Issue 932, 12 Feb - 18 Feb, 2015

Catch us online @ vallartatribune.com

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News LOCAL GRANTS 90K’S

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Feb 12 - 18, 2015 Free Issue 932

Wellness

yerbabuena

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Valentine´s say i love you

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By otfm

“Feliz Día del Amor y la Amistad from the Old Town Farmers Market-Tianguis Cultural”

welcome

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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 Guayabitos 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.

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 WATER: For the year 18 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.

EXPORTING PETS: Falling 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-to-date 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!

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.

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.

Catch us online @ vallartatribune.com

07

news LOCaL GranTS 90K’S

11

Feb 12 - 18, 2015 Free Issue 932

Wellness

yerbabuena

16

Valentine´s Say i LOVe yOu

FR EE

G

U

ID

E

By otfm

“Feliz Día del Amor y la Amistad from the Old Town Farmers Market-Tianguis Cultural”

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

Feb 12 - 18, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Calling in Mexico 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

PEACE Animal

By Gretchen Dewitt

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his is a photo of a nursing dog with her six pups that were at the Centro de Acopio (local pound) about six years ago. I asked one of the employees what would happen to the mama dog after she had weaned her puppies.

The answer was that she would be "put down."

That meant she would go in a truck to Guadalajara with a lot of other cats and dogs for a mass electrocution. The puppies would all be adopted out if they didn´t die first of parvo or distemper. Giving away unsterilized puppies in Mexico almost always means they will never be sterilized, thus continuing the cycle of the birth of unwanted animals. I asked Dr. Guevara if I could take the entire family home with me, and he agreed.

When my husband came home later that day, he playfully asked, "You didn´t bring home another dog, did you?" I replied that no, I hadn´t brought home a dog and suggested he go look in our bodega. The happy ending is that

that "Georgina" flew to Canada to a great home and all six puppies went to equally good homes. All of them were sterilized at a free mobile PEACEAnimals clinic.

Postscript: Under the current administration, the Centro de Acopio is basically a no-kill pound.

Only animals too vicious to rehabilitate or too injured or sick to survive are euthanized. And it is done humanely.

All donations made to PEACEAnimals in the U.S. and Canada are deductible. For information on how to donate: p e a c e m ex i c o. o r g / d o n a t e / other_ways_to_donate.

P.S. Adopting a dog or cat and taking it back to the U.S. or Canada is simple. Donations of anything a vet, cat or dog can use are needed.

Please contact me for further information. gretchen@peaceanimals.org

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

editorial

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Oh, Vallarta how I love thee… Let me count the ways.

By Madeline Milne 1.

Fresh Coconuts: So good for you; a meal and a cool drink. Hydrating and no carbs. Nature’s diet food at only 20pesos. Ask for it ‘suave’ with lime and chili.

2. Nature: Such diversity in our little bay. Ocean, rivers and jungle mountains. Parrots, jaguars, butterflies, crocodiles. Forests, pastures, cities and pueblas. Beaches, cliffs, and rolling hills.

3. Travel: Living in Puerto Vallarta is like always travelling but with the comfort of home. From here to somewhere new is often just a few hours and a few dollars away.

4. The Beach: The beach is a home for baby turtles before they head to sea. It’s a beautiful spot to watch the sunset, enjoying a freshly caught meal, relaxing and rewarding.

SPCA

5. Shopping: There are a million shops that delight my senses. Mystical potions, brightly coloured beadwork, cheap shoes if you can find my size!

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6. Visitors: Spending a full week with the ones you love. Having time to truly enjoy each other’s company is such a treat. Plus they

7. The Ocean: It seems too obvious but then I remember that most people don’t live steps from the ocean, let alone one that is so warm and inviting.

The humpback whales, dolphins and usually bring presents. #waffle- illusive sea horses just make it better. maker #300threadcountsheets #blacklicorice Illustrations by my sister, Gala Milne.

This weekend’s MUST DO EVENT

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f I wasn’t busy stripping down to catch carnival beads in Veracruz – I’d be sipping tea and eating crumpets with the rest of Vallarta’s animal loving crowd. A beautiful location that truly invigorates my passion for living here every time I experience it –if it goes hand in hand with supporting the animals of Vallarta even better.

SPCA PV High Tea Fundraiser at Puerto del Cielo Saturday, February 14, from noon until 3 pm, one of Puerto Vallarta's most romantic locations, Puerto del Cielo, a private chapel across from Hacienda San Angel Hotel, will host the Second Annual High

Feb 12 - 18, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Tea at High Noon fund raising event to benefit the SPCA de Puerto Vallarta.

Founded in 2007 by Hacienda San Angel's Janice Chatterton, the SPCA de Puerto Vallarta focuses on rescuing abused, homeless animals from Puerto Vallarta's streets and placing them in foster

homes in both the United States and Canada until permanent homes are available. The event will feature traditional English tea, finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and desserts catered by local celebrity, Kathy Overly. In addition, fashion designer Laura Labra Lopez will be showcasing some of her original designs during a brief fashion show. Complementary jewelry will be provided by Cassandra Shaw Jewelry. Tickets are $650 pesos per person, and tables of nine can be reserved.

It is expected that tickets will sell fast, so organizers suggest making reservations via email at spcapv(at)gmail.com as soon as possible.

e have an ongoing need for help transporting dogs to the States and Canada. The SPCA will take care of all the details and cost of transporting the animals. All you have to do is show up at the airport in Vallarta and one of our volunteers will meet you with the animal and get it checked in for the flight.

Another SPCA volunteer will meet the plane at your destination and pick up the dog. Stop by our table at the Old Town Farmers Market and we will answer any questions you might have.

Get involved…rescue, adopt, foster, volunteer, donate or educate. Contact us at spcapv@ gmail.com. You can learn more about the SPCA Puerto Vallarta by checking us out at www.spcapv. com/home or on Facebook.

Our special volunteer of the week is Renee Belisle. Renee assists us in transporting volunteers to our Sanctuary during high season in Puerto Vallarta.

We appreciate all her help with our frequent guests.

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.

Janice Gonzalez You 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 to interact in the real world. The majority of the SPCA animals either come from extremely abusive situations or they have been abandoned. Your love and attention can make up for that sad history.

During your visit, you can interact with the animals and even take a dog (or two or three) for a walk. You can also play with the animals, assist the vet or help with dinner time.

We have scheduled tours each week and vehicle space is limited. We ask everyone to meet in the Costco parking lot beside the three large trees in open grassy area. You can either caravan in your own vehicle or ride with us out to the Sanctuary (reservations necessary). The length of the tour is at the discretion of our visitors and can be anywhere from one to four hours in length. Please feel free to bring donations and treats for sanctuary staff as they truly appreciate it.

We have also 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. Go to Photos where you will also find individual Albums for all the animals available as well as a bit of their history.

entertainment Amy Armstrong’s new music and comedy show ‘Diva Loca’ & Latcho and Andrea: The Blond Gypsies with Spanish guitars at The Palm!

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hicago-based musical-comedy icon Amy Armstrong debuts her new music and comedy variety show ‘Diva Loca’ with special guests beginning Feb. 19th. Also, Latcho & Andrea: The Blond Gypsies, star in a special Valentine’s Day show on Feb. 14th.

Amy Armstrong, affectionately known as the gal with ‘the voice of an angel, and the mouth of a sailor’, will perform both music and comedy in her new solo show ‘Diva Loca’ (Crazy Diva). Celebrating her tenth season at The Palm, Amy’s popularity with regular partner Freddy Allen have made them two of Vallarta’s favorite entertainers.

Having performed all over the USA and on many RSVP cruises all over the world, Amy is best known for her brassy, bawdy, over-the-top comedy and powerful vocals.

In her solo show this season, she will be joined by special guest accompanists and performers, including Argentinian duo ‘Bohemia

EQUUS

Opening Night

by Marcia Blondin marciavallarta@gmail.com

W Viva’ on guitar and vocals.

A variety of other performers will also join her throughout the run. ‘Diva Loca’ begins February 19 - March 1. See the link below for specific showtimes and tickets.

Also currently playing at The Palm is ‘Greater Tuna’, starring Tracy Parks and Chaz Weathers.

Drag comedy icon Miss Richfield 1981 is now playing and Dragapella Quartet: The Kinsey Sicks are currently starring in two different shows, America’s Next Top

Bachelor Housewife Celebrity Hoarder Makeover Star Gone Wild! and Chicks with Shticks.

Shows are scheduled seven days per week with two different shows nightly through April, 2015.

The Palm also offers matinees at 4:00 p.m. on select shows.

A full calendar of performances, information and online tickets are available at www.ThePalmPV. com. You can also find the Palm on Facebook at The Palm Cabaret and Bar.

MAGIC, MEMORIES AND MISCHIEVOUSNESS IN THE RED ROOM CABARET LORNA LUFT: Accentuating the Positive

FEBRUARY 12,13,14 Coming from a ‘show biz’ family has its advantages. But unless one is truly gifted, works hard and is incredibly persistent, it’s very difficult to sustain a career in entertainment. Lorna Luft, the daughter of Judy Garland and the sister of Liza Minnelli, has established a long and successful career in her own right.

CASHETTA FEBRUARY 18 AT 7:30PM Cashetta has delighted audiences for over 18 years with her outrageous wit, charm and crossover appeal and remains one of America’s most beloved, unique and sought after female impersonators. As a Singer, Comic, Emcee, Magician and Fabulous Psychic Medium, Cashetta is a one of a kind entertainer that is not to be missed!

JASON BROCK

FEBRUARY 19 AT 7:30PM X-Factor’s breakout star, Jason Brock wowed Vallarta with his rich soulful voice and charming demeanor in 2014. We are so excited to bring him back for a few limited dates in February.

BANDERAS BAY JAZZ ALLSTARS FEBRUARY 20 AT 7:30 PM Consisting of Chas Eller, on keyboards, Bryan Savage on sax & flute, Steve York on bass, and Lazaro Poey on drums, these players have had successful careers around the world. Now they spend winters in the greater P.V. area, and have joined forces to create an amazing musical chemistry, the likes of which this area has not seen before.

Members of the group have played with Dr. John, Paul Butterfield, Kilimanjaro, Tom Coster, (Santana), the Amazing Rhythm Aces, Al Stewart, Marianne Faithful, Joan Armatrading, and festivals in the U.S., Canada, Europe, The Soviet Union, and Asia.

LUNA RUMBA FEBRUARY 21 AT 5:00 PM Luna Rumba thrills audiences with their sonic tapestry of Latin Fusion, Gypsy Flamenco, Arabic Melodies, Cuban Rhythms, Celtic Riffs and even Latin Jazz. Their shows are a celebration of musical fusion, human diversity, creativity, warmth and virtuosity. Fiery violins, rumba-flamenco guitar, hot keyboard riffs and cool bass ride on top of the unstoppable polyrhythmic grooves created by the exotic percussion instruments and drums. If this weren’t enough, be prepared to hear vocals that will melt your heart and warm your soul.

EVERY WEEK YOUR FAVOURITES RETURN! The Red Room Cabaret Insurgentes #300 Basilio Badillo & Insurgentes Act II Stages (322) 222-1512 facebook.com/theredroomcabaret

Feb 12 - 18, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

MISS CONCEPTION MON AT 7:30 AND 9:30 PM, THURS 9:30 PM ROB KNIGHT - FOREVER ELVIS WEDNESDAYS AT 4:00 PM VALLARTA’S FAVOURITE - KIM KUZMA ACOUSTICO - SUN AT 7:30 PM WEDNESDAY NIGHT FEVER - WED AT 9:30 PM

henever I go to hear a concert or see a play, or experience an event, something happens to me. I slide down the rabbit hole inadvertently and pretty much everything around me fades away and my focus and energy is riveted on the stage. That being said, watching EQUUS on its first night, my critical side was on high alert looking for breaks in character as all the cast is on stage throughout the play. There were no breaks. Try and sit perfectly still without changing even your face for 40 minutes.

The first act introduced all the characters, gave us a feel of their humanity and their depth of love and connection to one other.

At the end of the highly sexually charged first act with “AMEN” still ringing in my ears I was immobile in my usual chair in the front row.

Slowly people got up and moved in almost complete silence outside into the lobby, into the light and reality and away from the madness for ten minutes of inter-mission.

Danny Mininni wandered in to the

practically empty theatre, leaned on the stage and asked me what was wrong. I couldn’t move and I couldn’t stop the hot tears rolling down my face. I whispered that it was sobeautiful. The First Act. The Second Act with its vulnerable and sweet, shameless nudity in sharp and powerful contrast to the brutal-ness that is the crux of the play flowed one into the other.

Light into darkness and darkness into confusion and ends with more questions as passion leaks out and fades to black.

Alain Perrault deserves the highest praise a director can receive and he does…from his cast. He pulled and pushed theatre in Puerto Vallarta into a brand new place in this city. He moulded his cast – Mexicans and foreigners - into believable creatures made of flesh, blood and metal. The set simple, the cues for dialogue, lighting and action were simultaneously choreographed and seamless. There were no mistakes… a flawless and brilliant performance.

Political comedy takes the stage

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hatting with the Tea Party” is a documentary-style comedy by a New York liberal playwright. It will be presented reader’s theater-style February 19-21st, at The Boutique Theater.

Rich Orloff is the award-winning author who traveled around the United States interviewing leaders of local “Tea Party” political movement groups. His goal was to get to know people whose political beliefs are diametrically opposed to his, and the conversations he finds himself having are as hilarious as they are controversial.

The Boutique Theater is proud to host the Puerto Vallarta directorial debut of Ralph Hyman, who is moving here from Little Rock, Arkansas. Ralph has been the artistic director of The Weekend Theater in Little Rock for 23 years, having founded it to present “social issue theater.” Ralph has been a practicing licensed psychologist for 36 years, as well as having 53 years’

acting experience. He is already looking forward to directing next season at the Boutique Theater.

Hyman described why Puerto Vallarta audiences will enjoy the play, “Chatting with the Tea Party”: “Since theater can be an opportunity not only to entertain but also to educate, I chose it because Puerto Vallarta has a very large democratic ex-pat population. People have been reading about the Tea Party in American politics, but have not had much chance to encounter this new and strange element. I hope this reader's theater production not only is hilariously entertaining but, is also giving the ex-pats here a chance to learn about this new wave of conservative, sometimes libertarian, and very grassroots politics.”

Ralph’s cast stars David Guilmette as the narrator, Rich.

Ensemble parts will be performed

by Catalina Meders, Bud Shafer, Joe Murphy, Alice Averett, and Catherine Beeghly.

entertainment

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udos! Congratulations! Felicitationes to cast, crew and producers! Perro Bravo's offering of Equus is nothing short of outstanding. Every aspect of the performance on opening night was spot-on from direction, lighting and set, to acting, pacing and staging.

The prospect of more such quality theatre in Vallarta is truly thrilling.

Many thanks to everyone involved for sharing your talents and expending the effort required to produce this stellar production.”- Norma Schuh “Detaches your mind and soul from your theater seat” - Paco Ojeda “Excellent production” - Vallarta Tribune “An extraordinary production; flawless” - Marcia Blondin Equus ranks among the best live theater Puerto Vallarta has seen - Gary R. Beck "I had the true pleasure of

Equus Opens in the Main Stage seeing Equus opening night. This is an outstanding production from beginning to end featuring truly talented actors....Congratulations to Ron, Cesar, Alain and the rest of the cast and crew"! - Chris Anderson.

“Well done!! The production is Great theatre!” Karrie M. Sebryk M.A. The Boutique Theater EQUUS tells the story of a psychiatrist who attempts to treat a young man who has a pathological, religious fascination with horses. An explosive play that took critics and audiences by storm; Equus is Peter Shaffer's exploration of the way modern society has destroyed our ability to feel passion. Alan Strang is a disturbed youth whose dangerous obsession with horses leads

of Art

marciavallarta@gmail.com

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veryone is raving about EQUUS including me so see my dedicated rave elsewhere in this issue! Next talk about town is the arrival of Ms Lorna Luft whose Opening Night occurs one day before this issue hits the streets so the review will be next week but you better get tickets fast and furiously to catch her remaining shows…and don’t forget the Meet and Greet. It isn’t often Vallarta has super stars come to visit who also happen to be daughter of one and sister to another galaxy-sized star. I hope Ms Luft LOVES the Red Room – it is such an intimate and special space.

I know Vallarta will welcome her with open arms.

The Red Room has a whole flock of people coming back to perform for us again! In no particular order (check with the box office) Jason Brock, Cashetta (I LOVE her!), the Banderas Bay Jazz Allstars (who I have heard in other venues more than a dozen times) will have two more concerts this month. I will try and get to one at least! They are beyond fabulous! Miss Conception, Kim Kuzma, Rob Knight are all continuing and Kim has a new show on Wednesday I haven’t seen yet but will this week. And dear, dear

him to commit an unspeakable act of violence. As psychiatrist Martin Dysart struggles to understand the motivation for Alan's brutality, he is increasingly drawn into Alan's web and eventually forced to question his own sanity. Equus is a timeless classic and a cornerstone of contemporary drama that delves into the darkest recesses of human existence plays until February 21st on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm.

There will be a Saturday matinee on February 14th at 2:00pm.

The Voice of Vallarta returns to the Main Stage with fight for your life week. 13 sing only 10 survive.

Mark your calendars now for fight for your life week . We start

the show with 13 contestants but before the night is over we will introduce the top 10 ...yes 3 participants go home on Feb 15th .

Hosted by the most talented host in Vallarta Juan Pablo Hernandez who turns spanglish into an art form, the Voice of Vallarta is every Sunday at 8pm and who better to judge than special guest judge Alain Perreault.

Spectacula Spectacular - A Cabaret Burlesque Show opens on The Mainstage Feb 16th at 5:00pm A modern interpretation of the classic musical “Cabaret,” performed by Vallarta’s foremost dance troupe, Latin Team Productions, using the story that takes place in Germany at the beginning

of the Nazi era and combining it with their own Latin rhythms, the Latin Team puts forth an impressive and highly enjoyable dance spectacular.

Beginning with the strong opening “Cabaret” that evokes the turbulent Thirties, as “decadent” lifestyles and music were beginning to be suppressed in Germany, the program moves on to “Mein Herr,” “Burlesque,” and the famous “Roxanne,” ending as powerfully as the beginning with “Moulin Rouge.”

All with a charming Latin touch—an evening not to be missed.

Feb 16 at 5:00 pm and Feb 18, 19, 20 at 3:00 pm Produced and directed by, Benedicto Rodriguez Ovalle & “The Latin Brothers,” The Main Stage Theater is located in the Act II Entertainment STAGES complex at Insurgentes 300 (corner of Basilio Badillo & Insurgentes) 2nd Floor Zona Romántica Puerto Vallarta

Greater Tuna! On Friday 13th. Don’t be afraid – if you’re in Greater Tuna, you won’t be allowed to think of such superstitious things. I don’t think anyway. If you haven’t seen this show (where the HELL have you been?) get to it Friday at 7 pm. I just

penciled it in to my calendar…it’d be time #4 seeing it. I’ll let you know…

Latcho and Andrea, the Blond Gypsies celebrate Valentine’s Day at 9:30. Always delightful my beautiful uber-talented German friends. And Amy Armstrong will be back with a

new show! Lots and lots to go to.

Get out to several if you can. Nothing beats sitting in a theatre and being swept away and cared for by very good wait staff. Enjoy the week and I will see many of you around town.

Ciao

to the Best Reviews in Vallarta Theater History

Perceptions

by Marcia Blondin

Feb 12 - 18, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Michael Walters is taking Dame Edna back toFlorida after her Valentine’s Day farewell. I shall miss Doug, Little Ralphie and Ms Edna a lot but they are bound for bigger and better things in the near future. I will keep you posted but keep this phrase in mind…”To the moon,Alice!”

On the Main Stage, the PV Men’s Chorus is performing their latest love fest with great voices and, no doubt, some new dance moves. Valentine’s Day they will sell out I am sure – that’s at 8 o’clock. Voice of Vallarta has had a week off and the contestants will pay for it this Sunday. It is the DREADED Fight for your Life.

Half way through the contest and by the end of Sunday night we’ll be down to 10 performers which means THREE will be eliminated that night. It’s the most exciting/ saddest/maddest night so far in the competition and rumor has it that Alain Perrault is taking a break from Director Extraordinaire of EQUUS to guest judge this week. There will be hell and fire and brimstone so be ready for the fight of 13 contestant’s lives. Be early for a change, please, and be IN your seats by 8 o’clock.

This is pivotal and we need to start on time.

Another cool thing coming to the Main Stage next week is called SPECTACULAR SPECTACULAR which is a very cool name for a Latinstyle version of Cabaret. As always – a full report next week. I am so intrigued!

The Palm is bringing back

news

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Feb 12 - 18, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Mexico offering amnesty to undocumented foreigners

By Angela Kocherga

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exico is offering undocumented foreigners including Americans amnesty if they come forward and apply for legal status.

"I have heard there are people here who don't have the proper documents. We have illegal aliens here also," said Arlene Van Note, a resident in San Miguel de Allende.

"I'm a permanente. I live here all the time," said Van Note who is retired. She has her documents in order but other Americans do not.

They're not climbing over the walls either. They're driving in.

They come in on trains and planes and buses.

Many enter on tourist visas and stay after the document expires.

The issue of undocumented Americans living in Mexico is an open secret in places like San Miguel de Allende, a colonial city that is popular with tourists.

"Yeah, there are some people that I believe are here that are probably undocumented and working," said Christine Johnson, a legal permanent resident in San Miguel de Allende.

Undocumented Mexicans caught crossing the border into the U.S. are "sent back quickly," said Francisco Sanchez, a San Miguel native who earns a living shining shoes in the town square.

Rather than face deportation Americans and other foreigners who don't have documents are getting a chance to legalize their status under a temporary program.

The National Migration Institute webpage describes the program as "directed to all foreigners who have made Mexico their permanent residence, but because of diverse circumstances have not been able to regularize their stay in our country."

"You are in Mexico. You have been here for years. You have been working and you're not supposed to. You have a chance to become legal," said Patricia Munoz, an immigration attorney in San Miguel de Allende. Munoz has many Americans clients in San Miguel de Allende who want apply for legal resident status in Mexico. Some get frustrated with the bureaucracy.

"Foreigners go and complain to the immigration authorities, they kind of look at you and say 'you

know what they do to Mexicans in the U.S.,'" said Munoz.

Among the biggest differences: the issue of divided families.

"The minute a baby is born in Mexico, the parents can get the residence just to protect the family," said Munoz.

U.S. citizens who violate Mexico's immigration laws do face a penalty, usually a fine but most also get the opportunity fix the problem.

This year between Jan. 12 and Dec. 18, the Mexican government is allowing undocumented foreigners who come forward to "legalize" their status to do so without paying a fine. The Morales family

wishes they had the same opportunity in the U.S. "Our kids were born in the United States," said Daisy Morales, a San Miguel native.

Morales was an undocumented worker living in Fort Worth when her children were born. She returned to Mexico voluntarily to try to get "a pardon" from the U.S. government so she can enter the country legally with her husband and their children.

Right now she is trying to get the children identification documents so they can enroll in school while the family waits U.S. immigration authorities to decide their fate.

"It all depends on what they tell us," said Morales.

Mexico increased deportations in 2014 sending more than 64,000 foreigners back to their home countries. Deportations peaked over the summer when thousands of Central American migrants were travelling through Mexico on the way to the U.S. border.

"For a U.S. citizen to get deported he would have to be a criminal. I mean a real huge thing," said Morales.

"But just because they are living in San Miguel on their retirement money, they won't get deported."

Original: www.kvue.com

affecting the country’s public life, he said.

Government officials will be required to present a declaration of assets effective in May. According to Bohórquez, the declaration should be public to help prevent cases of conflict of interests.

The new anti-corruption strategies introduce a code of conduct for companies in Mexico. It includes a

protocol regarding the relationship between companies and public servants, especially in cases of projects and decisions connected to calls for an open bid. The Business Coordination Council said member companies are willing to self-regulate their proceedings to comply with the anti-corruption strategy, he said.

Original: The News

Mexico pushes transparency

N

ew anti-corruption actions will help Mexico abide by international transparency standards, executive director of Mexican Transparency Eduardo Bohórquez said Thursday.

Mexico is closing the breach that separates the nation from other G20 and Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development countries that have

successfully implemented policies to prevent conflicts of interests, Bohórquez said.

He said transparency and anti-corruption strategies are topics that have been discussed for many years.

“It’s not a new topic. We’re trying to catch up with a matter where we’re falling short,” Bohórquez said.

It’s essential for government

officials to declare their assets as a means to provide transparency and credibility to the public, he said.

“We all have an interest in different things, but it’s important to set the record straight right from the beginning and not let (personal interests) affect public decisions,” Bohórquez said. Conflict of interest cases in Mexico require immediate attention because they are clearly

Mexico will continue work with int’l organizations

By Pedro Montes de Oca

U

ndersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and Human Rights Juan Manuel Gómez Robledo said that Mexico will have a general enforced disappearances law by 2015, because the Mexican government must continue to work with international human rights organizations.

Mexico’s report to the U.N. Committee against Enforced Disappearances of Persons was presented after the meeting of a Mexican delegation with repre-

sentatives of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in Geneva, Switzerland.

Gómez Robledo said there is a need to get this constitutional reform through first, and the law afterwards.

Congress started its ordinary session period Sunday and the legislature ends in June, which is also a time for intermediate elections. This proposal has to be put into effect before then, Gómez Robledo said.

Once the reform is approved, he said it can be used to perfect

several tools which still have significant weaknesses and insufficiencies, such as protocol registration.

Gómez Robledo also said Mexico will expect the report with the committe’s recommendations in the next two weeks, which covers pending legislative topics and public policy challenges in Mexico.

“We will follow through and comply fully with the recommendations,” he said.

When asked directly about the number of enforced disappea-

rances, the undersecretary said there is no exclusive register of enforced disappearances.

“There is one that mixes unallocated persons and eventually forcibly disappeared persons, but it is something we must correct,” he said.

He said the government is working on the new development agenda the United Nations has set, because development is impossible without addressing the causes of exclusion.

In a message to NGOs, Gómez Robledo expressed his confi-

dence in the recommendations presented to the Mexican government and said they will strengthen the measures Mexico has taken since the entry into force of the convention in 2010 and commit the country to new actions.

The Mexican delegation included representatives of the office of the president, federal legislators, a member of the Executive Commission for Attention to Victims, officials from the states as well as the governor of Coahuila.

Original: The News

news

07

Updated IMSS

Fees 2015 - 2016

F

ees change each year in February, the fees for 2015 to 2016 are as follows for people who only have medical insurance (afiliacion voluntaria). This is an annual cost. IMMS is available to all nationals, temporary and permanent residents.

What do you get?

IMSS gives you complete coverage including prescription medications except for certain pre-existing conditions that have varying time periods before they are covered. When you apply for IMSS, you fill out a questionnaire and you answer general health questions and health history questions. There are some preexisting conditions that would prevent you from coverage by IMSS. The official IMSS government site is www.imss.gob.mx/ 0 to 19 years old $1,900 pesos 20 to 29 years old $2,250 pesos 30 to 39 years old $2,400 pesos 40 to 49 years old $3,400 pesos

50 to 59 years old $3,600 pesos 60 to 69 years old $5,200 pesos 70 to 79 years old $5,450 pesos 80 and older $5,500 pesos

Local Civil Associations

receive $90k pesos

F

ive regional civil associations benefited thanks to the actions and relationship of the Fundación Punta de Mita with national and international foundations; the associations include: Entre Amigos, La Casa Clu, Proyecto Manta, Red Tortuguera and the Centro de Atención y Capacitación para Silentes.

Towards the end of 2014 the Fundación Punta de Mita launched a call for the Fortalecimiento de Operaciones de Base (Strengthening of Local Operations) in order to promote projects that would improve regional communities through local organizations. Accordingly, five local associations were selected.

San Pancho’s Entre Amigos; San Ignacio’s La Casa Clu; and Proyecto Manta and the Red Tortuguera—both of whom operate around the bay—, plus Puerto Vallarta’s Centro de Atención y Capacitación para Silentes all received a symbolic checks for their subsidies.

The approximately $90 thousand pesos these checks represent will not be given in cash, but will be directed towards the purchase of consumable goods, infrastructure and other services as needed by each association.

These resources were obtained thanks to the trust and interest in supporting these community foundations and local groups evidenced by international agencies such as the Inter American Foundation, the CS Mott Foundation and the WK Kellogg Foundation; and national

agencies including Fundación Merced and Fundación ADO. The leadership and commitment of the Alianza de Fundaciones Comunitarias de México (Comunalia) also played an important part, as did the continuing support of donors from the Fundación Punta de Mita.

“These organizations believe the community foundation model is the correct format to drive social development in the different communities,” declared Sergio Haro, Director of Fundación Punta de Mita.

Haro noted that 50% of the total subsidy money comes from the national and international foundations and the other 50% was obtained from donors to the Fundación Punta de Mita. He added that several basic requirements were established during the assembly, for example, that the groups needed to originate from the community and operate for its benefit and that of the surrounding region.

It’s important to note there are few precedents for this type of international support for the region; the fact these local associations were selected is a reflection of their effectiveness and benefit to the area.

Feb 12 - 18, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Aquariums hail mammal show ban

A

quariums established in Mexico celebrated the decision made by Congress and the federal government to prohibit the use of marine mammals in itinerant shows in an effort to protect them.

In a message, some of the main aquariums were informed that the new disposition of the General Wildlife Law published Jan. 26 in the official gazette seeks to regulate the treatment given to dolphins in shows because it can be inadequate and risk their health.

Aquariums, the message says, comply with a normative framework unique in the world which regulate maintenance of marine mammals under human care in Mexico and is recognized by the Alliance of Marine

Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA).

This international association makes sure that the accredited members maintain the highest standards and directives to ensure the conservation and well-being of the aquatic mammals under their care, they said.

The AMMPA publishes an International Code of best practices for dolphin facilities, which covers animal care, environmental quality, training, education, in-water interactive programs, acquisition, scientific research and conservation.

“These standards and guidelines are based on the best available science and reflect the decades-long experience and expertise of the dedicated professionals …

Accredita-

tion standards have resulted in dolphins in human care that are healthy, breeding successfully, and now living substantially longer than dolphins in the wild,” the organization stated.

Aquarium supporters applauded the benefits to the sector, protection to the animal species and reinforcement of Mexico’s position as a global reference point in the interaction between dolphins and humans.

They said aquariums in Mexico will continue their conservation and preservation work to benefit marine mammals so they will have an excellent quality of life. In this way, they can act as an example for others and generate contributions for science and environmental education and the protection of oceans.

Original: The News

local

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Feb 12 - 18, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Wandering

Paradise

on Olas Altas

and Parenting Leza Warkentin mommyinmexico.wordpress.com

Dear Vallarta Tourists

I

’m always glad when you come, and I’m sad when you go. My husband is a musician, working in the tourist industry, and when you come I often get new shoes.

And he buys me dinner at Archie’s Wok at least once.

I love to see you having fun and enjoying our beautiful city and beaches. I always say that you all bring a certain joie de vivre to our town that is sadly lacking once summer arrives and we begin to sweat away the vivre in our joie.

Without you all, there would be no Puerto Vallarta the way we know it. For that we thank you, and we ask that you come back next year, along with all of the people you know.

I apologize when we locals are not as helpful as we could be.

We do try and we have the best intentions, but the thing is, we are not on holiday ourselves. You can understand, then, that sometimes we forget that you have just arrived and you may need some extra support.

For example, I know that I was unhelpful today in the Wal-Mart.

I saw you talking to the store workers, waving your arms, and they still were not getting the gist of what you needed. I walked over, realizing that it was my civic duty to help you. Plus, I really need new shoes.

But you were looking for dill pickle chip dip and were enraged that no one had ever heard of it.

I told you in my bestest public relations voice that you may not find that particular product here because it’s not a very common item in Mexico.

You walked away, still confused, and I stood there feeling guilty that I could not produce dill pickle chip dip.

I was jealous too, because it seemed like the chip dip issue was a really big deal to you, and I wished that snack accessories were the only thing I needed to worry about. Indeed, I had other

fish to fry that night: a family tree project whose photo illustrations would not just print themselves, and the entire nines times tables, which were becoming a real obstacle to our family harmony.

The thing is, while you are thinking about which beach to go to or whether Rhythms of the Night is really worth the ticket price (it is), I’m wondering why every store in Vallarta is out of bananas just today.

While you shout out “Hey, what happens in Mexico stays in Mexico!” I am shouting at my car door because I’ve locked my keys inside again.

While you are served the finest cuisine at the amazing restaurants in Vallarta, I am serving my kids their vegetables. And not getting a tip.

Hey, I don’t begrudge you your holiday. I know you will soon go home, and the kid in your life will refuse his broccoli unless you call them little trees and your car will need a brand new everything. You deserve this vacation. I know that because I deserve a vacation. So enjoy it, but just keep in mind a few things: a) It’s really hard to find dill pickle dip in Mexico. I’d put out my own brand just to help you out, but there’s a limit to my altruism.

You could bring your own dry mix and add it to Mexican sour cream, or you could just go with the flow and buy some salsa. b) There are a lot of people here who really want you to enjoy your time in Vallarta. They will do whatever needs to be done to make it great. They want you to come back again and again. c) If you see a blonde woman shouting at her car, and you feel it in your heart to do so, give her your ticket to Rhythms of the Night. She really does need a vacation.

Poncho Davalos alfonso@tropicasa.com

Powerful, Touching and Inspiring; Cinema Diva

I

had the chance to meet with Rudy Salazar, a profesional photographer, who had the goal to create a film festival in PuertoVallarta with the purpose of promoting Puerto Vallarta around the world and his dream became a reality just like that.

Cinema Diva started to take form in July 2014, thanks to some Canadian filmmaker friends.

Rudy told me that the DIVA acronym comes from Diversidad Vallarta (Diversity Vallarta) and that Cinema Diva is a celebration of diversity. It is the place where artists will find a space to share their works of art with freedom of expression. TO this end the event will have not just filmsbut also, storytellers, actors, painters, photographers and more.

This year Cinema Diva has four LGBT movies, Ivonne Guevara, a famous Mexican singer from the 80’s now enjoying resurgence as a painter, is going to show her work, and the festival has a special

guest, Mexican actor, Jose Carlos Ruiz, will be honoured for his career over the years. There will be a fashion show at Los Muertos pier highlighting local designers and many more events.

Rudy said his dream is that Puerto Vallarta is known not just for the friendly people, he wants to put Puerto Vallarta on the map and to be known the same as San Sebastian or Cannes. For him the festival is defined as Powerful, Touching

and Inspiring.

Cinema Diva will take place from Feb 13th to Feb 21st. For more information and the full program visit: www.cinema-diva. com. Last weekend I had the opportunity to see the PVMC’s new show “LOVE IS MAGIC / LA MAGIA DEL AMOR”, I can say I was surprised by the program, but I loved the combination of classic songs such as, ‘Your head on my shoulder’ by Paul Anka and modern pop hits like ‘Dark Horse’

by Kathy Perry plus the choreography during some of the songs made it very entertaining to watch.

Alfonso Lopez, the new Artistic Director of PVMC is doing a very good job since his debut concert Higher and Higher last year. If you was part of the audience you know what I’m talking, if you missed it, I hope they perform again this fabulous concert. Don’t miss the chance to see the Puerto Vallarta Men Chorus live when they’ll be singing on February 17th at 8pm, as part of the famous Mardi Gras Puerto Vallarta events.

See you around Olas Altas.

Pachanga Beach Boogie

2015 Skydiving Festival

H

eld from February 13-22nd in the skies above Nuevo Vallarta the Pachanga Beach Boogie 2015 Skydiving Festival will host about 100 professional skydivers from around the world. Presenting a unique skydiving show at 13,000 feet, the event will showcase world champions from the around the world including, Domitile Kiger, World Freefly Champion, Jason Peters, and the stars of Red Bull, Amy Chmellecki and Jeff Provenzano.

From on the ground to in the sky, the Pachanga Beach Boogie 2015 Skydiving Festival be sure to thrill. Events include special classes and tandem skydiving.

For more information visit http://skydivemex.mx/

Letters to Editor

09

Feb 12 - 18, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Represent the voice of the readers The Vallarta Tribune encourages our readers to send comments, opinions and invitations. If we have space or feel the letter has particular urgency, we may publish each week. Try to keep your thoughts to 150 words and be aware they may be edited for length. No inflammatory, libellous or just plain rude letters will be published. Send your masterpieces to Editor@vallartatribune.com Dear Editor, A heartfelt thank you is in order for all those who participated in the ‘Sicilian Soiree’ last week. Your Donations and support will go far in helping the San Juan Diego seniors home.

Congratulations and our gratitude to Luca Cisca of restaurant Sapori di Sicilia for the great dinner and for Luis and Andrea from ‘Bohemia Viva’ for the musical accompaniment that made the evening so special.

Because of the support from you, the San Juan Diego seniors home is in a much better position to continue helping some of our most cherished members of the community.

Thank you from our heart, Edgar & Warren Stratos Media

Dear Editor, I´d like to compliment you and thank you for printing the excellent article about the Free Malecon Sculpture Tour written

by Marianne Menditto and Thomas Swanson of Colibri Design in your Feb. 5-11 issue. Although the tour is free, a no pressure opportunity is presented to make a voluntary donation to Biblioteca Los Mangos, our only public library and principal cultural center.

This community treasure receives only a tiny fraction of its budget from the city government and is largely dependent on donations and fund raising projects, with the Malecon Sculpture Tour collecting a few thousand dollars for them during most tourist seasons over the last nine years.

The article explained this well and described the tour quite accurately with one tiny exception, which may have actually been a typo.

The tour starts at 9:30 every Tuesday morning through the middle of April, and not at 9:00 as printed. No reservations are necessary and one must only show up at the Millennium Sculpture at the north end of the Malecon by the rear of the Hotel Rosita. As the creator and guide of this excursion I´d like to invite both you and you readers to attend any time you wish.

Muchas Gracias, Gary Thompson Owner/Director Galeria Pacifico Dear Editor, I was very disappointed when I read in the PV Mirror the letter from Marisa and Richard last week regarding their one week suspension from the Old Town Farmers Market for their refusal to do

anything about their child's outrageous behavior at the market. In this letter, they blamed it on the director and declared that she is anti-children. Nothing could be further from the truth than their claims about Charlotte Semple not wanting children at the market.

When the director of the now-defunct market that used to take place at the Paradise Community Center refused to allow Mireya and Poder de Niña to participate in his market for a second year, Charlotte was quick to rush to her rescue and invite her to be an active participant in the market at the age of 11. She later welcomed Mireya's older brother as a second youth vendor. In fact, she has actively worked to try to invite youth vendors to participate in the market, and was discussing having a kid center in the market venue for art lessons, and such.

I was at the Old Town Farmer's Market EVERY weekend last year, and there was a small band of young boys (children of vendors) who ran wild in the plaza, trampling plants, racing back and forth among vendors, and considering the central palapa their personal playground.

It was beyond annoying, disrupting business and endangering pedestrians.

Apparently, new procedures have had to be put into place this year to protect the professionalism and quality of the market for ALL vendors from parents who think the world revolves around their children.

If a vendor is banned from the market for one week because their child has repeatedly been a problem they refused to solve, publicly libeling the director instead of exercising good judgment in parenting seems myopic. While I respect and appreciate the culinary services offered by these individuals, I don't believe their "blame the victim" approach will serve to benefit their business. Better to address the problem, which can be attested to by multiple other market vendors.

Organizing and directing a public market involving over a hundred vendors while complying with city codes, legal requirements, marketing and promotion and the special needs of individual vendors is a gargantuan task. Organizing a group of independent-minded entrepreneurs is worse than herding cats.

But hopefully, those entrepreneurs can rise to the occasion and act like adults and realize that their business and their family does not have the right to disrupt the gainful endeavors of their neighboring vendors. Everyone has to follow the rules for the good of the whole.

But then, if the parents don't like to follow rules, we come full circle and see where the problem with the children originates.

"When you throw mud, you're losing ground."

I'm afraid that might be the unintended end result of these fine people's misguided letter.

Informing their clients of their decision to re-locate without maligning a cultural icon in order to assuage their guilt might have been the better road. Hindsight....

Sincerely, Cherie Verber Youth Vendor Mentor Dear Editor, I would like to take this opportunity to correct the potentially libelous information about the Old Town Farmers Market that appeared in the PV Mirror last week.

For the record this is the 6th season of the Old Town Farmers Market-Tianguis Cultural and since day one we have always allowed for, even encourage our vendors to bring their children to the market. In fact, last year one of our most successful vendors was a 12 year girl and her brother from our young entrepreneur program.

We are well aware that children of the vendors are our potential future vendors.

The market has received a number of

complaints from other vendors and market goers about the unruly behavior of some of the vendors children and after many friendly attempts by the market to resolve the issue failed, the market had no option but to take further steps to enforce our policy that all vendors children under 10 must be under the direct supervision of an adult. We certainly are NOT planning to ban children from the market.

The markets only objective is to respect and balance the needs of all of our market stakeholders including the vendors, the market goers, the neighborhood aand the greater community of Vallarta while fulfilling the market’s obligations to the City of Vallarta.

We have been working with the parents over the past number of weeks to find a solution to the problem.

I appreciate the ongoing support that we have received from the Tribune from day one.

Regards, Charlotte Semple Founder & Executive Director Old Town Farmers Market-Tianguis Cultural

lcoal

10

Feb 12 - 18, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

My Life

in Vallarta Leza Warkentin mommyinmexico.wordpress.com

Quests

T

he dictionary defines quest as “a journey made in search of something”. If you live or spend any amount of time here in Vallarta, quests are probably frequently part of your life. There was a time that quests involved things like finding a restaurant that had wine. Decent wine; not the kind that could take the paint off your car. Or finding a place to make a long distance phone call.

There were special stores for that. Or a doctor who spoke English. Or a hotel with a TV. During the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake in California we had to walk to the Sheraton to see the news and all they had was a tiny TV that had been set up temporarily in the lobby. But times change. Excellent wines from around the world are

readily available. Smart phones enable calling anytime, anywhere.

And you’d be hard pressed to find a hotel that didn’t have TV’s in every room.

Nowadays most of our quests involve food items. A few years ago, chia seeds came into the spotlight for their excellent nutritional value.

This was no surprise to Mexicans who inherited knowledge about them from the Aztecs. Most of the local seed shops and many small tiendas had them and they were cheap. But when foreigners started buying them, prices skyrocketed and availability plummeted.

Message boards were flooded with notes from people desperate to find some.

Often by the time you arrived they were sold out. Nowadays you can find chia seeds at many of the big supermarkets and warehouse

Wellness

Latina

By Marcella Castellanos info@wellnesslatina.com

From Yerbabuena (Mint) to Essential Oils

V

ivid memories of boiling yerbabuena - a type of mint, come to mind when I think of herbs and natural remedies. As a child, if I had a stomach ache or a headache, my Mexican mother always seemed to restore my wellbeing with a good hot yerba buena tea. I could smell it's slightly spicy, life-affirming properties from across the room and sipping it seemed to restore me back to homeostasis

almost every time. Ask any Mexican mother and she is sure to have a fast herbal remedy that heals.

Fast forward to today, many of us know these relaxing, luxurious herbal scents in a spa environment and lose ourselves in our delicious pampering body work in what are known as essential oils.

So what are essential oils? And are they just good for aromatherapy?

Essential oils are highly concen-

The same goes for flaxseed.

Almond milk was the objective of another quest. You might find it occasionally at Mega or WalMart but not necessarily every time you went to shop. When you found it, you stocked up. Nowadays it is just about everywhere, including many of the small tiendas and some pharmacies.

You probably know that the simple lime is a mainstay of Mexican cooking. Hundreds of giant sacks are delivered all over town, every single day. Besides being a key component of the traditional margarita, they are used in salsa, ceviche and squeezed over just about everything.

The Spanish word for lime is

limon, but if you want to make something like chicken piccata, you need a real lemon; the yellow kind.

No substitutes. For many years, finding one was virtually impossible so I simply stopped cooking certain things and looked for them on restaurant menus. Lemons can now be found many places and at prices lower than in the US. At one time, we owned a B&B and baking was a huge part of my life. I grew to hate it but my husband still craves my peanut butter chocolate chip cookies. Luckily for me, chocolate chips are on the list of almost impossible to find.

Nothing goes better with a good steak than a baked potato but where to find one? I love those small thin skinned creamy potatoes you find all over town. But those are for roasting, not baked and dressed with lots of butter.

Once a moving target found by following posts on forums, they are now a staple at the California Market on the corner of Lazaro Cardenas and Camichin.

They may not be as big as what you are used to but they are good.

I think you get the picture. If there is something you’re craving, ask around, check the on-line forums and keep looking. Sooner or later it will appear. Or not. When you find it, grab it or you may never see it again.

trated extracts from plants that are 50 to 70 times more powerful than herbs. From cosmetics to home cleaning solutions to natural health remedies, they have a plethora of uses and are often the inspiration for synthetically manufactured pharmaceutical products. They have similar properties to synthetic drugs but with no side effects. These oils have been used by ancient cultures and are a natural way to take care of our health and vitality.

Additionally, some would be surprised to learn that while antibiotics cannot penetrate the cell membrane. Essential oils CAN penetrate cells to kill viruses and bacteria.

The quality of essential oils is important, not all brands are produced the same. For instance, have they been diluted with another oil or substance? Have they been tested for the absence of toxins, contaminants, or microorganisms?

Are the plants sourced from their native (indigenous) region where they have the most medicinal properties? And lastly, have they

been tested to assure the presence of desired therapeutic qualities?

It's also important to keep in mind that the purity of oils guarantees no negative side effects or drug interactions. There are a wide range of uses for high quality, pure essential oils as they can be used aromatically, topically and some with the proper testing and quality can even be ingested.

However you choose to integrate essential oils, so long as they are of good quality, they are a fantastic

addition to a holistic health regimen for happy, healthy living.

Marcella Castellanos is a bilingual Certified Holistic Health Coach. She works to spice up your vitality with health and natural healing workshops and programs by incorporating natural, whole, locally sourced foods and essential oils. For her blog or a list of her upcoming programs and workshops, and to get your free Essential Oils, Natural Healthcare e-book visit www.wellnesslatina.com.

clubs but I still prefer supporting the local business people in the seed stores.

local

11

Feb 12 - 18, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Love Hot Sauce? Your Personality May Be A Good Predictor Allison Aubrey - www.npr.org

A

Myers-Briggs personality test can help you determine whether you're an extrovert. But could your love of hot sauce reveal something about your temperament, too?

As we have reported, back in the 1980s, a psychology professor at the University of Pennsylvania named Paul Rozin documented a connection between liking roller coasters and liking spicy food.

More recently, a group of researchers at Penn State has shown that personality seems to be a significant player in our lust for heat or spice in our food. One study found that people who were most inclined to enjoy action movies, adventure-seeking and exploration were about six times more likely to enjoy the burn of a spicy meal.

"I was absolutely stunned that the relationship was as strong as we found," researcher John Hayes told us when the study was published a few years back.

Now Hayes and his colleague Nadia Byrnes have published new research this month that builds on the evidence that there's a connection here.

However, the new study, which appears in the journal Food Quality and Preference, points to key gender differences.

Women who like spicy foods, it

turns out, may be more drawn to the sting — that burn in the throat — more than their male counterparts.

For men, the machismo factor — the idea that tough men should be able to withstand the heat — seems to play a role. "It is possible that the cultural association of consuming spicy foods with strength and machismo has created a learned social reward for men," the paper concludes.

Whatever your personality or motivation, here are some tips if you want to jump into the hot sauce craze. (Note: We first compiled these tips in 2012.)

1. Easy does it.

"Add several drops into food while you are cooking," says Tony Simmons, president of McIlhenny

Co., maker of the iconic Tabasco sauce. "The heat will not come through, but the flavor will."

2. Start with mild sauces that help you focus on flavor, not heat.

Scott Roberts, creator of an eponymous blog popular with chiliheads. On his site, you'll also find his Scoville Scale Chart for Hot Chile Peppers and Hot Sauces.

He says if you know someone who believes hot sauce exists only to burn your mouth, then have that person try Georgia Peach and Vidalia Onion Hot Sauce. "Give her some of this, and she will completely change her mind," he says.

3. Create your own condiment with hints of heat.

"Commingle sriracha with mayo," says Peter Moore, editor of

Men's Health, who describes it as creamy goodness with a spark of bite. "Awesome spread for a bland turkey sandwich."

4. Exposure, exposure Keep trying it, says Washington food writer Nycci Nellis, and you likely will be able to build up your tolerance.

"I started with Uncle Brutha's green hot sauce, which is a mild sauce that lends a subtle smoke," Nellis told me. "Now I regularly use sriracha, aka rooster sauce, and other, more intense hot sauces in my cooking."

5. Taste before you douse.

Don't ruin your food by dousing it in a hot sauce you've never tried, says John Snedden of Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company.

"Before you take a bite of anything, dip your fork into the hot sauce," says Paul Kita, a.k.a. Guy Gourmet. If you put a tiny bit on the tine of your fork and give it a taste, you'll be able to gauge the heat.

"This way, you're reducing the risk of taking a tongue-searing bit of heat."

6. Respect the peppers that are too hot for you.

"It's fairly easy to take steps up the ladder of heat," says John Hard of Cajohns Fiery Foods. He's collaborated with folks at the Chile Pepper Institute to introduce sauces made from some of the hottest peppers on the planet.

"Remember, habanero is just the start of the upper echelon of heat!" says Hard.

Nespresso coffeemakers; 55-inch, ultraslim LED TVs; and gold-tiled, jetted balcony plunge pools. The new Romantic Zone and Mismoloya properties open as Puerto Vallarta enjoys a boom in visitors, flights and cruise ship arrivals.

According to Sectur, Mexico's tourism ministry, the city saw a 64.2% occupancy rate in the first nine months of 2014, a 6% increase compared with 2013.

International arrivals registered at Puerto Vallarta hotels also increased by 5% from January to September 2014 over the same

period the year before, said Sectur officials. Flight frequencies, too, are up. In October, they rose 23.9% compared with October 2013 and 22.6% compared to September 2014. Alaska Airlines launched direct service from Portland, Ore., and Southwest Airlines has applied for DOT approval to fly nonstop from Orange County, Calif.

Cruise ship arrivals were also up 43% last year and are set to rise yet again. According to Sectur, 141 cruises have confirmed calls at Puerto Vallarta for 2015.

Original www.travelweekly.com

By Kenneth Kiesnoski

T

hings touristic are heating up in Puerto Vallarta's charming Romantic Zone and areas just to the south, with hotel and beach club openings bringing new accommodations and activities options — and potentially more visitors — to a unique part of what's already one of Mexico's most distinctive and popular destinations. New hotels set to come on line amid the jumbled red-tile roofs of the Romantic Zone include boutique properties Pinata PV, with six rooms; the five-villa Luna Liquida Boutique Hotel; and the large, 130-suite Almar Resort Luxury All Suites & Spa, on Los Muertos Beach. Almar, which closed in 2012 for its current $25 million reimagining and renovation, sits across the street from the luxury, adults-only Mantamar Beach Club Bar & Grill, under the same ownership.

Just down Los Muertos Beach

from Almar and Mantamar, Swissborn hotelier and restaurateur Michel Pascal Ferrari has opened three of an eventual 13 luxury, beachfront pool suites at his new Sapphire Ocean Club. All units will be on the market by October "as we do not want to do any construction work during the busy tourist season," said Ferrari. The soft opening of the first three suites was a success and "well received by my clients," some 60% of whom are from the U.S., he added.

Guests at Ferrari's and Meza's properties in the Romantic Zone spend their holidays within walking distance of the picturesque quarter's hustle and bustle, cobblestone streets and nightlife. Those vacationers looking for easy access to the excitement but also a bit of seclusion and scenery should look to beaches in the hilly, verdant Mismoloya area a few minutes' drive to the south.

In December, the all-inclu-

sive Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta opened on the site of the former Dreams property after a $20 million redevelopment.

Hyatt's third Ziva all-inclusive in Mexico, the resort sits on a 1,250foot stretch of Las Estacas Beach and features 335 suites (including several "signature swim-up" units); both a la carte and buffet dining outlets; fitness and conference centers; the Vitamar oceanfront spa; and a host of daily activities.

Officially opened since Jan. 12, the luxury, adults-only Hotel Mousai is perched above existing family-friendly sister property Garza Blanca Preserve, Resort & Spa, located on the white-sand Garza Blanca beach.

The Hotel Mousai's 72 suites and single penthouse, built at a cost of some $330,000 per room, offer what management terms "lavish details" and "wow factors" such as automated curtains and "ambience systems" operated by iPad;

Photo Kenneth Kiesnoski

Puerto Vallarta development heats up

Flower of the week

Sandra Cesca

Buttercup Tree Cochlospermum vitifolium

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his small, yellow, cup-shaped flower is appearing now on leafless shrubs which can reach a height of 45 feet. A native to Mexico, the locals make a tea from the flower to cure jaundice, to lower fever and to relieve the flu. It has a distinctive velvety-brown global seed pod which contains seeds having a fluffy cottonlike substance inside.

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, Page in the Sun Bookstore, and from Sandra at Vallarta Farmer’s Markets on Fridays and Saturdays.

Information on her many area walks can be found at: www. escaperoutevallarta.com.

Welcome to Puerto Va FRIDAY 13/02/2015 STAR PRINCESS PRINCESS CRUISES Arrive 12:00 p.m. Leave 08:00 p.m.

3,300 guests Tuesday 17/02/2015 CROWN PRINCESS PRINCESS CRUISES Arrive 08:00 a.m. Leave 04:00 p.m.

2,600 guests WEDNESDAY 18/02/2015 CARNIVAL MIRACLE CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE Arrive 09:000 a.m. Leave 09:00 p.m.

2,980 guests

allarta

ROMANTIC ZONE

Frankies

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ewly 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.

June Rosen Lopez June Rosen Lopez is having her 2nd annual Valentines Day party on February 12 and 12th from 2 to 8.Feel free to come up to her Gallery and view her collection. She will be serving special Valentine treats and of course wine and other beverages. This event is for friends,clients new and old! This is a time to celebrate your friendships and have fun!

Come by and admire her exquisite workmanship of each and every piece all within an affordable price range.

Galeria June Rosen Lopez is located at Francisca Rodriquez# 200, corner of Pino Suarez, the same street as the new pier up the hill from Olas Alta's Telephone # 222 50 49 or cell 322 779 6491 juneajewel74@hotmail.com

travel

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Feb 12 - 18, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Carnival in Mexico Daniel Wheeler

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elebrated 45 days before Easter (February 8th this year), Carnival is a celebration of earthly, or carnal pleasures before the austerity and sacrifice of Lent. Beginning on the Friday before Ash Wednesday, Carnival reaches its climax on Mardi Gras — "Fat Tuesday." Perhaps the most famous festivities are those of Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans. But there are lively celebrations throughout Mexico in more than 200 towns and cities. With excellent weather all year round, Mexico is a great place to experience the excitement, music, dance and color of Carnival. Here are some of the more popular celebrations around the country.

Mazatlan The port of Mazatlan, in the northern state of Sinaloa, is famous Carnival. A relatively recent addition to the festivities, Mazatlan has heavily promoted Carnival to the American and Canadian tourist, drawing in visitors from up north to take part in a carnival with a slightly different flavor. These festivities are accompanied by banda music, a genre that originated in this state and is popular all over the country.

This brass-based musical sound is very similar to the polka. Closer to home in Puerto Vallarta we have Autlan and Chapala. An easy day overnight trip; either of these towns are great places to explore Mexico.

Chapala Set on Lake Chapala, the municipal seat includes charming Victorian architecture in the downtown area. The Carnival celebrations center on the park alongside the Mazatlan

Mazatlan pier, but the action spreads to other towns on the north shore, such as San Antonio Tlayacapan and Ajijic.

Festivities include rodeo events along with music and dancing, parades, carnival rides and more.

Masked male dancers known as Sayacos wear wide hats and long beards, while others dress in drag, with wigs, beads and hugely padded breasts. The Sayacos predate the Spanish conquest of 1520.

Autlan The little town of Autlan in Jalisco celebrates Carnival in a big way. Birthplace of guitarist Carlos Santana, its festivities center on

the bullfights, held in a special arena, while the music, dancing and fun continue in the streets.

In the Yucatan and on the east coast of Mexico; Merida, Campeche and Veracruz offer up extravagant parades and great family fun.

Merida The capital of Yucatan state, Merida's colonial heart has a distinctively French feel. Indeed, until the mid-20th century, it was easier to reach New Orleans by sea than to travel from the Yucatan to Mexico City. Carnival in the "White City" is a family affair with

theme parades, a king and queen, and salsa, mambo and cumbia dancing. The Battle of the Flowers is "fought" with lush tropical blossoms. Don't miss the spectacular Maya pyramids outside the city.

Campeche Perhaps the oldest in Mexico, Campeche's Carnival represents bad moods with the figure of a pirate. That makes sense, as pirates once preyed on Spanish ships laden with gold that set sail from the port. Unique to Campeche celebrations is the "Dance of the Pig's Head." One dancer carries a tray depicting the head of a

pig. Attached to the tray, colored ribbons are held by other dancers.

Veracruz Sold as the largest Carnival outside of Brazil, Veracruz offers 10 days of parades, festivities, music, food and tradition. Celebrated since 1866 when Archduke Maximilian of Hapsburg ruled Mexico, Carnival here was originally held inside theaters or ballrooms. Today, it begins with the burning of a figure representing bad moods, and ends with the burial of Juan Carnival. The stately Danzon is a favorite dance.

Source: www.mexconnect.com Chapala

VALLARTA TRIBUNE 829 Feb 25 - March 3, 2013

The Natural Beauty of OUR Mountain

Plants

2000

Mammals

80

Birds

300

Amphibians and Reptiles

23

Butterflies

85

500

50% of these species are endemic to MĂŠxico.

We propose the area to be designated a

Natural Preserve Because for Vallarta,

Without the Mountain...

There is no future

Vallarta-Nayarit: Shopping DIRECTORY AND EVENTS guide www.puertovallartadining-shopping.com Events Calendar Would you like to promote your event across Banderas Bay to over 6,000 weekly readers? Non-profit and charity events receive complimentary listings. Maximum 50 words. Contact Editor@vallartatribune.com deadline is Tuesday noon.

Friday, February 13th CANICA Annual Breakfast Fundraiser at Oscar’s on the River Cuale There is no better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than giving a child with cancer a smile and the much needed opportunity to continue their treatment. There are surprises, gifts, raffles and the opportunity to meet all these children. Please buy your tickets in advance at Oscar’s restaurant, Carol’s boutique on Basilio Badillo and the salon Alexander in Plaza Marina 25D. US$20 or the equivalent in pesos $290 includes buffet breakfast.

February 13th and 14th – Time2Play Dinner and a show Boutique Dinner Theater will celebrate Valentine’s Day with Time2Play. Dinner is served from 5:30 and the show start at 6:30.

Upstairs at Nacho Daddy’s on Basilio Badillo, Zona Romantica.

Saturday, Feb. 14 - Corazon de Niña Valentine Gala at 6:30pm at the Sheraton.

Three course dinner, sensational silent auction, major door prize, several raffle prizes, and dance music by the Gecko Band.

Suggested donation of $750 pesos in advance or $800 at the door. Tickets available at Carol's Boutique on Basilio Badillo and Kristina's Salon in the Marina. www. facebook.com/CorazonDeNinaPv Saturday, Feb 14th - IFC Dinner under the Stars A Valentine’s Day Dinner Fundraiser at La Traviata, located on the top floor of the Paloma del Mar Hotel, Honduras #309.

Includes a welcome margarita/ person. Cocktails at 6:30pm dinner at 7:00pm. The full menu is available and details at ifcvallarta.com under events. $500 pesos/person.

Tuesday, February 17 at 9:00pm Mardi Gras – Vallarta Mark this date in your calendar.

Join up with friends and build a float or plan on hitting the street to watch this fantastic spectacle.

Plenty of other events happening in support. More information can be found at www.mardigraspv. com/ Wednesday February 18th at

5:30 pm Charity Bingo at Nacho Daddy’s Card sales beginning at 5:30 pm and bingo at 6:00 pm. Raffle tickets for great prizes, final game is a cash blackout bingo with the winner taking home half the pot. All proceeds shared with Pasitos de Luz and Colina Spay and Neuter.

Thursday, February 19 PV Garden Club Meeting at 11:00am at No Way Jose! Restaurant. Join guest speaker Troy Martz, local permaculture expert who will be speaking on ways that to develop an urban garden on your deck.

Saturday, February 21 Fashion for Compassion – Fundraiser Fashion Show and Lunch at the beautiful OSCARS Restaurant starting at 12:30 Kim Kuzma and Miss Conception will be performing. This is the last show of the season - get your tickets soon! 3 course lunch and lots of silent auction prizes and entertainment. Benefits the Colina Spay and Neuter Clinic Tix. $350 pesos / Available at Deja New locations, Alexander Salon, Nacho Daddy and Cassandra Shaw.

Sunday, February 22 Purr Project Adult Bingo starting at 3:30pm.

The fabulous Amy Armstrong, accompanied by the Greater Tuna Ladies and whoever else might wander onto the stage, will take over the microphone and all sorts of craziness will ensue. Special *adult* prizes 50/50 Free popcorn/ Cash bar. Proceeds benefit the 150+ cats residing at Purr Project, a no-kill feline sanctuary north of Puerto Vallarta.

Tuesday, February 24th ExPats in Vallarta informal Happy Hour gatherings at Langostino’s from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Langostinos is located on Los Muertos Beach just north of the new pier.

Tuesday, February 24 at 7:00pm The Gift of Story: Capturing and Preserving Family Memories An IFC special presentation by author Candace George Thompson. Donation for IFC charities: $50 pesos at the door. www. ifcvallarta.com February 26-28 IFC Mindfulness Meditation Retreat. The

Say “I love you” in Spanish:

I

f you think Spanish is a romantic language, you're right! If you'd like to tell your special someone how you feel about them in Spanish, you may find it a bit more challenging than just learning the words. Saying I love you in Spanish can be a bit more complicated than in English because there are two different ways to say it. "Te quiero" is said freely among friends and family members but "te amo" is used to denote a stronger feeling.

The Battle Between “Te Quiero” and “Te Amo” Te quiero - Te quiero is simple. It literally translates to ‘I want you’ but is translated to ‘I love you.’ It can be used towards your family, friends, and spouse/girlfriend/boyfriend. This is the safest way to say ‘I love you’ to anyone you want to express your love towards.

Te amo - Te amo means ‘I love you’ as well but it isn’t used when in reference to your family and friends. This term is rarely used in general but when it is, it is reserved for your lover/true love. You might see ‘Te amo’ in classic Spanish literature and poems too.

retreat will feature Kavindu, Director of Meditation and co-founder, Yogaespacio.com. The Program is entitled, “A Mindful Path from Difficult Emotion to Creative Action”. Info and registration material at the IFC offices or www.ifcvallarta.com.

March 3-7: 23rd Banderas Bay International Regatta Known as one of the biggest cruiser's regattas in the world, the Banderas Bay International Regatta brings together serious racers and cruisers for a week of yacht racing and nightly entertainment.

The event concludes in a fun awards banquet held on the beach at Paradise Village Resort in Nuevo Vallarta. BanderasBayRegatta.com Wednesday March 4th Charity Bingo at Nacho Daddy’s Card sales beginning at 5:30 pm and bingo at 6:00 pm.Raffle tickets for great prizes, final game is a cash blackout bingo with the winner taking home half the pot. All proceeds shared with Pasitos de

Love 1) Te quiero (mucho).- I love you (a lot / very much).

2) Te amo (mucho).- I love you (a lot / very much).

– More serious 3) Eres mi todo. – You are my everything.

4) Eres el amor de mi vida.- You are the love of my life.

5) Te quiero con todo mi alma.- I love you with all of my soul.

6) Cada día te quiero mas. – Each day I love you more.

7) Estoy enamorado(a) de ti. – I’m in love with you.

8) Soy feliz de compartir cada instante de mi vida a tu lado. – I’m happy to share each moment of my life by your side.

9) Besarte es como ver las estrellas. – To kiss you is like seeing stars.

10) Tu amor vale mas que millones de estrellas. – Your love is worth more than a million stars.

Romantic 1) He estado pensando en ti. – I’ve been thinking about you.

2) Pienso en ti todo el tiempo. – I think about you all the time.

3) Solo puedo pensar en ti. – I can only think of you.

4) Me vuelves loco(a). – You drive me crazy.

5) Estoy loco(a) por ti. – I’m crazy for you.

6) Te adoro. – I adore you.

7) Te deseo. – I want / desire you.

8) Tienes una sonrisa muy hermosa. – You have a very beautiful smile.

9) Eres la persona mas maravillosa del mundo. – You are the most wonderful person in the world.

10) No puedo esperar a verte. – I can’t wait to see you.

Luz and Colina Spay and Neuter.

March 5-8: 4th Annual Vallarta Bird Festival The Banderas Bay Region is home to over 300 species of different birds.

The Festival is hosted by the Vallarta Bird Conservancy. Four action packed days of birding and natures walks with expert guides in unique habitats will be sure to satisfy even the most advanced birders, workshops and lectures from local and international authorities on many interesting bird and birding related topics will round out the festival. www.vallartabirdconservancy.org/ Saturday March 7 - 4th Annual Riverfest at El Rio BBQ Live music featuring Kim Kuzma, Regina Zerené, Los Chuyz, Chris Kenny, The Zippers, The Gecko Band, and Texas Embassy Blues Band. 12pm to 7pm $80 peso donation at the gate or purchase a VIP patron ticket in advance for $500 pesos.

All proceeds to Pasitos de Luz! Information at the Pasitos table at

The Old Town Famers Market or email Barb at condo211@yahoo. ca March 12-15 Chacala Village Music Festival This picturesque Nayarit beach town has band together to create an annual week-long celebration of music complete with singalongs and dancing in the street, as well as authentic Mexican food and spirits. ChacalaVillageMusicFestival.com March 13-16 IV Beach Polo World Cup Recognized as the largest in the country, the IV Beach Polo World Cup, features several of the world's tops players competing in this luxury sport in Nuevo Vallarta.

PoloInRivieraNayarit.com Wednesday March 18th Charity Bingo at Nacho Daddy’s Card sales beginning at 5:30 pm and bingo at 6:00 pm.Raffle tickets for great prizes, final game is a cash blackout bingo with the winner taking home half the pot. All proceeds shared with Pasitos de Luz and Colina Spay and Neuter.

Living

In La Cruz

By Cindy Bouchard Cindy Bouchard, an expat Canadian runs a Boutique Inn, Villa Amor del Mar in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. She and her husband Chris are living and lovin’ in Vallarta–Nayarit. If you want more info on La Cruz or desire… A very special vacation contact cindy@VillaAmordelMar.com

By Cindy Bouchard

M

y love affair with the enchanting music that is Latcho & Andrea began the moment I heard them. Passion emanates, words cannot convey what gets folks clapping and dancing, the Blond Gypsies... must be experienced!

“Music can transcend all borders of language, culture, nationality and generations.” ~ Latcho & Andrea Their plans changed when lifelong friend Lobo, of Willie and Lobo fame, touted the area as paradise. They spent many winters here before deciding to make La Cruz de Huanacaxtle their permanent home. Ready for a radical change in their lives they relocated in 1996 when Lobo got a record deal in the US and offered them his job at Mama Mia in Puerto Vallarta.

They embraced that opportunity and

are still very happy with their decision.

Latcho was born in northern Germany in an area called “The door to Scandinavia” running away from home at an early age. Making a living as a street entertainer in Europe as his talent for performing came easily; playing guitar in a street group and working as a fire-eater. He learned the secrets of flamenco guitar from the source itself in Southern France and Spain following the Gypsy life of campfires, wine and music. Apprenticing in the most unique way, living in a cave in Granada’s Gypsy quarter El Sacromonte, learning the difficult guitar styles from the masters themselves.

“The incredible magic of the Gypsy music hooked me at a young age and all I wanted to do was to play guitar like the Gypsy Kings and others.

This passion led me to form my own band of gypsies called LÄILO.

Touring Europe, North Africa and Mexico, I brought the music of Flamenco and gathered other beautiful folk songs from the cultures I visited, always keeping the cultural soul of the music alive.”

Andrea, born in South Germany in Stuttgart, discovered a passion for ballet at the age of 14. She too ran away from home to follow her dream of becoming a dancer. While studying ballet in Cologne she learned Spanish dance. Magnetically drawn to the beauty and passion of Flamenco music and with the help of an exceptional teacher, José de Udaeta, she learned the castanets. A seed was planted watching Flamenco star Manitas De Plata perform on television and it came to sprout when she met Latcho.

“All I wanted to do was participate in playing the rhythmic pulse of this wild and untamed music, which combines in an incomparable way, pain and sorrow, love and joy. There’s magic to it, which easily connects people of all generations and any cultural background, very often in getting them up to dance” PEACE ☮ LOVE ♥ MUSIC ♬ Latcho & Andrea met in 1982 as performers in a traveling Wild West show.

“Our life purpose is to bring the heart and soul of Gypsy music to audiences worldwide in live performances and recordings, to inspire people with what inspired us.”

For more on Latcho & Andrea’s story and where you can hear them h tt p : / / w w w. v i l l a a m o rd e l m a r. c o m / characters-latcho-andrea/

Kathleen Carrillo Galleries

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athleen Carrillo Galleries will be receiving her new shipment of giclee prints of “Climb To Gringo Gulch” in the next week. Be sure to stop by the new Gallery located on Constitution 325 in Old Town Puerto Vallarta. It is right next door to the Banderas Bay Trading Company in the old Puerco Azul Gallery space. Kathleen has just finished the newest Whimsical Architecture piece entitled “Balcony Views PV”, which will also be reproduced and available as as a hand Embellished Giclee Print, edition of 100. Two new Jungle Spirits are now hanging in the gallery as well as a brand new

beach painting entitled “The Two Divas”.

It has a wonderful humorous feel and all dog lovers will want to see it! Kathleen still has space available in the 4 remaining One Day Painting Workshops that are also held at the gallery. Contact her soon as the classes are filling up fast.

Sign ups are now easy to do online at her workshop website www.YourCreativeAwakening.com Go to the Studio Class information and find all of the subjects and dates that are still available. KathleenCarrillo80@hotmail. “Climb To Gringo Gulch” Hand Embellicom, Mexico Cell 044 322 141 8867, US shed Giclee on canvas 30x40” number 941 932 8543, or just come on www.KathleenCarrilloGalleries.com by and visit. www.YourCreativeAwakening.com kathleencarrillo80@hotmail.com www.HouseofWindandWater.com Celebrating the Colorful Magic of Life!

MEN AND WOMEN’S JEWELRY AND ACCESORIES. CASSANDRA SHAW JEWELRY 223 9734 BASILIO BADILLO 276 OLD TOWN OPEN DAILY

riviera nayarit

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Feb 12 - 18, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Fun on the Riviera Nayarit

By Cat Morgan

www.rivieranayaritfun.com

For any questions, comments or information about tours, rentals, restaurant and entertainment please contact me at Cat@RivieraNayaritFun.com or Cat@NewEnergyConsciousness.com

Valentine’s Day for Lovers and Friends

H

ola a todos! Valentine’s Day is this Saturday, February 14th, and who knew there are about one dozen St. Valentines, plus a pope?

A Little History of Saint Valentine The saint we celebrate on Valentine’s Day is Saint Valentine of Rome. “Valentinus” comes from the Latin word for worthy, strong or powerful. St. Valentine was a popular moniker between the second and eight centuries A.D, along with several martyrs over the time who have carried this name.

The official roster of saints from the Roman Catholic church shows about a dozen who were named Valentine, with the most recent St. Valentine being a Spaniard of the Dominican named Berrio-Ochoa, who travelled to Vietnam where he served as a bishop until his beheading 1861. (How romantic!) Pope John Paul II canonized BerrioOchoa in 1988. There was also a Pope Valentine who served only 40 days around 827 A.D. A more popular version of the Valentine’s Day story, as well as a bit more romantic as well, states that St. Valentine of Rome was imprisoned for performing weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry and also for ministering to Christians, who were persecuted under the Roman Empire. During his imprisonment, he healed the daughter of his jailer, Asterius, and, as the story goes (or embellished upon), that before his execution he wrote her a letter signed “Your valentine” as a farewell.

There are actually “feast days” in many different branches of the church, and other countries with some being celebrated on June

12th, July 6th, and July 30th.

Romantically speaking, in the high middle ages when courtly love was flourishing, 18th century England helped to evolve Valentine’s Day into a day of gifting flowers and sending Valentine’s Day cards, as well as St. Valentine’s keys as a romantic symbol, and an invitation to unlock the giver’s heart, and the familiar symbols of love with the dear winged Cupid with his bow and arrows. This is a Valentine’s Day card dated back to 1909. The gifting of love with flowers, presents, cards...the possibilities of how you wish to share this special day together is endless!

Valentine’s Day around Bucerias and La Cruz …

Bucerias has several different fun Valentine’s Dinners and entertainment to choose from. Reservations are required for most places.

To find out more about these menu’s, pricing and contact information, please visit the allBucerias. com calendar or the allLaCruz.com calendars.

Valentine’s Day in Bucerias Breakers Beach Club, Bar and Restaurant celebrates with a Sunset Concert with Bryan Savage up on the top deck overlooking the Banderas Bay while you enjoy a delicious dinner.

Mark’s Bar and Grill has you dining in a romantic setting on the patio or inside while listening to live guitar and flute.

Chef Jan always prepares an extensive menu.

Esquina 22 Bar and Lounge On Saint Valentine’s Day we celebrate couples in love. Enjoy your meal upstairs (great for smokers) or downstairs in the lounge.

Los Arroyos Verdes Eco Paradise is celebrating their Valentine’s Day on Sunday with a fun Pool Party with the band FunksWagon. Eat, drink, and dance out by the pool.

Their Olympic sized pool is solar heated and always a perfect 86 degrees….so lovely…with plenty of floaties to hang out on. Great for the entire family with a new play park for the kiddies.

Luna Lounge is already sold out for their Valentine’s Show with Elvis, as well as the Dwight Blake show…however, there are still a few tickets for Dame Edna, Magician Todd Diamond, Kim Kuzma and her Band and Miss Conception. They also added a new Crazy Bitches Show! You can use their easy contact form for reservations on allBucerias.com website Valentine’s Day in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Octopus’s Garden Join in the fun at Octopus’s Garden for Salsa Dance Night on Valentine’s Day on the spring dance floor upstairs.

Bring your sweetie out dancing! You can find us by going left at the only

light in La Cruz and left at the rounda-bout and down 3 blocks on the right. The Black Forest Restaurant Happy Valentine’s Day a todo! Chef Winfried has prepared a menu that will entice you and your loved one.

El Asadero Enjoy a Mexican BBQ for 2, known as a Parrillades.

If you have not yet seen the ceiling with over 15,000 bricks and custom design its worth popping in for! They also have wide variety of Tequila’s as well as Raicilla, organic and twice distilled.

Masala Bar and Grill Enjoy an evening of amazing cuisine with music by the Sayulita Jazz Duo playing trumpet, flute and guitar.

Las Palapas Grill is also celebrating Valentine’s Day. Enjoy a fine meal on the playa.

It’s “Hippy Dippy Days” theme for the Mardi Gras celebration at Pub Britannia and the BIG party of the season in La Cruz. Dress up or have fun with the masks and hats provided. It’s a good idea to make a reservation for your table! It’s also OPEN MIC NIGHT! Come and join the fun. Every Tuesday Pub Britannia in La Cruz has Open Mike Night with food and drink specials.

Bring your musical talent and come play and sing with the band. Everyone is welcomed!

I also need to make a very important correction for Ana Banana Bar and Grill in La Cruz.

Their weekend brunch is every Sunday, NOT Saturday! My apologies for the typo! Enjoy the music on Sunday mornings with “Las Naturals” playing soft sounds (with Ralph from the Rhythm Roosters) on guitar. Enjoy your coffee with a little Kahlua...and one of the best breakfasts in town. To find Ana Banana go left at the only light down to the town plaza. Left right before the gate to the marina and you will find Ana’s on the right. Enjoy!

Happy Valentine’s Day Everyone! Enjoy the time you have with your loved ones and dear friends.

If anyone needs any assistance with information for rentals, restaurants, tours or other Banderas Bay and other Riviera Nayarit Fun events, send me an email directly to Cat@RivieraNayaritFun.com, or for Energy Medicine Healing Cat@ NewEnergyConsciousness.com Blessings of loving kindness, Cat Morgan

19

Fabien Madesclaire and Ariel O’Donnell

real estate Buying a Beachfront Property in Puerto Vallarta: Part 5: Playa Flamingo, Playa Cocodrilos, Playa Bucerias, Playa la Manzanilla & Playa Destiladeras

Fabien@g3mex.com

If you have real estate questions, or want to know more about beachfront properties, contact Fabien anytime at G3MEX Real Estate Group: 322-209-0832. Or visit us in out new office in Old Town on Calle Amapas, right near the Hotel Emperador.

W

elcome to part 5 of Buying a Beachfront property in Puerto Vallarta. Here, encircling the Bay of Banderas, we are truly blessed with a wide variety of beautiful beachfronts. This week we move up to Nayarit, the state bordering Jalisco to the North. Most of these areas are accessible via public transportation, but having a car is really a MUST, for shopping and getting around.

Nuevo Vallarta: Playa Flamingo and Playa Cocodrilos These are clean and mellow tide beaches. Highly secured by the hotels and resorts that run the length of Nuevo Vallarta. So, if you’re looking for a location without public access, this is it. Many people prefer this area because of the modern

and luxurious feel, and there are numerous beachfront condos available. The developments include a lot of amenities and range from full to fractional ownership properties.

Because of the proximity to the airport, and the resort ambience, many vacationers look for rentals

out this way, making it a good place to invest if you want to cover the costs of your property maintenance fees, and upkeep.

Playa Bucerias Friendly and very relaxed, with lots of beach space, good restaurants and bars, and a quaint Mexican

village. There are about 17,000 residents, in Bucerias, mostly Mexican, but a good number of expats, too. A very welcoming feel—many people adore living here.

Beautiful condos, and villa properties are available on this 5-mile stretch of beach. Prices

Feb 12 - 18, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

range from high to low, but you can find some good deals. It’s a little more off the beaten path, so the vacation renters that you get will most likely already be familiar with this charming area.

La Cruz de Huanacaxtle: Playa la Manzanilla and Playa Destiladeras La Cruz is situated about mid way between Bucerias and Punta de Mita, and is a 30 minute ride into downtown Puerto Vallarta. This is a quiet community, surrounded by pretty beaches, and with its own Marina, making it a great option for sailors. Bustling is not a word frequently used for La Cruz. So, if you’re looking for tranquility, you’ve scored big time!

There are some gorgeous developments in this area. Alamar Resort, for example, offers beautiful ocean and jungle views, with an elegant beach club.

Too, there are a lot of other options for purchase here in La Cruz from simple casitas to luxury villas. Nice beaches, good restaurants and an excellent Farmers’ Market on Sundays during the high-season.

Vacation rentals can be a challenge, though, as there’s not a lot to do here other than to kickback and relax, since it’s a little far from the action. But sometimes some peace and quiet is just what the doctor ordered.

Old Town Farmers Marke

Create a Heart Connection this Valentine’s Day Download 200,000+ brand logos in vector format for free http://www.logoeps.com/

By Erin Staley

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alentine’s Day is just around the corner, and our 90+ “make it, bake it, grow it” vendors have extraordinary gifts on hand to help you say, “I Love You!” From freshly cut flowers and artisan chocolates to ready-to-eat goodies and one-of-a-kind accessories and décor, you'll find something to win the heart of your loved one.

In fact, this week we're featuring the “heart connections” of Wiki's embellished boxes, magnets, hangers, wall art, clocks and personal accessories.

Get to Know the OTFM

A Magical Connection

Wiki was founded on what architect and Wiki owner Liz Montejano describes as “the magical idea of connecting people with Mexico's past.”

Her grandfather was a fine woodworker, and she followed in his footsteps by teaching herself the art. For the last three years, Montejano has been lending her architectural expertise and sharing the messages of prehispanic Mexico through modern-day objects. Each piece is inspired by prehispanic graphics often found on codex, seals, rocks and pyramids.

When asked “Why wood on which to create?” Montejano

smiles and says, “It is very expressive. It speaks to every age, and always suggests how it wants to be presented.”

Woodworking Magic

Montejano uses her creative imagination to create her designs and then matches them up to a high quality custom-cut primavera wood.

Once in the workshop, the woodworking magic begins.

Montejano revs up her power tools and sands the wood by hand.

She then uses a specialized pyrography tool for intricate carvings.

It's during this phase that Montejano claims the wood “shares how it wants to crafted and how it ought to be dressed in color.”

When the process is complete, each Wiki piece is marked with serial number for authenticity and then patiently waits to connect with its purchaser. Montejano says,

“Each piece is destined to connect with the heart of the person to whom it was destined.”

She adds, “Wiki art joins worlds and experiences. It reaches beyond borders, shares Mexico's talent and tradition and brings happiness to households around the world.”

Stop by this Saturday and see which Wiki piece will win the heart of your sweetie. Montejano also creates customized pieces. Simply share a general idea of what you'd like and watch Montejano add her artistic touch. Within one week, you'll have a special piece of woodworking magic. To learn more, visit www.flumont.com or contact (322) 281 6861, (322) 120-8223 or liz-mf@hotmail.com.

Ours is a festive “make it, bake it, grow it” North American style market that celebrates the tradition and culture of Mexico’s outdoor tianguis markets. We are a registered non-profit/association civil organization that focuses on the “buy local” movement as well as entrepreneurial and community development.

You're Invited!

Join us this Saturday from 9:30-2 in Lazaro Cárdenas Park, Old Town.

And be sure to save your appetite for the International Food Court (located under shaded pergolas on the eastern side of Lazaro Cárdenas Park). We're cooking up Thai, Indian, traditional Mexican favorites (tacos, empanadas, burritos and green pozole) and vegan dishes, such as hamburgers, al pastor and falafels.

The market is open every Saturday from November 1 through April 25. For updates, visit www. oldtownfm.com and “like” us on Facebook.

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et - Tianguis Cultural

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

Special Note: Calling all jewelry lovers! We'd like to make a correction to last week's article:

…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.

Ollin Mexica's new company name is Heriko Joyeria. Owned by artisans Christel Reimink and Heriberto Saucedo, Heriko Joyeria carries an exquisite line of silver, gold, wood and leather pieces. Wow your Valentine with the magic and sophistication of featured fossils, specific stones and semi-precious stones. Contact Fb Heriko Joyeria or contact (322) 190-5632, (322) 160-2747 (cell) or herikojoyeria@hotmail.com.

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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an art.

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charity

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Feb 12 - 18, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

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

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 Magisterio & Progreso with necessities and job training and English. slw2014nv@gmail.com American Legion Post 14: raises resources and manpower to improve facilities needing building maintenance americanlegion14.org Asilo San Juan Diego Home for the Elderly - Contact: Lupita Sanchez Covarrubias 222-1257 or malupita88@hotmail.com or mexonline.com\asilosanjuandiego. htm Asociación Down - Assistance to persons with Down’s Syndrome – Contact: Ana Eisenring at 224-9577.

Banderas Bay Women’s Shelter - Safe shelter for women & children victims of domestic violence. 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 CANICA - Centre for Children with Cancer. Provides aid for treatment and services including transportation to GDL. Contact Director, Evelia Basañes 322-123-5688.

Casa Hogar - A shelter for orphaned, abandoned, disadvantaged or vulnerable children. Luz Aurora Arredondo at 221-1908, 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 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 & more. 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. 2234311 or 22225 72 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. familiesatthedump.org Fundacion Punta de Mita LDG. Ana Lilia Medina Varas de Valdés. ana@fundacionpuntademita. org Tel. (329) 291 5053 Friends of PV Animals Volunteers working to enhance the lives of shelter animals. For info and donations visit friendsofpvanimals. com Grupo Ecológico de Puerto Vallarta: Arq. Luz del Carmen Pérez A cayro_13@hotmail.com grupoecologico.com 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, 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 more.

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 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

Adorable Dog In The Spotlight... TEDDY

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eddy, a sweet Poodle, is one of our older little guys and he needs a very special home. Teddy was discovered abandoned in a parking lot before finding refuge with us at the sanctuary. During examination by our vet, it was discovered he has an enlarged heart. Teddy has been receiving treatment for his heart condition and is now ready to find his fur-ever home. Because of his condition, Teddy needs a loving, calm and stress-free environment.

Teddy is about 6 years old and weighs 17.6 pounds, perfect size for a loving, warm lap. Are you ready to make this boy your Valentine?

Contact us at spcapv@gmail.com if you are interested.

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 Toys for Tots Vallarta - Distributes toys and constructs play-

grounds for Puerto Vallarta area during the Christmas holiday period.

Jerry Lafferty 322 221 6156 or 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

classified and more...

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Feb 12 - 18, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Tianguis and Farmer´s Markets All 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 Tianguis - Year-round Sundays In the arroyo La Cruz Sunday Mercado Sundays At the La Cruz Marina Bucerias Market - Monday Artwalk Plaza Guayabitos – Mondays year-round In the main plaza Nuevo Vallarta Farmers Market –Tuesdays San Pancho Market / Tuesday in Main Plaza La Cruz Tianguis Year-round Wednesday Below the glorietta La Penita Tianguis – Thursday year-round In the main plaza Marina Vallarta Market – Thursdays In the main plaza Marsol Market to the pier - Friday Sayulita’s Farmer’s Market downtown Friday Tres gallinas y un gallo - Saturdays 466 Venustiano Carranza Old Town Farmers Market – Saturdays Lazaro Cardenas Park Lo de Marcos Tianguis – Saturdays In the main plaza

Havre No.111 Col. Versalles Fluent Englis Spoken

Happy Valentine’s Day from Cobblestones! Everything RED in the store is 20% off!

Hours: Tuesday to Friday 10 to 5 pm Saturday 10 to 2 pm 497 Francisco Madero & Naranjo Emiliano Zapata 044 322 100 1577

Cobblestones

Consignment Valentine

by Marcia Blondin

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t’s Valentine’s Day. That time of year we consciously take love from our hearts and give it away in the hope that in the giving, someone, somewhere, will receive it.

Colleen Bixler, of Cobblestones, likes to donate her extra clothing, shoes, handbags and more to the neighbours who live near her consignment store. She has donated “a bunch of stuff to the local church that, in turn, had a bazaar to raise money to feed the poor and buy medicine for sick people in their neigh-

bourhood. I would rather give to the locals who ‘slip through the cracks’,” says Colleen. “And, if anyone knows a family that is in need, they can let me know and I’ll try to help.”

Colleen also wants to remind everyone that the Oscar parties are right around the corner and she has some fancy ‘Red Carpet’ clothes at decidedly un-fancy prices.

Cobblestones Consignment 497 Francisco Madero & Naranjo Col. Emiliano Zapata 044 322 100 1577

High Tea at High Noon

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alentine’s Day is just around the corner, and you can share your love for our four-legged pals by joining us for “High Tea at High Noon” on Saturday, February 14, 2015 benefiting the SPCA de Puerto Vallarta sanctuary. (www.facebook.com/ spcapv).

Set in one of Vallarta’s most romantic locations, Puerta del Cielo--the chapel across from Hacienda San Angel (www. haciendasanangel.com), we will be dining on traditional English tea and scrumptious finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and desserts catered by the fantastic Kathy Overly.

We are so excited to announce that the lovely Laura Labra Lopez will be showing her timeless original designs during a brief fashion show.

Complimentary jewelry will be provided by Cassandra Shaw. We are sure everyone will enjoy the gorgeous designs from both Laura and Cassandra.

Festivities will be from Noon until 3 pm. Tickets are $650 pesos per person, and tables of nine can be reserved.

Tickets sell out fast, so be sure to contact spcapv@gmail.com to make your reservations today.

Looking forward to a TeaROOFic Valentine’s Day with you!

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