riviera nayarit
21
Joanna Varvos; Director & Membership “My husband, Cam, and I had been wintering in La Cruz for several years, making the annual trek north for summer then escaping south before the first snowfall. We quickly concluded that we are Cindy Bouchard not multiple residence folks, prefecindy@VillaAmordelMar.com rring one home in one location; really, was there even a choice? Cindy Bouchard, an expat Canadian runs a Boutique Inn, Villa Amor del We had fallen in love with the Mar in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. She and her husband Chris are living and Patricia Spencer; Vice quiet, friendly fishing village of La lovin’ in Vallarta–Nayarit. If you want more info on La Cruz or desire… A very President Cruz Huanacaxtle and set down special vacation contact cindy@VillaAmordelMar.com “This question has made me our roots here. Soon enough we think a lot about my work with discovered that our lovely village little girl. After that goal was met, Amigos de la Cruz. The transition and its amiable residents faced others asked for help, and through to retirement was not an easy one many issues which citizens in our the years, they have spent thou- for me, as I feel compelled to have northern home take for granted; sands of pesos helping hundreds a purpose to my life. I also believe such as schools with crumbling that humans are wired to help one infrastructure, inadequate toileting of people. The good works of the Amigos another, we need to make our little facilities, a dearth of learning matehen friends get together de La Cruz board continues to corner of the world a better place rials such as books, scholastic me. to make a difference impress materials for lives are changed for the They are passioboth students better. Today please help me thank nate, committed and teachers, the people of Amigos de La Cruz. even such basics and fun. I’ve There were two entities that asked them what as crayons and merged to become the organization inspired them to pencils. There it is now. are the families join and do all APERCH, the predecessor to they do. who cannot afford Amigos de La Cruz, had its beginmedical care for needed drugs or D a v i d ning in 2003 when the highway life-saving surgeto Punta de Mita was built. Unex- H i b b a r d ; pectedly, La Cruz was left with an President ries. We discoSeveral years embankment and no entry into vered the dedifriends From left to right; Front Row; Carmen Tapia, Joanna Varvos, Amy Welch, cated group called town. Residents and small busi- ago, ness owners of La Cruz got toge- visited my home Berenice Uribe, Back row; Patricia Spencer, David Hibbard Missing from Amigos de la Cruz photo; Lina Bureau who commit much ther and petitioned the Municipal here in La Cruz. They had introduced me to Puerto for those less fortunate by using time and effort to assist with these President for: Construction of a town Vallarta back in the middle of the the gifts we have. Volunteering with issues and so much more. I am entrance Protection of the 80’s. Lazily floating around the pool Amigos, whether it is producing a a proud member of the Board of as I slithered in and out, nipping fundraiser or directing a play, or Directors of Amigos de la Cruz. Huanacaxtle trees a branch in my garden here, and just having fun makes me a happier We are always looking for more More frequent garbage removal Investigation of the effective- adjusting something there my human being... I have a purpose, members and volunteers, and we ness of the sewage treatment plant friend calls to me “David, it’s alright and together we help our commu- welcome hearing from YOU!!!” Improved communications through to do nothing”. That’s not what I’m nity. It’s all good, please join us this made of and at that moment I season.” Lina Bureau; Environmental the Delagado (town delegate) Chair Their efforts were successful realized that my life here in Mexico “I guess I do it for the love I have and La Cruz now welcomes visi- needed to be fulfilled with commiAmy Welch; Secretary/Treafor La Cruz and for all the smiles tors via the gorgeous cross at the ttees, events and volunteerism, as surer & Communications Glorieta and the sparkling waters is my life in Wisconsin. Humble Amy only shares the I get on Monday morning when of Banderas Bay. Encouraged, Fast forward a few years, good of others. Since she won’t I I collect containers full of plastic. they continued working to improve occasionally attending Amigos must say, Amy is amazing, forever After 4 years it has become a garbage collection, street cleaning meetings assessing the organiza- inspiring others, collecting donation must, a normal thing to do just like and communication with govern- tion, understanding its purpose, items for fundraisers, updating the ment officials. The group is now and giving input; it happened… I newsletter, communicating with all known as Amigos de La Cruz de was asked to serve on the board of who need to be informed and so continued from page 18 Huanacaxtle, A.C. In 2014 Amigos a new model Amigos de La Cruz. much more. received the status of Asociación With the full credentials of a regisinfectious melodies (and perhaps Inspired by meeting new and a bit of white wine) to join the Civil or Mexican non-profit corpo- tered AC, the mission was similar to ration. In 2015, Amigos received the past, but the bar seemed to be interesting people from different group onstage as a surprise guest their Donatario status as a Mexican raised higher in terms of contribu- walks of life, Amy stays commi- dancer...not a practice I’d recomtax-deductible charity. tion to our community. tted; she says “It’s fulfilling, interes- mend, but sometimes you can roll The medical program was origiNow as President, the bar ting and at the same time, we’re the dice if the feeling is right. The band played it off by nally called ‘The Friendship Club’ keeps rising, higher and higher. working together to provide support with its sole mission to provide Privileged to be surrounded by to our community. I think that we all honoring one of her requests—a medical support to the needy of our some of the most competent and feel we are adding a small drop French-language classic by the community by paying for medical giving people I have ever known of help. Together we make a diffe- name of “La Vie en Rose.” The velvety arrangement bathed expenses and medicine. Founded we have a respect and friendship rence. This is why we do what we in 2005 by Kathleen Dobek and that “busy people” love and appre- do – in service of others that touch the room in its’ dulcet tones...a celePhilo Hayward to raise funds to buy ciate. The challenges of planning our hearts and minds, and stir our bration of ecstasy in a life well lived. hearing aids for a profoundly deaf and executing events, developing souls.” Not understated nor overstated...
Life
in la Cruz
Amigos de la Cruz does much for many.
W
a Kids Club, sponsoring a summer school program, hosting a team of dentists to provide care to our grade school children, carrying out a very successful plastic recycle program and beautifying the main streets of La Cruz are all part of the mission of Amigos de La Cruz. If you are interested in a fun ride while making a difference, Amigos is the place to be.”
Nov 30 - Dec 6, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com
sweeping my yard every morning. Hearing thank you from all my Mexican friends and the willingness they have now to keep our town clean and recycle keeps me committed. I feel I am now a part of La Cruz family.” Carmen Tapia; Chair of education and medical “I’m proud to be a member of an association focused on community service like Amigos De la Cruz. We all share the common goal of improving the environment and people’s lives. I’m a strong advocate of fulfilling children’s educational needs and Amigos de La Cruz make good things happen for the children in the community.” We are so thankful for our silent benefactor from Canada and La Cruz who donated the Kids Club space for one year; fingers crossed we can use this great facility even longer; visit the Kids Club at Coral 5, just off Langosta at the glorieta. Berenice Eugenia Uribe Guijarro; Director Berenice and her husband Javier help in so many ways, always lending a hand when needed. They also help navigate the political landscape. Joanna welcomes you to learn more out about Amigos de La Cruz. “Ask us questions or learn about volunteer opportunities; visit us at the La Cruz Sunday market where our friendly coterie man a table. Satisfy your curiosity about our activities and/or sign up to receive our email newsletter. We look forward to meeting you!” The next event is a Black & White Masked Gala - A Night to Remember on December 8th. http://www.amigoslacruz.org/ Bravo, you’re all doing a fabulous job! Gracias Amigos!
but stated, and clearly done. Ever so smooth. The Verdict: It’s no secret to the staff at El Patio de Mi Casa that I find their confines particularly friendly, and my official visit reflected my fondest experiences with this charming lounge at Guerrero 311, just inland from the Los Arcos Ampitheater. When I’m in the mood for a night of good company set to an eminently sociable soundtrack, El Patio de Mi Casa is my home away from home. Maybe I’ll catch you there.