Celebrate Canada Day!
As she has done every year, Ms. Lyne Benoit, Honorary Consul of Canada in Puerto Vallarta, will be celebrating Canada Day next Tuesday, July 1st, 2008 at the Coco Tropical Restaurant Grill & Beach Club located at 101 Basilio Badillo, on the beach in the Romantic Zone on the south side of town.
The fun will start at 7 p.m. and the proceeds of the raffles and games will go directly to the Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza (R.I.S.E.) children’s shelter.
There will be reasonably priced beer, drinks and succulent food, all with excellent service, in the beautiful setting that has helped Coco Tropical become a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
This is an open invitation to all Canadians who will be in town that day, as well as to all their friends …and friends of Canada in general.
Come join the fun, win great prizes, and get to know other members of the local Canadian community!
R.S.V.P. at 222-5485 early please, to get more details, and to give the restaurant’s staff an idea of how many Canucks they should expect for that special evening.
Dress: Casual Red & White!
________________________
American Legion Post 14 and the American Consulate Invite You to Our 4th of July Celebrations
Steve’s Sports Bar: Hot dogs, hamburgers, chili, and lots of fun and games. Proceeds from the hot dogs and hamburgers sales will go to support the American Legion Post 14. Located at Basilio Badillo #286 Col. Emiliano Zapata, (322) 222-0256.
PV Beach Club and Barracuda: Beach volley ball and a good old American style barbeque. Located at 1290 Paraguay, downtown behind the Buenaventura Hotel, PV Beach Club, (322)-168-1281 and the Barracuda, 222-4034.
Golf: Best ball scramble at Field of Dreams Golf Course near Guayabitos. Best ball tournament starts at 11 am (Nayarit time). The fee is 150 pesos. After the tournament Philo’s in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle will have a good old American style barbeque. Philo’s is located at Delfin # 15, (329)-295-5068).
American Legion Members will be at all locations. Come join us for what is sure to be a good time while helping a great organization that supports veterans and the community.
_______________________
New Lighting for Malecón Extension
According to the Director of Public Services, they’re only waiting for the meters to be installed.
Sr. Guillermo Perez, head of the Public Lighting Department, recalled that the original lighting at the southern end of the Malecon consisted of lights installed on the trunks of the palm trees, without any wiring to feed them. Afterwards, following numerous complaints expressed by the residents and business owners of that part of town – the Romantic Zone – the department set up six temporary reflectors.
Now, 9 light posts bearing two 150-watt of sodium vapor lights each have been installed. Some 300 meters (1,000 ft.) of pavement had to be redone in order to accommodate the underground electrical cables to feed them.
____________________
Hotel Owners Worried About Condominium Numbers
Due to the increase in the number of condominiums over the last few years, hotel owners are worried now that there are as many of them as they have rooms: 18,000.
They feel that it is now absolutely necessary that their growth be regulated, as they are seriously affecting the local hotel industry. Although the number of visitors has increased, their revenues have decreased. Oscar Rivero Estrada, President of the Hotel Association, stated that 10% of the hotels were not full to capacity this past holiday season.
Aurelio López Rocha, State Secretary of Tourism, proposed the creation of hotel-condominium projects to counteract the trend.
Some hotel owners also expressed their concerns that airplane seats were purchased by condominium owners, to the detriment of the hotel guests.
_____________________
OUT AND ABOUT IN PUERTO VALLARTA
By Twila Crawford
When times are changing, like they are in Vallarta as we take on more elements of a city, good persons come forward to try to be effective. We are sure neighborhood groups are pulling together to try to keep their immediate communities safe. We previously mentioned neighborhood watch groups as effective in U.S. suburban and urban areas.
Concerned citizens have been sending out alerts and offering advice in their areas of expertise. Such as in areas of public security, taxing or lack of taxing methods, forming groups of non-partisan citizens to work with the local government concerning priorities.
You can express your concerns, thoughts and suggestions to an email site established by a group of residents here. They say, ¨We will deliver your comments to the office of the Mayor and the Office of Tourism, as well as the Governors´ offices in both Jalisco and Nayarit.¨ This group, who does not show an individual’s contact name on the email, says, ¨You may request that your name and email address be excluded,¨ and that will be done, they say, before your comments are delivered. You may want to request the memo they sent out before you respond. Email: keepvallartasafe@live.com
Vallarta HealthCare Resources’ Pamela Thompson experienced two kids trying to steal her purse. A half-gallon of milk became a defense weapon for her, and all they got was a black eye for one of the assailants. So Pamela has organized a class, ¨Boundaries¨, dealing with self-protection, conducted by Helene Carmen. Helene studied martial arts and self-defense for many years.
¨Boundaries¨ are different in different situations and different countries - for instance, less personal space here in Mexico. Develop awareness, which Helene will explain. What doesn’t feel right? She’ll explore eye contact, body posture, more than one person. Using your voice and body posture. Body parts used as weapons and going to certain body parts for defense. She’ll demonstrate simple holds. Also how to handle certain non-violent ways to not be touched inappropriately on the dance floor, on the bus, walking down the street. The first class on July 10 is full. If you would like to participate in another class, let Pamela know at pmt15@hotmail.com
Concerning roadblocks set up to search vehicles in the Banderas Bay area, initial reports indicate searches have uncovered weapons and drugs.
Thank you to Señor Fox, owner of Café Roma, 287 Calle Encino, who helps provide funds for the School of Champions of the Children of the Dump organization along with other opportunities for children. If you would like to volunteer, take a tour or make a donation to help with the Children of the Dump’s programs, please email: arthurefumerton@yahoo.com
If you would like a copy of a newsletter concerning homeless children in the Vallarta area, email Phillipa at pvp@newlifemexico.com
A CD party at El Arrayan Restaurant, 344 Allende, featured the Frixoleros. Daniel Sanchez and Camila Aguirre play traditional instruments in the Son style of music from Veracruz. They’ve played for four years at El Arrayan. For further information, call 222-7195.
Liana Turner, owner and chef of Paradise Bakery and Catering, has moved to Sierra Aconcagua 299 Esq. Prol. Brasil, in Vallarta, tel: (322) 222-5133, email: llanasea@msn.com
For the calendar: Next season, the Art Walks will begin on October 29th, to the end of May, on Wednesdays from 6 to 10 p.m.
I stop in at Bubba Gump on the Malecon every now and then to get take-out, and sometimes you can enjoy some good ol’ Nashville country music while waiting.
A group of us went together to laugh a lot at the film, Sex and the City. Scented soap entrepreneur Pat Light wore her stilettos!
A friend in California who also lives here thoughtfully offered for me to visit there to get away from current happenings in Vallarta. As a journalist, I’ve always been in the middle of ¨things¨ wherever, and I have always tried to keep media readers and listeners informed. It is just a little bit here in a column... but I am not going to California.
Our thoughts are with those grieving the loss of NBC’s Tim Russert. He was a powerful and influential U.S. political journalist, Washington bureau chief, and moderator of Meet the Press... just one of the nicest guys, and so warm and friendly.
__________________
Pets… Pets… Pets…
by Janice Gonzales and
Gretchen DeWill
DOGS - Dr. Francisco Medina brought 7 dogs from his clinic. Two more were added early afternoon – a female five-year old white French Poodle that the owner couldn’t keep because of time and space and a gorgeous female. Golden Retriever brought by someone who found her on the street. Three dogs were originally adopted, but a small tan male criollo was brought back a few hours later because the family cat kept attacking it. Family insisted SPCA de PV keep the 300 peso donation. Total dogs adopted: TWO
CATS - There were a total of 8 cats. Dave, a great feline friend, is well known to us at the library. Each week he brings a can or two of food and gives the cats some love. Today he adopted one of the orange and white adult cats that have been at Dr. F.M.’s clinic since April. Kudos to Dave. The cat’s 8 month old sister is still waiting for a home. The littermates were described by Dr. Francisco as “muy nobles”, plus beautiful.
Patty Marchak adopted an 11 week-old Siamese kitten nicknamed “Osita.” for a friend. The kitty was also called “Lolli” because of the circumstances surrounding her rescue. The female kitten, rescued by Gretchen Dewitt, was unable to escape into a hole in the wall of the Versalles movie theatre because a lollipop was stuck to her coat! Cute story and a happy ending. Total cats adopted: TWO
Donations at Library - 3 dogs adopted: $900, 1 cat / 1 kitten adopted: $200 / $40 U.S., 1 poodle dropped off at clinic: $200, R. Smith: $50
Total collected: $1,750 pesos
Janice Gonzalez donated a 6’ folding table. The table is large enough to support all 3 of our cat cages, thus keeping them off the ground and more visible. One large bag of cat food. Amparo Renteria Murphy donated two items of pottery from Tonala for our next auction / fund raiser. Volunteers - Two individuals stopped by the library today interested in volunteering. On a more personal note, relief is in sight for our Español volunteers. I have been receiving considerable teasing regarding my ‘translations’. One of our newest volunteers, Jonathan Curiel Hernandez, stepped up and will be giving me some help. Also, he says he has the time to translate the ‘Pets 10 Commandments’ for us.
*****
Saturday the 14th was a good weather day, but not many people visiting. A reporter from La Prensa came by to photograph and interview volunteers and people adopting. For future rainy days, a tarp and rope have just been donated, so adoptions will be held every Saturday, rain or shine.
Several people brought kittens to us and were told to take them to the free sterilization clinics PEACE is sponsoring this month. Someone dropped off a large box filled with half-a-dozen kittens in front of the library. As a general rule, we are NOT accepting animals. There will always be some exceptions. As far as I know, these kittens were taken to the acopio by Dr. FM., where they will have little chance of surviving.
Adoptions Off-Site - Michelle Nava – a great yogi and masseuse – took a beautiful white spayed Siamese that I was fostering. Kitten was originally at Heather Wilson’s.
Dr. F.M. found a home for a 2-year old female French poodle and collected a 300 peso contribution for the SPCA de PV.
Second small white female adopted this week at Dr. FM’s clinic – 300 pesos donated.
Fostering - Judith Ewing Moran: two brindle-colored female puppies that had originally been fostered, along with their mother and two siblings, by Susan Weckbaugh in Bucerías. The smallest one has already been spoken for by a 12-year old neighbor. His mother and grandmother visited the puppy at Judith’s and Dr. F.M. explained the responsibilities of owning a pet to them. The shy, sweet mother is now spayed and waiting to be adopted. Susan has pledged to foster new mother dogs and their litters when she returns to Puerto Vallarta.
Patty Marchak, star supporter, is fostering the brindle mother and a Siamese kitten. Both animals need homes. Heather Wilson is fostering A LOT of kittens, Dr. F.M. about a dozen, and I have four.
Great News Re Microscope And Centrifuge - Vicki Thorne-Ohly, a dedicated supporter from Washington, has raised some money for this equipment. Her sister-in-law, Carrie Cusack, donated $100, Pat Kuhn, a friend, is adding some money and Vicki will put in the balance to come up with a total of $300 U.S. Vicki’s Her, Ginny Johnson, has located a used microscope for $ 275 U.S. Ginny also ordered a 6-chamber centrifuge for $150 and will donate the balance due of $125 for it. Her last donation to the SPCA de PV was $700 U.S. worth of sutures. Vicki arrives in Puerto Vallarta July 6th with the centrifuge and microscope. They’ll be given immediately to Dr. F. M., who has been working without either.
Susan Singer, a great SPCA de PV supporter from Dallas, is raising money for a second centrifuge for the Acopio. Susan has sent a check for $150 to Vicki, and Susan will bring centrifuge for the Acopio in July. The Acopio still will need a microscope. They haven’t had access to this very basic vet equipment.
Bringing Down Donations From U.S. or Canada – Please give me dates and flight info. Molly Fisher, Director of PEACE, will contact customs with the information, which will help ease you through in case you’re stopped and questioned.
PEACE’s Spay / Neuter Clinic – board member Cathy Gordon and our great volunteer from Oregon, Hannah Gibbs participated. SPCA de PV would like to do this – hopefully in July. To view, check out www.banderasnews.com/vallarta-living/banderasbeat.htm
I spent three hours at one of the clinics in Mezcales on June 13th. It was pretty thrilling to see the many dogs and cats were brought in. The system works beautifully with volunteers and staff. After being sedated, drugged and shaved, animals are placed on surgical table. In 20 minutes, surgery is over. Spaying looks wonderful because of the skill of the vet and the self-absorbing sutures. Animals are put on clean towels for recovery period and temperatures and heart beats monitored. Owners pick up pets 3-4 hours after dropping them off. PEACE holds these clinics every week – 4 surgery days a week – all year, returning to the same neighborhoods about every 3 months.
Wants To Adopt: Laura Paulson has a friend who would like to adopt a small poodle-type dog. Per Laura: “One that doesn’t require a lot of grooming, small enough to fly on planes, needs lots of love and attention, ready to be spoiled and taken care of the way a dog should. He lives in Garza Blanc Suits. These suites have huge terraces so the dog will have plenty of room to run around in. Female preferred.” Please contact: laurel@cblacostarentals.com
Maria Langton would like to adopt a Schnauzer or Schnauzer mix in July – Langton64@hotmail.com
Cat Needs Home: Lynn Nokes is moving from Vallarta. She has a beautiful 3-year old altered black cat named “bear” who behaves like a dog, following her around everywhere. If interested, please contact www.spcapv.com
Digital Cameras – if anyone has any old or extra ones, both the Acopio and Dr. Francisco Medina need one to keep photographic record of animals brought in, adopted and/or euthanized. Heather Wilson could also use one.
Spaying After Puppies / Kittens Have Been Weaned – Dr. F.M. recommends a two month wait for surgery for dogs and one month for cat.
Week-End Employee For Centro De Acopio: SPCA de PV paid this salary for almost a year. It is now being paid by the Patronage of the Centro de Acopio. Previous to last July, no one fed, watered or cleaned from Friday afternoon to Monday morning.
Rescue costs to SPCA de PV average 1,500 pesos per dog and 1,000 pesos per cat. The math is simple - we cannot keep rescuing as many animals without more donations. Numbers will be cut down substantially beginning immediately. Now is a great time to consider donating or making a monthly pledge in order to save lives.
To Volunteer To Walk Dogs / Socialize With Cats – Please call Dr. Francisco Medina to confirm day and time. He suggests 9 AM and 7 PM. His clinic is in Pitillal and easy to find. 044 322 135 2323 The Acopio also needs the same kind of help. Call first – 293-3690 or
contact Vera Lugo by e-mail to make a date - veralugo_si@hotmail.com
To volunteer on adoption days: Janice Gonzalez: jjg743@msn.com
www.spcapv.com, www.spcapv.blogspot.com (photos and news), and www.elrincondelhueso.blogspot.com/ (to see some of the animals for adoption at the Acopio (local pound).
_____________________
Support for PV’s Bomberos Continues to Grow!
By Stan Gabruk
This week we’re seeing an increase in interest from all over the place. Readers of my fishing articles and of this weekly article have been in contact with Christena in Calgary via E-Mail. I have to say, it’s exciting to see things beginning to take form. It seems that everyone “knows” someone that can help. Such was the case with Jack and Barbara, Marina Vallarta locals that just mentioned the bomberos situation to a friend who had retired from the fire department in some super small town in Texas. Well, his name is Sherwood, a retired fire department Captain and he’s got the kind of accent you’d expect to hear in a movie. His heart is real and he’s doing what he can to help. It turns out that his small town in the middle of nowhere is getting ready to replace all the “Bunker Gear” (i.e.: the clothes that the fire fighters wear in his town) so they’ll have forty sets of these necessary garments coming available. Now this is still in the works, but Sherwood tells Christena that he’s also working towards getting us donated a Pumper Truck from 1958. Now I know that sounds old, but these trucks are like boats. It doesn’t matter how old it is, as long as it was kept in good working condition! This is also in the works now, so we’ll get you more information as things progress.
Christena is working on putting together some silent auctions and other fund raising opportunities in Calgary. She has been contacted as well in her home town of Calgary by people out of the blue, who are experienced in fund raising, are well off, and have the experience and necessary contacts to get the money coming in. More on this as time goes by, but the snowball is getting bigger. I’m told the foundation will be up and “running” soon, so once that happens I’ll include that info here.
Last week, we discussed the new Sub Station (land) near the Corona Factory that we have taken possession of from the Federal Government here in Mexico. It’s the first step in building the new station at the other end of town. One reason this Sub-Station is so important is the travel time it takes to get from Central PV to the outlying areas like that near the Corona Factory. It’s a thirty minute drive at best to the other end of town, and that makes a big difference when lives are at stake. Just this past week, I read articles in the local papers about two homes that could have been saved had the fire department been able to get there sooner. Such is the case for our brave bomberos who, with the existing limitations they have to deal with, are doing what they can.
If you recall, Eric Carlos of Angels for Mexico got together with the Dean of the University of Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta Campus, George Chaboya Gama, and got the students from Engineering, Design Graphic and Architecture to design the new Sub-Station. As I mentioned before, the Dean was excited and proud to be involved with this project and resulted in the contemporary design of the Fire Station we have now. There was some initial controversy with the design, not because it was lacking, but because it deviated from the traditional Mexican designs with arched doorways, and other traditional Mexican features. But it represents the new attitude of the Mexican community - modern in design, moving into a new future.
Additionally, the importance of this Fire Station is significant since it will be used as a training facility for 5 municipalities: Mascota, Talpa, Tomlatlan, Tuito and of course, PV. This will increase as time goes by and the benefits of trained individuals become more obvious. These other locations are looking to us to improve a system that has much room for improvement.
Some more breaking news: Christina was informed of a group that many fire fighters support in Canada that specializes in supporting the Mexican fire fighters here in Mexico. They’re interested in helping out Mexican bomberos any way they can. You may want to check out their web page at www.firefighterscrossingborders.org
The Organization is called Firefighters Crossing Borders, and they’re just another exciting aspect of this important project.
If you think this project is important, I’d like to invite you to become involved by contacting me, Eric or Christina. Together, we can make miracles happen! I’m seeing it every day. So get involved, it may be you who winds up reaping the benefits!
You can contact Christena through the Angels for Mexico web site at: www.angelsformexico.com the Calgary Chapter for donations or more information. You can also contact Angels for Mexico, PV Chapter, through Director Eric Carlos at 322 889-7833 during regular business hours here in Puerto Vallarta.
|
