to interact in the real world. During your visit, you can interact with the animals and even take a dog (or two or three) for a walk. You can also play with the animals, assist the vet or help with dinner time. We have scheduled tours each week starting at noon. You can either caravan in your own vehicle or ride with us out to the Sanctuary (reservations necessary). And now, we have begun scheduling tours from Nuevo Vallarta so don’t hesitate to contact Nicole Martin at
nicole@cupocity.com to make a reservation. To see all the animals available for adoption, visit our Facebook page at www.facebook. com/spcapv. We always have a need for used towels and bedding. Please contact us a spcapv@ gmail.com if you can help. Are you or someone you know traveling from Puerto Vallarta to Canada and want to help us get more animals to fur-ever homes? Please contact us if you can be a travel companion spcapv@gmail.com.
Ahoy! Welcome to Puerto Vallarta Sunday 16/11/2014 GRAND PRINCESS PRINCESS CRUISES Arrive 08:00 a.m. Leave 05:00 p.m. 2600 guests INFINITY CELEBRITY CRUISES Arrive 07:00 a.m. Leave 02:30 p.m. 2120 guests Tuesday 18/11/2014 CROWN PRINCESS PRINCESS CRUISES Arrive 08:00 a.m.
Leave 04:00 p.m. 2600 guests Wednesday 19/11/2014 CARNIVAL MIRACLE CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE Arrive 09:00 a.m. Leave 09:00 p.m. 2980 guests Thursday 20/11/2014 STAR PRINCESS PRINCESS CRUISES Arrive 12:00 p.m. Leave 08:00 p.m. 3300 guests
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Friday Nov 14 - 20, 2014
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OECD expects 3.9% GDP growth in 2015
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he organization is forecasting a somewhat better 4.2% for 2016 A preliminary economic outlook released today by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is more optimistic about Mexican growth than the Mexican government by two
percentage points. OECD secretary general José Angel Gurría estimated today that structural reforms will begin to show positive results next year in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which will grow by 3.9%. The government’s own preliminary forecast is for 3.7%, down rather a lot
from its previous expectations for next year of 4.7%. But Gurría said 2016 is when GDP growth will really kick in. His forecast is for 4.2%. The Mexican government’s forecast for this year is 2.7%. The OECD expects Mexico’s economy to grow more than the average of G-20 coun-
tries, which represent 90% of world GDP. Improvement in the Mexico economy will be aided by growth worldwide and in the United States, said Gurría. The OECD chief, an economist and diplomat, has some background knowledge when it comes to Mexico. He was Finance Secretary from 1998 to
2000 under President Ernesto Zedillo, and negotiated the North American Free Trade Agreement. He is currently serving his second five-year term as head of the 34-member OECD.
Source:Mexiconewsdaily.com
Tourism Activity in Mexico Grows 1% ICBC, World’s Largest Bank, Granted
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ourism activity in Mexico grew 1 percent in the second quarter compared with the same period last year, the National Geography and Statistics Institute (Inegi) said on Thursday. Spending by tourists, both domestic and foreign, increased 1.2 percent in April-June over the same interval in 2013. While spending by Mexicans traveling within the country for pleasure decreased 0.9 percent, foreign visitors spent
20.6 percent more in the second quarter, Inegi said in a statement. The 23.7 million foreign tourists who visited Mexico in 2013 generated $13.8 billion in economic activity, according to the report. Tourism accounts for 8.4 percent of Mexico’s gross domestic product and is the third largest source of foreign-currency earnings after oil exports and remittances from Mexicans abroad.
Operating License in Mexico
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ndustrial and Commercial Bank of China Ltd., the world’s largest financial institution by total assets, said Saturday that Mexican authorities have approved its bank license application, official news agency Xinhua reported. It marks the first time a Chinese bank has been granted authorization to operate in Mexico, Xinhua said, adding that ICBC did not indicate when it
will open a branch in that Latin American country. The announcement comes on the eve of a visit to China by Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto, who will attend an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, or APEC, economic leaders’ meeting in Beijing next week. “The establishment of the Mexican branch is expected to boost economic exchanges and trade between China and
Mexico, and contribute to bilateral cooperation in sectors such as energy, trade, projects contracting, and equipment supplies,” Xinhua reported, citing an ICBC spokesman. ICBC has expanded its foreign presence over the past two years by opening branches in Spain, France, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Peru, Brazil and other markets.
VALLARTA SHOPPING DIRECTORY The only complete guide for Vallarta´s best galleries, boutiques, spas, restaurants and more. vallartashoppingdirectory.blogspot.mx
Special art event atEXHIBITIONS: Mundo de Cristal
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he artist, Joseph Strimling will visit Mundo de Cristal from November 14 to December 12 to exhibit his work and discuss the conceptualization of it this season. Teaming up with Mundo de Cristal, Strimling was able to make thisvisit to Puerto Vallarta. Trained as an architect and self-taught in his art, Jose Strimling has twenty years creating paintings and contemporary art objects linking dimension, form and harmony. In his desire to experience and be at the cutting edge of techniques and materials, Joseph has developed new formulas with his works exhibiting archetypal images that emerge from the glass and fused materials representing feelings, experiences, emotions and energy. José Strimling navigates between abstract and figurative style in his paintings, sculptures, vases, furniture, bowls, custom art pieces and large scale commercial projects. Throughout his career he has earned numerous accolades around the world. He has been invited to exhibit in art galleries, design centers and exhibitions in New York, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Frankfurt, Havana and in major galleries in Mexico. Mundo de Cristal (World of Glass) is located at Insurgentes # 333 Esq. Basilio Badillo 222-4157
Igfny 1997-2000, International, Gift, New York, USA. International Expo 1999 Havana, Havana, Cuba. 2001-2002 Messe, Frankfurt, Germany 1997-2013 Space gift, Mexico, DF 2008 Arts Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. ENART 2000-2007. Gift and decorative art. Mex., Tlaquepaque, Jalisco. AFAMJAL 2010-2012, International Furniture Expo, Guadalajara, Jal. Decoestylo 2000-2013, decoration and gift Expo, Mexico, DF 2011 Vettro Art, Santa Fe, Mexico, DF 2012 Art Glass, Puerto Vallarta, Jal. Art Vettro 2012, Santa Fe, Mexico, DF 2012 Abstract for concrete, X Art Space, Mexico, DF Moyshen Concept 2013 The Gallery, San Miguel de Allende. His work is published in www.diariojudio.com 2009 Yearbook, Latino Art Museum, Pomona, Ca 2012 color our senses, C. D. Israel, Mexico, DF Caminarte 2012, Senate Republic, Mexico, DF 2012 articules Footprints, Asturian Center, Mexico, DF2 013 Mexican Jewish Art Gallery Helena Moreno, San Miguel de Allende.v2013 Mexican Jewish Art, Tha Gallery, Aurora, vSan Miguel de Allende.
Basilio Badillo 269 A Puerto Vallarta, Jal Mon - Sat 2pm-11 pm (322) 223 3734 From USA or Canada 1-269-282-9550 info.divinodante@gmail.com www.divinodante.com
MEN AND WOMEN’S JEWELRY AND ACCESORIES. CASSANDRA SHAW JEWELRY 223 9734 BASILIO BADILLO 276 OLD TOWN OPEN DAILY
Nacho Daddy Mexico is the place in Puerto Vallarta where American, Canadian and European ex-pats and tourists across the globe gather to drink, eat, dance, listen to great music,watch football and having a rip-roaring good time. 287 Basilio Badillo in old town 322 223 0838 www.nachodaddymexico.com
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Friday Nov 14 - 20, 2014
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Riviera Nayarit hotels top lists
AT&T buys Iusacell from Grupo Salinas
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mérica Móvil's former partner will now compete for wireless business In July, Mexico’s No. 3 mobile operator was not for sale. Three months later the company has been sold, netting its owner a tidy gain of US $266 million. The international telecommunications firm AT&T, the United States’ second largest mobile operator, has agreed to buy Iusacell for $2.5 billion plus debt. Owned by Grupo Salinas, Iusacell has about 8.6 million customers, in third place for market share behind América Móvil and Telefónica. The deal hinges on completion of Salinas’ purchase of half the company’s shares from Grupo Televisa for $717 million, which was announced in September. Subtracting debt of $800 million
leaves a gain of $266 million for Grupo Salinas. AT&T had previously held an 8% stake in América Móvil but sold it five months ago to gain regulatory approval to buy DirecTV, whose majority owner is Televisa, an América Móvil competitor for phone and internet service. AT&T will now compete against its former partner in mobile services as well. The American firm was expected to move into the European market but Mexico has become more attractive for telecommunications investment as a result of structural reforms. It was also a possible customer for assets that América Móvil plans to sell to reduce its dominant market share and abide by new rules designed to create more competition in the marketplace.
But the company declined to comment on that possibility. Instead, chief financial officer John Stephens said: “We have a particular interest in Mexico with its regulatory reforms, strong economy, and growing population. There’s been a lot of speculation and commentary out there. We feel real good about what we have.” Back in May, when the firm announced its DirecTV purchase, it said it had talked to América Móvil owner Carlos Slim first. “He is a very dear friend, but now he’s going to be a competitor,” chief executive officer Randall Stephenson said at the time. “ And we recognize that and off we go.” Sources: New York Times (en), El Financiero (sp) mexiconewsdaily.com
Condé Nast Traveler and Destination Weddings & Honeymoons published a list placing Nuevo Vallarta and Punta de Mita’s hotels among the best in the Mexican Pacific. The added value of being home to some of the best hotels in Mexico and the planet, make the Riviera Nayarit an attractive destination and generates continuous coverage among the world’s tourists. Recent proof can be found in the different lists of the best hotels in the Mexican Pacific published by the prestigious international magazines, Condé Nast Traveler and Destination Weddings & Honeymoons. Destination Weddings & Honeymoons is the top wedding book in the United States. This industry leader included five hotels from the Riviera Nayarit on their list of “The Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Pacific Mexico.”
First place goes to Dreams Villamagna, Nuevo Vallarta; third place went to Palladium in Punta de Mita; Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, Nuevo Vallarta, was in fifth place; followed by Occidental Grand, Nuevo Vallarta in 8th place; and in 10th place out of 15 the Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta. Condé Nast Traveler, the world leader in tourism, chose the “Best Hotels in Mexico (Pacific)” via the “Reader’s Choice Awards 2014.” On that list of 20 hotels, The St Regis Punta Mita Resort took 1st place; the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita came in 7th; the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit came in 16th and the Hard Rock Hotel Nuevo Vallarta came up in 20th place. The St Regis Punta Mita also showed up on the list of the top 100 hotels in the world per Condé Nast Traveler, stepping out in 38th place. Source: OCV
Hurricane insurance payouts at 14.7 bn Odile's costs 2 billion pesos higher than those of Ingrid and Manuel in 2013 The insurance sector has paid out 14.7 billion pesos, or about US $1.08 billion, in claims for damages resulting from Hurricane Odile, which swept through Los Cabos in Baja California Sur in September. The cost was more than 2 billion pesos higher than that of Hurricanes Ingrid and Manuel in Guerrero one year earlier. The director of the Association of Insurance Institutions (Amis) said the payouts are a reminder that Mexico is exposed to a wide variety of natural phenomena that can create risk for the financial stability of a family or business. Recaredo Arias said it also highlights the challenge of increasing the use of insurance by Mexicans. The figure was announced during the 10th International
Micro-insurance Conference, which began today in Mexico City. The conference brings insurance experts from around the world to discuss the challenges and solutions to extending insurance services to low-income people. Mexico is seen as one of several countries that have made positive progress in meeting those challenges. Arias sees a great deal of potential for micro-insurance because some 60% of the population has the necessary financial capacity to buy insurance
that will cover basic necessities. However, of the 103 insurers registered with Amis, only nine offer micro-insurance. There were over 670,000 micro-insurance policies registered in Mexico last year, of which 70% were for life insurance and 30% for casualty. There was none for property insurance. Average monthly premium payments are 8 pesos, and the average insured amount is 30,000. Source: Milenio (sp), BN Americas (en) mexiconewsdaily.com
Southwest Airlines Announces new flights to PVR
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outhwest Airlines filed its application with the US Department of Transportation to provide daily, nonstop service between John Wayne Airport, Orange County (Santa Ana, California) and the Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport in Puerto Vallarta, beginning June 7, 2015. This would be its ninth international destination. The daily, nonstop service is subject to approvals from relevant governmental agencies.
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Random thoughts from the Tribune Sports desk By Joel Hansen
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spent this past Sunday watching the Boy (my son) play American football out in Pitillal. They were playing the Manzanillo Seahawks in the semi-finals. The Boy is 13. I have loved sports my entire life and I grew up playing competitive hockey, soccer and baseball back in Canada. As an adult I continue to play baseball here in Puerto Vallarta in the local softball league (Go Marineros!) and I also spend a little time golfing (badly) and surfing (even worse). I have always loved watching sports. As a kid I lived in rural Ontario and had three channels. I remember watching Monday night football on a channel that you could barely make out the picture through the snowstorm of static on the screen. I would pour over the sports section of the newspaper each night reading the box-scores of the previous night’s baseball games, memorizing stats and if you ask me, I can probably still tell you the batting order of the 1988 Toronto Blue Jays or how many times Mickey Tettleton struck out in 1990. When the Boy was three years old I put him on a snowboard and stuck a lacrosse stick in his hands. He loved both and took to them quickly. By the time he was six he was playing competitive lacrosse and when he wasn't doing that we were up at Mt. Seymour, sometimes skipping school on a powder day. When we made the decision to move to Mexico the boy was ten and playing lacrosse in the Simon Fraser University prep program. He was reluctant to make the move. After all Puerto Vallarta has no powder days, no field lacrosse. But, little by little, we found things that he enjoyed, surfing which he is a natural at. A little golf, where sadly he has his father’s skills and then we found the Puerto Vallarta Torpedoes football organization. He has completely embraced the team and the program and it has scratched the itch that was missing for him. He has made great friends and has the discipline and camaraderie that team sports offer. The coaches, Luis and Arturo, do a great job with the kids both on and off the field. Not only do they practice hard, they are required to submit reports from school with their grades. I know I have written about the Torpedos in the past, but they continue to impress me and are a great local organization and a great option for kids here in PV. If you have a son or daughter who would like to play football let me know and I would be happy to introduce you to the team. Finally, I went out to catch the Eagles and Panthers game on Monday night and while I enjoyed watching Mark Sanchez kill the Panthers secondary it was even better to see how busy my bar of choice - Que Pasa was on Monday night. The tourists and snowbirds are back and the busy season is here. Look for me at Que Pasa or maybe up at El Rio this weekend and just for the record Tettleton struck out 160 times back in 1990, a record for switch hitters.
Friday Nov 14 - 20, 2014
Old Town Farmers Marke The Berries are Back at the OTFMDownload 200,000+ brand logos in vector format for free http://www.logoeps.com/
By Erin Staley
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ith Puerto Vallarta’s favourite weekend attraction in full swing once again, we are delighted to fill our bags with “make it, bake it, grow it” goodies. So what’s at the top of our shopping list this week? Sweet, juicy, just-picked strawberries and blackberries from Frutas Frescas!
Meet Frutas Frescas
Pedro and Maria de Lourdes Hipólito and their son, Edgar, of Frutas Frescas bring their very best strawberry and blackberry selections to the market. They have several decades of berry-growing experience from working a family-owned farm in Michoacán. Their growing practices always produce firm, plump and deeply coloured batches to give berry lovers like you maximum flavour and health benefits.
Berry-licious Superfoods
Known as “the queen of fruits,” strawberries are considered to be superfoods for their high antioxidant, vitamin and mineral properties. Eating strawberries on a regular basis lowers one’s blood pressure, boosts shortterm memory, eases Inflammation and promotes bone and eye health. Strawberries also slow the aging process and help to burn stored fat. The Ancient Romans even used them to relieve symptoms caused by fever, gout, halitosis and certain blood and liver diseases. Strawberries also come with a romantic history. They’ve long been a symbol for Venus, the Goddess of Love, and were used as aphrodisiacs in France in the 1200s and 1300s. Madame Tallien, of Emperor Napoleon’s court, was known for bathing the juice of 22 pounds of strawberries. Today, these berry delicacies make the perfect on-the-go snack, smoothie must-haves and salad or dessert toppers. Like strawberries, blackberries are superfoods in their own
rite. The Ancient Greeks and Romans tapped into their high vitamin, mineral and antioxidant properties to lower the risk of heart and periodontal disease as well as prevent aging and weight gain. Today, we love blackberries because they make the perfect addition to cobblers, jams and ice cream sundaes! Stop by the market today to pick up your next batch of Frutas Frescas strawberries and blackberries. And to connect directly with Frutas Frescas, email or call 322-194-1847.
Meet the OTFM-TC
We’re a fun-filled North American style market that celebrates the tradition and culture of Mexico’s outdoor tianguis markets.
Every season, over 100,000 national and international shoppers stop by to pick up fine “make it, bake it, grow it” products. All of our vendors are registered, tax paying business owners who live full-time within 75 kilometers of Puerto Vallarta. The market itself is a registered non-profit/association civil organization, focusing on the “buy local” movement as well as entrepreneurial and community development. Join us this Saturday (9:30-2 in Lazaro Cárdenas Park, Old Town) for live music, tasty edibles and artisan products. We’re open every Saturday from November 1 to April 25. For market updates, please visit www.oldtownfm.com and “like” us on Facebook.
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et - Tianguis Cultural -TC
Find us at Parque Lázaro Cárdenas Romantic Zone Saturdays 9:30 - 2:00 pm
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Artisan Bakery Artisan Bakery
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Artisan Bakery
Artisan Bakery
…where bread is an art. Na tu rally leave ne d sou rd ou g h s pe cialt y b r ead s …where bread is ba ke d in ou r ow n ma so nry ov e n.
an art.
Na tu rally leave ne d sou rd ou g h s pe cialt y b r ead s ba ke d in ou r ow n ma so nry ov e n.
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…where bread is an art. Na tu rally leave ne d sou rd ou g h s pe cialt y b r ead s ba ke d in ou r ow n ma so nry ov e n.
…where bread is an art. Na tu rally leave ne d sou rd ou g h s pe cialt y b r ead s ba ke d in ou r ow n ma so nry ov e n.
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Swimwear and beachwear made to order!
Heriberto Saucedo Pérez Artista Diseñador Cel. 3222.190 56 32 Fb: Heriko Joyeria herikojoyeria@hotmail.com Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Teresa Moreno Fb: TYBikinisYMas
Tel. 322-13-04-77 ty-bikinis-y-mas@hotmail.com Federalismo #1383 Colonia Lomas del Coapinole Pitillal, Jal
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local 10
Friday Nov 14 - 20, 2014
Let’s Hear from You: First Person Expat Interviews
Of Markets and Men
By Fabien Madesclaire Fabien@g3mex.com
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uerto Vallarta really seems to be brimming over with talent these days. This week, Lindsay Prime Mayer of Vallarta Food Tours talked with us about here experience as an expat, small business owner, wife and mother of an adorable nine –month-old baby boy. When did you first come to Vallarta? About 6 ½ years ago. My aunt purchased a property in Mismaloya and I came down for a visit. At the time I was living in Denver and felt like I needed a new adventure. I’ve always loved to travel, and had recently returned from living for a year in Japan. Vallarta seemed pretty nice, so I decided to quit my job in Denver and try to make a go of it down here. Did you plan on working here? Yes. I was working in commercial banking in the United States, so I’d looked into working for Mex-Lend down here. I took a couple of weeks to travel around Mexico and study Spanish, but then the economic crash hit, and my employment plans fell through. At that point I took an apartment for a few months, and really grew to love Vallarta. Then I traveled back to the US and worked. I came down to visit my aunt again, met my future husband Paul and never left. That was four years ago.
What inspired you to start the food tour? My husband Paul and I were up in Chicago and we went on a food tour and that’s where I got the idea. Paul, is an entrepreneur and has always been a real inspiration. He currently runs Bang-On T-shirts over across from Ley. Are you pretty passionate about food and cooking? I love food, and have always made it a real focus in my travels. I feel really strongly about our food tours, and am dedicated to helping dispel a lot of the myths about Mexico. What better way to teach people about the culture here than through a food tour? It’s been very rewarding having people contact me and tell me how much they enjoyed their experience here. I’m very proud of our tour, and I feel strongly about supporting the local businesses. Therefore, we always pay full price for all of the food on our tour. We won’t accept discounts. How have you successfully marketed your business here? TripAdvisor, word of mouth and online social media presence. We are currently ranked as the #2 food tour here in town. Also, the new trend in culinary tourism has been great. A lot of people are curious and want to learn about
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By R.L. Avery avery1@mac.com food and traditions. People are really educating themselves. How do you balance running a business and being a parent here? I wear a lot of hats at my business: accounting, marketing, human resources, social networking, etc. plus I’m active with the Young Professionals Network on Facebook (Lindsay is the founder) and with the Mamas in PV group, which was started by Nicole Martin. She’s a real superwoman! I’m lucky, because I have a flexible schedule, and I’m able to take our son everywhere. Too, help is very affordable here, so I have someone who takes care of the baby to give me time to work on the business. What part of town do you live in? We live just up the hill here from Paul’s shop in Cinco de Diciembre. I’ve always lived downtown. With the baby now I’ve been thinking more about living on flat ground, maybe something with a yard. We’re currently renting. I would consider buying if a good deal came along. What do you see for the future of Vallarta and Mexico? I feel a little frustrated with the high rents for business owners here in town, hopefully that will change in time. I’m very optimistic about the future of Mexico. I think the new generation is very devoted to innovation and progress.
Are you an expat, and do you have a story to tell? If so, please contact us a G3MEX Real Estate Group, and set up a time to be interviewed. Our helpful staff is always available. The office number is: 322-2090832 or you can contact us via email at: info@g3mex.com. Or check our website out at: www.g3mex.com
T
he stock market continues to reach new highs, every day. There have been five all-time record highs in the past five days as of Veteran’s Day. It conjures up many thoughts for me, but the one I am most compelled to mention is Alan Greenspan’s comments on “Irrational Exuberance.” He was speaking in regards to the stock market’s upward trajectory in 1996. Before that decade was over he would throw up his hands and declare it, “ a new paradigm.” The tech bubble or Nasdaq index would eventually burst but not before rising to unheard of heights, which by the way, it has finally reached again, some 13 years later. The point is this. This type of human behavior can continue much longer than anyone might make sense of. (Extraordinary Popular Delusion and the Madness of Crowds, by Charles Mackay.) Alan Greenspan has admitted the Federal Reserve Bank’s role in the housing bubble and I suspect, years from now, Janet
Yellen will say something similar in regards to what looks very much like a fed induced stock market bubble now. Stealing from the poor and giving to the rich. Yes, you read that right. It doesn’t sound right nor does it feel right but I’m afraid that is what’s happening. Janet Yellen held a talk recently on inequality where she expressed her “deep concern.” It boggles the mind really. She talked about early childhood education, more affordable college tuitions, entrepreneurship, and inheritance. (LOL) Meanwhile, the reserve bank buys “assets” which are really debt instruments from financial institutions, driving up the price of those assets, which in turn makes those who hold those assets richer. They then target the stock market to go up. The top 5% of the wealthy own 80% of that, so they get richer. Interest rates are at near zero punishing those who have saved and not put their money at risk. The yields on bonds, which the fed keeps buying, continues to shrink and that is one of the reason retirees’ are finding it very difficult to maintain the lifestyle they thought they would be enjoying. Very likely it’s one of the main reasons you are here in Mexico, reading this. It seems to me Janet has gone and blamed the victim of inequality. If you’re finding yourself poorer, she suggests you spend more on your kids, become an entrepreneur and/or go back in time and have rich parents.
local 11
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Friday Nov 14 - 20, 2014
Paradise and Parenting
Paradise Community Center Closes An open letter from Pastor Ric and Joy
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es, the news is true. The Paradise Community Center and Stage has closed its doors. Because there have been lots of rumors and thoughts about PCC’s closing being circulated, we thought it best to let you hear from us. Through some tumultuous reflection, counsel, prayer and tears, it was ultimately our decision to close the doors and to walk away. We were not forced out, although one could say we were pushed a little. We are happy to report that most of the classes, activities, market vendors, Paradise Church and stage events have found other places to meet or perform. No, it will not be under the beautiful palms and palapa that made Paradise Community Center and Stage so special, but at least it isn’t the end of the world which many of us felt when the closing was first rumored. Why? Everyone is asking. We have several reasons. It is true that the owner placed his space for rent on Craig’s List for double what we were paying. So it was obvious that he wanted us out. He felt like he had to do that to recoup costs associated with termite damage and palapa repairs. To his credit, the owner had actually lowered rent for the summer but did feel that we were responsible for paying for at least one half of the damage repair. We could have stayed and fought legally but we just didn’t have the finances or emotional energy to go to battle while also leading the community center, stage and church. Our decision to close was based on two related things: income vs. expenses and our ministry vision and philosophy. First, we just weren’t making enough money to carry us through the low season. Along with that, our costs kept rising. CFE doubled our rates then charged us 3.5 years back to when we first leased the space! Other utilities were rising. Our rent kept increasing. Licensing and permits kept going up along with modifications needed to the building to stay up to code. We were going to have to replace almost all of the electrical in the building along with the main gas tank. We just couldn’t keep up with all these
costs under the current business plan. Secondly, the whole community center and stage concept was intended to support our charity working with the under-resourced along the outskirts of PV. With more and more money being put into the building itself, less and less was going toward our mission—the people of Puerto Vallarta. This just didn’t sit right with Joy and me. The added costs of this year’s repairs before we could safely and legally open was the tipping point. As much as we loved serving the community, it was difficult for us to justify all the time and energy that we put into it when it wasn’t fulfilling its charitable purpose. Joy and I apologize for the abruptness of the closing. We figured it might happen when we saw the space for rent and the burden of repairs falling on us, yet we couldn’t be sure what was happening or how it would happen until we met with the absentee owner face-to-face. That didn’t happen until Oct 22. You should know, too, that Joy and I have not given up on the community center vision if we can just find the right place at the right price! Of course, Paradise Church hasn’t closed. We welcome the community to continue to Worship in Paradise Sundays, 10:30am at Act II Entertainment on the Main Stage. And our children’s home, Casa Compasion, is very close to opening finally. While we owe our success to so many including the community as a whole who supported the Center, we would like to thank some people who believed in us and our vision from the very beginning. First, our original Advisory Team who brought it all together: Larry and Norma Schuh, Nancy Patterson and Virginia Fox. Next, Charlotte Semple who started the first Farmer’s Market that put Paradise Community Center on the map. Finally, the members of Paradise Church who volunteered so much of their time and resources to serve our community. Thank you!
Purr Project Ranch Tours
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isit Purr Project Ranch and meet the 150+ cats and kittens in residence. $250 pesos ($20us), you’ll be able to pet, cuddle, hug, nuzzle, pamper, and snuggle to your heart’s content includes pick up
and a knowledgeable guide. Reserving your spot is a breeze. Visit www.purrproject. com, click on ‘Shelter Visits’ at the top of the page. You’ll see all the info you’ll need about visiting our ranch,
including a link to Superior Tours Vallarta’s website where you’ll find easy instructions to sign up for a specific tour or you can contact our Tour Director, Pam Sullivan, at toursoftexas@ hotmail.com
Leza Warkentin
Heart On a Plate Part One
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f you are the parent of very small children, you have probably been told that things get easier. People like to say this to other people who have not slept in ten days. They say it because you look so sad, and so tired, and so confused. They say it because they fear what will happen to you if you don’t have something to hope for. You are going to have a school-aged child someday, this is true. And then you’ll remember that you were told that it would be easier by now. But you will realize it was all a lie when you are rubbing your school-aged child’s back because someone made fun of his glasses, or told her about ‘The Birds and The Bees’ before you got around to it, or decided it was his turn to not get invited to the playdate that EVERYONE is invited to. To me, the age of Very Best Friendships has been the most heart wrenching stage of all. Oh sure, toilet training has its ups and downs. Mostly downs, really, until the trainee is really invested in the sticker/gummy bear/ cash prize. And yeah, I felt the shame of the mid-aisle tantrum in Soriana. But there is nothing that matches the pain of seeing your child freshly rejected by his/ her bestie for someone else with a cooler video game system. I often hear the saying about motherhood being about your heart walking outside your body. For me, it’s more like my beating heart on a plate with a dagger beside it and a note attached that reads “Be Gentle”. The hunting/ gathering instinct seems to have dulled somewhat over time. However, I think the maternal instinct has remained firmly intact since there’s been life on this planet. Sure, we are aren’t pushing our babies behind us while whacking saber tooth tigers with a club, but don’t mess with
a mother whose child is being bullied on the basketball court by the Popular Kid. Here’s the tricky part: The maternal instinct is strong because it is necessary. We are the first responders for our children when they need us. If we aren’t on their side, who will be? But there’s a fine line between being in our children’s corner and being in our children’s way. And there’s an equally fine line between letting them learn and letting them down. Social problems are normal. If they don’t happen, they won’t learn how to deal with rejection, or conflict, or any of the other of the heinous things that happen to us as adults. Also, unfortunately, children learn how to be decent human beings by practicing with other children, which sometimes involves being a not-so-decent human being first. So if your child sobs into your lap after school because they are being ostracized and they don’t know why, you can be assured (once the adrenaline has cleared your system) that there is much for them to learn. But they don’t have to learn it alone. That’s why they have us tall folk in their lives. We are raising kids in a time when emotional trauma is just one click away. They don’t even have to be physically present to be crushed, it’s that convenient. Our instinct to protect our offspring is not going to be erased from the gene pool anytime soon. If you would like to know more about raising resilient children, stay tuned for part two, coming up next week!
Off the Beaten Path By Ariel O’Donnell arielod@hotmail.com
Taste of Pitillal Food Tour
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o really understand the culture of Mexico, you need to commune with the country’s food. The intensity and complexity of cuisine in this enormous country is pretty daunting. In Jalisco, alone, we have birria, carnitas, tortas and tequila, not to mention amazing seafood. And to find the best of the best, I have one word for you: Pitillal! A day in this bustling commercial center, and you will truly appreciate why Unesco put Mexican cuisine on the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list. But enough of that nerdy stuff, this article is about great eating! I was incredibly excited to discover the Taste of Pitillal Tour by Vallarta Food Tours. For years I’ve been hearing from my Mexican friends about food in this town, but I’d never really gotten the lay of the land. Pitillal has always seemed so busy and intimidating. In fact, as a San Franciscan, Pitillal reminded me of Chinatown with its myriad of teaming shops, stocked with delicacies and mysterious ingredients.
Where to begin?
Pitllial couldn’t be easier to get to. Just a 15-20 minute ride from Old Town Vallarta on the Green bus and you’re transported into REAL Mexico. The tour’s rendez-
vous point is in the middle of the main square, where we met our guide, Alex Nava, originally from Mazatlan. An expert tour guide and passionate aficionado of Mexican history and food culture. The group was small, just me, and a smart and enthusiastic couple from Casper, Wyoming, on their first visit to Vallarta. Our culinary launch pad was Taco’s Neto, the home of decadent and impeccable carnitas. This place was PACKED. Clearly the spot for this dish. Soft and fluffy handmade tortillas filled with delicately flavored lean meat. If you’re a fan, you need to make a pilgrimage to this carnitas Mecca. Just across the street from Taco’s Neto is Botica Nueva, an apothecary store packed with every imaginable herb and natural potion for treating maladies from insomnia to impotence. And some intriguing chile based shampoos to promote lustrous and shiny hair. A couple of doors down was a dry goods and spice shop. Earthy smelling and mysterious, with huge bags of dried chilies and corn, in addition to actual cocoa beans, which was terrific, as I’ve been entertaining trying my hand at making my own chocolate. From a street vendor out front we grabbed a piping hot churro, just out of the vat of oil. It was transcendent. I could have eaten ten of them! Crunchy and brown on the outside, soft
and perfectly cooked on the inside, with a light sprinkling of cinnamon and sugar. This was the Saturday before Dia de los Muertos, and the streets were hopping with locals, their arms laden with bright orange marigolds and treats to honor to their family’s ancestors. Pichis was our next stop. The waiter arrived immediately with a cup of complimentary shrimp consommé, followed by a gigantic seafood tostada. Fresh, and perfectly cooked shrimp, scallops and octopus. The serving was insanely generous and almost too heavy for the humble crisp tortilla underneath. Our only taco truck of the day was called No Name, and served up a scrumptious carne asada taco on fluffy freshly made tortilla. Lean flavorful beef and an utterly wicked onion habanero salsa. We also stopped in at little dulceria
(candy store), to take a look at the many candied forms of tamarind, this addictive and thoroughly Mexican sweet. For our birria fix, a must when in Jalisco, we went to Robles, a Pitillal institution. Here it’s served in a traditional clay bowl with a ladle full of a
beef and goat stew. Savory birria is purported to be an a though, admittedly I noticed in anyone’s demeanor. Too, Robles is well kno agua frescas, and this day lime and herbal infused o
and spicy, phrodisiac, no change
own for its y offered a one, super
grassy and delicately sweetened. Very thirst quenching. As a nice break, we enjoyed one of my favorite classic street foods: the plastic bag of fruit with a squeeze of lime and chile. This bag was composed of jicama, mango, cucumber, coconut,
pineapple and my new favorite fruit— tuna! How I missed out on this delicious cactus fruit treat, I’ll never know. We were bursting at the seams, but my friends from Caspar were dying for fresh tamale. I have to admit that I’m fearful of tamales. In the wrong hands, these delicious treats can end up being super heavy and lard laden. Thankfully, this is not the case at Tia Anita’s. The cheese and poblano tamale wrapped in a cornhusk had a light fluffiness. Paired with the warm coconut flavored atole it was the ultimate comfort food combo. We capped the day off at the Villasenor Paleteria for mini paletas (popsicles) made of Jamaica, lime and pineapple. Vallarta Tours offers a variety of local food tours. To find out more, go to their website at: puertovallartafoodtours.com
LOCAL 14
Friday Nov 14 - 20, 2014
What’s in a Name?
Tres Gallinas y un Gallo Mercado y Más By Marcia Blondin marciavallarta@gmail.com
By Terry Connell
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rom across the street, I heard a chorus of, “Easy! Easy! Hola Easy!” There they were, a group of children who live down the street from me, waving and shouting. To be clear, they weren’t calling me “Easy” (though some would say it’s an accurate name), they were calling my dog – whose name is actually Sadie. But, when she sees these children, she gets so excited that I have to hold her by the collar and repeat in a soft voice, “Easy….Easy…” And so, the name has stuck (with them anyway). I wish I could say this misunderstanding was a one-time thing, but since moving to Vallarta, I’ve experienced several variations on the above interaction. I try my best to enunciate when people ask what my dog’s name is. Still, there are some in my neighborhood who think her name is Lady, or Sail-Lee, Stacy and Lacy. In my defense, I’m from Philadelphia. As much as I try to fight it, I have an accent that has reinforced years of laziness in my
tongue muscles. That’s the only way I can elongate my vowels so that they becoming another syllable. And for reasons that will only be discovered by future archeologists, a Philadelphian’s voice rests somewhere between my ears and nose, giving it an especially nice, nasal quality. And here’s the kicker, when I moved away, I worked very hard to get rid of my accent. I want to say to my Mexican neighbors, “If you think I’m bad, you should hear my family talk!” But chances are, they’d hear something very different. So, I wave when I hear the children calling “Easy” and smile when Rico pets my dog’s head and calls her Sammy. She doesn’t seem to mind, why should I? Terry Connell is a licensed acupuncturist and yoga teacher practicing in Old Town, Vallarta (www.eastmeetseast.net). In his spare time he walks his dog and reads and writes. His first book, “Slaves to the Rhythm” was a Cowley Literary Award Finalist (www.terryconnell.net).
ADORABLE DOG IN THE SPOTLIGHT...LUCAS
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tarting with the name and continuing inside this brand new marketplace on Venustiano Carranza a sense of being ‘different’ prevails…and happily so. What you will find inside the courtyard of this beautifully redone space you will not find anywhere else in the city. If you have seen enough of the same “touristy” wares available in Vallarta, take a walk on Saturday morning and be prepared to be pleasantly surprised. First off, you will meet artisans who have created their products with love and care. That sense of quiet accomplishment means there is no rush, no one pushing you to buy quickly, nobody in your face to relieve you of your money. Rather you will find a welcome smile and atmosphere designed to slow you down and take your time perusing. You can get a cup of freshly brewed coffee and wander through this new market filled with skilled craft people who make what they sell with pride. Residents, ex-pats and tourists are made welcome every Saturday from 9 until 1 pm. Many of the vendors will be familiar from The Paradise Community Center and other markets throughout the Bay of Banderas. All of them bring toge-
ther their artistic talents so that whatever you purchase you will be certain of quality and individuality in every piece. Another great thing about this market is: Saturdays are just the beginning. The vision – eventually – includes a possible evening market; permanent spaces will be built to support a badly-needed shopping mall on the south side of Vallarta. There is space to expand and it’s my guess, expand they will – it all depends on you…. As for now, visit Tres Gallinas y
un Gallo Mercado y Mas every Saturday from 9 until 1 pm. They are located on Venustiano Carranaza 466 between Naranjo and Jacarandas in Colonia Emiliano Zapata. This is the road close to the little tunnel coming in to Vallarta. And to you artisans out there who are looking for a space to sell your wares, email me and I will pass along your information. Walk the few extra blocks and explore this new and exciting space. You will be more than happy you did.
Tianguis and Farmer’s Markets
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ll the towns have some type of weekly market. In Banderas Bay and Riviera Nayarit we are blessed with many excellent farmer’s, artisan and co-op markets. Most are open from 9am – 2pm unless stated. Bucerias Monday Market Artwalk Plaza
Look at this cute boy! You can see the playfulness in his eyes! He is a Shepherd mix, about a year and a half old. Lucas is one of our bigger boys who just loves to run around with all the other “guys” in our large playground area. He is really sweet and great with other dogs. Contact us at spcapv@gmail.com if you are ready to add Jake to your family.
Bucerias Tianguis - Year-round Sundays In the arroyo Guayabitos – Mondays yearround In the main plaza
La Cruz Sunday Mercado Sundays At the La Cruz Marina
Old Town Farmers Market –Saturdays
La Cruz Tianguis Year-round Wednesday Below the glorietta
San Pancho Market / Mercado del Sol Tuesday in Main Plaza
La Penita Tianguis – Thursday year-round
Sayulita’s Farmer’s Market – Fridays
Lo de Marcos Tianguis – Saturdays
Tres gallinas y un gallo Saturdays 466 Venustiano Carranza
Marina Vallarta Market – Thursdays
Tianguis Riviera Nuevo Vallarta Farmers Market –Tuesdays
LOCAL 15
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Welcome = Bienvenidos Submitted by -Vallarta4Real
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nd that is how easy it is to pick up some Spanish during your time here. Just add some Spanish to your conversations and the local Mexicans will appreciate your attempts at speaking the language. Try to pick up and understand some Spanish as part of the attraction of Puerto Vallarta. For example: try ordering eggs over easy for your next breakfast. If that is too challenging, then try “tacos”… that should be an easy one! But with ‘poco chile’! Don´t worry, something edible will be brought forth. In any event, keep at it every chance you get, for that special feeling of satisfaction when communication is established. At a restaurant your Spanglish might even be the object of joking and fun. Once we ordered sopa de mariscos muy grande… we stressed the “MUY GRANDE”. So, what came out? Well the chef himself came out carrying a planter-sized bowl, and paraded around the room announcing SOPA MUY GRANDE, and pointing to us… after a little more of this, he set it down and inside was the sopa, of course, but in a regular size portion! Ha, ha… Some more tips for folks just arriving or as refresher for those returning:
The airport can be a busy port of arrival and there are a great number of greeters inside promoting (one or more of) the big resorts, some with head turning pitches. “Why put this off, sign up now, why don’t you – por que no?” These might interest you and you will find them offering very big gifts as part of the deal. How about whale watching, pirate ship, and a swim with the dolphins? You can keep walking, maybe just a sideways glance with a small head shake, after all they can’t physically tackle you. Don’t worry, you won’t miss anything, as there are promoters everywhere – you can catch a similar deal later. After baggage pickup there is a customs station and various rules and limitations on what you can bring into paradise, but these days it is automated and most breeze through the red lightgreen light system. Transportation is another matter. It can be overwhelming to exit the terminal and grab a taxi but airport taxis are safe, courteous, and knowlegable. The pricing is also regulated, so while you will pay more for the convenience, you’ll know it’s the same price that everyone pays.
A few brave travelers hike over to the highway and catch the local buses south – the blue roofed ones are the best bet for the hotel zone and straight to down town and old town. Going north, other bus lines grey or white buses - stop under the overpass pedestrian bridge. Sayulita, anyone? Vendors, and more vendors they are all over, usually two or three for every tourist (joking)… Keep in mind they are small businesses. Their mother or sister probably doesn’t make the wares they sell like they did in the old days; now they are mostly consignment merchandisers. Many go in to debt every week for their bundle of stuff, so go easy on the extreme haggling. You have every right to make fair offers or counter offers, but don’t try to get that sombrero for $10 pesos. If you are not interested in practicing your Spanish on these vendors, simply ignore with a ‘no, gracias’, or a slight waggle of your index finger. They will appreciate that you don´t want to waste their time. And one can’t help but smile at the creative pitches: “free to look, almost free today!” Vallarta4Real… a source of tips and comments with interesting local information and stories to better understand and appreciate the area, especially for you lucky visitors, property owners and those seeking of good health… And… you can share your own discoveries, experiences, & questions at: vallarta4real@yahoo.com
Friday Nov 14 - 20, 2014
Cobblestones Consignment by Marcia Blondin
marciavallarta@gmail.com
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ew owner Colleen Bixler has reopened Cobblestones Consignment and is ready and waiting for old clients and new friends to come and visit her store on Francisco Madero 497 on the corner of Naranjo in Colonia Emiliano Zapata in Old Town Vallarta. Colleen's small shop is crammed but well-organized with women's gently-used clothing, shoes, purses, sandals and more. As a tourist you will be amazed at what you can find that will be a hit on Vallarta's beaches and won't cost a small fortune. And ex-pats will love the idea of bundling up last season's wardrobe and not only
recycle but restock your closet with new treasures and make some money while you're at it. The GREAT thing about Cobblestone Consignment is being able to drop in every time you pass by, say hi to Colleen and have a look at the new merchandise that comes in daily. Cobblestone's prices start at $30 pesos and go up but not very high, and the pleasure is in the hunt for something that no one else will be wearing. Cobblestones Consignment (LIKE her on Facebook!) Francisco Madero 497 at Naranjo 044 322 100 1577 Tuesday to Friday 9 to 4 Saturdays 9 to 2
Modern Jazz Singer-Songwriter Spencer Day and ‘Greater Tuna’ kick-off the entertainment season at The Palm Cabaret and Bar, Beginning Monday, November 17th and Wednesday, November 19th
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riginating from humble beginnings in a small town in Utah, Spencer Day began his career singing and playing jazz standards in piano bars and retirement homes. He has since released a total of six albums to date, including the recently released Daybreak in 2014. Spencer is returning this season by popular demand. He performs at The Palm November 17th through December 4th. The Palm Cabaret and Bar also presents a local production of ‘Greater Tuna’ opening on Wednesday, November 19th at 7:00 p.m. The play stars Tracy Parks and Chaz Weathers, who
will have you laughing all the way to the ‘Greater Tuna’ area as they portray 20 men, women, children and animals from the third-smallest town in Texas, where the Lions Club is too liberal and Patsy Cline never dies. ‘Greater Tuna’ is a big comedy about a small town, small minds and big hearts. Written by Joe Sears, Jaston Williams and Ed Howard, the original production ran for more than 30 years all over the world, with two command performances for US Presidents in Washington, D.C. ‘Greater Tuna’ makes its Mexico debut at The Palm this season, playing November 19th through December 12th.
MICHOACAN 16
Friday Nov 14 - 20, 2014
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The foods of Michoacán Michoacan: The Monarch Experience Michoacán state is privileged by nature, located in western Mexico, it´s fertile land produces many foods. Pátzcuaro and surrounding areas The long tree-lined boulevard that ushers you into Pátzcuaro gives a graceful hint of the beauty that abounds in this lovely colonial town. With two elegant plazas, numerous fountains and churches, and a bustling and colorful local marketplace, it is a veritable feast for the eyes. One of the best places to stay in this town is Casa Encantada, a truly enchanting hotel with a lush central courtyard filled with brilliant flowers, carefully selected artwork, and bubbling fountains that create a serene oasis for your pleasure. The hotel itself has been carefully restored to its 18th century majesty. The rooms are luxurious and tastefully decorated, and the weary traveler is greeted with a complimentary bottle of wine to help banish the dust of the road. The small towns that dot the shores of Lake Pátzcuaro each have their own specialization; whether it be the copper wares of Santa Clara del Cobre, the toys from Quiroga, the wooden furniture from Cuanajo, or the sumptuous weavings from Ergongaricuaro, Paracho is the happy central town that showcases music through their guitars and their artistry.
Michoacán, The land of the fisherman In the surrounding area of Pátzcuaro the major population has a good taste for the fresh “acumara” a regional white fish, generally served stuffed in a tamale. Another fish commonly served in this area is the charalito, which is fried and served as a snack with lime and chili. Another of the traditional dishes in the menu of the Tarasco (1) people is the caldo Michi, which is a fish soup made with waxy potatoes, carrots, chayotes (2), zucchinis, xoconostle (3), chipotle and local fish such as catfish. This fishing tradition comes from very ancient times when the first pre-Hispanic populations of Pátzcuaro, Zacapu, Cuitzeo and
Zirahuén, were built around the lakes. In fact the name of the state Michoacán owes it to that tradition; the word comes from Nahuatl word "michihuacán" which means "fishing place". Pátzcuaro hosts a great number of excellent restaurants that encompass a wide range of ethnicities, as well as traditional Mexican fare. Numerous food vendors set up their stalls around the central plaza, which is a lovely place to sit in the morning with a steaming cup of cinnamon atole and a fragrant tamale, either sweet or savory, while watching the town begin its day. Michoacán is famous for its carnitas; even in other parts of Mexico it is common to see restaurants boasting that they serve carnitas “Michoacán style”. The most famous town in Michoacán for this acclaimed dish is Quiroga, only 25 kilometers from Pátzcuaro, and well worth the distance to enjoy the best carnitas in the world! All one must do is enter Quiroga with the question, ‘Carnitas?’ to be directed up the hill to “El Rey de las Carnitas”: the king of carnitas, and indeed they are. Located in a large building of graceful archways and pillars, on the Plaza Principal, this restaurant provides a heaping platter of their immensely flavorful carnitas that need little more than a squeeze of lime, with a warm tortilla to convey them to your eagerly awaiting taste buds. 1 Tarasco: a member of an American Indian people of Michoacán in Mexico who never could be summited by powerful Aztec Empire, some of their traditions still survive in remote communities. 2 Chayote: pear shaped fruit native to México, it´s light green edible flesh and skin has a very mild flavor. 3 Xoconostle: fruit of the cactus and is similar in appearance to a prickly pear. It´s skin is soft and edible and has a sour taste than enhances the flavor of any dish.
By Jim Thorsell.
A
s the summer heat winds down and we look forward to the coming ‘snowbird migration’ in Mexico one of nature’s greatest migrations has already begun. Arriving in mid-November every year, up to one billion Monarchs arrive and cover the trees in a blanket of orange and black. During the cooler winter months the insects tend to mostly cling to the tree branches but on sunny days and
The Monarch Butterfly Monarch butterflies are not able to survive the cold winters of most of North America so they migrate south and west each autumn to escape the cold weather. The monarch migration usually starts in about October of each year, but can start earlier if the weather turns cold sooner. The monarch butterflies will spend their winter hibernation in Mexico and some parts of Southern California where it is warm all year long. If the monarch
plants do not grow in their winter overwintering sites, so the spring generation must fly back north to places where the plants are plentiful. Monarch butterflies only lay their eggs on milkweed, and caterpillars only eat milkweed. But like many environmental issues, milkweed is disappearing for various reasons. We often remove milkweed from our own yards because it doesn’t smell very good or we think it is a weed. But what we need to realize is that
Monarch butterflies are the only insect that migrates to a warmer climate that is 2,500 miles away each year in the last month before they leave in mid-April, they swarm in a colorful and magical mass through the air. From southern Canada it takes four successive generations of Monarch butterflies to complete the migratory cycle through to the high forests of Michoacan State
lives in the Eastern states, usually east of the Rocky Mountains, it will migrate to Mexico and hibernate in oyamel fir trees. If the monarch butterfly lives west of the Rocky Mountains, then it will hibernate in and around Pacific Grove, California in eucalyptus trees. Monarch
monarch butterflies need the milkweed in order to survive, and the monarch butterfly population is dwindling. Conservationists have created many projects to protect Monarch butterfly, most often through permission to use land for conservation. Some work with
Monarchs use the exact same trees each year when they migrate, despite the fact that they aren’t the same butterflies that were there the previous year in central Mexico. How the surviving generations find there way is one of the great mysteries of nature. To view this natural spectacle visitors need to hike or ride horses two-three km up to the high ridges of the biosphere reserve (2400 M /8000 feet). Tours and guides are found in the local villages of Zitacuaro and Anganguelo or more distantly from the city of Morelia. Locally here in Puerto Vallarta there are a number of tour operators that offer Monarch Tours.
butterflies use the very same trees each and every year when they migrate, despite the fact that they aren’t the same butterflies that were there last year. These are the new fourth generation monarch butterflies, so how do they know which trees are the right ones to hibernate in? The Monarch butterfly migrates for 2 reasons. They cannot withstand freezing weather in the northern and central continental climates in the winter. Also, the larval food
government agencies and local people to establish land protection and educate people about helping Monarchs. You can visit the Michoacan Reforestation and Habitat Protection Fund, which is a project to help balance the needs of Monarchs with the needs of people who live where the butterflies like to spend the winter. For more information visit: http://www.monarchbutterflyfund. org Additional material by http:// www.monarch-butterfly.com
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Friday Nov 14 - 20, 2014
Pueblos Mágicos With the romantic and intriguing description of Pueblos Mágicos (Magic Villages), the Mexican government is promoting the preservation of the natural beauty, cultural richness and historical relevance of many of its towns and villages. Along with the right to a Pueblo Mágicos designation comes government funding that can be used to develop discrete tourism initiatives and help protect the authentic qualities that have made these communities so special. To date fifty-four Pueblos Mágicos has been recognized, not surprising from a country so blessed in history, beauty and tradition.
Pátzcuaro, Michoacán By Moralea Milne
M
ost of Mexico's vast expat community arrive in the fall, exchanging cold, sleet and snow for a relaxed lifestyle, free of winter jackets, snow shovels and slippery ice. Typically they head home in March or April, ready to reengage in a more temperate spring and summer. However, for those who stay year round, or for the knowledgeable summer travelers, Mexico offers so much more than overwhelming summer heat. They head to the plateaus and mountains where the higher altitudes provide more moderate temperatures. Pátzcuaro, a historic town situated about three hours southwest of Guadalajara, at an elevation of approximately 2164 m (7,100 ft) has been chosen to be one the United Nations’ designated “100 Historic World Treasure Cities”, as well as being one of Mexico's Pueblos Mágicos. Visiting at the end of July, when most of the North American continent was baking in an oppressive heat wave, the temperature was a pleasant 22ºC (71ºF), everyone was comfortable wearing jeans and lightweight sweaters, many elegantly draped in one of the locally handcrafted shawls. Founded centuries before Spanish colonisation, Pátzquaro, known in pre-Hispanic times as the “Entrance to Paradise”, exudes ancient history, colonial architecture and charm in equal measure. The entire town is painted white and red, which lends a pleasing harmony and it
is clean and tidy, which reassures our North American sensibilities. The town is located at the south end of Lake Pátzcuaro, famous for its islands and white fish. Isla de Juanitzio, with its towering statue of the hero José María Morelos, can be seen clearly from the shore. The lake, the extensive wetlands and the forested hillsides have contributed to a rich diversity of wildlife and an endangered salamander, known only from the lake. Birding is enjoyed in the area, more than 200 species frequent the wetlands, some endemic to the area. Bishop Vasco de Quiroga had the cathedral (now a Basilica) of Nuestra Señora de la Salud (Our Lady of Health) constructed in the sixteenth century over a pre-Hispanic ceremonial site and it remains in use today. Pilgrims flock to the Basilica to ask the Virgin of Health to aid in the wellbeing of loved ones. The Gertrudis Bocanega Library, named after a woman executed for her participation in the Mexican War of Independence, is housed in an equally venerable building, the Ex Temple of San Agustin, which was founded in the 16th century.
Pátzcuaro on market day is a cacophony of sound and colour, with hundreds of stalls selling every fruit and vegetable imaginable, as well as day-to-day products and high quality local handicrafts. Nearby rustic villages have specialized in certain types of goods; Santa Clara del Cobre is famous for its coppersmithing; Erongarícuaro for its woodwork; and Paracho for guitars; you will find stoneworks, pottery, agricultural products, wovens, and many forms of arts and crafts as you wend your way around the lake. Corn is an important crop and tamales are de riguer when you visit. Savour one with a hot chocolate and top off your repast with a pasta ice cream, made with milk, cinnamon, almonds and honey. Michoacán is renowned for the quality of its ice cream; in Pátzcuaro the vendors use fresh fruit, real sugar and rich cream and prepare dozens of delicious flavours that will test anyone’s resolve. Pátzcuaro, the magical village, and the surrounding lakeside deserve a few days of your time, at the least. Indulge your senses
at La Casa Encantada, a centuries old hacienda style B&B that is overflowing with comfort, tranquility, art and charm. The staff and service are exemplary, the beds luxurious
and the breakfast delicious… perhaps I’ll see you there this summer! lacasaencantada.com ecomexico.org/birds.html patzcuarobirder.blogspot.ca
Friday Nov 14 - 20, 2014
riviera nayarit 18
Fun on the Riviera Nayarit
Living In La Cruz
By Cat Morgan www.rivieranayaritfun.com
hat happens when people transplant themselves to another land, invest time and money to retire or spend their winters there? Many give back… making a difference for so many! All over the bay, kind souls make a difference, in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, folks got together and created Amigos de la Cruz to give back to the community we all so very much adore. Please join us for our 3rd Annual Bienvenidos Amigos! Get ready Banderas Bay! Join the Amigos de La Cruz on Wednesday, December 3, at Roberto’s Xocot’tl as we Welcome Back our friends from the frozen North. The fun-filled evening kicks off on a high note as we enjoy Roberto’s Fabulous Fajita Buffet combined with drinks, fun and friendship. Be sure to wear your dancing shoes as once again the amazing saxophonist and flutist, Bryan Savage, has agreed to join us. Bryan has toured and/or opened in the U.S., Europe, Japan, and Canada with a long list of famous recording stars including; Al Stewart, Bonnie Raitt, Mick Fleetwood and Santana. Doors open at 6:00. The buffet dinner starts at 7:00. Bring pesos and try your luck on the 50/50 raffle or the silent auction with loads of fantastic
need to be a member to come… so come! Remember Tuesdays for Open Mic Night at Britannia, Fridays with Rock n Roll Donny at Ana Bananas, Masala on Thursdays for their 3 course meal special.. YUM! Next week find out more about Thanksgiving Dinners and more! To see more events for food specials, live music and events visit and bookmark the http://www.allbucerias.com/
calendar and the http://www. alllacruz.com/la-cruz-de-huanacaxlte-calendar. New events are added every week. Thanks so much for reading! If you have any questions on rental, tours, fishing boats, links to restaurants or entertainment on the Riviera Nayarit you may contact me at Cat@RivieraNayaritFun.com or CatMorgan.me Have a lovely and FUN week mi amigos y amigas!
Welcoming back Amigos of La Cruz!
W new cookbook called Maldonado Sabores de Nayarit (Taste of Nayarit) showcasing 147 pages of stories and recipes from the coastal towns to the mountains of the great state of Nayarit. Chef Alondra will be back cooking at Mark’s Saturday, December 13th at 6:30pm where she will be making six dishes from her book with a Mexican wine pairing. Mark your calendars, join in and get your new cookbook signed! Live Music at Marks begins Saturday, November 22nd for some great jazz with the Doug Robinson Trio starting at 7:30. To view their entire menu in English and Spanish, wine lists all with pricing, and contact information for reservations, go to allBucerias.com under restaurants. ¬ Salsa Dance Lessons at Breakers Beach Club Breakers contracted an extremely talented Salsa Instructor to provide lessons every Friday from 7-9pm. The cost includes: Appetizers, Salsa Lesson and one Tropical Drink. Please message Breakers Beach on their Facebook page or drop by to purchase your tickets. Also please reserve by Thursday as spots are limited and tickets are selling fast! Colin will be joining the class to expand upon his limited but highly effective dance moves!!! Los Arroyos Verdes Eco Paradise is kicking off the season with their Sunday Live Music by the Pool beginning this Sunday, November 16th with a tasty BBQ
and 4 live bands out by the pool. If you don’t feel like driving home, take advantage of their rental specials. Bring the kids, yourselves, your dog if you need to (they also have a fenced dog park with their own pool) and have a fun Sunday at Los Arroyos Verdes. Luna Lounge – Keep it Country! Keep It Country begins this Saturday! Come join Luna Lounge every Saturday evening for "Keep It Country". If you are a country music fan then do not miss The Lynch Party playing all the best country music. The Lynch Party features both male and female lead vocals and together they cover all your favorite songs. Bring your dancing shoes 'cause the dance floor is open! But the country theme is not limited to just the music. Luna Lounge makes it a real country evening with a real Texas BBQ. California Pizza’s now have a second location in Bucerias! Their new Bucerias Centro location is two blocks north of the plaza church and up half a block on the left. I will keep you posted on their Grand Opening Celebration. La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Amigos de La Cruz Monthly Meeting will be on Dec 10th at Philo’s Bar from 5:30 to 7:30 so mark your calendars! Enjoy 2x1 beers and well drinks (no wine discounts). Appetizers form Philo’s special menu will also be available. The regular menu is also available. Remember, you do not
items for bidding. Car pooling is recommended. Tickets are available; 250 pesos at Roberto’s, Philo’s Bar or through Steve Cross 322-1915275, Lina Bureau 322-188-5875, Cindy Bouchard 322-127-5813, Duncan Randall 329-295-5043, or Laurel Wilson 329-295-5502 A little History: The Amigos de La Cruz began in 2003 when the new highway to Punta de Mita was built. La Cruz was left with an embankment and no entry into town! Residents and small business owners of La Cruz got together and petitioned the municipal president for several things including; construction of a town entrance; protection of the huanacaxtle trees; more frequent garbage removal; investigation of the effectiveness of the sewage treatment plant and improved communications through the Delagado. Today, the Amigos de La Cruz is an organization made up of volunteers working together to address the continuing needs of our community. Our mission is to contribute to the quality of life in the community of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle through cultural, educational, environmental and charitable assistance programs. Our goals are to increase educational and cultural opportunities, facilitate improvements in health and safety, support a sustainable environment and maintain a collaborative relationship with local officials and citizen groups. Check out our website; visit us at amigosdelacruz.org and contact us at lacruzamigos@ gmail.com Many thanks to Laurel Wilson for information on the history of Amigos de la Cruz and all her efforts to organize the welcome back party! Cindy Bouchard runs the boutique inn, Villa Amor del Mar, in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. Contact her at cindy@VillaAmordelMar.com
By Cindy Bouchard
H
ola!! The whales are HERE! It’s always so exiting when the whales are in the bay. They come every year for the mating season as the Banderas Bay is the ideal breeding grounds for Humpback Whales, Bryde’s Whales, dolphins and Orcas, the largest dolphin species, due to the regions tropical weather and warm ocean. The Banderas Bay is perfect for these large beauties as it is the largest natural bay in Mexico and the 10th largest bay worldwide. The Banderas Bay is also one of the deepest bays in the world reaching depths of over 3000 feet, and 42 miles wide (68km). Hundreds of whales swim through the bay every year as they make their journey between Alaska and Hawaii. There are all kinds of whale watching tours from panga boats, private boats that give that extra touch, and larger fun party boats like the Chica Loca that have all the toys, unlimited drinks, breakfast and lunch… and whale watching too! Email me for suggestions! (See below) Fun around Banderas Bay It is certainly is looking to be a busy high season this year. It was a super fun evening as a group of us gals attended the Thursday Bucerias Art Walk, along with over 300 people this past week. Artist Shannon Morrelli is showing her wall hangings at the Bucerias Art Gallery and Studio. Her pieces all have a very specific theme and story behind them. Shannon’s artwork varies from completely abstract to the conventional. You can find out more about these amazing works of art and the stories behind them from Floydilou at the Bucerias Art Gallery and Studio on Lazaro Cardenas by Marks Bar and Grill. During the Bucerias Art Walk at the Jan Marie Boutique that is connected to Mark’s was a signing with Chef Alondra for her
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entertainment 19
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Review: Assorted Fruits and Vegetables
PV Men’s Choir welcomes new artistic director
By Gary R. Beck By Leza Warkentin
V
allarta resident Ron Spencer, who has recently retired from Artistic Director in Indianapolis, awarded roundly for his stage shows, presented Puerto Vallarta with a comedy he wrote, directed and is the star actor of. The cast was well chosen and well-rehearsed to describe a smooth nonconformist love story applicable to everyone. Assorted Fruits and Vegetables takes place in an all-gay retirement community, Rainbow House. Edgar [Ron Spencer] moved into the new home for himself since his lover passed away and finances become constrained. His comments were sarcastic, outspoken and biting at first, but smoothed as he became endeared to his fellow residents and care givers, especially Santiago [Lewis Moreno], an attractive Latino who carried in moving boxes and eventually shared his bed. Edgar had spent many vacations in Puerto Vallarta
and became enamoured with the local men with dark hair and eyes and cocoa skin. Santiago, who came out after the death of his young wife, finds peace for his repressed feelings. Head Administrator, played terrifically by Elizabeth Ensor, Katherine, herself a lesbian, provided compassion for Edgar and tried to make him feel a part of their community as well as he could during this major life change. Their banter was witty, harsh and thought-provoking, all at the same time. Marcia Blondin, Roger Uscila and Hal Bonta resided at the house well-adjusted while Di Lehmans portrayed a compassionate, hetero nurse. Several skits brought the packed audience to cheers. A favorite was Gay Rap by Marcia and Hal with hysterical and touching lyrics. Growing up gay from childhood is difficult and the play deals with some of these emotions. Many guests present could identify too sadly. The road
Friday Nov 14 - 20, 2014
is not easy and can lead to lifelong problems with family, friends and lovers. The screenplay's humor and sharp words underlined these dilemmas all the while offering sustenance. "I could have danced all night" was hysterically performed by Hal and Roger as they tried to figure how to kiss each other while both were restricted by wheelchairs. Needless to say, they found the road to success. Very enjoyable was the choice of background tunes, amplified by Act II's fine sound system. Lyrics being sung tied in directly to the activities on the stage floor. Lighting was accurate and proper and the staging set was erected beautifully and simply. This play attracts people from every corner of the globe and sexual propensity. It is raw, open and true. The run continues Thursday through Saturdays until November 22nd and judging by their opening night, Stages will be overflowing deservedly every night.
Puerto Vallarta Men’s Chorus will introduce their new Artistic Director, Alfonso Lopez, at a “Coming Out Party” on Saturday, November 15. Although this is not Alfonso’s quinceañera, the evening will showcase his musical accomplishments and upcoming events through videos and live performances. The fun begins at 7 PM for everyone in the Red Room! Emceed by Juan Pablo, past performances will be presented from musical theatre and opera, including Newsies, Fiddler on the Roof, La Traviata, Sweet Charity and more. Included will be previews of Forever Plaid, conducted by Alfonso and PVMC’s December Winter Concert Higher and Higher - Mucho Más Alto. With an extensive musical background, Alfonso enthusiastically joins PVMC with both vision and experience. A graduate of The University of Texas-Pan American with a Master’s in Vocal Performance (Summa
Cum Laude – with highest honors) he went on to become a music professor at UTPA. “I had the honor of being the Music Director and the Choir Conductor for the staged musicals both in the Theatre and Music Departments.” This multi-talented bass/baritone has sung in musical theatre, opera, conducted youth choirs, taught vocal lessons, and was the musical director and arranger for the talented live band at Opera Teatro Bar in Texas where they perform everything from opera to international popular music. Why does PVMC sing? “The mission of PVMC is to help gay people gain acceptance from their family, friends and colleagues. When people attend PVMC performances, they will observe joyful gay men, singing together. Perhaps some will alter their vision or begin to understand we are all simply human.” What is his vision for PVMC? “To be known throughout Mexico,” he says with a soft smile.
The Met in HD: “THE BARBER OF SEVILLE” By David Rohde
T
he Barber of Seville” returns to the Metropolitan Opera´s stage and is Live in HD screenings around the world. Puerto Vallarta will be able to enjoy this classic comedy on Saturday, November 22, 2014 at noon at Teatro Vallarta. With SUBTITLES IN ENGLISH and behind-the-scenes interviews, this will prove to be an entertaining ticket. All seats are reserved and can be picked up at the Teatro Vallarta box office in advance. In Bartlett Sher´s effervescent production of Rossini´s most popular opera, Isabel Leonard is the beautiful and feisty Rosina. HD simulcast audiences last saw her as Cherubino in “The Marriage of Figaro”. Lawrence
Brownlee is her conspiring flame, Almaviva, and Christopher Maltman is the omnipotent barber, Figaro. Join the growing audiences for these broadcasts that are performed live in New York and simulcast internationally. This is a truly great asset in Puerto Vallarta at this time of the year. Support our local arts.
events 20
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W
ould you like to include your nonprofit event announcement in the Vallarta Tribune? Please send details directly to editor@vallartatribune.com Maximum 50 words. Deadline is Monday for Friday distribution. November 12-15 International Sailfish & Marlin Tournament Sponsored by the Puerto Vallarta Fishing Club, the Puerto Vallarta International Sailfish and Marlin Tournament celebrates its 59th year. In effort to recognize conservation efforts changes have been made to this year’s event including only marlin of over 220 lbs, sailfish of more than 77 lbs, tuna over 66 lbs, and mahi-mahi over 22 lbs will qualify. Exciting prizes and events surround the tournament. November 13-23 International Gourmet Festival Vallarta’s most popular gourmet festival celebrates its 20th anniversary this year with 29 restaurants participating in Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit. Local chefs work alongside international chefs to create exceptional meals on specially priced menus. Visit FestivalGourmet.com. Sunday November 16th – Starting at Noon Xtreme Riders International Freestyle motocross and BMX. International riders. Events,prizes. At the Esplanada Armando VIllaseñor Motocross Track, Puerto Vallarta Show starts at 3pm Cost $100 – $290 pesos Monday November 17 1st. Annual Early Bird Breakfast for Vallarta Bird Conservancy 8:00 am at The River Café To promote conservation, education and knowledge of tropical and migratory birds in Banderas Bay to the benefit of residents and visitors from around the world. Tickets for sale at the River Café restaurant or deliver at 322 1280120 Cost: 200 pesos general and 150 pesos students Wednesday, November 19 PURR PROJECT BINGO starts at 5pm at Playa Los Arcos hotel with entertainment by Mikki Prost and Polly Stephens Cooper singing the best of Patsy Cline. Proceeds benefit the 150+ cats residing at Purr Project, a no-kill feline sanctuary north of Vallarta.
Wednesday November 19 Becas Breakfast Help 400 young Becados (scholarship students) keep receiving their scholarships and enjoy a delicious breakfast at one of Vallarta’s top restaurants. Raffle prizes and a silent auction 150 pesos cost Tickets must be purchased in advance from any member of Becas or contact Polly Vicars at phvicars@gmail.com or 223-1371 November 19– Vitea, December 17- La Palapa, Jan 21 – Daiquiri Dick’s, February 18 – River Café, March 7– Becas Ball, April 15 - Coco’s Kitchen. Thursday November 20th – 11am Vallarta Garden Club Meeting Coco’s Kitchen, Calle Pulpito Meet “Farmer” Krystal Frost The Vallarta Garden Club kicks of its season with Krystal Frost, founder of Organic Select, an on-line Farmer’s Market, as its speaker. Krystal is one of the most knowledgeable people in Vallarta to ask questions about nutritious food – how to shop, what to look for, what to avoid, how to grow it. November 20-22nd First Mariachi Festival - PV For three days, the Mariachi PV Fest will fill Puerto Vallarta with the sights, sounds and flavors of Mexico - see the fantastic flourish of rope, folkloric dancing, typical costumes and fireworks; hear the traditional songs and modern music of the Mariachi; taste Mexico’s fabulous cuisine and tequila; immerse yourself in something cultural, spiritual and traditional that is unique to this country. Wednesday, December 3rd Amigos de La Cruz Dinner and Dance at Roberto’s Xocot´tl 6pm start. Buffet Dinner, silent auction, live band - $250 pesos Saturday, December 6 at 11 am Golf Scramble on La Vista Weiskopf Course. Lots of prizes along the course and delicious Mexican buffet in the clubhouse after the game during the awarding of prizes. Make your own foursome with your favorite golfers or show up and take a chance on our pairings! Come for a day of fun!! Cost per person: 1300 pesos or $100 USD. Proceeds support Toys for Tots. Contact for info and tickets: Fred and Dorothy 322 209-0064 pvdcp@yahoo.com Sunday, December 7 at 6:30 pm Gala Dinner/Dance on at Marriott CasaMagna Resort and Spa. Featured this year: Children's
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Perceptions
of Art
By Marcia Blondin marciavallarta@gmail.com
F Mariachi during cocktail hour, Patron Tequila in live auction, and dancing to a hot, live band! And, as always, a tastefully served, delicious dinner with wine! Cost per person: 1,000 pesos or $80 USD. 10% discount if you buy a table for ten. Proceeds support Toys for Tots. Contact for info and tickets: Fred and Dorothy 322 209-0064 pvdcp@yahoo.com Sunday, December 7th from 12-6 3rd Annual Art Show with more than 30 artists at El Rio BBQ in Paso Ancho Event proceeds benefit Colina Free Spay Clinic. Carolina: doggonegoodcarolina@ yahoo.com.Pam December 20 – 31st, 2014 International Fireworks Festival This eleven day fireworks festival will play host to five countries as well as five states. Each nightly display will last 20 minutes and be launched from three locations to ensure optimal viewing across the bay. January 24th, 2015 4th Annual TASTE OF LA CRUZ Marina Riviera Nayarit in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle 3-7pm TASTE OF LA CRUZ will feature restaurants, businesses, artisans and musicians from Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta. Wednesday February 4th, 2015 John Ozzello memorial food bank fundraiser Enjoy a day of Whale Watching as well as helping to support the local food bank. $650pp 9am-4pm leaving Paradise Village Marina in Nuevo Vallarta Tickets: Sandi or Randy Nystrom 322-103-2828
or more than a year I have been covering Arts and Entertainment happenings for the Tribune sitting in my comfortable same spot at the Main Stage Theatre (Frida, Voice of Vallarta); the Red Room for Del Shores most recently; the Boutique Theatre’s old location for Joseph and Fosse; the Palm for Rocky Horror, Bohemia Viva and now, today, I get to write some things from the other side of the curtain, so to speak. As some of you may recall, I was at a birthday party at the beach when I started chatting with an American ex-pat. Fast forward from September 22 - that fateful day - to now. Somehow Ron Spencer, the American (playwright, actor, singer and now MY director!), managed to entice me to get on stage to act in a play he wrote, is directing and also stars in. I am trying to remember HOW he managed to make me do something I have never done before in more than 60 years of living. I am B-U-S-Y. I am an artist, I make things; I don’t act. I review actors, I review bands in bars. I review paintings on the Malecon and sometimes have my paintings on the Malecon. But I don’t act. I am a writer and an editor. I really have enough to do. I
have no empty spaces to fill. I am not bored. Ever. I haven’t time. And, as they say, “That was then and this is now.” Now, I don’t do anything BUT act. In my sleep I dream about the misery and terror of forgetting my lines even though they are few AND. I.KNOW.THEM. Do my dreams come true? Oh yes. With a vengeance. When I am awake I am thinking about scene changes, what I have to move, what I have to change into clotheswise, what my queues are, how am I feeling? Will my voice be strong today onstage? (hasn’t happened yet but…maybe!). If I screw up anything…I could screw up EVERYTHING! I would let my cast mates down, I would (and have) incurred the wrath of asst. director, director and said fellow cast mates. Not all at the same time, thank god. And then came Opening Night. Full house. Standing Ovation. (Take a breath!). OMG it was AWESOME! Could not stop smiling. Could NOT stop smiling. So…just the thought brings the smile back…thanks to everyone involved with Assorted Fruits and Vegetables. We still have two more weekends to make you laugh. And to make you cry. And to keep me smiling…
BRAIN TEASERS 21
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ROMANTIC ZONE
Exploring Old Town By Ramiro Lopez Macias sla Cuale is magical place. Located in the middle of the Cuale River, it is divided across the middle by Insurgentes Avenue leaving two “zones”; heading east, under one road there is the leafy, treed, and shady cultural zone. There you will find the statue of John Huston, Las Brazzas restaurant, the Cuale Cultural Centre, lots of fauna and the wood-slatted bridges that are an adventure to cross and an amazing trees crowded by cats. This area is very quiet, perfect for reading or just take a break. A steep staircase connects to Gringo Cultch and the former villas of Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. The lower part where the river empties out into the ocean the island hosts two iconic restaurants; River Café and Oscars. In both places you can enjoy great cuisine along with sightings of iguanas, squirrels, birds, and lizards.
original images are sought after and sold quite frequently before they are complete. She is often working on commissions, and preparing for gallery shows. You can be assured that your originals and giclee prints will have the expression that you would expect, and the highest quality works available on the market. Look for her art at her new location at Constitución 325 next to Banderas Bay Trading Company.
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7 Corazon Mexicano
9 DEE´S COFFEE COMPANY Arguably the best coffee shop in town, they bake every morning fresh treats like banana bread, brownies, apple pies and of course their famous chocolate cakes (to die for). Their new location is perfect; right in front of the pier, Dee’s is becoming an anchor destination for several faithful customers that never miss the beautiful sunsets of PV.
1 OSCARS
Kathleen Carrillo Gallery
At Oscars the views are amazing, thanks to the open design and minimal furniture. The building is made of natural elements with tables facing the river, the beach and the trees that are roosting resort for the local Pelicans and water birds. The mood itself invites you to relax and enjoy of the pleasures of the life. Here, art is everywhere. The gallery hosts the work of Martha Gilbert. Across from Oscars there is the local museum and in a few steps more, La Cuiza, a cultural Centre with art shows. The area is perfect for a walk along the river with ocean views. Oscars 223 0789 Isla Río Cuale #1
Kathleen Carrillo Art Retreat Center and Studio is along the Rio Cuale. Kathleen specializes in painting and printmaking. Her
6 FRANKIES
Newly opened, Frankie’s is fast becoming the new favorite Italian restaurants. They sell delicious, thin crust pizza. They also have incredible artisan pastas and salads. Their Italian chef, who definitely knows his way around the kitchen and their Italian owner guarantee you are eating an authentic Italian Mangiare. Prices are low to moderate. Try their Italian wines; the list is small but carefully selected.
One block from the Lázaro Cárdenas Park there´s a great new restaurant with a modern shabby chic essence. It is romantic yet casual while being family and pet friendly. A couple of tables are located outside of the establishment which makes it perfect for people who want to bring their dogs. The quality of the food was impeccable, especially the meatloaf which is called “albondigón”, and the seafood was extremely fresh. Their salads are crisp and fresh and their chips made at the moment, so I kind of jumped on it and didn’t leave space for the dessert. They have a lot of drink specials it was hard to choose just one but I stuck with the classic margarita and it was awesome.
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This week´s special Any house wine and all tequila 2x1 Venustiano Carranza 276 Tel. 322 223 2267
Francisca Rodriguez 117 Tel. 322 222 1197
Friday Nov 14 - 20, 2014
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Friday Nov 14 - 20, 2014
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Non-Profit and Charitable Organizations Charity in Vallarta
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or 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. Acción En La Cruz: aid residents of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle by providing provisions in exchange for community services performed. landon5120.wix.com/accionenlacruz Alcoholics Anonymous: In English Puerto Vallarta Alanon Club - Basilio Badillo 329 recoverpv.com Amazing Grace Missions Assisting families in Majisterio & Progreso with necessities and job training and English. Children’s programs also. Tax-deductible in USA & Canada. Contact slw2014nv@gmail.com American Legion Post 14: raises resources and manpower to improve facilities needing building maintenance www.americanlegion14.org Asilo San Juan Diego Home for the Elderly - Contact: Lupita Sanchez Covarrubias 222-1257 or malupita88@hotmail.com or www. mexonline.com\asilosanjuandiego.htm Asociación Down - Assistance to persons with Down’s Syndrome – Contact: Ana Catalina Eisenring at 224-9577. Banderas Bay Women’s Shelter - Safe shelter for women & children victims of domestic violence. www.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. puerto-vallarta.com/amf Bucerias Bilingual Community Center: Supporting families, seniors in Bucerias. www.buceriasbilingualcommunitycenter.org Casa Hogar - A shelter for orphaned, abandoned, disadvantaged or vulnerable children. Luz Aurora Arredondo at 221-1908, Rita Millan (322) 141-6974. casamaximocornejo@gmail.com Centro Comunitario SETACGLBT – Services the GLBT community, including treatment and referrals, education, English classes, HIV testing and counseling. Paco Arjona 224-1974 or paco@setac. com.mx 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 Sundays, Contact: cez@rogers.com or 322-104-6609 CompassionNet Impact – Transforming the lives of people living in chronic poverty. Job creation, education, emergency food, medicine & clothing. Tax-deductible. Cell: (322) 133-7263 or ric@4compassion.org Corazon de Nina A safe, loving, home-environment for 20+ girls rescued from high-risk situations. Donations & volunteers always welcome! Totally self-funded. www.corazondenina.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. 22 343 11 or 22 225 72 FB/ desayunosninosvallarta Discapacitados de Vallarta, A.C. (DIVAC) association of handicapped individuals dedicated to helping one another. Ivan Applegate at 221-5153. Families At The Dump: Supporting families living in the landfill or garbage dump thru education and sustainable opportunities. www. familiesatthedump.org or 297-7425 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 Alvarez cayro_13@hotmail.com grupoecologico.com Horizonte de Paz: Shelter for men of all ages who are troubled with alcohol & drug addiction. Donato Schimizzi: 322 199 9523 or Roberto: 281 0644 dschimizzi@yahoo.com La Brigada de la Basur:a 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, and operates the local Toys for Tots program. www.vallartanavyleague.org. New Life Mexico - Challenging Child Poverty with health and education programs. Philippa Vernon pvp@newlifemexico.com 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 special support to their families. 299-4146. pasitosdeluz.org PEACEAnimals - Free mobile spay/neuter clinic operating 48 weeks a year, primarily in Puerto Vallarta. Tax-deductible. peaceanimals.org Pro Biblioteca de Vallarta Raises funds for Los Mangos Public Library. Tax-deductible Ricardo Murrieta at 224-9966 or Jimmie Ellis at 222-1478. Proyecto Pitillal, “Busca un Amigo” - Association created by underprivileged mothers of paralyzed children. Contact: 299-4495. Puerto Vallarta Garden Club: Beautify and protecting the environment. vallartagardenclub.com PuRR Project - A no-kill cat shelter, a natural un-caged environment. www.purrproject.com Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza- Shelter for Children. Tax-deductible. ccshf.ca Roma’s Kids - Educate the children of the Volcanes and surrounding area: Math, English and computer programs a priority. 100% goes to the kids. kids.romamexico.com
The International Friendship Club (IFC) - Supports the Cleft Palate Surgery Program & families in need. 322-222-5466. ifcvallarta. com. ifcvallarta@gmail.com. Toys for Tots Vallarta - Distributes toys and constructs playgrounds for Puerto Vallarta area during the Christmas holiday period. Jerry Lafferty 322 221 6156 or Lourdes Bizarro lourdes.bizarro@marriotthotels.com. Vallarta Saludable (Healthy) – Healthy living through organics, stevias, cooking workshops, serums reversing dialysis and reality show. NAOTF.org Suzy Chaffee suzynativevoices@aol.com
By Frank K. Meyer
New Beginnings
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everal years ago, Andy and Janet Stevenson walked onto this street and they realized the needs of these people living near the city dump and decided to make this their mission in life. They created New Beginnings Mexico ministries and began building better homes for the people living in this area. For the people living near and working in the city dump, it means so much in helping them get out of the cycle of poverty. New Beginnings is a Christian organization that exists to support families and transform communities through education, physical, social, health and spiritual programs and initiatives. In this way, New Beginnings hopes to break the poverty cycle and fill the spiritual void existing in these underprivileged communities. It is a new beginning for: • those who come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour • those who begin a new life with proper nutrition and education for their children and freedom from drugs and alcohol • those who learn new life and work skills • those who learn English • those who are able to begin small businesses or find work to support their family • those who have a new, safe, dry home the community • those who come to Puerto Vallarta to experience God at work How does New Beginnings help? New Beginnings assists
in meeting the families’ needs for food, medical care, clothing, and housing. Milk, diapers, and food are provided daily. Individuals and families are provided the services of a doctor or dentist as needed. Homes are repaired or constructed as required. Household items such as stoves, propane, refrigerators, beds and mattresses as needed. New Beginnings provides tuition, uniforms, shoes and school supplies to children, as needed. As opportunities arise, New Beginnings will provide schools with needed supplies. A commitment to education, by the families of the children and by the community, is encouraged and supported. English classes for adults are held three times a week. New Beginnings will support the local community through repairs, construction, education and sharing of the gospel. Individuals will be encouraged and equipped to seek employment, through training and/or assistance in obtaining documents or certification. These individuals may then assist in bettering their own community through their exposure and experiences. New Beginnings will work cooperatively with other groups and ministries in the community. This is just the beginning of their story, there is much more to come.
www.vallartatribune.com
CLASSIFIEDS 23
Friday Nov 14 - 20, 2014
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS Emergency Phone Numbers The police station or the fire department is 060. For Non-Emergency calls, dial (322) 290-0507 for the Police Dep & (322) 224-7701 for the Fire Department.
Ambulance Services Red Cross Ambulance: 222-1533 Global Ambulance: 226-1014
Hospitals Ameri-Med Hospital: 226-2080 Cornerstone Hospital: 224-9400 San Javier Hospital: 226-1010 Medasist Hospital: 223-0444 C.M.Q. Hospital: 223-1919 I.M.S.S. Hospital: 224-3838 Regional Hospital: 224-4000
Other Important Phone Numbers American Consulate: (322)222-0069 or 01-333-268-2145 Canadian Consulate: (322) 293-0098 Motor Vehicle Dept: 224-8484 Consumer Protection (PROFECO): 225-0000 Immigration Office: 221-1380 National Telegraph: 224-7970 Electric Company (CFE): 071 Water Company (SEAPAL): 223-1516 Municipal Services: 223-2500 Tourist Protection: 223-2500 Ministerio Publico: 222-1762 Animal Protection: 221-0078 Wake-Up Service: 031
Emergency Phone for Sayulita Dial 066 from any standard land line. Dial 080 from Mexican cell phones. To report suspicious activity in Sayulita, please dial 045-322-141-5994.
Emergency Numbers for Bucerias & La Cruz Numbers for the Police Department in case of emergency are 291-0049 and 291-0666. Emergency number: 066 Police, Bucerias & La Cruz: 298-1020 Civil Protection (Fire, Ambulance): 291-0295 Ambulance, Santa Rosa Clinic: 298-0157
Havre No.111 Col. Versalles Fluent Englis Spoken
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