Issue 969, Oct 29 - Nov 4, 2015

Catch us online @ vallartatribune.com

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7th Season Old Town Farmers Market

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October 22 - Nov 4, 2015 Free Issue 969

Hurricane Patricia The Patricia Principle

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Things to Do Event Calendar

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Photo Credit: Gloria Angélica Martínez González

Complete Dia de Muertos Events on Page 2

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 18th year in a row, Puerto Vallarta’s water has been awarded a certification of purity for human consumption.

The quality of the water tested at the purification plant varies greatly from what comes out of the tap at the other end. So do be careful. If you want to be doubly sure, you can pick up bottled water just about anywhere.

Oct. 29 - Nov 4, 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

SAVE THE DATE

On November 26th join the Children with Cancer in Puerto Vallarta at their first Thanksgiving Dinner to be held at Le Bistro Jazz Café, on the Isla Cuale. Information will follow. Stay tuned for more details.

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.

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

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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Oct. 29 - Nov 4, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Editor’s Note

editor@vallartatribune.com

L

ast week, I received a pretty nasty letter from a disgruntled reader who, among his myriad of complaints, couldn’t read the crossword. In an effort to appease him, I made the decision to drop the Sudoku and make the crossword as big as I could. (He has since apologized, sort of.)

Of course, this got me another slew of letters complaining about the lack of Sudoku… I have, of course, reverted to both Suduko and the Crossword.

See - letter writing campaigns work!

I also received an email from a woman horribly offended that I called Canada’s ex-Prime Minister a despot. Apparently according to this woman, the best option for getting rid of all those nasty refugees and making criminals out of teenagers who smoke a little pot would have been Stephen Harper.

And then this week the dashing Prime Minister Elect - Justin Trudeau announced that he would repeal the visa requirements placed on Mexicans. Not only is he dreamy, but he’s also a man with a heart. I am so relieved.

This week’s paper is full of

Letters to the Editor editor@vallartatribune.com

W

e are happy to report that all is well in Puerto Vallarta.

The sun is out and it is beautiful. Friday was a very unusual day. By 8:00 in the morning, the shops and restaurants along Basilio Badillo were closing and tourists were being evacuated from hotels. Our bomberos, police, and other government officials pulled together and did a fabulous job. We were very fortunate that the hurricane missed us.

Our hearts and thoughts are with those not so fortunate.

Garden Club member, Matthias Vogt just came back from an inspection trip through town to check on our planters/plants etc and happily reports that not one branch, tree, or bougainvillea was out of place…on the contrary…all looked happily soaked!

The third Thursday of the Month will be Garden Club meeting day again this year. Two dates to save: Thursday early evening, November 19 join Garden Club Friends for a welcome back party and membership kickoff. You’ll get specific details soon. Then Thursday, December 17, we’ll kick off the Christmas Holiday Season at the Botanical Gardens with a sing-along featuring talented Puerto Vallarta musician Bob Bruneau.

Please consider getting actively involved with the Club this year. We need a database coordinator, a Secretary for our board, help with fund raising and events. Please contact me, Bonnie Mott, bonmott@hotmail.com to learn more!

2015 has been our most ambitious year ever and we can't wait for you to see all of the work we've done when you return to Puerto Vallarta for the high season. It's beautiful.

Cordially, Bonnie Mott, President PV Garden Club

Patricia related articles and commentary and calendars of events.

Everyone is sending in their events and we just don’t have the space to publish it all. I suspect we will be upping our page count to twenty-four next issue as advertisers come back to the paper and we have to make room for all the things going on around town and across this country. Please support those who make this paper happen every week, all year long.

As for my time huddled under the bed, it was pretty non-eventful, though fame found me with four radio interviews, including two in Canada, and some email back and

Havre No.111 Col. Versalles Fluent English Spoken

forth with NBC. Alas, it was fleeting. Or thankfully, it was fleeting because none of them saw fit to call me back on Saturday. Oh, Patricia.

Now, I am going to leave the words of wisdom to all the contributors who have put their own thoughts and experiences into their week’s submissions.

This week there are many

SPCA of Puerto Vallarta

T

he sense of community was never more apparent than it was this past week. We sent out an emergency plea for help in evacuating all our dogs and cats from the sanctuary due to the threat of potential flooding caused by the arrival of Hurricane Patricia.

Within hours we were contacted by our friends in town who volunteered to help us with their time and facilitate our transportation needs.

A total of 85 dogs plus cats were evacuated from the SPCA PV sanctuary. All of our 'animal guests' were moved to safer locations and we did everything possible to ensure their well-being during this difficult time. We are so grateful to everyone who participated in the effort to evacuate as well as return the rescues to/from the sanctuary.

We were fortunately blessed to have been spared all the devastation experienced elsewhere by the force of “Patricia”. All of our sweethearts are now safely back “home” no worse for the experience!

There are so many people we want to thank and apologize

wonderful Halloween and Day(s) of the Dead events going on. Personally, I’ll be hoping to make Guinness World Record history with the most Catrina’s gathered in one spot, then heading to Solar for some beach dance party. See you there!

Madeline

By Janice Gonzalez

if we miss anyone. A big round of applause to Mona Kines, who was the “master sergeant” and ensured that both the evacuation and safe return of our rescues were handled efficiently. Kudos to the entire sanctuary staff, including Miguel, for their stellar job and keeping everything organized during this ordeal. A special thank you to Lynnette Fairclough and Warren Brander who rounded up all the folks from Boardwalk Realty, along with their SUV’s, to help with the evacuation: John & Donovan Swanson; Anna Green with sons Chris & JP; Rob Boyd & Kevin Wu; Rocio Nava and Luis Felipe Carbajal. Additionally, we want to thank: Ross Cable, Nancy Coates, Jennifer Davies, Kai Doyle, Melissa Garcia and her mother Dolores, Jan Gregg-Kelm, Godfrey Hendrickson, Brian Kines, Benedicte Laur, Nevi Oros, Candace Shaw and her daughter Savannah, Pegeen White, and Ali; Jessie; Larry; Mandy; Mel; and Rick.

We also especially want to thank those individuals who offered up their homes to foster some of our

special dogs. Thanks to Michael Hord who fostered one of our little ones; Lonna Hull and her daughter Rae-Anne who fostered our big guy “Buck”; Sabrina, Zoraya and Maria Luisa, members of our sanctuary staff, who took ALL the special needs dogs home to foster.

Way to go everyone!

And finally, we need to acknowledge the herculean efforts of Tina Kunkel, Janice Chatterton’s right hand. Not only did she maintain a handle on her normal daily duties (those emails never stop coming) she was also responsible for orchestrating the evacuation from her office. She contacted the available boarding locations, made charts detailing which type of dog would go where, along with all the details of what kind of kennels were available in each boarding place, costs, etc. She compiled lists of people who responded to our plea for assistance and communicated where and how they were to be met, who would go directly to the sanctuary, etc. Tina thank you for all your dedication and all the long hours!

Markets and More – Weekly Events Around the Bay This is a growing list as regularily scheduled events and markets are announced. Be sure to check back each week. If you have an event you’d like to add – email editor@vallartatribune.com Tuesday Malecon Sculpture Tour – 9:30am Hosted by Gary

Thompson. The tour starts at the “Millennium” sculpture next to the Hotel Rosita at the north end of the Malecon.

Wednesday Artwalk – In the historic center of Puerto Vallarta 6-10pm Starting this October 28th Art collectors, local residents and

interested visitors are invited to discover the great variety and exceptional quality of art available in Puerto Vallarta.

Recreactiva – 8:45pm – Join in a group bike ride from Marina to the Malecon and back every Wednesday evening.

Thursday Live Music in the Main Plaza – 6pm Friday Marsol Market by the Pier – 9:30 – 1:30 Saturday Three Hens and a Rooster Market - From 9am to 1pm, on Carranza 466, Old Town

Live Music in the Main Plaza – 6pm Sunday Recreactiva – 8am-12pm – the centre lanes of Francisco Medina are closed to traffic and open to anyone wishing to walk, skate, ride from Hotel Krystal to the Sheraton.

Old Town Farmers Marke Download 200,000+ brand logos in vector format for free http://www.logoeps.com/

Join Us for the OTFM-TC’s 7th Season Old Town Farmers Market - Tianguis Cultural

By Erin Staley

T

here's a reason why the Old Town Farmers Market - Tianguis Cultural is called “Puerto Vallarta’s favourite weekend attraction”! Join us on Saturday, November 7 (9:30am - 2pm), for 91 stalls of farm-fresh produce, artisan goods and on-site services as well as live entertainment and a welcoming sense of community.

Meet the Market The OTFM-TC is a North American style market that celebrates the tradition and culture of Mexico’s outdoor tianguis markets.

It is also a registered non-profit/ association civil organization that focuses on nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit of Puerto Vallartans'.

All OTFM-TC products are either locally grown or handmade within 75 kilometres of the city.

Every season over 100,000 national and international shoppers visit in search of farmers market favourites. And now you can, too!

Check out this season's roster of “must-experiences”: • Farm-fresh produce and berries • Organic pet food • Greeting cards • Flavorful cheeses • Pickles & fermented foods • Organic coffee • Artisan breads • Greek yoghurt • Nut butters • Eye-catching décor • Clothing for all ages • Baked goods • Homemade dips, dressings, salsas and moles • Custom made bikinis and resort wear • Handcrafted jewelry, sandals and accessories • Natural body products • Agua frescas (flavoured water) • Massage treatments with a licensed therapist • Freshly cut tropical flowers • Traditional British fruit and meat pies • Prehispanic instruments, Huichol art and traditionally woven items

• Fresh coconut water • American-certified chiropractic adjustments

Food-Fabulous

Wow your taste buds with a variety international fare: Thai, American, Taiwanese and Mexican. We will also have vegan options, such as hamburgers, al pastor and falafels.

And don't forget the sweet stuff!

• Sweet breads & sticky buns • Chocolate-covered bananas • Candied nuts • Peanut brittle • Cakes & cookies • Artisan chocolates Simply head on over to our International Food Court, which is located under shaded pergolas on the eastern side of Lazaro Cárdenas Park. Dine and enjoy the live entertainment that will be polka-dotted around the market.

You're Invited!

The OTFM-TC will be open 9:30-2 every Saturday, from November 7, 2015, to April 30, 2016.

You'll find us in Lazaro Cárdenas Park, located in Vallarta’s Emiliano Zapata neighbourhood. For only 12 pesos an hour, you can park in the garage directly beneath park.

Public buses and taxis also come

this way with a Pino Suarez Street drop off.

Get Involved Interested in becoming a new vendor or volunteer? Stop by the information booth to pick up an

application.

For the latest in market news (both in English and Spanish), visit www.oldtownfm.com and “like” us on Facebook (Old.Town.Farmers.

Market.PV).

et - Tianguis Cultural

Find us at Parque Lázaro Cárdenas Romantic Zone Saturdays 9:30 - 2:00 pm

Artisan Bakery Artisan Bakery

Artisan Bakery

Artisan Bakery

The Artisans of Madre Selva is a cooperative of women who produce handmade jewellery using Italian yarn and beads from the Czech Republic. These women live in an underprivileged community near the old garbage dump. The proceeds from the sales offer them an alternative to working on the garbage dump and offers them hope for a future for their family – a future free from the poverty their community currently experiences. Please visit them on Facebook at New Beginnings – Artisans of Madre Selva.

…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.

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.

…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.

Swimwear and beachwear made ​​to order!

Teresa Moreno Fb: TYBikinisYMas

Tel. 322-13-04-77 ty-bikinis-y-mas@hotmail.com Federalismo #1383 Colonia Lomas del Coapinole Pitillal, Jal

an art.

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

local

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Oct. 29 - Nov 4, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

The Patricia Principle

by Marcia Blondin

I Puerto Vallarta's Casa Cupula raises over $21k in 2 days for Hurricane Patricia relief effort

By Ed Walsh

C

asa Cupula, Puerto Vallarta's luxury resort LGBT boutique hotel, is helping to raise money to help hurricane victims in Mexico's hardest hit areas. Patricia fortunately did no significant damage and caused no injuries in Puerto Vallarta.

Casa Cupula owner, Don Pickens, started a gofundme. com fundraising effort that had garnered over $21,300 USD at the time of writing. He notes on a facebook post that, “These are family of our friends and employees.

Casa Cupula will arrange transport and buy supplies or drop off supplies at reception anytime.

Please share because 'there but for the grace of God go I.'

The first of three trucks loaded with food and sundries left Monday to points south. To make a cash donation please visit: www. gofundme.com/Patriciahelp Hurricane Patricia hit 65 miles southeast of Puerto Vallarta, which was protected from much of the storm by mountains.

"We were fortunate as to where it made landfall. It was not a densely populated area," Dennis Feltgen, a meteorologist and spokesman for the U.S. National Hurricane Center told the AP in a San Francisco Chronicle-published article.

"You and I would be having a very different conversation if this went over the top of Puerto Vallarta."

believe any thought, word and deed requires energy; therefore by thinking, writing and doing, that energy is released to the universe.

Some of the most brilliant scientists in the world plotted, predicted and put down on paper that Hurricane Patricia would head directly to Puerto Vallarta. Not only that, their facts and figures also told us this would be the largest most catastrophic hurricane on record with winds over 200 miles per hour.

Today marks the 13th anniversary of Hurricane Kenna that merely blew by Puerto Vallarta eventually making landfall north of us in San Blas where it destroyed more than 80% of the buildings. As I prepared my house for Patricia, I was trying to wrap my head around how much more dangerous this hurricane would be compared to Kenna (whose name was retired, by the way). Everything that could come inside was moved in, windows taped, bathtub filled with

water, flashlight checked, drinking water topped up, candles found along with matches and when everything was finished I turned on my computer, checked a couple of emails then settled into Facebook.

For 24 hours the only exchanges/postings were about the rapidly approaching hurricane.

Because we were anticipating loss of our electricity around 2:00pm, everyone was online checking on family and friends. All businesses were shut down by noon and school had been cancelled and everyone was asked to stay home and away from the beach. As information came in from one source, out it went in a different direction trying to keep all facebook friends in the same loop. In real time we answered questions from people new to Vallarta wondering if they should stay in their houses or leave. And where should they go?

Friends posted photographs of the eerie stillness in the Bay of Banderas and videos of unmoving branches on trees. The heat had been unbearable for a few

days running, with the usual sea breezes absent. Statistics popped up every hour adding to the stress and the uncertainty. Many, many Vallartenses loaded up their cars and headed north to Tepic and to Guadalajara virtually shutting down those roads; from here to Guadalajara took nine hours and nobody went south.

Hurricane Patricia was scheduled to hit Vallarta around 6 pm.

Evacuations cleared hotels and condominiums along the shoreline and for a couple of blocks inland.

With power and gas due to be cut off, all of us were looking into the rest of Friday in fear of what was coming and how bad it would/ could/might be. And, having this natural disaster happen in the dark.

Everyone knows that WORRY is the most unproductive state of mind possible. But when a real and tangible circumstance that is aimed directly at you and has the capability of actually killing you, worry starts in your gut, moves into your brain and bones and sits there until the threat goes away.

Edited: www.examiner.com

Riviera Nayarit: Everything Back to Normal After Hurricane Patricia

T

he Riviera Nayarit is completely back to normal after Hurricane Patricia. The destination with its well-trained and well-coordinated tourism industry personnel worked in harmony with the three levels of government to attend this natural disaster.

“We are very pleased with the preventative measures that were taken once the news of a probable landing by Hurricane Patricia was announced. Fortunately for us it wasn’t as dire as predicted, but it’s been a test that proved the destination is ready to do what it takes in these type of situations,” said Fernando González Ortega, President of the Banderas Bay Hotel and Motel Association.

“In the end it seemed more like a drill because we weren’t impacted directly by this natural phenomenon,” added Marc Murphy, Managing Director of the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau. “It served to help us realize the many workshops and certifications we’ve been handling for hotel personnel have been very useful.”

“We’re very happy with this destination,” commented Enrique de la Madrid, Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism. “I visited La Cruz de Huanacaxtle and Bucerías and fortunately all is well. There was a lot of work done, a lot of preparation and a lot of luck. It’s important to maintain contact with the tour operators to let them know nothing

happened, especially for a destination that makes its living from tourism.”

The evacuated tourists returned to their hotels on Friday, October 23rd in the evening in order to continue enjoying their vacation.

There was no damage done to the infrastructure and, most importantly, the impeccable coordination of all preventative measures was very much in evidence.

During the subsequent 48 hours after Hurricane Patricia hit ground in the southern area of Jalisco the flooding rivers triggered a high alert situation and evacuations were put into effect. However, to date the waters have receded considerably and are almost back to normal.

local

07 With the word out that our power would be cut off soon the posts escalated, people from all over the world were sending words of encouragement and concern for our safety.

Apparently the news in Canada and the United States were typically over-zealous leading even more people to get in touch with somebody, anybody who was actually here and could set the record straight.

For 24 hours there was no mention of US politics, nothing about Canada’s new Prime Minister, no hateful happenings, shootings, movies, nothing; just our hurricane.

The posts about Patricia were the only ‘bad’ news; the rest were about helping – rescuing more than 80 dogs from the SPCA shelter. People opening their homes to friends and to strangers. Anyone who needed a ride to safety found someone going in that direction. Advice on what to do with your pets if you couldn’t take them with you. There was heartfelt concern, people offering to make phone calls, long distance didn’t matter.

Millions of people in the world watched this storm approaching our fair city; the biggest hurricane ever; that is news. Hundreds of thousands of people thought about the one or two people they knew who had been here on vacation or knew someone who lived here…some connection.

Then they took the time to send messages of concern. Of ove. Of prayers for our safety, that no one would be hurt or that our beautiful arches would not be destroyed again like they were when the tail end of Kenna hit us.

A gentle rain fell all day long.

Steady and straight down; no wind, no flooding. Our power stayed on and the messages of hope and prayers kept coming. At 6 pm nothing had changed in Puerto Vallarta except for the course of Hurricane Patricia that had veered off and made landfall south of us. I believe the concentrated outpouring of positive energy changed the course of an unmitigated disaster. If anyone asks what happened with the biggest hurricane in history, tell them it was thwarted by the Patricia Principle.

Dine Out to support Puerto Vallarta Men’s Chorus

G

et ready for one of the most fun events of the Puerto Vallarta Men’s Chorus as we celebrate Dine Out 2015 to benefit the Chorus at some of your favorite local restaurants on November 4, 2015!

Our 3rd Dine Out event promises to be the best ever! All you do is “Dine Out” and the restaurant will donate to the Chorus a portion of your party’s entire bill! Besides grabbing some friends for some good grub at one of the participating restaurants, all you have to do is enjoy a meal at one of the many participating restaurants to help provide some of the “financial food” the Chorus must have to fund its mission.

This year’s restaurant line-up includes some of PV’s very best: Andale Restaurant, Archie’s Wok, Diablos/Bistro 156, El Mole de Jovita, Layla’s, No Way José!, Oscar’s Restaurant, Red Cabbage Cafe, Salud Super Food, Trio, Vitea, Di Vino Dante, and Mediterranean Cafe.

Some restaurants are open for breakfast, lunch and/or dinner, so be sure to check out the online

information available at www. pvmenschorus.org or contact the restaurant directly. Reservations are appreciated on what we hope is a busy day for the restaurants that have agreed to generously donate to the Chorus.

PVMC is committed to being a year round chorus and partners with many local non-profits to bring music and to build bridges of understanding to our diverse community and other organizations all year long. Working with organizations like the PuRR Project, the Bucerias Children’s Library, Pride Festival, Bugambilia Festival and doing run out performances at local venues to bring our music to a wider audience, PVMC has brought its inspiring message of love and understanding through quality choral music performed in Spanish and English to diverse audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Our concert ticket sales do not cover all of our expenses for these activities.

Come support the first gay men’s chorus in Mexico For more information, visit www.pvmenschorus.org.

Oct. 29 - Nov 4, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

South Shore

Temptations

By Nicole Martin

Well, Well, Wellness!

T

oday when one hears the word “wellnesss,” what often springs to mind are skinny thirtysomethings detoxing on green juices in silent retreats in India, no alcohol, raw food diets and loads of exercise including sweaty bikram yoga performing the Russian splits while doing a water fast; oh, and did I say, no alcohol, unless you are rubbing it on your war wounds from a session of cross fit!

However, despite the seemingly prohibitive nature of this recent trend towards healthy lifestyles, wellness comes in all shapes and sizes, for all budgets, ages and preferences. And where else but on Puerto Vallarta’s South Shore can you dedicate yourself to your kind of wellness! Take a look at these top treats for relaxation on the South Shore.

Your Kind of Wellness on Puerto Vallarta’s South Shore If the idea of a day spa appeals to you and your kind of wellness, the brand new Spa Imagine located on the 15th floor of hotel Mousai at the heart of Garza Blanca Preserve is the crown jewel of luxury wellness where you won’t need to lift a finger.

A haven to inspire the muses, here you can enjoy lavish facials, exquisite body wraps, refreshing scrubs, his and hers massages, deluxe mani-pedis and more, all while soaking up panoramic views of Banderas Bay and the unspoiled rainforest that surrounds.

Having recently joined the ranks of the best world-class luxury spas in Latin America, Spa Imagine is set to take you to new heights of wellness. A delightful team of highly dedicated and trained therapists will tend to your treatments offering cutting-edge techniques, products and facilities. Before or after your treatment you can indulge in a bit of liquid love by sinking, floating and unwinding in its state of the art hydrotherapy circuit with its six cycle vitality pool where you can be sure to rid yourself of any tension and bracing yourself for the futuristic pressure massage

shower that plummets down in strong streams of water to release stress, negative energy and those nagging demons we carry around with us.

Wellness on the Move One of the main hindrances to our overall wellbeing is our physical condition, starting with our spine.

Without a heathy core and spinal chord, the thought of exercise can be torturous, even walking to the spa for a relieving massage can be painful. However, Erik Fulfer, DC has been doing his part to keep the back and bones of Puerto Vallarta’s residents in shape, having been serving the south end of the bay from the airport to Conchas Chinas for nearly 6 years with his dedicated mobile chiropractic service.

Erik Fulfer is a graduate from Life University College of Chiropractic, located just outside of Atlanta Georgia, and has successfully passed all 4 parts of the National Board exams as well as those of the Physiotherapy Board. His goal when moving to Puerto Vallarta was to provide quality, affordable chiropractic care, making it as convenient as possible. Hence the birth of Bahia Chiropractic which delivers quality care in the comfort of your home, office, resort or spa.

“The best part about providing a mobile service is knowing that my correction has a better chance of holding without riding in a bus, cab or car afterwards. Puerto Vallarta is a bumpy place and it can undo what we have just accomplished.

Adjusting someone in the comfort of his or her own home, office, resort or spa can help to minimize this,” shares the Vallarta based

chiropractor.

Erik currently cares for individuals of all age groups, from infants to the elderly, either to improve general wellbeing or to help alleviate acute pain associated with spinal misalignments and pelvic dysfunction. For more information or to schedule an appointment please visit his website at: www. bahiachiropractic.com Wellbeing Doesn’t Need to Cost a Dime The simple things in life are usually both free and good for your soul and general wellbeing.

Splashing in the river and doing your own exfoliation with some river mud is a liberating alternative to a lavish spa treatment in Puerto Vallarta. Rio Palo Maria, Juntas y Veranos and Nogalito on our south shore all offer some lovely lush areas to soak, sooth sore skin and use the river sand to exfoliate your feet. After a day at the river, you are sure to have glowing skin and hair that feels like silk.

Relax in the Garden of Hidden Fruits A trip to the Vallarta Botanical Gardens is another way to soothe your psyche and get in touch with Mother Nature. Open to the public year round, the Botanical Gardens offer a cool respite from the midday heat and an idyllic retreat for those seeking peace and quiet. Surviving on a small entrance and donations, the gardens are an example of what happens when you put your heart and soul into a project. Founders Robert Price and his mother Betty, have been tending to the gardens since 2004, and each year you will see something different: new walks through the jungle canopies, new species of orchids, new dishes on the delicious menu at the restaurant. You can take a bus or taxi to the gardens and enjoy a wonderful day dedicated to wellness.

Zen and the Art of Pelican Bombing Watching pelicans dive in the waters of Banderas Bay could just be the best free pursuit you can find in Puerto Vallarta on your path to “enlightenment” (and no, it is not a weightless program)! If you like to feel a sense of well being without too much exertion, sitting on the beach and counting pelicans while they plunge into the water for a couple of hours can bring a wonderful sense of well being.

Couple that with a mango margarita and fresh shrimp aguachile (low in carbs high in protein) and you might be forgiven for thinking you had died and gone to heaven.

Well, well, wellness just the way you like it!

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Learn the basics of acrylic painting while sipping on cocktails with friends.

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Sandra Cesca

Handkerchief Bush, Mussaenda (Spanish), Mussaenda ‘queen sirikit’ The Handkerchief Bush is an ornamental tropical evergreen shrub growing to twenty feet, bearing small starry yellow flowers with showy light pink, rose-edged leaves that bloom in tropical areas of Mexico almost year round. The drooping flowers look like very small handkerchiefs.

The flower was named after 'Queen Sirikit' of Thailand to commemorate her first visit to the Philippines in the 1970's. The flowers contain medicinal properties; the root is chewed in Africa as an appetite stimulant; flowers are attractive to butterflies.

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 Garden’ gift shop www.vbgardens. org, Page in the Sun Bookstore, and from Sandra at the Marsol Farmer’s Market on Fridays. Information on her many area walks can be found at: www.escaperoutevallarta.com.

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local

10

Paradise

and Parenting Leza Warkentin

mommyinmexico.wordpress.com

What I Learned from Patricia

I

’m going to try not to exaggerate.

This isn’t easy for me, because I’m a writer. On a regular day I can spend about two hours and at least 600 words describing that single moment when you open a cereal box and find a lizard crouching on the Cheerios, staring fearfully back at you (although let’s face it, this is a pivotal moment).

However, last Thursday evening I embarked on a twenty four hour journey that was an assortment of moments, most of them terrifying, uncertain and, at times, agonizing.

At the end of them there was relief, happiness and a whole lot of adrenaline that I’m still unable to purge from my body.

Perhaps you will forgive me, then, if I come across as dramatic.

You see, I live in Puerto Vallarta, and last Thursday the residents were told to brace ourselves.

Authorities advised us that Hurricane Patricia was coming our way on Friday evening and that it was the largest Pacific storm on record.

They told us to prepare. Since I had already been through Hurricane Kenna in 2002, I absolutely knew what had to be done.

But the thing is. Sigh. I’m a big picture kind of person. I can visualize the huge garafones of water all in a row, the shelves full of food, the candles perched on the kitchen table next to the flashlights, the packages of batteries, and the car parked in front of the house, full of gas and ready for emergency flight.

But I get bogged down in details like, a) what to do first b) what to do next c) what to forget about in case I run out of time d) where the flashlight and candles are located in my house. I ended up spending a lot of (unsuccessful) time on d) and then realized that my husband was off to work and I would have to prepare the rest once he got home.

To complicate things mightily, I spent a lot of time reading highly charged news bulletins and frightened commentary on social media while he was away. He entered our room and found a wild-haired,

panicked stranger, car keys in hand, determined to complete the grocery shopping at that moment (it was 2:30am).

He helped me make a list that could actually be read and that didn’t include what possibly said “firewood”, and put me to bed. God love this man.

Ready or not, we were ordered to stay in our homes by 2pm on Friday. We were tucked in safely, with a lot of food, more water than about seventy people would use in a week, several table games, one candle, and a bic lighter.

At the end of the day on Friday, it was apparent that Vallarta had dodged a category five-sized bullet, and we could finally breathe again.

Except that I couldn’t. Not yet.

Quite simply, my body didn’t recognize the all clear signal. And, more importantly, my heart still needed time to shuffle through the snapshots it had taken during this long, horrible day and possibly put them together to make a Big Picture kind of sense to me.

A few images I held up to the light: -Looking in my husband’s eyes

and realizing that, right now, we will make a decision for our children that could completely change their lives.

– Physically arranging the features of my face before answering my ten-year-old son’s question as honestly and calmly as I can.

Because he’s asking if we are all going to die, and he really needs to know.

– Reading Tweets from those who were judging Vallartans deserving of our fate if we decide to leave/stay/roll ourselves up in a stress-induced coil of fear.

– Watching my daughter sleep, realizing that there were no judges harsher than the parents of this beauty.

– Coming to the understanding that there are parents who are going through this every day.

Trying to comprehend that, all over the world tonight, parents are making the kind of decisions that I am making, in spite of the judgment of the world. They will make them again tomorrow, and the next day, and so on. They will hope for an outcome just like mine, one of safety, one of normalcy, one of home. But that outcome, for some, will never come.

And so, in twenty four hours, I have come full circle. Our bellies are full, our candles are buried in a closet again (forever), and we have a house to call home. But now there’s a part of me that knows something that it can’t un-know: That watching over your sleeping children and wondering just what they will awaken to is an awful, desperate thing.

That it shouldn’t have to happen to any parent. That, somewhere tonight, it’s happening anyway.

Oct. 29 - Nov 4, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

How about those

disaster losses?

by Orlando Gotay, Tax Attorney

Orlando Gotay Tax Attorney

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

W

hen Hurricane Patricia came up, I immediately thought of the many friends and acquaintances that live and own property right along the track of the storm. Luckily there was very little loss of life, but there were some material losses. And of course, it is important to know that for federal income tax purposes, some losses may be claimed as a deduction on your federal return.

To be able to claim a deduction, you must have filed claims with any applicable insurance. The amount of the loss is then reduced by insurance reimbursements you receive or expect to receive.

Annual loss deductions are also limited by one’s adjusted gross income and by any value left in the property (salvage value). The annual loss allowance has a “floor” of 10% of AGI. If your AGI was, say, $25,000, then the “AGI floor” is $2500. Only the loss portion exceeding that amount is deductible. Also, one must subtract $100 from the computation for each loss event. The Internal Revenue Code requires both the “per event” $100 and the “annual” 10% “haircuts” from loss computations).

In the cases of thefts, the rule is similar. You must be able to substantiate the loss (for example, with police reports) and its extent (a

good starting point is documents supporting what the item cost you).

For U.S. persons, casualty and theft losses in Mexico are deductible in one’s federal return with the general outline above. IRS Form 4684 and its instructions have more details. For personal (nonbusiness) losses, the deduction is an itemized deduction on schedule A of the federal return.

For Mexico income tax, however, things are less exciting. Generally speaking, Mexico Income tax law does not allow loss or theft deductions if the type property affected was not income producing (originally deductible, usually by being used in a trade or business). In the past, Mexico has issued special decrees easing the rules somewhat with regards to due dates of tax payments and tax compliance, to benefit persons affected by large storms or disasters. As I read previous decrees, I feel they are just temporary measures that do not lead to any permanent tax benefit, unlike the U.S. rules. As of today, no ruling has yet come out on Patricia, although one may be forthcoming.

Bottom line: A tax benefit may be available with regards to losses from casualties and thefts. Begin collecting documentation as soon as the loss occurs!

rivera nayarit

11

Fun on the Riviera Nayarit

By Cat Morgan www.rivieranayaritfun.com Cat@RivieraNayaritFun.com

A

s everyone is probably feeling quite grateful that Hurricane Patricia did not land on our shores, other towns did receive amazing amounts of rainfall and wind damage. On October 23, Patricia became the most powerful tropical cyclone ever measured in the Western Hemisphere where winds reached up to 200 mph (320 kph) and its central pressure fell to 879 millibars (25.96 inches of mercury).

Also, shortly after midnight on that same day, a group of courageous people from the Airforce, hurricane hunters, flew into the center of Hurricane Patricia for measurements, and landed in the history books.

With measured winds of 200 mph, Hurricane Patricia became the strongest tropical cyclone ever recorded anywhere on Earth. Flying into the eye of the storm? ..That sounds plain crazy to me!

Hurricane Patricia was predicted to land in La Manzanillo, Jalisco, (who sustained much damage to buildings, trees and power lines) she ended up making landfall on October 23 at 6:15pm near Cuixmala in Jalisco, which is about 60 miles south of Puerto Vallarta. The maximum winds were estimated to be 165 to 185 with winds of 211 mph upon landfall. Then a miracle occurred. Less than 24 hours later at 4pm, the National Hurricane Center downgraded Patricia to a remnant low centered about 45 miles southwest of Monterrey, Mexico. Guadalajara received a huge amount of rain; as I viewed videos of busses and cars floating down the street. Six deaths were reported, two women who were camping when the storm hit and four others in traffic incidents.

SMALL TOWNS NEED YOUR SUPPORT There are many small towns that were affected by the flooding and rains. Mascota and Barra de Navidad and Colima are a few of the towns that received severe flooding and destruction with fallen trees and many broken windows, downed power lines and overall destruction.

The John Ozzello Memorial Food Bank, out of Bucerias had been

connecting with the DIF (National system for Integral Family Development) in Valle and made the decision to adopt one town, Mascota, to make a bigger overall difference.

They will need bedding, clothing, personal items, and basic necessities. Everyone will be informed of where your donations will be going.

DROP OFF LOCATIONS YoYo Mo's, JD Tours, and A Broken Art in Bucerias will be drop off locations for donations. If you are out of the country and would like to make a cash donation, please email the director of The John Ozzello Memorial Food Bank, Sandi Nystrom, at: rsnystrom@hotmail. com and she will send you the information on how to send money.

Please note that ALL funds collected during this emergency situation will absolutely go directly to the people affected by Hurricane Patricia.

If you are on the North side of the Banderas Bay, you can drop off cash donations at YoYo Mo's Pizza and Sports Bar in Centro Bucerias. Please let them know it is for the disaster relief project. If you are located in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, please contact Laurel Wilson at: 329 295 5502. She will deliver donations to Bucerias. The John Ozzello Memorial Food Bank will be providing food. However, they could use donations of water along with the other things listed above. Clean water is always a huge issue.

The John Ozzello Memorial Food Bank has been collecting food and supplies and they have taken the supplies to Mascota on Tuesday, October 27th. This is not an easy “fix” and they will continue in the aid. If you would like to donate any monies, blankets, food or water, again, please contact Sandi Nystrom, who heads up the Food Bank at: rsnystrom@hotmail.com , or on her facebook page https:// www.facebook.com/sandi.villebrunnystrom , or on the facebook page for The John Ozzello Memorial Food Bank: John Ozzello Memorial Food Bank and Humanitarian Aid. Thank you so much everyone! For any questions or other information please contact me at Gracias.

I

t was a dark and stormy night.

The two gamblers eyes locked in a gaze that cut straight to their souls. Patricia pushed forward a huge pile of chips, the largest single bet in the history of poker. "I'll raise you Category 5 with 200 knot gusts". Without blinking, our hero turned an almost imperceptible, Mona Lisa-like smile, and pushed the entire stack forward. "I'll see your Cat 5, and raise you the Sierra Madre mountains." Patricia threw down her cards before throwing her palms upward. "Next game!".

The dealer, Gaia cleared the table and announced, "next deal, Texas Hold 'Em". Written by La Cruz resident, Randy Wilson.

Putting into words the emotions experienced during the preparation involved when you’re about to get hit by what experts are saying was to be the biggest storm in the history of the world (which I am VERY glad I didn’t know earlier) is impossible. I was actually immensely calm. Was my intuition guiding me or did I just know we were as prepared as we could be and now it was in God’s hands? My hubby and I spent about 12 hours battening down the hatches as they say.

By hour seven, three o’clock in the afternoon, when the hurricane was expected to hit, we considered ourselves done but then as we kept getting warnings from concerned loved ones that it was going to be bigger than Katrina we just kept going. Unimaginable to us exactly how bad it could be and hearing that forty-foot waves were predicted to hit us we removed all art from the walls and did more barricading. We chose to hang out in the back room on the second floor of our hotelito and my hubby and I checked in with each other a few times, “Are we sure this is the right choice?”. We’d discuss our strategy and agree it was. So fortunate to not have had to find out!

I took a drive for ice around two-thirty and our precious village was like a ghost town but Abarrotes Mesa, our local corner store was abuzz. No one knew what to expect and folks were grabbing last minute items. The conversation was more about how people from afar were phoning, emailing, texting and freaking out and how that affected us so profoundly. On the barren streets local fishermen had stored their boats and many windows were taped.

Now, after the blessed nonevent… relieved for sure. So many other emotions; thankful, grateful, emotional, full of LOVE and really, really tired.

Why Vallarta is Unscathed by

Oct. 29 - Nov 4, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Life

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

This Sunday the La Cruz market opens again… come visit, we’d love to see you!

Patricia: The Sierra Madres (the Mother Mountains) Coastal Range.

To get a sense of the geography surrounding Vallarta, imagine a vast Volcano, located at the seaward edge of a high and jagged ("like a cheese grater" jagged) coastal mountain range. Imagine that the outer 1/8 of that volcano somehow slipped into the sea, millennia ago. The sea rushed into the giant volcano, creating the horseshoe-shaped Banderas Bay, at the eastern shore of which is our beautiful Vallarta. It's probably the most protected large bay on the Pacific. (Today, all that remains visible of that 1/8 edge are the world-famous Marieta Islands- you must come see them!)

To imagine a hurricane, think of a Jules Verne-sized Giant Squid on steroids, rising from the sea.

And she's cranky as hell. Let's call her Patricia. She spins like a weed eater (counter-clockwise, in her case) and heads for Puerto Vallarta, cuz she's heard it is so awesome and she's very jealous of all the happy people there.

Poor Patricia the giant Squid, spinning like crazy, slams into that "giant cheese grater" mountain range and, well, it's not pretty for

Patty the Giant Squid.

Calamari, anyone?

Thank you once again, Mother Mountains. We love you. This scenario has played out for centuries; only the names of the Squid (Squids?) have changed. The Sierra Madres rarely disappoint.

The last significant "loss of life" hurricane to hit Vallarta was in 1959- when many lived in palapa-roofed huts, emergency preparation was non-existent, and long before the advent of The Weather Channel, with its advanced warnings. Thanks for all your concern, now you understand why Vallarta has always been so relatively safe compared to other, more exposed coastal towns And… our lovely fishing village of La Cruz, tucked around the corner just east of the Real del Mar development, is even further protected by its location on the north shore of the bay. Little wonder that La Cruz has for generations been the sailors' choice for a safe anchorage!

But let's not get too complacent about the genuine, not-to-be-dismissed risk facing visitors and residents alike ... Always, always bring sunscreen.

entertainment

12

Events Around the Bay

I

f you have an event you would like to publicize, please email editor@vallartatribune.com.

October 27 - November 2 Day(s) of the Dead – City of Puerto Vallarta Display of altars and parade starting at the Malecon heading to the Rio Cuale municipal market, ending with a folk festival with charros, catrina contest and fireworks.

October 28- 6pm to 10pm Artwalk – In the historic center of Puerto Vallarta Art collectors, local residents and interested visitors are invited to discover the great variety and exceptional quality of art available in Puerto Vallarta. Held every Wednesday until May 25, 2016.

October 29 – November 2 The 4th Word Congress of Cultural Psychiatry Congress theme - Global Challenges & Cultural Psychiatry: Natural Disasters, Conflict, Insecurity, Migration and Spirituality November 3 Dancing Under the Stars – in support of Paws and Claws for the Spay and Neuter program of Amigos de Bucerias. At the newly renovated StarBay resort. $250 pesos donation. Drinks appies, music, prizes and more.

Tix at amigodebucerias@gmail. com November 7 Grand Opening! The Old Town Farmers Market opens for the season. Open every Saturday from November to April between 9:30 am and 2 pm at Parque Lazaro Cardenas,

Colonia Emiliano Zapata.

November 11 Lest we forget. Join the Navy League and the American at Steve’s Sports Bar (Post 14 Hqd.) for 10 am with coffee, pastries provided and breakfast available for purchase. We will leave 10:40, walk to Lazaro Cardenas Park (Romantic Zone) for the service.

November 11-14 60th Annual International Marlin and Sailfish fishing tournament www.fishvallarta. com November 12 5:30-9pm In support of the Navy League and American Legion All you can eat buffet dinner ($500pesos) at Coco Tropical and happy hour bar drinks at 50% off. Tix at the event or Steve’s Sports Bar, Carol’s Boutique or from any member of the Navy League or American Legion.

November 14 Democrats Abroad Debate Night 7:30pm at Luna Azul, Lazaro Cardenas 308 November 16-22 Puerto Vallarta Gourmet Festival Celebrating 21 years.

Specially priced menus. Visiting chefs. One week of culinary adventure. www.festivalgourmet.com November 19 Vallarta Garden Club welcome back party and membership kickoff.

More details to follow.

November 20-21

Auditions Extended for Voice

by Marcia Blondin

M

any people left town this past weekend due to Hurricane Patricia so an additional date has been added for auditions for the Voice of Vallarta. Your last chance to possibly make the cut for this year’s show will be this Saturday at Act II Entertainment at noon.

The public is invited to attend…and you should; it’s very entertaining! Speaking of Act II, the last performance of Hombre sin Adjetivos took place last Saturday night on the Main Stage. An award winning play and justifiably so. Acting was brilliant as expected and I found the lighting and sound much improved from last season.

Bravo to Juan Pablo, the director; he has much to be proud of.

RisingHop Vallarta Festival 2015 - An event to enjoy craft beer Craft Beer + Food + Local products + Live Music + Ludoteca 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 pm at Puerto de Luna All Suites Hotel November 20-22 10th annual i Madonnari Chalk Art Festival & Contest will begin at 9am in the Municipal Plaza, and continue until Sunday, November 22 at 7 pm.

December 4 Fundraiser for Pasitos de Luz, Casa Connor – The Life, Masterpieces and Humanity of FRIDA KAHLO At the Sheraton Bugambilias 6-10pm $900 pesos includes dinner, show and live music.

November 28 SPCA de PV fundraiser At the remodeled Casa Kimberly, former home of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Tickets are $120 US or 1950 pesos. Contact Janice@ Haciendasanangel.com to get your ticket.

December 5, 2015 10TH ANNUAL PET PICNIC at Daiquiri Dick's Fundraiser in support of PeaceAnimals from 11am - 1pm $350pesos at the door.

Thursday, December 17, In support of the Vallarta Garden Club, kick off the Christmas Holiday Season at the Botanical Gardens with a sing-along featuring talented Puerto Vallarta musician Bob Bruneau. More details to come.

Oct. 29 - Nov 4, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

IFC Events 1st to 30th November 2015 ll IFC events held at the clubhouse, Edificio Parian del Puente, #13 Calle Libertad, Corner Miramar. Colonia El Centro unless otherwise specified. More details at IFCVallarta.com Monday 2 Spanish classes (Intermediate, Advanced and Tourist) Tuesday 3 Spanish classes (Intermediate, Advanced and Tourist) Thursday 5 Spanish classes (Intermediate, Advanced and Tourist) Monday 9 Spanish classes (Intermediate, Advanced and Tourist) Tuesday 10 Spanish classes (Intermediate, Advanced and Tourist) Brunch and General meeting (everyone welcome) La Fantasia Restaurant in Romantica Zone at 10:00am Thursday 12 Spanish classes (Intermediate, Advanced and Tourist) Monday 16 Spanish classes (Intermediate, Advanced and Tourist) Tuesday 17 Spanish classes (Intermediate, Advanced and Tourist)

A

IFC Home Tours Visit 4 beautiful homes and support our Cleft Palate Surgery Program and other local charities.

Wednesday 18 IFC Home Tours Visit 4 beautiful homes and support our Cleft Palate Surgery Program and other local charities Thursday 19 Spanish classes (Intermediate, Advanced and Tourist) Saturday 21 Mindful Meditation from 9:00 to 10:30 Monday 23 Spanish classes (Intermediate, Advanced and Tourist) Tuesday 24 Spanish classes (Intermediate, Advanced and Tourist) IFC Home Tours Visit 4 beautiful homes and support our Cleft Palate Surgery Program and other local charities Wednesday 25 IFC Home Tours Visit 4 beautiful homes and support our Cleft Palate Surgery Program and other local charities Thursday 26

Spanish classes (Intermediate, Advanced and Tourist) Saturday 28 Mindful Meditation from 9:00 to 10:30 Monday 30 Spanish classes (Intermediate, Advanced and Tourist)

Rekindling Passions and Confirming Your Love at Villa del Palmar Cabo San Lucas

V

illa del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa Cabo San Lucas, is giving lovers a spectacular reason to rekindle the passion and confirm their love with the amazing Vow Renewal package available at the resort. Perfect for couples wishing to celebrate the undying love that has united them for years, the Vow Renewal package is more than just a promise, it’s a celebration of unwavering commitment.

Act II Opening Two-night Gala Celebration ActII Entertainment is ready for opening week of shows

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ct II Entertainment is inviting everyone to celebrate the opening of their third season. It’s so big they needed two nights. Two opening night parties, two opening night shows, two for one drinks all night long, all for one low price. It all starts on Monday November 2 at 6:00pm in Encore Lounge with food catered by Taste of Casa Cupula, 2x1 drinks and live entertainment by Agua Luna Mia, Robert Duran and Joby Hernandez

with special appearance by Paul Fracassi and Las Vegas headliner Lorena Peril. Showtime is at 7:30pm.

Be the first to see Brittney Kingery accompanied with her co-writer singer-guitarist Rob Hill from Seattle and everyone's favorite percussionist Melanie Howe the Djembabe. After the show the party continues with cake to celebrate founding partner, Danny Mininni´s 50th birthday along with a meet n greet with all of the Act II Entertainment stars. It all starts

up again Tuesday November 3 at 6:00pm when we welcome Lorena Peril and hubby sidekick Ray Jon to the Red Room Cabaret. Once again starting at 6:00 pm, food catered by Taste of Casa Cupula, 2x1 drinks all night long, live entertainment

by Agua Luna Mia, Robert Duran and Joby Hernandez and at 7:30 a most anticipated show, Married and Looking starring the sexy duet Lorena Reril and Ray Jon.

culture Placido Domingo The King of Opera 13

Oct. 29 - Nov 4, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

By Fred Jacobs

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lacido was born in Madrid in 1941 to two Spanish singing stars in their own right. His father was a baritone and his mother a soprano. Both specialized in Zarzuela performances, which are a mix of operatic singing, popular music, spoken parts and dance. At the age of 8, Placido moved with his parents to Mexico City. His parents had just finished a very successful tour of Latin America and decided to set up a Zarzuela company in Mexico. Placido had a natural talent for music. Shortly after arriving in Mexico City, he entered and won a singing contest. He eventually enrolled in The National Conservatory of Music in Mexico City, where he studied piano, conducting and of course voice. His classes at the conservatory were his only formal voice training. He never had private lessons. While studying at the conservatory, Placido at just 16 yrs. old, married fellow piano student Ana Maria who was 19. They had a son named Jose the following year, but separated shortly after that. Also at 16, Placido made his professional debut in his parents Zarzuela Company. This lead to many roles over the next two years on the Zarzuela stage. In 1959, Placido auditioned for and was accepted into The Mexico National Opera at the Palacio de Bellas Artes. In 1961, Placido made his operatic debut in a production La Traviata in Monterrey, Mexico. In 1962, he made his US operatic debut opposite none other than Joan Sutherland.

Later that same year, Placido married another fellow student form the Conservatory, soprano Marta Ornelas from Veracruz. She was a promising singer in her own right, having just been voted Mexican Singer of the Year. At the end of 1962, he signed a contract with the Israel National Opera in Tel Aviv and later extended the contract and stayed for two and a half years. He sang 280 performances in 12 different roles. Later in 1965, he and Marta had their first child together, Placido Jr. At this point Marta decided to give up her singing career to raise the family. A second son, Alvaro was born in 1968. They took apartments in Manhattan and Barcelona, Spain and took annual vacations at their home in Acapulco. The famous Opera Company, the Met in NYC, eventually made him a super opera star. The Met had just moved to their new location at Lincoln Center and he even sang at their historic opening night. His energy and everlasting voice made him an instant success with his favorite role being Othello. Placido Domingo has opened the season at the Metropolitan Opera twenty-one times, more than any other singer, even surpassing the previous record of Enrico Caruso.

Placido constantly added new roles to his repertoire. He sang in six major languages all over the world in over 146 different roles in 100 operas. Later on he started to direct and to conduct major Opera accompanying orchestras. By then, radio, magazines, media and the movies had discovered him and his fame spread all over.

He even made a pop song with Folk singer John Denver called “Perhaps Love” in 1981.

That record sold millions of copies and made him popular with younger music lovers. He has earned fourteen Grammys and Latin Grammys while making him an icon all over the world. Television loves him and he has sung on many shows including the “Johnny Carson Show”. In 1990 he, Luciano Pavarotti and Jose Carreras, formed a singing partnership they called “The 3 Tenors”. Both of his partners were already famous in their own right. On the night before the 1990 FIFA World Cup final, The 3 Tenors and two orchestras joined together for what became the biggest commercial success that classical music had ever seen. Over 800 million viewers worldwide tuned in.

Their record “The 3 Tenors in Concert” sold over 10 million copies and became the bestselling classical record of all time. They began world tours and spread Opera mixed with popular music throughout Europe, the USA, Canada, Japan, China, Korea, South Africa and Australia. It made all three of them millionaires in the process. Placido Domingo’s voice held out for over 50 years and more is still to come.

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

14

SUDOKU PUZZLE RULES Solving a sudoku puzzle can be rather tricky, but the rules of the game are quite simple.

A sudoku puzzle is a grid of nine by nine squares or cells, that has been subdivided into nine subgrids or “regions” of three by three cells. See the following diagram: An empty sudoku grid The objective of sudoku is to enter a digit from 1 through 9 in each cell, in such a way that: Each horizontal row (shown in pink) contains each digit exactly once Each vertical column (shown in yellow) contains each digit exactly once Each subgrid or region (shown in green) contains each digit exactly once This explains the name of the game; in Japanese, sudoku means something like “numbers singly”.

Solving a sudoku puzzle does not require knowledge of mathematics; simple logic suffices. (Instead of digits, other symbols can be used, e.g. letters, as long as there are nine different symbols.)

In each sudoku puzzle, several digits have already been entered (the “givens”); these may not be changed.

The puzzler’s job is to fill the remainder of the grid with digits –respecting, of course, the three constraints mentioned earlier.

A “good” sudoku puzzle has only one solution.

In spite of the game’s apparent simplicity, sudoku can be highly addictive...

While the first sudoku puzzle was published as early as 1979 (back then, it was called “Number Place”), the game’s popularity really took off in 2005; it can now be found in many newspapers and magazines around the world.

brain teasers

Oct. 29 - Nov 4, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

charities

15

Oct. 29 - Nov 4, 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 Amigos del Magisterio - Food delivered directly to workers at the PV dump, their families and schools in Magisterio and Volcanes. Also, food to New Beginnings, Pasitos de Luz, and Caritas. 100% of donations to the people, no overhead.amigosdelmagisterio.com lysephilrioux@hotmail.com Asilo San Juan Diego Home for the Elderly - Contact: Lupita Sanchez Covarrubias 222-1257 or malupita88@hotmail.com or mexonline.com\asilosanjuandiego.htm Asociación Down - Assistance to persons with Down’s Syndrome – Contact: Ana Eisenring at 224-9577.

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

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

Casa Hogar - A shelter for orphaned, abandoned, disadvantaged or vulnerable children.

Luz Aurora Arredondo at 221-1908, Rita Millan (322) 141-6974. casamaximocornejo@gmail.com Centro Comunitario SETAC-GLBT – 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 40+ children and youth rescued from high-risk situations. Donations & volunteers always welcome! Totally self-funded. www.fundacioncorazon.mx Cruz Roja (Red Cross) - Handles hospital and emergency service in Vallarta. It is the only facility that is authorized to offer assistance to injured people on the street. Contact: 222-1533, 222-4973 Desayunos para los Niños de Vallarta A.C. Feeding programs, education programs, day care centers for single mothers.

2234311 or 22225 72 Discapacitados de Vallarta, A.C. (DIVAC) association of handicapped individuals dedicated to helping one another. Ivan Applegate at 221-5153.

Ecology and Conservation of Whales, AC. National Coordination Network for the Assistance of Entangled Whales. Biol. Astrid Frisch Jordán, Arce #541. Col. La Primavera Puerto Vallarta, Jal. 48325, Mexico, Tel/Fax: (322) 29 37 851 fibbcatalogo@yahoo.com

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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: Welcoming shelter for men of all ages who are troubled w/alcohol & drug addiction.In great need of cash or material resources Contact MAYNOR Tel 281 0644 horizontedepaz@live.com La Brigada de la Basura: A weekly meeting of neighborhood children to clean Vallarta Streets. Contact Que?Pasa 223-4006 Mexico Ministries & Mission, Inc. raises funds to the poor in Vallarta. Contact Fr. Jack+ 044 322 229-1129 christchurchbythesea.org Navy League - assists in the transportation of donated medical supplies from the U.S., organizes work groups to paint and repair facilities New Life Mexico - Challenging Child Poverty with health and education programs. Philippa Vernon pvp@newlifemexico.com 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, A. C. - Association created by underprivileged mothers of paralyzed children. Contact: 299-0976.

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 Roma’s Kids - Educate the children of the Volcanes and surrounding area: Math, English and computer programs a priority. 100% goes to the kids. kids.romamexico.com