Issue 997, May 12-18, 2016

Catch us online @ vallartatribune.com

News

05

MARIETAS CLOSURE

11

May 12 - 18, 2016 Year 19 Free Issue 997

Parenting CELEBRATING TEACHERS

21

Markets three hens & a rooster

FR

EE

G

U

ID

E

THE RIVER CAFÉ

RESTAURANT WEEK MAY 15 - 31, 2016

welcome

02

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 in Puerto Vallarta 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.

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

May 12 - 18, 2016 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

Emergencies: 060 Red Cross: 065 Non-Emergency Police 322.290.0507 Fire Department: 322.223.9476

Ambulance: 322.222.1533

Consulates American Consulate Immigration: Nuevo Vallarta: 322.224.7719 322.222.0069 24 hrs Guadalajara: Consumer Protection: 333.268.2145 01.800.468.8722 Tourism Offices Canadian Consulate Jalisco: 322.221.2676 322.293.2894 Nayarit: 322.297.1006 24 hrs: 1.800.706.2900

Ahoy Cruisers!

In port this month

Day Ship Passengers 15-may Maasdam 1,258 18-may Carnival Miracle 2,124 25-may Carnival Miracle 2,124 31-may Carnival Miracle 2,124

In the month of May Puerto Vallarta welcomes 23, 120 passengers!

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

03

editorial

May 12 - 18, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Editor’s

Letters to the Editor

Note

editor@vallartatribune.com

AeroCalafia

B

y the time you read this, I will have already been to see the CK Production of Grant Maloy Smith at Casa Karma.

Barring a freak act of nature, I am confident it was an excellent show in a beautiful setting, with amazing food, potent drinks and some of my favourite people. Thursday I am getting prepped for a weekend in Mazatlan with freshly painted fingers and toes from Linda’s Nail salon, where they serve you chilled white wine while the pamper you.

New to Mexico, on a press trip to Maz I experienced many 'Mexico Firsts' including dinner at the original Señor Frogs, my first and last banana boat ride and my first-time face to face with the might of the Mexican military and intense security procedures at a gala function attended by the governor of Sinaloa. Welcome to Mazatlan!

I flew with AeroCalafia, which is a small prop plane that flies low along the coastline. What an experience.

Not unlike flying into PV from behind the Sierra Madre mountain range, you get to see the pueblos and coastline during the hour and a half flight. This time we are driving which entails going through Tepic and then three more hours north.

Oh, to own a private airplane.

Back in Vallarta and Banderas Bay, this weekend is the start of Restaurant Week with 41 restaurants offering special three-course menus for the discounted price of $229 or $349. Running until May 31st, this is an excellent time to

Meet Canela

I

magine a life always looking for your next meal, dragging your broken leg along the cobblestone streets until it is raw and infected, now do it with only one eye. Not much of a life for Canela but that's how we found her. Starving and in pain.

Presumably her old family couldn't afford to fix her injuries

try out some of your favourite (or bucket listed) restaurants. Restaurantweekpv.com for the complete list of restaurants and menus.

Also starting this weekend is Vallarta Pride, while the main weekend is the 27-29th, events start on the 15th and run almost daily around the Romantic Zone.

Check the back pages here for a list of some of the events or visit VallartaPride.com for all the details.

It is gross, but it needs to be discussed; in the past few days

I have spotted a few ticks and as such am rerunning the annual Scourge of Vallarta article. These little brown ticks can be carriers of deadly disease, both for humans and animals. In fact, most street dogs in Vallarta/Mexico are assumed to carry the Ehrlichia virus which is transferred through tick bites.

There are many different ways to keep the tick population on your animals and in your homes down to a minimum. Keep your grass

and left her to the streets.

I took her to the vet yesterday where we had some x-rays and tests. Turns out she's relatively healthy, for a dog abandoned to the streets, but she will need amputation of her leg. A 3-legged one eyed sweetheart who needs a foster or home that will let her live out her days peacefully.

We've started a round of antibiotics to fight infection. She

needs a few more shots and then we will amputate. Total cost is an estimated $3000 pesos.

She is about 5 years old, amazingly spayed, and a small 20kg. Do you have space in your home for Canela? Can you foster or adopt her? Can you help with costs? Email me if you can help in anyway.

Thank you from me and Canela. editor@vallartatribune.com

cut short, pay attention to the high corners of your walls and dark places, such as under your bed, for ticks.

They like to hide/climb and wait to jump on unsuspecting hosts.

Ticks can lie dormant for years waiting for a fresh body. A good quality tick medication and vigilance will get you through infestations. Though calling an exterminator can be an option.

Finally, we are a few weeks away from the rainy season, and it has been suggested that we will have a higher number of tropical storms than usual. (Of course – El Niño, duh!)

So in this time before the deluge, please, please pick up the garbage that lies in your street, your gutters, the canals in your neighbourhood, the dried river banks, etc., etc.

This waste will go straight to the ocean, and some unsuspecting turtle or dolphin or whale will have a very unsatisfying and ultimately deadly meal.

Garbage and littering, in general, remains one of the worst issues for me here in Puerto Vallarta. It sickens me to see the litter along the streets and dumped

Spring cleaning?

Moving?

Down-sizing?

We’re already collecting items for this fall’s Third Annual Purr Project Garage Sale. If you have gently-used clothing, household items, furniture, appliances, jewelry, toys, tools, etc., to donate, contact Marilyn at exkhan@usfamily.net.

Ed. Note: We bought the coolest telescope from the first garage sale – only $500 pesos! What a find!

in empty lots. A strong local movement on education, infrastructure and policing would go long ways in cleaning up our image but also in saving the lives of some of our most valuable tourist attractions – the animals that call Banderas Bay home.

Please, do what you can.

Have a great weekend, support local businesses, say no to dolphins in captivity and pick up a piece of two of garbage.

Safe travels, Madeline

news

04

May 12 - 18, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Inspired by Mexico, Luzia opens in Canada One goal of the new touring show is to inspire people about Mexico

A

new show created by the Canadian entertainment company Cirque du Soleil and inspired by Mexico opened this week to positive reviews in Montreal.

And while Mexico provided the inspiration for Luzia, one of its objectives is to inspire people about Mexico.

Typical of a a show by the world’s largest theatrical producer, Luzia uses lots of allusions, such as the woman with large gossamer wings running on a conveyor belt.

In a review of the show this week for Canadian newspaper the Gobe and Mail, Robert Everett-Green wrote that he had to ask creative director Patricia Ruel to discover what those allusions were.

The wings, she explained, were a reference to the monarch butterflies that migrate annually from Canada and the U.S. to Mexico, the running was a nod to the Tarahumara indigenous people, famous

for their running skills, and the fact that the runner was a woman was a reference to strong matriarchal aspects of Mexican society.

But noticing all the allusions isn’t necessary for the audience,

Ruel said.

“We’re not trying to teach people about Mexico. We want them to get a feeling for it, to be inspired by it.”

The potential of Luzia to inspire audiences about Mexico is evidently big enough for the Mexican government to put up US $47.7 million in sponsorship money, an investment that will help support the show’s presentation in 450 cities around the world over the next seven years.

Tourism Secretary Enrique de la Madrid, who was in Montreal this week, said it was going to be one of the most alluring shows, “based on our culture and music, but with the stamp of Cirque du Soleil.”

That stamp means things like avoiding cliches: there is no mariachi music in the soundtrack, for example, but instead “an international sound with a Mexican vibe,” in the words of composer

Simon Carpentier.

Tourism Secretary de la Madrid explained that the show’s name is a fusion of the words luz and lluvia, or light and rain, elements on which Luzia is based.

On its website, Cirque du Soleil describes the show as a waking dream “that transports you to an imaginary Mexico. Experience a wondrous world that inspires you to explore your senses, enveloped in light and nurtured by rain.”

For reviewer Rebecca Galloway, writing in the Montreal Gazette, “Luzia was an absolute pleasure to watch — not just for the high-octane tricks but as a spectacular and cohesive theatrical experience that was successful on every level.”

Luzia runs until July 17 at the Old Port of Montreal before moving to Toronto’s Port Lands from July 28 until October 2.

Original: mexiconewsdaily.com

Readers are few but more books coming Three Amigos meeting

June 29 in Ottawa

Mexico's reading levels are among the world's lowest

I

n an effort to increase the extremely low reading levels of the general population by promoting reading among schoolchildren, the Education Secretariat has announced a 50% increase in the budget for school libraries for the next school year.

Mexicans read on average 2.94 books each year, which puts Mexico second to last on a list of 107 countries, according to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO. With decreasing attendance numbers at public libraries and an ever-shrinking number of readers, specifically children, the situation becomes more worrying.

President Peña Nieto will be guest of honor at state dinner According to the last national reading census conducted 10 years ago by INEGI, the National Institute of Statistics and Geography, only 16% of the population read for six hours or more per week, while close to a third read for just two hours or less.

Through the same census it was found that 54% hadn’t bought a book in the last year, while only 10% reported having bought six books or more.

Data obtained through a National Reading Survey in 2012 indicated the number of readers in Mexico decreased by 10% between 2006 and 2012, implying that over half of Mexicans don’t read books.

For federal Deputy Fernando Uriarte Zazueta, reading is an irreplaceable activity that “helps develop productive children, teena-

gers and adults, no matter what format they’re reading in. This is why state policy should promote this activity, as in the end the people will benefit.”

Such promotion should consist of specific programs that encourage the habit of reading and at the same time encourage parents and teachers to promote it, he said.

The deputy’s sentiment was echoed by Education Secretary Aurelio Nuño, who yesterday announced an increase in the allocation for books. The 2015-2016 allocation of 200 million pesos (US $11.63 million) for books for school libraries will double next year.

The investment, said Nuño, will represent an increase of 4 million in the number of books distributed by the Education Secretariat, bringing the total to 10 million.

Original: mexiconewsdaily.com

T

he Three Amigos will meet June 29 in Ottawa, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced at a recent press conference.

Officially known as the North American Leaders’ Summit, the meeting will bring together Trudeau, Mexico’s Enrique Peña Nieto and U.S. President Barack Obama. The White House said today Obama will make a day trip to the Canadian capital for the meeting, whose agenda will include security and economic issues.

The Canadian Governor General’s office said today that the queen’s representative will host Peña Nieto at an official state dinner, to be followed by an event in his honor at the National Gallery, CBC News reported.

The president’s office said the

visit would take place June 26-28 and also serve to commemorate the 71st anniversary of diplomatic relations between Mexico and Canada.

The Globe and Mail newspaper reported that Peña Nieto will probably visit a couple of Canadian cities prior to the summit.

CBC News also reported that Peña Nieto’s visit was strictly dependent on Canada lifting its controversial visa requirement, which has prevented Mexicans from entering Canada without a visa since 2009. The president’s office made no mention of the visa, which Prime Minister Trudeau has promised to repeal.

The last Three Amigos summit was hosted by Peña Nieto in Toluca in 2014. Last year’s was canceled by former Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper, presumably because of tensions over some key issues such as the Keystone pipeline, which was vetoed by Obama.

Original: mexiconewsdaily.com

news

05

May 12 - 18, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Tour operators worried over Marietas closure But Conanp has announced opening of another, alternative destination

T

he massively popular tourist destination known as Hidden Beach in the Marieta Islands National Park, off the coast of Punta Mita, will close for three months beginning in May after an overload of visitors triggered concerns over environmental damage.

But in the wake of other concerns expressed by marine tour operators, another destination will be opened on another of the islands at some point in the next three months.

The National Protected Areas Commission (Conanp) decided to close the park after Hidden Beach, also known as the Beach of Love, saw 2,500 visitors a day during Easter Week, the most recent vacation period.

The closure announcement was issued on April 14 and was followed by a huge increase in visitor numbers, with boats ferr-

ying people to the islands from El Anclote, Nayarit, operating over capacity.

“Many more people have been coming. Above all there have been many families but couples as well, all fulfilling the wish of their loved ones to visit this place,” said El Anclote restaurant owner Juan Pelayo.

The popularity of the Beach of Love caught everyone by surprise. In 2012, 27,500 people visited. Three years later, that figure had increased by around

100,000 visitors.

That also meant a big increase in income for tour and fishboat operators. Pelayo, who in addition to his restaurant owns 15 boats, says business is up about 300% as a result of the destination’s new popularity.

The three-month closure period of the Hidden Beach is preliminary, and will allow Conanp to determine whether it should reopen the attraction and under what conditions. It has already indicated there has been exten-

sive damage to the coral reefs in the area.

Meanwhile, tourists will be able to visit Isla Larga, Conanp chief Alejandro del Mazo Maza has announced. Visitors will be able to engage in watching birds, whales and other species at an alternative location that also will help compensate for the loss of income resulting from the Hidden Beach closure.

But Pelayo smells a conspiracy. He thinks the purpose of the Marieta Islands closure is to kill

the town of Punta de Mita, located next to the residential and hotel zone of Punta Mita. “. . . we interfere with the plans of tourism developers in the area.”

The closure has provoked a response from Profepa, the environmental protection agency. It has announced the opening of a new regional office for Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta and the Bahía de Banderas to focus on environmental issues in the area.

Original: mexiconewsdaily.com

news

06

May 12 - 18, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Weekend Usos Y Costumbres~Indigenous Self Governance surgeries to reduce I wait times

by Thomas Swanson http://www.

ColibriDesignVallarta.com

I

MSS anticipates waits of 14 days instead of 120 Wait times for traumatology and orthopedics surgeries at Social Security Institute (IMSS) operating rooms will be drastically reduced for its patients, from as long as 120 days to just 14, if a new strategy is successful.

The new program, announced on the weekend by director Mikel Arriola, is simple: open hospital operating rooms on weekends.

Orthopedics and traumatology represent 54% of the surgeries performed by the institution, and 64% of its expenses in medical care and paid leave subsidies.

The new program is expected to result in a 10% reduction in IMSS’ backlog of surgeries this year, increasing to 25% next year and 40% by 2018.

IMSS began the program April 16 in 12 medical units and 20 family care hospitals in the states of México, Mexico City, Chihuahua and Jalisco, where 80% of the demand is found.

“For this program we’ve hired 43 traumatology specialists and have created 33 extra medical consultation shifts, along with 72 surgical shifts. On weekends, we’re guaranteeing 160 surgeries and 600 medical consultations,” said Arriola.

The intention is also to enlarge the institute’s medical staff with 12,000 new physicians during the next three years. Programmed medical consultation will be carried out between Monday and Wednesday, with more surgeries programmed for weekends, along with those normally scheduled during weekdays.

Ophthalmology will also be included in IMSS’ weekend surgery program in the near future.

So far, 748 consultations and 384 surgeries have been performed since the program’s implementation, and a second stage is contemplated to begin shortly in the state of Nuevo León.

Original: mexiconewsdaily.com

t is said that during the conquest of México, the Spanish King Ferdinand asked Hernán Cortéz, the general in command of the conquistadores, what the newly conquered lands, then dubbed Nuevo España, looked like. Cortéz picked up a piece of paper and crumpled it up, placing it on the palm of his hand, and replied “it looks like this”. Indeed, México has more ups and downs in its terrain than just about anywhere else on Earth. This reality lead to a pragmatism on the behalf of the Spanish that was not to happen elsewhere in North America. Here were little pockets of people, very different from each other, scattered in the valleys and small plains of a vast terrain, who were not only un-exploitable, but were being protected by the Catholic church.

They were as lacking in exploitative value as was their land. This was true for most of southern and western México.

While Spaniards concentrated their energies on vast farms in the Bajio and the Yucatán and on the fabulous wealth of silver and gold from mines in the central regions such as Zacatecas and Guanajuato, something had to be done with these small Indian communities, to convert them to Catholicism and keep them in line, so to speak.

Working with the Catholic church, who was very busy converting these people to the true faith, they came up with a unique solu-

tion. If these natives survived the plagues that the Spanish brought with them (it is estimated that 90% did not), they were granted a form of rural autonomy.

The legal term was...and still is...”Usos y Costumbres”, or customs and traditions as we would put it in English. The concept is so uniquely Spanish that the term is rarely translated. It is so important in México that it is written into the second article of the Mexican

constitution.

Basically, an indigenous communty, at first under the watchful eye of the local priest, and later the different state and municipal (county) governments, were allowed to continue to govern themselves pretty much as they had for hundreds or thousands of years.

Pure socialism (oops... I used the “S” word) plain and simple.

Here’s how it usually works.

As a small, isolated community... community is everything...and the community always comes first.

This precept is more important today than ever, as the Mexican government’s security continues to disappear in favor of corruption and organized crime. Community affairs are almost always overseen by a council of elders, people that have been groomed to the task their entire lives.

To become an elder of this caliber, a person may be chosen at a young age to take on communtity responsibility, perhaps just tending the community goat herd, or being a community police person, or dealing with the local Méxican authorities on taxes, water rights, representation... whatever.

Those that show aptitude and the proper respect for the community will become more and more involved in the day to day responsibilities, more respected, and more

and more sought after for advise and council. In a system like this, a micro-cosmic world, everybody finds their place.

There are no prisons. Imagine that...no one is ever just locked away, swept under the rug. They are always a part of the communtity and thus worthy of rehabilitating.

For example, if someone steals a chicken, they or their family will not only compensate for the chicken, but the social fabric of the community has to be repaired as well. The offender will often be given community service work until the community itself feels that this person has re-joined the people in a constructive and positive way.

While this is being accomplished, he or she will often be somewhat confined to a “house of justice” under the watchful eye of village elders.

When this reparacion is achieved, at a general assembly of the citizens, he or she is returned to his family and friends, who in return are responsible to the community for his or her future behavior. No corruption, no plea bargaining, no prison gangs.

This system has worked and is still working in thousands of small villages and towns in the mountains of México. However, modern times are creating many challenges...but that is for another story...

wildlife

07

May 12 - 18, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Mexican Wildlife

M

exico encompasses such a vast area of land that it is not surprising that it is home to such a wide variety of flora and fauna. Inhabiting areas from pine forests and tropical ecosystems, to deserts and an enormous coral atoll, Mexican wildlife is incredibly diverse and has some truly unique species.

Mexican animals are an incredibly diverse mix of creatures, from wolves, jaguars and pumas to axolotl, iguanas and the famous Monarch butterflies.

Marine animals in Mexico are also varied with turtles, sharks, swordfish and whales all inhabiting the shores.

The plant life is equally diverse with over 30,000 flowering plant found throughout the country from orchids to the famous Cacao trees.

There are some truly unique and fascinating plant species found in Mexico, including 20m tall Cacti and Boojum Trees.

There is also an abundant variety of fruit in Mexico, with some particularly intriguing native species such as Mamey Sapote and Canistel.

Unfortunately, due to an increase in deforestation, pollution and in certain cases overhunting, there is an ever growing list of Mexican protected species. Many of these animals are endemic to Mexico, so the government´s continued conservational fight and maintenance of Mexico's natural parks is key in ensuring that native species do not die out.

Some of the animals that are most endangered include the Vaquita, the smallest marine mammal found only in the Gulf of California; the Totoaba a fish also native to the Gulf of California that was once abundant but has suffered greatly from over fishing. Land mammals that are critically endangered also include the Mexican prairie dog, the San Quintin Kangaroo Rat, the Volcano Rabbit and the Oaxacan Pocket Gopher to name a few.

Chihuahua Dogs

“Archeological findings, suggest that Chihuahua dogs have intrigued and endeared themselves to humans for thousands of years.”

Archeological findings, discovered mostly around the Mexico City area, suggest that Chihuahua dogs have intrigued and endeared themselves to humans for thousands of years. Ancestors of this adorable little dog make fascinating appearances in pyramid, tomb,

and temple carvings as well as in the afterlife beliefs of the ancient Aztecs. They also included them in their homes, religious ceremonies and burial rituals for companionship in this world and beyond.

Today the Chihuahua, native to Mexico, is a popular pet in many countries.

The modern history of Chihuahua dogs begins in 1850, when the remains of a long haired breed were discovered in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico near Casas Grandes.

The American Kennel Club registered them as a breed in 1904, and in 1923, fanciers founded The Chihuahua club of America, a club for breeders and enthusiasts that still holds events across the country and whose mission statement states that members do everything in their power to protect and advance the interests of the Chihuahua.

According to ancient texts and stone carvings, The Toltecs, who in 1100 A.D. ruled much of central and southern parts of Mexico, domesticated a dog called the Techichi,

believed that these dogs would act as a guide for the human soul in the afterlife.

Archeologists have found the remains of techichis in the pyramids of Cholula, in Chichen Itza (one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mexico) and buried in tombs along with humans all over Mexico and in parts of the United States.

Another interesting theory

“The population of Mexican crocodile is relatively small and is now considered to be a threatened species but you can see them at a number of crocodile rescue farms around Banderas Bay.” which is depicted as being small, silent and with a long coat. This was probably the ancestor of today’s Chihuahua.

The Toltecs kept these dogs in the home as pets and for religious purposes. Later, the Aztecs came to power in the region and they also kept the dog as pets and used them in religious ceremonies.

Some experts think that the Aztecs

behind these findings is that the Aztecs believed that the buried Techichi would absorb the sins of the person buried alongside thus purifying their soul. Interestingly, many asthma sufferers claim that their asthma symptoms seem to be absorbed by the Chihuahua resulting in a reduction in an improvement of their symptoms. However, for the poor Chihuahua, the means that the poor dog must deal with asthma issues of their own.

Although the smallest breed in

the world, these dogs often have a strong personality. Some say the because of the Aztec’s sacred treatment and their noble nature has influenced the demeanor of the dog today which is reflected in their proud, sensitive and often eccentric character.

Despite years of efforts to cool off the Chihuahuas’ fiery temper, they have resisted any changes and their suspicious temperament continues to show itself in their less than friendly attitude toward strangers. This attitude, ironically, makes them great watch dogs.

Due to sheer size difference, they may lack the same ability to intimidate as larger breeds such as the German Shepard, but most types of Chihuahuas are extremely loyal, alert and tend to bark at people they don’t recognize. Also, a close look at an angry Chihuahua’s tiny tensed face can be terrifying.

Chihuahua dogs make great pets; they adapt well to urban environments and smaller apartments, are known to follow owners around the house, love attention and pampering.

Best of all, their miniature frame requires little feeding. The short fur coat of most varieties keeps their grooming maintenance to a minimum and helps them endure hot weather. If you are considering welcoming one into your home as a pet, don’t forget their royal roots and remember to treat them accordingly.

The Mexican Crocodile

The Mexican Morelet's Crocodile is crocodile that is native to Mexico, Belize and Guatemala. Known also as the Mexican crocodile it also has many names in Spanish including Cocodrilo de Pantano, Lagarto negro, Lagarto de El Petén and Lagarto Panza. The name Morelet

comes from the French naturalist Pierre Morelet who discovered the species in Mexico in 1850.

The Mexican crocodile's habitat is mainly isolated and secluded inland freshwater environments, such as swamps, marshes and lakes. However, they also inhabit heavily forested areas, and have been seen living in brackish waters as well as the savannas found in the Yucatan.

Mexican crocodiles normally grow to about 9 feet long (3m); however they can grow longer.

Wild crocodiles generally live to between 55 to 65 years old, while those kept in captivity can live upwards of 80 years.

Of the distinct characteristics of these crocodiles are the black bands and spots that decorate their grayish-brown bodies; this coloring is an important adaptation of the Mexican crocodile for camouflage.

Younger crocodiles are often bright yellow with black bands.

The feeding habits consist of aquatic prey, such as small fish and invertebrates. However, as they grow, so too does their prey, often feeding on mammals, birds, reptiles and snails.

They are skilled hunters but may also scavenge when given the opportunity. They are also known to be cannibalistic by eating their young.

Mexican crocodiles normally breed from April to June and females usually build a protective mound near the water or on floating vegetation. Normally about 20-45 eggs are laid, just before the rainy season begins. When the eggs are ready to hatch, the females will carefully dig them out of the nest and carry them to the water in their mouths.

Continued on next page

wildlife

08

Continued from previous page The population of Mexican crocodile is relatively small and is now considered to be a threatened species.

The estimated wild population is between 10,000 and 20,000 individuals.

The main cause of the reduction in numbers is the extensive illegal hunting that took place throughout the 20th century. In fact, it continues to be a problem as too does the rapid destruction of their habitats.

There have been moves to breed them in protected habitats; however the reintroduction of the Mexican crocodile that have been bred in captivity into the wild could cause a huge threat to other species of crocodiles. Morelet's crocodiles have been known to establish feral populations.

In Mexico, however, protected Mexican Crocodile areas such as the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reverse have been set up carefully to their habitat with little outside interference. This measure has proved to be a great success for its reintroduction.

Monarch Butterflies in Mexico “The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve is a protected area that comprises of over 50,000 hectares, 7 hours drive from Puerto Vallarta.”

The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve is a protected area that comprises of over 193 square miles (50,000 ha) of mountainous pine-oak forests northwest of Mexico City along the TransMexican Volcanic Belt. Not only is this Biosphere Reserve an important conservation area, it is also a World Heritage Site.

Monarch butterflies in North America are live in two regions: California and east of the Rocky Mountains. The monarch's that make the journey to Mexico originate east of the Rocky Mountains. Here, every winter, millions of migrating monarch butterflies make this area their home. The Reserve aims to not only protect the Monarch butterflies but also the ecosystem that they rely on.

Monarch butterflies are very intriguing. They are the only known species of butterfly to make long yearly north-south migrations.

Every winter, from October to March, millions of monarch butterflies make the nearly 2500 mile (4,000 km) trip from the US to the Reserve in central Mexico.

When the butterflies arrive at

the Reserve, they congregate forming colonies, clustering on the trees in the forested hills. These Monarch colonies transform the trees into moving orange masses, bending branches under their collective weight. The reason for such concentrated clustering is to conserve as much heat as possible during the cold months.

A migrating monarch butterfly's life span is approximately 2 to 7 months which means that a single butterfly will not live through the entire migratory cycle. It is a mystery how the monarchs return to the same area year after year.

Some believe that they inherit the flight pattern. In the spring they will begin their migration towards eastern Canada, during which four generations will be born and die.

The history of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve dates back to the 1970s when scientists began to notice patterns in the migration of wintering monarchs.

The protection of the area was made official in 1980, when President Jose Lopez Portillo decreed it a protected wildlife refuge. Throughout the 1980s, the management of the area developed, with the primary focus concentrated on the direct welfare of the butterflies themselves.

The year 2000 was a significant year in the history of the area as it was promoted by a legal decree to the status of a federal biosphere reserve and was officially given the title of Reserva de la Biosfera Mariposa Monarca, or Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in English. In 2008 it was included on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.

While there has been some threat by illegal logging and growing tourism, the authorities in charge of the area have worked hard with the local communities that occupy the protected land to help with conservation efforts.

Nowadays, efforts have shifted from the primary welfare of the Monarch butterflies to being more focused on the conservation and maintenance of the broad ecosystem to which they belong.

May 12 - 18, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

The Scourge in Puerto Vallarta

by Janice Gonzalez SPCA de PV

www.spcapv.com

A

s a rescue organization, our mission is to find forever homes for as many dogs as we can and welcome similar efforts by others. Unfortunately, sometimes the best intentions can lead to disastrous outcomes. We feel it important to educate dog owners and rescuers alike about a potentially deadly disease called ehrlichiosis (or ehrlichia), a disease not familiar to everyone.

Based on available information and our own experience, over 80% of street or homeless dogs have contracted ehrlichia here in Puerto Vallarta which is transmitted through the bite of the brown tick.

Maybe you or someone you know has reached out and rescued one of our many unfortunate canines. Being conscientious you more than likely took the poor animal to the vet to be treated for parasites. The vet should also test for moquillo (Canine distemper) or parvo (Canine parvovirus, a highly contagious viral disease). Unfortunately dogs are not regularly tested for the presence of ehrlichia.

Please beware! Ehrlichia is insidious and, unfortunately, it is not always apparent that a dog has been infected. As a result, some dogs are living with an internal time bomb. Undiagnosed and untreated, this disease can ultimately kill your companion animal as internal organs shut down accompanied with internal hemorrhaging.

The good news is that when/if the disease is treated, there is a high probability the dog will recover without any further health issues.

The key here is early detection and treatment. This is a cautionary tale warning everyone to also have the vet administer a SNAP test to screen for heartworm disease, Lyme disease, and ehrlichiosis.

(Note: SNAP tests are a group of quick, convenient, blood tests that can be performed at your veterinarian’s office.)

Finally, because clinical signs are not always apparent, periodic testing is a good way to identify

dogs that have been infected. Even dogs that receive year-round tick control products and don’t spend a lot of time outside are at risk for exposure to tick-borne diseases.

Testing helps identify dogs that need treatment. Since dogs can be re-infected, ALL canines should be tested on a regular basis.

Read on for more information about this menace in our midst.

Ehrlichiosis There are three phases of illness with ehrlichiosis: acute, subclinical, and chronic.

ACUTE PHASE: This is generally a mild phase and occurs 1 to 3 weeks after the host is bitten by the tick. The dog may have some or all of the following symptoms or may exhibit no noticeable symptoms. The dog may be listless, off food, and may have enlarged lymph nodes. There may be fever as well but rarely does this phase kill a dog. Most dogs clear the organism if they are treated in this stage but those that do not receive adequate treatment will go on to the next phase.

SUBCLINICAL PHASE: In this phase, the dog appears normal.

The organism has sequestered in the spleen and is essentially hiding out there. During this phase you may be able to feel the enlarged spleen. Dogs can stay in this phase for months or even years.

CHRONIC PHASE: In this phase the dog gets sick again. Up to 60% of dogs infected will have abnormal bleeding. There may be deep inflammation in the eyes.

Neurologic effects may also be seen as well as urinary problems.

It can also lead to arthritis.

Untreated it can lead to death.

Treatment Doxycycline, an antibiotic effective in the treatment against ehrlichia, has a convenient dosing schedule. Expect at least a month of treatment to be needed.

Response is initially rapid (improvement is notable in the first few days). Based on the progression of the disease additional treatment with corticosteroids may also be used to palliate the situation while the antibiotics are starting to work.

After infection, it is possible to become re-infected; immunity is not lasting after a previous infection.

Summary Dogs get ehrlichiosis from the brown dog tick, which passes an ehrlichia organism into the bloodstream when it bites. There are three stages of ehrlichiosis, each varying in severity.

The best way to prevent infection is to check your dog daily for the presence of ticks. Infection is unlikely to occur within the first 24-48 hours of exposure. You can easily remove newly attached ticks from your canine. If the tick has become blood engorged, please take him to the vet for professional tick removal as well as testing for the presence of ehrlichia.

It is strongly encouraged that SNAP tests be given to all rescues and periodically given to all dogs in order that proactive treatment for the infection can begin immediately. The earlier the detection, the more successful the chance of recovery.

Credits: Some of the information contained herein was taken from articles published by the Veterinary Information Network.

spca vallarta

09

SPCAPV Welcome Steve Dale

May 12 - 18, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

W

e are so pleased to announce that Steve Dale, renowned certified animal behavior consultant and friend to the SPCA here in Puerto Vallarta, has accepted an invitation to join our organization. Steve Dale has been appointed to the post of Advisory Board Member of the U.S. arm of our organization, Prevent Cruelty to Animals aka PVCA Animal Rescue.

Steve has been a great friend to the SPCA for a number of years, having been guest speaker two consecutive years at our annual fundraiser. He has been instrumental in spreading the word about our rescue efforts and in particular our sanctuary on his blog, in various publications and during his syndicated radio show increasing our visibility within the United States.

Join us in welcoming Steve to our family.

Steve Dale, CABC (certified animal behavior consultant) over the past few decades has reached more pet owners than any other pet journalist in America.

He is the host of two nationally syndicated radio shows, Steve Dale’s Pet World and The Pet Minute (together heard on over 100 radio stations, syndicated Black Dog Radio Productions, since 2005). He’s also a special contributor at WGN Radio, Chicago and program host, Steve Dale’s Pet World (since 1997). And he formerly hosted nationally broadcast Animal Planet Radio.

Steve’s blog: www.stevedale.tv.

For 21 years, his twice weekly newspaper column was syndicated by the Chicago Tribune.

Steve was a contributing editor USA Weekend (2002 to 2014), and regular columnist at Cat Fancy magazine (2006 to 2014), and has written for a long list of magazines, from People to Dog World (where he was a columnist).

He’s currently a columnist and contributing editor for CATster, and authors a column called Steve Dale's Vet World for Veterinary Practice News.

He also contributes blogs for various websites, including for Victoria Stilwell, and the Pet Health Network.

On TV he’s appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show; National

Geographic Explorer; Pets Part of the Family (PBS). Fox News, various Animal Planet Shows and many others. For several years, Steve was a regular contributor to Superstation WGN-TV morning news, then appeared regularly on WMAQ-TV, Chicago. Currently, he’s a contributor to nationally syndicated HouseSmarts TV. Steve’s also a frequent host of satellite media tours.

In print, he’s been quoted in, the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Los Angeles Times, Redbook, various veterinary publications and dozens more, not to mention appearing as an expert guest on countless radio programs.

Steve co-edited “Decoding Your Dog,” written by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2014).

Steve’s the author of ebooks, “Good Dog!” and “Good Cat!” (Chicago Tribune, 2011). He’s the author of several other books including “DogGone Chicago” and “American Zoos.” He’s written introductions

or contributed chapters to over 20 books.

Steve was an external reviewer for “Feline Behavior Guidelines” (American Association of Feline Practitioners, 2005), and is a contributor to the textbook “The Cat: Clinical Medicine and Management” (edited Dr. Susan Little, 2011). He’s the primary author of the CATegorical Care: An Owner’s Guide to America’s Number #1 Companion (reviewers include AVMA, SAWA), published American Humane Association/ CATalyst Council, 2010). He co-authored (with Dr. Sagi Denenberg) the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior Position Statement on Breed-Specific Legislation (2014). Steve is a founder of the CATalyst Council and served on the Board of Directors from 2008 to 2012. He’s also on the Board of Directors of the Winn Feline Foundation (2007 to present), and Tree House Humane Society in Chicago (2005 to present). In 2012, after six years, he cycled off the Board of the

American Humane Association and served as a National Ambassador.

Steve is also a part of an AVMA/AAHA initiative to encourage preventive veterinary care, called Partners for Health Pets. In 2014, Steve co-founded Veterinary Professionals Against Puppy Mills.

Steve is on the Pet Partners HumanAnimal Bond National Advisory Board (2015 to present), National Advisory Board Member Angel on a Leash (2005 to present), and National Advisory Board Member SPCA Puerto Vallarta (2016 to present).

In Chicago, Steve created the Chicago Task Force on Companion Animals and Public Safety (20002010), where three-times proposed breed bans were over-turned and twice over-turned proposed mandated pediatric spay/neuter, as well as proposed pet limit laws.

The Task Force also created guidelines for ‘doggy day care.’ As a pet advocate, Steve has testified many times against breed specific bans, pet limit laws, etc. Steve personally

Adorable Dog In The Spotlight... CHAMP

I

sn't Champ adorable! How can you not fall in love with those ears! This big handsome fellow is a one year old Staffordshire Terrier mix.

Champ weighs 53 pounds and is neutered, dewormed, and fully vaccinated.

He is very sweet and loving towards people, however Champ does not enjoy the company of other dogs or cats, so we are looking for a home where he will be the only pet

and get all the attention.

If you are interested in adopting

Champ, please email spcapv@ gmail.com.

advised Illinois Governor Pat Quinn regarding pet-related issues.

Among Steve’s many awards, the AVMA Humane Award (the only AVMA honor bestowed to a non-veterinarian), Editor and Publisher syndicated newspaper Feature Writer of the Year Award, AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Public Service Award, HSUS Pets for Life Award, and has been honored with over 15 Maxwell’s Awards from the Dog Writer’s Association of America and over 15 Muse Awards from the Cat Writers’ Association of America. He’s also been honored by the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association, University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, and was the first recipient of the Winn Feline Foundation Media Appreciation Award, and many others.

In 2012, Steve became the youngest person ever inducted into the Dog Writer’s Association of America Hall of Fame.

After his beloved cat Ricky passed away in 2002 of feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), Steve created a fund to raise money to research this oftenfatal disease. He’s raised well over $100,000 – and as a direct result a genetic test was created to determine if a gene defect for HCM exists for two breeds.

Steve’s a regular speaker at veterinary and shelter conferences around the world, and for shelter fundraisers, and other special events. Steve’s presented at each of the major U.S. veterinary conferences (numerous times), and several times for the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. He’s also spoken at the World Small Animal Veterinary Association Conference, Caribbean Veterinary Conference and many others. Steve’s persistence convinced the Chicago White Sox to allow dogs at a major league baseball game – today, ball parks around America have periodic “dog days” promotions. In 2004, he suggested Mercury Skyline Cruiseline create “The Canine Cruise,” a dog-friendly architecture cruise for dogs on Lake Michigan/Chicago River, also replicated in other cities.

Steve is also the host (since 2015) of a popular WGN Podcast, Steve Dale's Other World (about topics generally unrelated to pets).

Two of Steve’s favorite honors: Commencement Speaker at Madison Square Garden for Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (2008), and appearing (in 2012) as 59 across in a TV Guide Crossword Puzzle (pet journalist Steve _ _ _ _).

wildlife

10

May 12 - 18, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Wellness

Latina

Marcella Castellanos

info@wellnesslatina.com

Getting Involved with Community

W

orking, living here, interacting with people and getting involved with community are easy to intermingle when you live in Puerto Vallarta.

And getting involved with passions close to your heart are good for your mind, body and soul.

Mexicans love connection and it's a very family-oriented culture.

There is a great deal of interpersonal interaction as most neighbors greet each other, no one seems to be in too much of a rush all the time, and connecting with people seems to be a priority which is why punctuality falls down the priority scale.

Did someone say, "Mañana?" As much as this can be frustrating, it is one of the aspects of living in Vallarta that I really appreciate.

Another one is getting involved with community. This is another aspect of living a healthy, fulfilling life. There are various ways that you can connect with community and express a passion for a cause.

Animal rescue organizations, a cleft palate program to help children that need operations, children with disabilities programs, visiting at the senior center, orphanages, women’s shelters... really, there are a plethora of ways to get involved and connect with others.

This past weekend, there was a demonstration to help prevent the installation of a dolphin tank in the new shopping mall going up called, 'La Isla.'

This effort to raise awareness about dolphins and other animals

in captivity is close to my heart because I believe we don't give non-human animals the credit for sentience and intelligence that they deserve. And they can't speak up for themselves.

Dolphins have very complex cultures, have their own language, recognize each other as individuals, and have large brains like humans do. When they are held in captivity they are stressed and disoriented from loud noises vibrating in their confined spaces, have to be drugged to carry out their captive lives, and often go mad.

We know too much about how cruel and stressful these kinds of environments are for these animals to continue to allow it.

I was very proud and pleased to be a part of a successful demonstration that attracted hundred’s of peaceful protestors. And it made me feel connected, active and very alive. For more information on this cause, go to: Empty the tanks PV What causes are you passionate about and make you feel most alive?

Marcella is a certified Wellness Lifestyle Coach helping people lead healthier lives with attention to compassion and sustainability in the world. Her mission is to empower you to become the greatest, most vibrant version of yourself. She looks at the whole picture and helps you incorporate plantstrong nutrition, movement, and essential oils to support physical and emotional health. If you want to receive health and wellness updates about vibrant healthy living in Vallarta sign up for her newsletter at www.wellnesslatina.

Two Islands

By Gretchen DeWitt www.peaceanimals.org

A

t hot, high noon on Saturday, an estimated two to three hundred exuberant citizens of Mexico, Canada and the U.S., dressed in blue, gathered in front of the construction site of La Isla, a development project of GICSA. The protest, organized by “Empty the Tanks” (founded on Earth Day in 1970) was against a dolphinarium at the new La Isla mall. The tank has been proposed

by GICSA, developer of La Isla.

Traffic was stopped every few minutes from 12 to 2pm by police, so protesters on the other side of the very busy Avenida México could safely cross over. Signs were held up asking for honks of support, and drivers of cars, vans, public buses, and taxis responded exuberantly with tooting horns, thumbs up signals and shouts of encouragement.

If you are against the proposed dolphinarium and/or if you have alternative suggestions regarding entertainment and amusement for La Isla shopping complex, please

send your message to: Samuel Jalife sjalife@gicsa.com.mx Even better, if you are prepared not to shop at a mall with a dolphinarium, please let Samuel Jalife know.

On Sunday, it was the turn of PV ANIMAL to sponsor a special “Pets for Life” clinic on the Isla Cuale.

This is the excellent vet team with which PEACEAnimals has a work agreement. When I left the Isla at 9:20 in the morning, fifty-eight cats and dogs had been registered.

Returning to the Isla Cuale in the late afternoon to walk our dogs, I stopped at Balam Balam, the fish “restaurant” next to the río.

At the east end of the serpen-

tine path at the side of the dirt road called Primera del Río, there is a long wood table and about four or five smaller tables under a palapa roof. No walls. Two shrimp tostadas topped with a slice of avocado -70 pesos. Special once a month on Sunday clinics will be held on the Isla Cuale, where so many cats and kittens are abandoned.

All of these clinics need financial and volunteer support. Contact any one of the sponsoring agencies to find out how you can help each month.

Original: www.gretchen-peace-and-pv.blogspot.com Photo: Well-known Vallarta Artist Brewster Brockman, with his wife Carmen De Alba and daughters, Isa and Sonia.

The rescue agency Puro Gato will hold adoptions on the Isla from 11-2 on these same dates.

June 5 - Sponsored by SHANNON BESTON July 3 – Sponsored by PEACEAnimals August 7 – Sponsored by SPCA September 4 – Sponsored by ANGELICAT October 2 - Sponsored by PURR PROJECT November 6 – Sponsored by PV ANIMAL December 4- Sponsored by PURO GATO

local

11

Paradise

From Here

and Parenting Leza Warkentin

Marcia Blondin

mommyinmexico.wordpress.com

Celebrating Teachers

O

n May 15, Mexico celebrates its teachers. Unfortunately, this year the date falls on a Sunday, so teachers will have to be appreciated without a day off. Instead, they may have classroom parties. But allow me to share a secret with you: classroom parties to celebrate teachers are really sweet and really kind.

And we will always tell you that we love them. Actually we will always sort of love it, because it makes us feel like you appreciate what we do every day. But just take the following into consideration before you decide to make it a surprise: Pretend that your job involves working with twenty very excitable people who not only feel passionate about cake, but also for tipping their chairs back until they are in danger of striking their heads on the only available corner in the room. Pretend also, that if they DO strike their heads on that corner, it will be entirely your responsibility.

Then imagine ten other people walking unannounced into that situation with a cake full of sugar and red dye, smiling and offering everyone a slice.

Sounds awesome, right? But a spa gift certificate might also sound good too.

I don’t want to sound ungrateful, or that I don’t enjoy teaching.

Teaching is something I get excited about, cake or no cake.

Teachers get to see miracles happen. Teachers get to light fires.

Teachers get to put out fires, too, but it’s worth it.

I am a teacher of a very particular genre. I am an early childhood educator. I’ve taught all the ages from three to six, but most of the time I teach Kindergarten. It’s a tricky time to be an ECE, because there is a lot of pressure on schools now to forget all we know about how children truly learn, and push down the curriculum to get children to pass standardized tests at an age where no one should have to

May 12 - 18, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

marciavallarta@gmail.com worry about failing an exam.

The interesting thing is, if you look at the research, you can see that children learn best by being engaged in hands-on, intentional play. They are also as successful and often more successful than their peers who were placed in academic preschools where abstract learning and worksheets were emphasized. Plus, they are usually a lot happier and know how to build an x-ray machine for pets out of two boxes, paint and lots of tape.

I’ve stayed for almost sixteen years at the American School here in Puerto Vallarta for many reasons, but one of the big ones is that the administration has a deep respect for childhood and teachers who use developmentally appropriate methods, because they have seen the amazing results. But there are other things I love about my job too. As an early childhood educator, I get to: 1) Turn the most mundane chores into songs. I ask my kids to line up, and they really don’t care.

Because, quite frankly, lining up is boring. But if I sing “Come line up, come line up, it’s time for art! It’s time for art!” to the tune of Frere Jaques, it’s sort of like starting up the electric can opener when you have a house full of cats.

2) Decode important documents. Do you know what IWTTUDSTRNBTFD says?

Because I do (I went to the store and bought food).

3) Be called “mom” at least twice a day. Now I answer without even blinking. Yes, I will be your mom, or your dad, or even your Aunt Bea. Just finish your group work.

4) Hear all about their lives.

Here’s another handy hint, parents.

If there was anything about your life that you didn’t want us to know, you might as well forget about it. We already heard about it yesterday at circle time, along with seventeen other five-year-olds.

5) Hear someone tell me that they love me while I’m on the job. And know that it’s absolutely true.

W

e who are fortunate to live in Vallarta have an extra ordinary community of sharing individuals. For a rather small city we have a very long list of legitimate charities. They tend to get a lot of press and money and people and places that donate time and energy and that’s great for our community as a whole; this is not about them.

This is about two business women, both Americans who live and work in Vallarta that have been here and have been friends of mine for roughly the same amount of time.

They have helped with small things – fabrics for furniture in my house, bits of jewellery useless on their own but combined with other pieces to make new ones possible.

Draperies, pillows, clothing and

racks to hang them on; I can’t look anywhere and not think of them with gratitude for all they have given me.

Jobs, when I was in need, answers when I had questions and always, always love and smiles on rainy days. So, a big shout out to Sherry Vallarta and Kathleen

– either buying OR selling things.

And you can try a Segway! Sean will be there cooking up Gyoza which is the Japanese version of pot stickers made with pork, carrots and cabbage.

Gabriel Reyes will entertain.

With that voice all will be well with the world!

will calculate interest due on the tax -from April 18 onward- and send you a bill.

IRS rules say that the taxpayer must “attach a statement” to the return, saying that the taxpayer qualifies for the automatic extension. I recommend writing those out in RED LETTERS at the top the return: “TAXPAYER RESIDES OUTSIDE THE U.S.—AUTOMATIC EXTENSION” or words to that effect.

“Normal” taxpayers are entitled to a 6-month extension of time to file (but not to pay). Expats can get that too, by filing Form 4868 within the automatic extension window, on or before June 30. But it runs concurrently with the automatic

extension, so an expat who applies gets en extension to file to October 15. They do not “stack up”.

If a taxpayer needs additional time, there is yet another 2-month extension available by writing a letter to the Austin TX IRS Service Center. “I need the additional time to prepare a complete and accurate return” will likely get your request granted. Lastly, there is a special extension of time to meet residence abroad tests to qualify for exclusion of Foreign Earned Income. Form 2350 is used for this purpose, and may get you 30 days past the date when you expect to qualify for the residence abroad tests. As alluring as extensions are, I recommend their use only when necessary. “Blowing through” an extension can be expensive. But most importantly, the IRS clock to audit your return will not begin until you file. Keep that in mind.

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.

Extension

mysteries Orlando Gotay, Tax Attorney tax@orlandogotay.com.

I

write this note just after the “regular” federal income tax return filing deadline of April 18, 2016, specifically for expats who did not file by then. In case you wondered, this year’s ‘regular’ filing deadline was off by three days due to DC’s Emancipation Day holiday.

Those who reside outside the United States (and Puerto Rico) as of the filing deadline qualify for an automatic 2-month extension to file a return and to pay tax due. Either spouse filing a joint return qualifies for the extension. This extension runs only to June 30. If you file a return within that time and pay whatever you owe, you will not be subject to the failure to file or failure to pay penalties. However, the IRS

Palmer – two strong, independent, lovely women to whom I owe so much; thank you both for being in my life. Have you seen the Segways on the Malecon?

If you’ve ever thought about trying one, we will have one, along with an instructor from Wheeling Vallarta, at the Bazaar next Tuesday the 17th at the Marsol Hotel Lobby. Going to be a super opportunity for people who are renovating their condos or houses

The Real BBQ

Find us. You’ll be happy you did.

Slow Smoked Ribs • Live Music • River & Beach www.elriobbqbar.com elriobbqbar RED = Pantone PMS 485 C BLUE = Pantone PMS 289 C YELLOW = Pantone Yellow C

Day Pass 50% off PRESENT THIS COUPON

Towel service / Pool / Lounge chairs Delightful cocktails / Superb Bistrot menu Pet-friendly www.sapphire.mx

Expires October 31, 2016

Malecon 1, Playa Los Muertos

entertainment

14

Comings and Goings

By Marcia Blondin Comings…

By the time you read this, the much-anticipated concert headlined by Grant Maloy Smith at Casa Karma will be history. A full review of this CK Production next week.

The Jazz Foundation was very busy last Thursday. My friend Sandra Cesca, author and Walking Tour Queen joined me to listen to the Oliblues Band. Both of us were too tired to stay for the second set BUT I did have time to whisper into Oliver’s ear a request to learn my favourite song featuring a harmonica. So, I will be at the Jazz Foundation next week for BOTH sets (she said, hopefully!) and am hoping to hear some John Mayall… “Room to Move” more precisely. Full report next week!

On Sunday: Me and the Sapphire Ocean Club; their Day Passes are half-price! There’s a coupon in this issue, cut it out and join me in the pool/lounge chair (but get your own) /ocean/Bistrot…

…and Goings The Tomorrow Box wrapped last Sunday. It was the first time I had been to a play in the remodeled Boutique upstairs at Nacho Daddy’s. It is so comfortably intimate with actors coming and going through the seated audience; seamlessly adding to the atmosphere rather than detracting. The acoustics are wonderful; I don’t know how, but they are. There is not a bad seat in the house; the waiters are respectful of the actors and quiet as mice, plus no margarita-blender or street noise in the background or bursts of bright sunlight when the front door opens - for which I was extremely grateful. For a small theatre, they have added some well-thought-out modifications some of the larger theaters in the city could, and should, learn from.

The Tomorrow Box was well done all around. A special mention to Sean Moore: this was his acting

debut and my companion Stephen (an actor himself) was kind enough to thank Sean after the performance for adding his ‘newness’ which came across to the audience not as awkwardness at all but as sheer honesty with nothing preconceived. I will be happy to see more productions in the fall at the Boutique.

I have to continue the applause: two sold-out shows at the Palm to benefit Willie Royal. There are so many good things emanating from this event. First, the Palm has been closed for more than a month so that had to be put back together.

No small task, I am sure! Posters, advertising, flights scheduled; rehearsals as well, a hundred postings on Facebook – daily, it seemed! I went to the 7 o’clock show and can’t imagine that much energy being expended AGAIN for the 9:30 gig. Luna Rumba did it.

I moved to Vallarta in 1991, a year after Willie and Lobo got together here in the city. They used to play very close to where I lived for many years and when they played I didn’t sleep. Could not sleep! If I ever drifted off during a calm, sweet, gypsy serenade the thunderous applause would wake me anyway, so I would get up, make a drink, go sit on the terrace and listen until they finished. (Often cursing the two bloody gypsies who were at it again.)

Willie has Alzheimer’s that has robbed him and his wife Alison of more than just money. The Willie I remember of 25 years ago – the one who bounced to some rhythm in his head when he walked – can now only move carefully and slowly and when he took Geo’s extended hand to help him up onto the stage, nobody in the room dared breathe.

He took his seat, Geo handed him his violin, found his bow, plugged him in and after one second of confusion crossed his face, Willie touched his bow to his violin, smiled his lopsided grin and began. The rhythm picked up, Willie turned to Geo and BAM they were in perfect sync. It was glorious music!

May 12 - 18, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Forty-one restaurants will offer special menus with prix-fixe three-course meals for either MX$249 or MX$399

T

he twelfth edition of Restaurant Week, a culinary event that will take place in the Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta from May 15-31 with 41 restaurants participating this year.

The event is presented by Vallarta Lifestyles and is sponsored by the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Trust and Bay Vallarta magazine.

There will be 41 participating restaurants offering special menu with prix-fixe three-course

meals for MX$249 or MX$399 (the price does not include tips or beverages.)

This year there are seven new restaurants on the list and another seven that have participated for all the twelve years in a row.

Restaurant Week is known for evolving year over year and one of the improvements for 2016 is a pocket guide for menus.

Another very important aspect of the event that will help in the promotion of the participating restaurants is the creation of a

bilingual newsletter titled Restaurant Week Foodie Report.

“This year we have made a commitment to promote the participating restaurants during the next 12 months via this monthly digital newsletter,” explained event organizer Paco Ojeda.

“That way we can continue our mission of lending our support to the participating restaurants throughout the year.

Thanks to this added value we’re certain even more restaurants will want to participate for 2017.”

“Dance All Night” Gay Pride Concerts

D

ance All Night” with the Puerto Vallarta Gay Men’s Chorus in our 5th annual series of gay pride concerts.

Celebrate our “1 Family” with your friends and the men of the chorus as we sing and dance to pop love songs and hits from musical theater.

The Puerto Vallarta Gay Men’s Chorus is proud to be the first gay chorus in Mexico, bringing together foreign and national singers of all ages. The chorus is completing its second year under the artistic direction of Alfonso López, a graduate of The University of Texas-Pan American in vocal performance. The chorus provides musical education and training with a number of concerts in the Bahía de Banderas area throu-

ghout the year. The chorus is also a familiar group of faces in community parades and at other events supporting worthy local causes.

Invite your friends and family to join the chorus on May 22, 23 and 27th for a fun-filled and uplifting fiesta of gay pride, music and

dance! We will have a reception after each concert in the Encore bar to meet the men of the chorus and participate in some fun fundraising activities to support and help us build our new rehearsal space home at ACT II. More information at pvmenschorus.org

local

15

Obituary: Jimmie Ellis

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

May 14 Utopia Gallery Official Opening Located on Isla Cuale, featuring local artists along with live installations, DJ, cocktails and snacks.

The 2016 Laser World Championship (May 10-18 / May 20-28) The last two of four phases of an international event that brings together the best sailors in the world will take place in May: first the Laser Standard Men’s World Championship followed by the Laser Masters World Championship – Standard, both in Nuevo Vallarta. http://www.laserworlds2016.org/ index.php/ Restaurant Week (May 15- 31) This culinary celebration is a community event where over 40 restaurants from

the Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta come together to create a specially approved prix fixe menu during the entire two weeks in order to extend the region’s high season and promote its many amazing gastronomical delights.

Vallarta Pride (May 16-30) For the fourth consecutive year, Puerto Vallarta, is the proud home of Vallarta PRIDE, scheduled to take place from May 16th to 30th, 2016, under the motto “We are one family.”

The most important pride LGBTTIQ festival in the region will host several events that include: art, culture, concerts, entertainment, movies, parties, grand gay pride parade and fun for everyone. www.vallartapride. com/ May 20 Music Festival at the Pier In Celebration of Pride we’re closing the road and bringing in the bands and DJ’s. Savoury street food, classic cocktails and ice cold beer are offered while

Flower of the Week Ixora Ixora (Spanish) Ixora sp.

M

exican Geranium, West Indian Jasmine.

This prevalent tropical evergreen grows up to 12 feet as a shrub or small tree often shaped into a dense hedge. Of the over 400 species there are many colors including yellow, red, pink, white, lavender and orange. The red varieties are used in Hindu worship and Indian folk medicine.

The leaves possess antiseptic properties used for skin sores and bloodshot eyes.

The roots can be used to treat diarrhea and fever.

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 Artisan’s Market on Fridays.

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

May 12 - 18, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

you “get your groove on” to an eclectic selection of music played with “party” in mind.

May 20-22 Riviera Nayarit Wind Festival National contest of Kite surfing at Main Beach of Bucerias south, where over 180 domestic competitors come together for a weekend, competing in freestyle and categories. festivaldelviento.mx Riviera Nayarit Mountain Bike (May 28) The mountains of Higuera Blanca is the meeting place for over 300 riders who will gather for a tour along one of the most scenic and fun routes of the domestic Lijacim race; with its 26 categories, it has something to offer every kind of mountain bike enthusiast.

by Sandra Cesca

Jimmie / Jim (James) Ellis May 31, 1944 - May 1, 2016

J

immie died May 1, 2016 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico after a lengthy illness He is survived by his wife of 49 years Mary Ellis, Phil and Carol Ellis, (brother) their children and grand children, Irene Haden (aunt) and in laws Liz and Floyd Patterson, Bruce and Anne Montreuil, Tim and Teresa Montreuil and Dean and Karen Montreuil and numerous nieces, nephews and their children Jimmie was predeceased by his parents Don and Muriel Ellis, numerous aunts and uncles, in laws Joe and Vi Montreuil, Darlene Boyt and Mark Montreuil Jimmie attended Grantham High School in St. Catharines, ON Canada, obtained his accounting degree as a CPA and attended the University of Western Ontario MBA program.

During his professional career Jimmie worked in the finance departments at Canada Development Corp. (CDC), Fishery Products Inc., AES Data and Mitel Corp. amongst other companies.

After retiring and moving to Pto. Vallarta in Sept. 1996 Jimmie became actively involved working

with the International Friendship Club (IFC), the Holt English School and the Biblioteca Los Mangos (public library). He and Mary took Spanish lessons until they were both fluent enough to converse, read and write Spanish.

Jimmie love to read, watch movies and TV, debate the affairs of the world with friends, spend time getting to know everyone he came into contact with and most of all to travel.

Together he and Mary visited more than 160 countries over the years. Within a few years of moving to Pto. Vallarta he had visited all 31 states in Mexico and the Federal District.

He had an absolutely wicked sense of humour and loved to use it. He was happy to mentor and guide his numerous nieces and nephews and anyone who asked for his help and expertise.

Jimmie would be very happy to have donations made to the Biblioteca Los Mangos in his name (http://bibliotecalosmangos.com/).

A celebration of Jimmie's life (he preferred it to be called a wake) will take place on Sunday, May 29, 2016 from 1 - 3 p.m. at Blake's Restaurant, Av. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Pto. Vallarta.

banderas bay

16

May 12 - 18, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Explore Banderas Bay

one of the many vendors on the beach.

P

Bucerias - Named for the oyster divers that dot the shore in front of the beach, this town is a mecca for snowbirds, most which seem to be of the Canadian Goose variety. Freshest seafood in the bay and a selection of excellent local bars and restaurants, this little town is plenty of fun. On Thursday evenings during high season there is the entertaining Artwalk and during the day plenty of galleries and a couple markets great for souvenir shopping.

uerto Vallarta is located in the middle of Banderas Bay, one of the largest bays in Mexico at nearly 100km in length. It is bounded in the north

by Punta de Mita and in the south

by Cabo Corrientes. It straddles the states of Jalisco and Nayarit, divided along the Ameca River.

The bay is home to many wonderful communities and an abundance of natural wonders.

In the winter and spring seasons you can witness the awe inspiring beauty of the humpback whales as they calve in the warm waters of the bay, in the summer you can experience the majesty of the sea turtles hatching and returning to their watery world.

The fall brings renewed vigour to the mountains and rivers with the fresh rains and revived vegetation. No matter when you visit, Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit will share their wonders with you. Here is a selection of some of the many things you can do while visiting us.

Walking Tours - Take a tour through Puerto Vallarta’s Historic Downtown to learn about this city’s rich history, famous people, architecture, and cultural and ecological heritage; all this on an easy to moderate two-hour stroll led by a certified guide.

Free Malecon Sculpture Walk hosted by gallery owner Gary Thompson every Tuesday morning at 9:30am from in front of the Millennium Statue at the north end of the Malecon. Learn about both the sculptures and the Huichol designs along the Malecon.

Be a Tourist - Even if you’re here on vacation for a month, there is no end to the number of top-notch activities you can do. Take a tour to Isla Marietas and the Hidden Beach, or spend the day snorkelling in Majahuitas, spend an afternoon at the zoo feeding the giraffe, check out the two water parks and for the brave: parasailing, bungee jumping and even sky diving.

Shopping in the Zona Romantica – this charming neighbourhood is also called Old Town and is a popular residential area for expats and Mexican families. Along the main streets

Conchas Chinas The south of Puerto Vallarta is a thick jungle full of adventure and excitement. Head south along the 200 highway and you will find the architecturally inspiring community of Conchas Chinas. The beach cove here is excellent for snorkeling.

you will find shops galore, filled with wonderful authentic crafts, clothing, jewelry, excellent restaurants, spas, theaters and more.

Vibrant and friendly, this area offers an excellent day or two (or more!) of exploring. Close to Los Muertos beach, consider ending your day with a sunset margarita at any of the many beachfront restaurants.

Sunsets on the Malecon Sitting on the edge of the Pacific Ocean never fails to give us a sunset each night. Grab a seat at any of the number of excellent bars and restaurants along the malecon, order your favourite cocktail and let it all slip away.

Once the sun has set, the malecon comes alive with families out for a stroll, plenty of live entertainment and later in the night, the nightclubs beckon.

Cooking Classes – Recognized as one of the world’s leading cuisines, there are a number of great schools in the Puerto Vallarta area that will teach you how to master tortilla soup, enchiladas, salsas and more.

Fresh seafood, abundant fruit and veggies and a sophisticated community make Vallarta a foodies dream destination. Look for a school that will take you to the markets or introduce you to the farmers and fishermen for a

truly cultural experience. Don’t want to cook? Try one of the Food Tours available.

Eat like a local and for three hours you will enjoy everything from Tacos to Pozole.

Art Galleries – It is said there are more galleries per capita in Puerto Vallarta than any other place in Mexico. Many of these galleries are along the side streets that run through Centro. Stop at the Tourism Office in the Main Plaza for a map or take advantage of their free walking tour.

Many galleries carry high quality local crafts, established Mexican and international artists and more.

Volunteer - There are many wonderful organizations across the Bay that can use your help.

Both time or money will be appreciated. On Sundays, the Brigada de Basura does a morning clean-up with the local children and then they all head to Que Pasa restaurant for breakfast, activities and friendship.

Ride the bus - Buses in Puerto Vallarta are an experience all their own. You can tell the general destination of the bus by what is written on the window. Costco, Sheraton, Centro, Mismaloya you can go just about anywhere in this city on the bus.

Only seven and a half pesos within Puerto Vallarta (per bus there are no transfers) this is a great way to explore the neighbourhoods. Head south on the bus and get a front row seat on some spectacular scenery on your way to the Vallarta Zoo. Or hop the Bucerias bus in front of Walmart and 30 minutes later you are exploring a charming beachside town.

Tip: Sit on the non-sunny side of the bus. Trust me. It gets hot.

Support Local Business - One of the most popular reasons visitors love Puerto Vallarta is because it’s a thriving city not just geared towards tourists. A fine example of this is the many small businesses that you can find in ‘Centro’ including galleries, restaurants, clothing stores, spas and more. Venture off the malecon to find the perfect souvenir.

TO THE NORTH AND SOUTHSayulita – A short 45 minutes north of the Puerto Vallarta International Airport, Sayulita is the surfers mecca of Riviera Nayarit.

A funky town with a wonderful protected beach, this laid-back town has a hippie vibe with the organic cafes and the yoga studios to prove it. Visit the Huichol Cultural Centre for some wonderful hand-made beaded jewelry or grab a surf lesson from

Nogalito The first town South is that of Nogalito. Set back in the jungle it is a charming Mexican village that also is home to one of the most popular day tours - the Canopy Mundo Nogalito Tour with the only tunnel zip-line in town.

If you’re feeling the heat, stop at the Punta Negra bridge and take a drip in the river. Lovely fresh water, lots of little pools to splash in and rocks to dry off on. If you’re lucky, a vendor will come by with snacks and drinks - otherwise pack your own.

Mismaloya 15 minutes further is Mismaloya, a small town set back from the water along a river that leads to the ocean and a number of beach restaurants. This bay looks onto Los Arcos and is a great place to grab a panga boat for a tour of the impressive rocks. If you have time, book a snorkel or dive trip.

This is one of the deepest ocean valleys in the world and home to turtles, whales, dolphins and the blue-footed Booby. Back behind the town, check out the Vallarta Zoo where you can play with baby monkeys, tigers and lions.

Boca de Tomatlan Boca de Tomatlan is the last town along the ocean and the place to grab a boat to the small beach communities of Quimixto, Las Animas and the very popular Yelapa. Looking for romance - book a table at the nearby Le Kliff for spectacular views and sunsets.

riviera nayarit

17

Marsol Friday Summer Market

W

e invite all local residents and visitors to Puerto Vallarta to come to the MARSOL FRIDAY ARTISANS MARKET every Friday from 10am-2pm at the Hotel Marsol lobby all during the summer.

You are protected from the hot sun and possible rain as you browse through the unique products produced and sold by our local vendors all while you enjoy live guitar music.

Conveniently located on the closed street, Fca. Rodriguez which leads to the Pier in Olas Altas, the Hotel Marsol is a historic landmark, just off the beach. On this street you will also find Archie´s Wok and Dee´s Coffee Shop.

At the market you will find a wide variety of unusual jewelry in sterling silver, bronze, copper, featuring natural stones and recycled creations, as well as accessories such as scarves, hats, bags, belts, etc. You will love the fashions presented by Magenta from Oaxaca and Chiapas but with a contemporary flair.

Hand painted tops and cover ups are one of a kind and ideal for the Vallarta Scene. There is a huge selection of quality T-shirts

by Alfonso. This is the place to find organic vegetables with Gustavo.

Fresh organic greens for your healthy salads, organic eggs, Thai ginger, ginger and turmeric roots, mini Red and yellow tomatoes, kale, spinach, Japanese eggplant, lemon grass and other items.

A new addition to the market is Rocio with her detox juices. She has different blends of green juices for energy, peace, and health. Also she offers essential oils to keep the doctor away.

Fresh squeezed orange juice starts the morning right and you can purchase cokes, water and beer at the reception desk.

Renee produces a variety of take home foods such as artichoke dip, chipotle dip, chopped chicken liver, tuna salad and potato salad to make your meals easier during the summer. You will also find home decor, furniture, accessories and original paintings in realistic and contemporary styles by a number of artists. Juan Manuel creates the most unusual and whimsical sculptures and exotic jewelry.

If you would like a portrait of your pet you can commission an oil painting or a canvas print at reasonable prices so you will always have a memory of your loyal companion.

It´s worth a stroll through the Marsol Friday Market for things you won´t find anywhere else. Stop and visit with the vendors and find out more about their creations and unique products. On Tuesday, May 17th from 10am-2pm we will have our monthly BAZAAR, featuring a great variety of used and new items at bargain prices.

Come join us at the Marsol Friday Market by the Pier, in the Hotel Marsol lobby, off Olas Altas in Puerto Vallarta.

MARSOL FRIDAY SUMMER ARTISANS MARKET Every Friday—10-2 ORGANIC VEGETABLES & PRODUCTS, ENERGY JUICES, ESSENTIAL OILS, CLOTHING, T-SHIRTS, PAINTINGS, POSTERS, UNIQUE JEWELRY, SCULPTURE HOME DECOR, BAGS, ACCESSORIES PET PORTRAITS, SOUVENIRS HOTEL MARSOL BY THE PIER Fca. Rodriguez 103,Olas Altas, Live Music

May 12 - 18, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Bucerias Art District Beat

By Gordon Mayer

BAD Beat – Meet the District – Dana Pettem – Sone

F

lashback to childhood and a young mother carefully watching her 6 year old daughter, whose hands are dwarfed by the full size scissors, cutting and pasting material to create something her mind is leading her to make. Fast forward to a father loading up for the day dressed in his work clothes, tools stowed in the vehicle, almost ready to go ,save for one thing; calling out to his 8 year old daughter he invites her, as usual, to come to the job site where he is building a house and she, fascinated by the tools and how they are used to create, hops beside her dad in the family vehicle and finds herself on a journey of self-discovery, personal evolution and artistic expression.

The girl is Dana Pettem and the journey is far from over.

Often times we look at an artist and assume that they have always chosen art and followed a clear path to the destination of becoming an artist. Dana, while always cherishing her gift and knowing at her core that she was an artist, has arrived at this juncture in her

life as an evolution of her person and as the realization of her calling to be one who creates beauty and interest from the world around her. Each life experience has built upon that early foundation encouraged by her parents to take the vision she possesses and pick up whatever tools are required to bring it into being.

Although she pursued education in high school in furniture design, it wasn’t until after a successful career as an accredited nutritionist and the development of a world-view of health that the pieces of her came together and she once again heard the call to create.

She allowed her talent, influences and education to converge within her and bring her to the point where she was aware that her art would be natural, ethical, forged by hand and unique.

This evolution has brought us the artist we know today.

Always wanting to use natural elements and seeing the magnificence of natural materials like the nuances in wood grain and the curve of the growth of a tree trunk, Dana took the internal impetus to, “find the slice of a tree” and create with her to Mexico where she found her slice and many more in the natural Mexican growth. Whether making mosaics with marble and

granite, breaking the stones by hand with a hammer then graduating to onyx and agate and embedding them in a tabletop or selecting a piece of sekolah to make into a table, or discovering a naturally fallen tree and shaping it with chainsaw and all manner of tools, Dana has allowed her art to evolve as she has evolved.

Finding life and love in friends and her partner, Dana made the move to Bucerias and opened Sone with her two best friends resulting in yet another level of engagement with art and the community.

Following a path of light and beauty, Dana sees herself as fortunate and expresses deep gratitude for her abilities and the opportunities she has forged. Connecting with the Bucerias Art District (BAD) community and artists, she continually moves forward personally and artistically, taking on the skills she needs, training herself as needed, allowing her talent to lead and her hands to follow.

Dana is impressed by the respect shown her from the artists of tenure in the BAD but it is easily afforded someone who has such respect for herself and the world around her that she patiently and purposefully waits for naturally sourced materials so that she does not negatively affect the environment.

Having grown up in small town Canada, Dana has seen how she has progressed from her childhood to today with a set of core values and giftedness and wants to show her appreciation for it all. “I want to bring my art to those back home to Canada.

To merge my two homes. Home is home.” Dana says of her plans for the future. Observing how she approaches her life and art, one can easily assume she will do just that and that it will be the next portion of her life journey and evolution.

riviera nayarit

18

May 12 - 18, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

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

H

ola a todos! Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend with so much going on: Mother’s Day, Bucerias Classic 2016 and the Altruism Festival on Sunday evening made quite the busy weekend! The Altruism Festival marks the end of the season as this year’s MC was Captain Jack Sparrow who put on quite the performance! The talent on stage was excellent with the entertainment beginning with an amazing Mariachi Band dressed in beautiful light green suits, singers, belly dancers, Hawaiian dancers; the Vallarta Adventures Rhythm’s of the Night dance performance was spectacular, cowboy showing off his rope skills, fire throwers and more. And the local restaurants really showed off their talent… The food was so amazing! My favorites being the chiles en nogada, sushi, Indian food, and the desserts were out of this world! Chocolate stuffed guavas, sorbets and gelatos and cakes of every flavor and design took care of my sugar cravings until next year.

The tequila bloody mary’s were flavorful as well as the margaritas, which, since I was not driving, were quite tasty throughout evening. The Altruism Festival hosts 20 nonprofit charities. Raffle tickets are sold for prizes that have all been donated by local businesses. All of the monies that were collected from the tickets are split evenly amongst the nonprofit organizations. I did pretty well this year winning massages, food and a manicure. Feeling quite lucky really… They have so many

prizes I think that almost everyone seems to win something! And if you didn’t, you know your money is going for a good cause. It’s such a fun time checking out the nonprofit booths, seeing friends and tasting all of the different cuisine and enjoying the show…It really creates a win-win for everyone!

Speaking of divine cuisine!

Coming our way is the 12th anniversary of Restaurant Week May 15th to May 31st. You can check out the complete menu guide here http://issuu.com/vallarta-lifestyles/docs/restaurantweek-issuu?e=0/35052604. These two weeks feature Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit’s best of the best restaurants offering creative three-course menus with three options available at each course.

Prices have big discounted up to 50% making high end dining very affordable. The participating restaurants can choose to offer their special menus at $229 or $349 pesos per person. I am happy to acknowledge that one of my favorite Bucerias restaurants Mark’s Bar and Grill is participating and Chef Jan has prepared an amazing menu! Check out the above link for the complete list and more information.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS IN MEXICO….Most folks that visit foreign countries aren’t aware of the laws and constitution of the country they are visiting. Here in Mexico, there are laws created to protect consumers and it’s a good idea to find out what some of those are. All different kinds of fraud can

occur, from paying too much for products from stores, taxi drivers, vendors, or at gas stations and restaurants where workers short change you or sometimes over charge you. Fraud is a big money game whether you live here year around or are just visiting. The best thing you can do for yourself is to become informed and know what to do if you have this type of unpleasant experience.

Mexico passed the Federal Consumer Protection Law in 1976 called the Ley Federal de Protección al Consumidor to help protect consumer’s country wide. When they created the protection law, they also created a government agency to enforce this law and investigate violations called Procuraduría Federal del Consumidor (PROFECO). http://www.profeco. gob.mx/juridico/pdf/LFPC%20 2016.pdf . The types of people that commit fraud are counting on you to be ignorant. I know when I first came to Mexico I had trouble counting the change quickly. I am sure I was short changed here and there.

I know this because people still try to short change me now, (even at corporate stores) and are quite surprised when I call them on it.

The power is in knowledge. Don’t be afraid to take your time and check things out. If you do have an experience that violates the law let them know you plan to report them to PROFECO. This usually creates an immediate energy shift in their behavior and a fair price.

When I first came to Mexico, six years ago, I felt that I had been shorted at a specific gas station;

not thinking to pay attention to the pump starting on zero before pumping, or maybe a software hack that make it pump less liters.

I know how much gas my gauge reads with a specific amount and it was always different at a certain station.

PROFECO are the investigators for any violations related to gas stations. They will conduct an inspection and measure to see whether the pump is accurate or not. I sure wish I knew this then! If you feel like you’re getting ripped off, take a few photos of the attendant and pump and file a complaint.

Here are a few other things to know: RESTAURANTS: Restaurants or bars cannot make getting a table dependent on purchasing something. Requirements that you purchase a “minimum” are a violation. Prices must be in view of the customer, or provided on a menu. Verbal quotes are in violation and all pricing must be in writing. It’s a good idea to always check your bill. No surcharge for service is allowed and tips can’t be made mandatory or included in pricing. Pricing must also include tax, interest, or insurance charges. What is on the tag is the total price.

They must also honor promotions and exhibited prices, and may not change pricing at the last minute for any reason.

Sellers and Vendors may not discriminate based on gender, sexual preference, race, origin or a disability. So, just because you may be a foreigner they must charge the

same price as a national. Prices must be listed, but we know that the beach vendors don’t do this. It’s all about the “haggle”.

Here in Mexico, pricing must be listed in Pesos, but may also include other currency types.

This goes for All BUSINESSES! For example, real estate, rentals, restaurants and shops etc. After all, we are in Mexico!

This issue of listing in USD has been brought up via social media around the Banderas Bay area. The USD exchange rate has created some real money monsters! It’s a little crazy when a rental that was 8000 pesos, is now 15000 -25000 pesos. If you’re a Canadian, a rental that is 1500.00 USD is about 2000.00 Canadian. Its crazy I say!

This has also been very difficult on the nationals with the devaluation of the peso. I won’t bother to go into the US politics (uggh) but as the United States is in an election year I am hoping the currency will even out a bit after the elections.

It’s good to know the laws of the Mexican Constitution. My Spanish is not quite that great yet, although I am working on it!

This is one reason I have an excellent attorney at hand. She is amazing and her name is Debora Espinosa. She has helped me with a few different things, which has made my life here in Mexico so much easier. Debora specializes in Real Estate Law and Immigration, but has helped me with other issues as well. It’s amazing the fraud that goes on just because we are uninformed! If you have questions send an email to admin@ DeboraEspinosa.com and she more than likely can help or refer you. Thanks Debora…You rock!

Remember that hurricane season officially begins on May 15th, so get your casa ready for the summer rains.

The Servicio Meteorológico Nacional in Mexico predicts a little above average hurricane season naming 17 storms, 9 of which will turn into hurricanes. 4 of the hurricanes they say will become major storms Category 3 or higher, with the first being named Agatha.

Thanks for tuning in this week.

For any questions, comments please write me directly at Cat@ RivieraNayaritFun.com. Thank you.

AHO!

celebrity

19

May 12 - 18, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

J. EDGAR HOOVER – From Patriot to Czar Pride Vallarta Events

P

By Fred Jacobs

ride Vallarta has two weeks of hot events around Puerto Vallarta.

Here is a selection of some of the most popular. More details at vallartapride.com

W

ith all the banter in this US election cycle of “Washington insiders”, none would fit that bill more than Hoover. J. Edgar Hoover was born on New Year's Day 1895, in Washington, D.C. and spent his whole life there. At age 18, while in school, Hoover got his first job as a messenger at The Library of Congress.

Hoover later went to George Washington Law School, where he got his Bachelors and eventually his Master’s Law degree in 1916. Immediately after graduating, Hoover was hired by the Justice Department to work in the War Emergency Division. He soon became the head of the Division's Alien Enemy Bureau, setup by President Wilson at the beginning of World War I to arrest.

Hoover had the power to jail disloyal foreigners without trial.

In 1921, Hoover rose in the Bureau of Investigation to deputy head and, in 1924 President Calvin Coolidge appointed Hoover as the sixth Director of the Bureau of Investigation. When Hoover took over the Bureau of Investigation at just the age of 29, it had approximately 650 employees, including 441 Special Agents. The 1930’s were a turbulent time in American history, as criminal gangs with the likes of John Dillinger, carried out large numbers of bank robberies in the Midwest.

They used their superior firepower and fast getaway cars to elude local law enforcement agencies and avoid arrest across state line. Hoover pushed for more powers to operate across state lines as well and to make the bank robberies federal crimes. Numerous Mafia shootings as a result of Prohibition, were also a growing problem in this period.

Hoover was credited with several highly publicized captures or shootings of outlaws and bank robbers, including that of Dillinger and Machine Gun Kelly, which led to the Bureau's powers being broadened and it was given its new name in 1935 - the Federal Bureau of Investigation. In 1939, the FBI became the leader in domestic intelligence.

Hoover made changes, such as creating a database of fingerprint files in the Identification Division.

Hoover also helped to expand the FBI's recruitment and create the FBI Laboratory, a division established in 1932 to examine and analyze evidence found by the FBI. During World War II, Hoover almost became obsessed by subversion, and under his leader-

ship the FBI spied upon tens of thousands of suspected subversives and radicals. According to critics, Hoover tended to exaggerate the dangers of these alleged subversives and many times overstepped his bounds in his pursuit of eliminating that perceived threat. Over 120,000 people were under surveillance at this time.

During this era, President Roosevelt was concerned about Nazi agents in the United States, so he gave "permission" to Hoover to wiretap individual people. It was supposed to be overseen by the Attorney General on a case by case basis, but Hoover was basically given “card blanche” to use this tool as he wanted.

The FBI participated in the “Verona Project”, a World War II joint project with the British to eavesdrop on Soviet spies in the UK and the United States. This led to successful intercepts being decoded, which brought praise to the FBI. With Hoover’s paranoia in full swing, he kept the codes “America's greatest counterintelligence secret” in a locked safe in his office, choosing not to inform President Truman or others in command of their existence. These code breaking secrets were not revealed until 1952, to the CIA. By 1956 Hoover was becoming increasingly frustrated by Supreme Court decisions that limited the Justice Department's ability to prosecute people for their political opinions, most notably communists. Hoover almost abandoned his pursuit of mafia and criminals and began a mission against suspected communists in the US, and particularly celebrities.

Hoover started a covert program called “COINTELPRO” which remained in existence until 1971 when it was leaked to the public.

Its methods included infiltration, burglaries, illegal wiretaps, planting

forged documents and spreading false rumors about targets. These included Charlie Chaplin, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, among others.

After trying for a while to trump up evidence that would smear King as being influenced by communists, he discovered that King had extramarital affairs, and switched to this topic for further smears.Almost any major celebrity, ended up having FBI files on them as well. Everyone from Marilyn Monroe, Steve Allen, Desi Arnaz, John Lennon, Johnny Carson, Walt Disney, Johnny Cash, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the list just goes on. No one was out of Hoover’s cross-hairs, not even John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy.

Secret notes on almost every Washington politician were also kept in case “persuasion” was needed against them.

Presidents Harry S. Truman and John F. Kennedy each considered dismissing Hoover as FBI Director, but they both decided that the political cost would be too great. When Richard Nixon took office in January 1969, Hoover had just turned 74.

There was a growing sentiment in Washington DC that the aging FBI chief needed to go, but his power and friends in Congress remained too strong for him to be forced into retirement. He remained director of the FBI until he died in his Washington home of a heart attack on May 2, 1972. In the end, Hoover controlled a powerful part of the United States government for 48 years, under 6 Presidents. Hoover's later years focused on violating civil liberties for the sake of national security, which became a sad end to his career. Because Hoover's actions later came to be seen as abuses of power, FBI directors are now generally limited to one ten-year term.

Fred Jacobs is a full time resident of Puerto Vallarta and the author of 3 books.

INTERNATIONAL SUNSET MEMORIAL CANDLELIGHT MARCH Sunday May 15 - 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm From Lazaro Cardenas Park to Los Arcos in Centro.

A SETAC sponsored event that unites Puerto Vallarta with the world in an International Memorial March. Remember, celebrate and honor lives lost to HIV/AIDS. Held simultaneously in dozens of cities around the world. (Candles provided at the event.)

INTERNATIONAL MARCH AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA Tuesday May 17 - 6:00 pm 9:00 pm From Sheraton Buganvilias to Los Arcos in Centro On this International Day Against Homophobia ,we proudly welcome this important parade as Vallarta marches with the world against Homophobia.

Music Festival Friday May 20 - 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm Los Muertos Pier street.

Pride is thrilled to add a local music festival to the lineup of the pride events for 2016. Our very own local craft brewers: Los Muertos Brewing Company and El Terrible, along with the Fideicomiso are excited to present the first Pride Rock Music Festival. Come enjoy the beer and dance to the music of Vallarta’s finest musicians. A more magical night cannot be had with the world famous pier and sea in the background!

Health Fair Saturday May 21 - 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Pitillal Plaza. An educational and interactive event designed as an outreach to promote healthy practices and provide basic preventive medicine and medical screenings to members of the community.

Welcome Zoo Pool Party Sunday May 22 - 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Mantamar Beach Club Bar &

Grill. Show your wild side! A beach party like no other, sand, sun and the best DJ music with lots of fun and unique atmosphere.

Sunset Marriage Ceremony Tuesday May 24 - 8:00 pm 11:00 pm Mantamar Beach Club Bar & Grill.

This LGBT wedding ceremony is open to all who are interested in marrying or renewing their vows. This year it is a true marriage ceremony* as our state, Jalisco has legalized Equality in Marriage.

Your scenic wedding overlooking the ocean under a spectacular Vallarta sunset awaits.

This seaside fest with family and friends is complete with wedding cake and a champagne toast finale. (Cost per person.)

Drag Derby Thursday May 26 - 6:00 pm 10:00 pm Kick off of Vallarta Pride’s main weekend at this Block Party by placing your bet on your favorite Drag Queen then watch them compete to your complete enjoyment. This fundraiser for Amapas Neighborhood and the Pride Committee is sure to evoke uncontrolled laughter.

Opening Party Thursday May26 - 10:00 pm 2:00 am La Alhambra Lounge .

The Pride Committee is excited to welcome the newest bar to Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone – Alhambra Lounge. Join us as they open their huge wooden doors for the Official Opening Party for Pride 2016!

Alhambra’s sexy environment offers a refined sense of style that promises to make your night truly magical.

Meet the Pride Committee and our special VIPs at this friendly Welcome Event! Surprises await all those who attend – It is rumored that a few guests stars might make an appearance.

Chanclifiesta

by PINK&PROUD Friday May 27 - 9:00 pm - 4:00 am Parque Parota, Zona Hotelera Norte. For the first time ever, all the rhythms, all the decades, for all the women!

healthcare

20

May 12 - 18, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Healing Wounds: Minimizing Scarring

S

kin is a seamless organ, like a fine cloth protecting valuable assets. Imagine a piece of silk. Just one small tear can make a big difference in how it looks. And it’s the same with skin.

Any burn, injury, or other trauma, such as surgery, can cause a scar.

Now a scar isn’t bad if it’s small or in a location that’s easy to conceal.

But when it’s not, you may wonder if there’s a way to treat it, other than hiding it under your clothes, that will make it go away or at least change how it looks.

The truth is the scar will never completely go away. But there are some methods that can help reduce its size and change its appearance.

Types of Scars

vallarta shopping & services

These are several different types of scars including: • Keloid scars. These scars are the result of an overly aggressive healing process. They extend beyond the original injury. Over time, a keloid scar may hamper movement. Treatments include surgery to remove the scar, steroid injections, or silicone sheets to flatten the scar. Smaller keloids can be treated using cryotherapy (freezing therapy using liquid nitrogen). You can also prevent keloid formation by using pressure treatment or gel pads with silicone when you are injured. Keloid scars are most common among people with dark skin.

• Contracture scars. If your skin has been burned, you may have a contracture scar. These scars tighten skin, which can impair your ability to move. Contracture scars may also go deeper, affecting muscles and nerves.

• Hypertrophic scars. These are raised, red scars that are similar to keloids but do not go beyond the boundary of the injury. Treatments include injections of steroids to reduce inflammation or silicone sheets, which flatten the scar.

Acne scars. If you’ve had severe

acne, you probably have the scars to prove it. There are many types of acne scars, ranging from deep pits to scars that are angular or wavelike in appearance. Treatment options depend on the types of acne scars you have.

What Are Possible Treatments for Scars?

Scar treatments may include: • Over-the-counter or prescription creams, ointments, or gels. These products can be used to treat scars that are caused by cuts or other injuries or wounds. There are also prescriptions that may help. Often, treatments can include steroids or certain antihistamine creams for scars that cause itching and are very sensitive. Likewise, if you have scarring from severe acne, ask your dermatologist for advice.

Your doctor can also recommend or use pressure treatment or silicone gel sheetings to help treat scars or as preventive care.

• Surgical removal or treatment.

There are many options to treat deeper scars depending on your

Wheeling Vallarta Segway Tours

Located across from McDonald’s

322-223-8014 Fine Art and Furniture

31 de Octubre 107 Col. Centro Puerto Vallarta Malecon

particular case. These include skin grafts, excision, dermabrasion, or laser surgery. In a skin graft, the surgeon uses skin from another area of your body. This is often used with people who’ve had burns. If you’ve got scarring that impairs function, surgery can help address the functional problems.

If you’ve recently had surgery that has caused scars, it is best to wait at least one year before making a decision about scar treatment.

Many scars fade and become less noticeable over time.

• Injections. You may get steroid injections to treat scars that stick out, such as keloids or hypertrophic scars. Your doctor may use this on its own or with other treatments.

• Other types of injections, such as collagen or other “fillers,” may be useful for some types of pitted scarring, although these are not usually permanent solutions Dr. Luis Mauricio Alvarez Covarrubias Wound Healing Clinic Vallarta Medical Center www.vallartamedicalcenter.mx

VALLARTA SHOPPING AND SERVICES www.vallartatribune.com

Three Hens & a Rooster Market News

By Marcia Blondin

A

long-awaited dream come true… my own small but workable boutique space was opened last Saturday on Upper V. Carranza 466 near the small tunnel and El Brujo restaurant. I am so happy to be close to so many vendors from the still-missed Paradise Community Center. Yes, we will remain open all summer just as long as our tourists – and more importantly – our gigantic ex-patriate community come out in droves (well…) to support us every Saturday. As the OTFM is on hiatus until November 5th (the hugely successful Market in Parque Lazaro Cardenas), we are welcoming vendors from there including Peter Hardy, soon to be Bagel King of all Mexico and Mark Hughes whose pies come sweet and savoury (just like Mark himself) in all sizes, shapes and colours and are simply divine.

Bill Kelly has his glorious aprons, masks, and cooling ties (‘tis the season!) in his boutique just to the right inside the mall-type space at Three H’s.

So, no worries if it’s raining we – and you - can all be under cover. Plans for a permanent roof are in the not-so-distant future.

Sisters Jeanine and Barbara, our Market proprietors are away just now but their baked goodies: cakes,

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP CLUB

IFC’s Cleft Palate Program For thirty years IFC has been providing free medical care to children in this area who have cleft palates.

Throughout those years surgeons and nurses have donated their time and expertise to this program.

The medical team has also received wonderful support and hospitality from homeowners and local restaurants.

Thank you – Muchas gracias! www.ifcvallarta.com 322-222-5466

cookies, lasagna and much more are still being produced by their family. Son Todd makes fabulous coffee while his wife Lolita serves up generous servings of cakes so sit down, relax, read the paper and shop at your convenience.

Head of the summer Market is Alex Duarte, whose sausages have become famous all the way to Lo de Marcos and yes, Alex delivers! If you are interested in becoming a vendor, please see Alex or email me and I will put you in touch.

There is a bazaar with an eclectic mix of things for sale, a shamana,

creative handmade candles, unique clothing, exotic stone jewellery, copper sculptures, and scarves woven from bamboo fibres (who knew?).

I have a new line of fashion belts for women, silk collars and interesting earrings. Look for Mimi: she’s six-feet tall, wearing something outrageous; oh, and she’s purple…right outside my door. We are constantly growing, so stop by and visit every Saturday at Three Hens and a Rooster Market from 9 am to 1 pm and find out who and what is new.

¡ r a a !Baz am - 2 pm 0 1 m o r f May 17 R Tuesday, - BY THE PIE L O S R A HOTEL M , es, crafts r a w e s u . o ,h s, jewelry k o Furniture o b , g , clothin paintings

“Remodeling and Renovations”

d by Sean s Asian foo briel Reye arta a G y b ic ll Mus heeling Va W y b s y a Segw Juarez 599 El Centro 322 222 1383, 322 111 6359 www.colibridesignvallarta.com galeriacolibri@gmail.com

charity

22

May 12 - 18, 2016 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

Crossword Solve

Asilo San Juan Diego Home for the Elderly - Contact: Lupita Sanchez Covarrubias 222-1257 or malupita88@hotmail.com or mexonline.com\asilosanjuandiego.htm Asociación Down - Assistance to persons with Down’s Syndrome – Contact: Ana Eisenring at 224-9577.

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

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

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

Luz Aurora Arredondo at 221 1908, casahogar_maximocor nejo@ hotmail.com Centro Comunitario SETACGLBT – Services the GLBT community, including treatment and referrals, education, English classes, HIV testing and counseling. Paco Arjona 224-1974 Clinica de Rehabilitación

Santa Barbara - Rehabilitation of the handicapped.

Contact: Laura Lopez Portillo Rodriguez at 224-2754.

COLINA Spay and Neuter Clinic - Free and by-donation sterilization clinic in Old Town. Only open Saturdays, Contact: cez@rogers. com or 322-104-6609 CompassionNet Impact – Transforming the lives of people living in chronic poverty. Job creation, education, emergency & more. Tax-deductible. Cell: (322) 133-7263 or ric@4compassion.org Corazon de Nina A safe, loving, home-environment for 40+ children and youth rescued from high-risk 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

VENECIA #290-A Col. Versalles Fluent English Spoken

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 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 International Friendship Club - Provides medical, educational

and social services to those in need in Puerto Vallarta. www. ifcvallarta.com La Brigada de la Basura: A weekly meeting of neighborhood children to clean Vallarta Streets.

Contact Que?Pasa 223-4006 Mexico Ministries & Mission, Inc. raises funds to the poor in Vallarta. Contact Fr. Jack+ 044 322 229-1129 christchurchbythesea.org Navy League - assists in the transportation of donated medical supplies from the U.S., organizes work groups to paint and repair facilities New Life Mexico - Challenging Child Poverty with health and education programs. Philippa Vernon pvp@newlifemexico.com 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 more found online www.vallartatribune.com

Christ Church by the Sea Worldwide Anglican Communion

Services Sunday 10:00 a.m. Air-conditioned Now! Services held each Sunday year around English-Traditional Holy Communion All faiths welcome-Casual Dress Across from airport, northbound service road next to Sixt and Thrifty Car Rental Blvd. Fco. Medina 7936, Puerto Vallarta Questions? Call Father Michael cell: 044-322-303-3916 e mail kpadresoy@outlook.com

www.ChristChurchByTheSea.org www.IglesiaCristoDelMar.org

games

23 Markets and More – Weekly Events in Banderas Bay If you have an ongoing weekly event you’d like to add, email editor@vallartatribune.com WEDNESDAY

ACROSS

Three Hens and a Rooster Market - on Carranza 466, Old Town, Puerto Vallarta 9am to 1pm Palm Ranch Volunteer Days 9 am to 1 pm - in Mezcales palmranchvolunteers@gmail.com for detailed information Artwalk – In the historic center of Vallarta 6-10pm until end of May. Art collectors, local residents and interested visitors are invited to discover the great variety and exceptional quality of art available in Puerto Vallarta.

FRIDAY Marsol Market by the Pier, Vallarta 10 - 2 SATURDAY Three Hens and a Rooster Market - From 9am to 1pm, on Carranza 466, Old Town, Vallarta Lo de Marcos Tianguis 9am - 2pm SUNDAY Live Music in the Main Plaza, Vallarta – 6pm

DOWN

May 12 - 18, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com