Issue 837, April 22 - 28, 2013

Catch us online @ vallartatribune.com

Monetary

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Medicine

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Travel

WITH A PURPOSE

April 22 - 28, 2013 Free Issue 837

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Calendar OF EVENTS

St. Regis Punta Mita Relax in Luxury

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April 22 - 28, 2013 Vallarta Tribune 837

Welcome

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Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit welcome you!

Here are a few handy pieces of information to make your trip a little easier.

TIME ZONE:

The entire state of Jalisco is on Central Time, as is the southern part of the State of Nayarit starting from San Blas in the north.

BUSES:

A system of urban buses with different routes can bring you from one end of the bay to the other and all the spots in between. Current fare is $6.50 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 17th 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 purified bottled water just about anywhere.

EXPORTING PETS:

Fall in 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.

PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Fernando Gonzalez Corona DIRECTOR Lic. Arturo Martinez Rojas MANAGER ADVERTISING & SALES Beatriz Vazquez C. bvazquez@vallartatribune.com MANAGING EDITOR Lic. Madeline Milne mmilne@vallartatribune.com DESIGNER Cynthia Estela Andrade Gutierrez cisandra@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).

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. (322) 226-0829, 226-0800 * editor@vallartatribune.com

Calling Cell Phones

Within the area code of the Mexican cell phone number dial 044, then the area code, then the phone number.

Outside of the area code (but still within Mexico) dial 045 and then the 10 digit phone 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

SPCA adopt a pet

by Janice Gonzalez ADORABLE DOG IN THE SPOTLIGHT...EL CID It never ceases to amaze us how families can just up and abandon a part of the family when they move, but that’s what happened to El Cid. Fortunately a kind neighbor rescued him and brought him to us. He is a very small dog at only six kilos, probably a Jack Russell mix, and about a year and a half old. Contact the SPCA at spcapv@gmail.com if you are interested in adopting EL CID or any of our animals which you can see at www.spcapv.blogspot.com.

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News

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April 22 - 28, 2013 Vallarta Tribune 837

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Editor’s Note Well it’s been a busy week with many of end of the season events to attend. I was graciously invited to see the Banderas Bay Jazz All-Stars final performance at the Paradise Community Centre on the 12th of April. I’m sure it’s a common refrain – but I really didn’t know you could do that with a flute. Totally blew me away.

I will definitely be checking them out again in the fall when they return to the Bay. Last night I attended the final Dolly Would if Kenny Could show at the Paradise Community Centre. A very sweet and intimate musical tribute filled with the classics my mother used to make me dance to in the kitchen as a child.

What is really astounding is the level of professionalism and the quality of the music that you can find here in Puerto Vallarta and all around Banderas Bay. As an international

retirement mecca it only makes sense that internationally acclaimed musicians will find their way here. Just like the many artists, writers and successful entrepreneurs that now call Puerto Vallarta home. Over the next few weeks I will be rolling out a series of interviews with many of the interesting, adventurous, creative or just plain obnoxious locals that contribute so much to this town. If you have a wonderful story you would like to share with the readers of the Tribune, please send me an email and we can grab a jugo verde.

As always, I am open to comments, editorial suggestions and dinner invitations.

Madeline Milne

Where are we headed?

By Rodolfo Navarrete

• It would appear that the central bank governor is unconcerned by peso appreciation as long as it doesn’t break below 11.50/USD. • The minister of finance said he would not favor a further reduction in interest rates.

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ittle by little, the central bank’s monetary stance has grown increasingly incomprehensible. After announcing March 8 that it was lowering its reference interest rate in part to avoid a further tightening of monetary conditions from an appreciating peso that would tend to lure greater inflows into local financial assets, last week the head of the central bank indicated that he would not be worried by peso appreciation until the exchange rate returned to levels last seen in mid 2011, or even prior to the crisis of 2008. He added that the current appreciation is by no means artificial, but rather reflects the strength of the Mexican economy, and hence is not a risk factor.

This warrants a number of observations: a) The central bank starts from a mistaken assessment of peso appreciation, which we attribute to the combination of two factors. First, and most importantly in this period, the expulsion of capital from developed economies in response to the super expansive monetary policies of the US and Japan with Japan delive-

ring a surprise last week by announcing a plan for massive purchases of both government and private bonds that will inject into the Japanese economy money in the order of 30% of GDP in a span of two years. The plunge in interest rates implied by such policies is forcing investors in these countries to look abroad for new and more compelling investment opportunities. Evidence of this process can be found in the extent to which currencies around the globe have been appreciating in recent weeks from those of Hungry, Iceland, and Poland, the Swiss frank, and in Latin America, most notably the Brazilian real and the Mexican peso. The second contributing factor, in the specific case of Mexico, consists of a series of internal considerations such as the possibility of some major economic reforms. We can force the argument a bit further by asserting that the current appreciation of the Mexican currency is due more to external than internal factors. It is crucial to determine whether this distinction is valid because of the major economic policy implications. If exchange rate appreciation were primarily due to internal factors, as the central bank governor argues, then it would be hard to detect any risk factor because it would mean that investors are ultimately buying on Mexico’s strong fundamentals, and thus unlikely to take flight lightly. But if appreciation can be traced to external factors then there is a risk of capital flight at any time that would leave Mexico with quite a serious economic problem. Then the country would find itself in the maels-

trom of that “perfect storm” that the central bank governor warned of just a few weeks ago. b) As we noted earlier, one of the arguments the central bank employed to justify its March 8 rate cut was the idea that it could preempt the unnecessary tightening of monetary conditions implied by any exchange rate appreciation, which the bank warned would entice greater capital inflows at a time when many other developed and emerging economies were continuing to pursue a dramatic relaxation of monetary conditions.

But as we all know, rather than defusing the possibility of a firming of the peso, the rate cut sparked a dramatic rally that had sent the peso close to 12.00/USD at latest count, probably making for much tighter monetary conditions than what existed prior to the central bank’s rate decision.

Given this situation, and following the arguments of the March 8 monetary policy announcement, one would expect the monetary authority to implement yet another reduction of the reference interest rate to finally contain exchange rate appreciation. But all evidence suggests no such cut is in the works. Prime evidence includes the latest comments from the minister of finance, who after arguing insistently for such an easing did an about-face last week and said that a further lowering was uncalled for. c) That the current exchange rate is higher than that of mid 2011 and pre crisis levels does not constitute a strong enough argument with which to justify the possibility of further exchange rate appreciation, much less to sustain the thesis that appreciation is not a risk factor for the eco-

nomy. It is well known that the best way to gauge whether the nominal exchange rate is overvalued is the real exchange rate, which is corrected using the difference between inflation in Mexico and in the country’s main trading partners, preponderantly the US. We estimate the real equilibrium exchange rate as of Friday was between 12.20 and 12.30 pesos per dollar, which suggests the Mexican currency is entering an overvalued zone and thus a point of concern.

Everything suggests that the central bank has no intention of trying to stem exchange rate appreciation either through a lowering of the reference interest rate or through accumulating dollars. Implicitly, the governor has set 11.50/USD as its target, and once the exchange rate reaches that point, the monetary authority is likely to intervene.

Christ Church by the Sea Worldwide Anglican Communion

Services Sunday 10:00 a.m 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 Jack Wehrs 322-209-0895 cell: 044-322-229-1129

www.ChristChurchByTheSea.org www.IglesiaCristoDelMar.org

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{ News { Monetary Medicine: The Private Hospital Flat Line in Vallarta

April 22 - 28, 2013 Vallarta Tribune 837

By Sylvia McNamee On April 6, 2013, well-known Puerto Vallarta resident, Miguel Angel Santos Nolasco, age 35, tragically died from injuries sustained during a collision of his sea kayak with a small speedboat in the waters just off Los Muertos Beach. In the days following the horrible event, many in Puerto Vallarta are asking troubling questions about the emergency care received by Santos Nolasco in the time preceding his death.

After receiving emergency triage on the Los Muertos Pier from paramedics, the victim was transferred by the B-38 Firefighters Unit to the Centro Médico Quirúrgico, or CMQ, a private care hospital on Basilio Badillo only minutes away from the scene of the accident. A formal account by hospital officials state that Santos Nolasco was stabilized prior to being redirected to the public regional hospital in the Hotel Zone for further treatment for his critical abdominal trauma.

However, sources close to the accident, including sister of the victim, Montserrat Álvarez Mendoza , claim that emergency medical care was not provided to the victim who was not able to make a 25 000, peso deposit, approximately $2070 USD, for service by credit card or in cash. Further sources claim that the boat captain responsible for the accident, Santia-

go Mercado Cervantes, attempted to make payment using a cheque from a Mexican national bank which was refused as a payment method by CMQ. Questions arise about what more could have been done at the CMQ hospital to triage and stabilize Santos Nolasco prior to redirecting him to the public hospital, as the victim died of shock and blood loss mere moments after arriving at the doors of the Regional Hospital.

Patients denied care due to their inability to pay for services is a sociological issue that extends far beyond the borders of Mexico. And there is no debate that private hospitals, particularly in Puerto Vallarta which be-

nefits from a thriving medical tourism industry, serve an important function in the city. As corporate entities, private hospitals offer for-profit health care services for those who can afford them and have an economic right to conduct profitable business practices.

But when protecting the bottom line interferes with protecting patients in need of dire emergency services, questions about the ethics of corporate health care are inescapable.

With eleven private care hospitals operating in Puerto Vallarta and only the Regional Hospital and the Red Cross offering public services, it seems logical that private medical facilities would have an ethical responsibility and policy for all patients

ensuring that emergency triage services are provided in a timely, thorough and consistent manner to stabilize patients to the best ability of the facility and its staff. But low-income emergency cases are left to the discretion of medical staff that may or may not be willing to disregard corporate hospital admission policies and accept the consequences that may arise from their actions.

The right to triage is not a right of the rich, it is a human right. And until private hospitals are willing to create concrete policies that ensure that any patient in need of dire emergency care receives adequate medical attention, it is a tragic reality that death will continue to be a certainty for those who cannot afford a chance to live.

Riviera Nayarit sees new investments The investment in at least 10 new projects in Riviera Nayarit this year will add more than 22,000 rooms.

The Convention and Visitors Bureau of Riviera Nayarit said in a recent press release that projects consist of new development, and upgrades of existing projects with many prominent tourism brands looking to partner in the area.

“El Banco”, in Punta Mita, expects an investment of $120 million in its first phase, and will consist of developing a boutique hotel with 101 suites and 24 residential villas. Aimed at the affluent traveler market, this project is expected to begin operations in 2015.

The source also noted that this year will continue to work expanding on the mega development of Punta Mita, with 700

acres, 5 hotels, 2 golf courses and 1,100 real estate units.

Currently, this project is about 60% completed, having started operating with its first two luxury resorts: the Four Seasons Punta Mita (open since 1999) and The St. Regis Punta Mita (opened in 2008).

Another project in the same area is the development Nahui resort property located on Banderas Bay, on the way from La Cruz to Punta Mita. On 823 hectares it will have a championship golf course and present residential products, hotels, commercial and even a village.

This project will provide more than 12,000 rooms to the accommodation options in Riviera Nayarit.

Among the new and major investment projects announced in

Riviera Nayarit is the luxury timeshare property, Vallarta Gardens. This group plans a comprehensive renovation of over 20 million dollars.

A little further north, the Pun-

ta Raza is another promising tourist destination in the Compostela area and is expected to cover 700 hectares. This major development will also have its own marina with

226 slips. The project will add 8,660 new rooms, residential units and hotel rooms in Riviera Nayarit.

(Mexican Business Web)

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News

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Traveling with a purpose

THIS is Paradise…

By Moralea Milne

By Marcia Blodin paradisecommunitycenter.com

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his week I would like to introduce you to a few of the vendors that work so hard to make our Saturday Coop Market the success it is. The Market will continue through the summer season each Saturday at the Paradise Community Centre.

Indulge in dessert Food. We all need it and we all eat but when pastry chef Antonio and wife Sasha let loose in their kitchen the ‘need’ has to include ‘want, love and YUMMY’. The moist banana and carrot breads and other fruit-in-season breads are delicious and freezable - although they rarely make it that far. Cookie selections include flourless peanut butter and jelly, Eatmore raisin, cranberry, and orange chocolate chip. The flour-less chocolate cake made me suspicious at first - how can anyone bake a cake without flour?!

But Antonio and Sasha made me a believer; absolutely decadent. Strawberries added to Tres Leches cake takes a traditional Mexican dessert to a magical place. Whole cakes can be ordered if a slice just won´t do - talk to Antonio or Sasha at our Coop. Hurry though as they will be off to New York to visit family May 11th for a few weeks but will be back the beginning of August. Indulge yourself!

Jams and Jellies “Jan’s Speciality Condiments” stars Jan Saridakis, the diva of Vallarta jams and jellies. Delicious strawbe-

rry/jalapeño, blueberry, Cherries Jubilee, blackberry pie and raspberry jellies complement Jan’s signature jalapeño jelly. For those of you unfamiliar with the sweet side of jalapeño chilies, visit Jan every Saturday all year round for a taste treat, then take some home to go along with the marinated okra, brussel sprouts, mushrooms and green beans. Delightful to serve to guests if you have to share! Talk to Jan at the PCC about catering your next event or party. She’s not only about jam!

PCC Events happening this coming week: Tuesday, April 23. “Le Havre” a French film with English subtitles.

Showtime is 7 pm, 60 pesos. The Community Center has a new HUGE screen and an updated sound system to better enjoy Movie Night.

April 27. Saturday Coop Market 9 - 1 pm. Come hungry!

Tuesday, April 30. “La Otra Familia” Filmed in Mexico in Spanish with English subtitles. Advanced seats are $60 pesos or $70 pesos at the door. Celebrate the Movie Night finale for this season with sponsors Democrats Abroad. The DA will return in the fall with a fine selection of notable films.

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like to have a purpose when I travel and my love of natural history fuels a desire to search out experiences that have to do with nature. Currently I love to find butterflies, capture them in photos and try to identify them at my leisure.

That interest has been expanding lately with the addition of some pretty cool bugs that I’ve stumbled across while out lepping (that’s but-

terfly speak for an activity that corresponds to birding - butterfly experts are known as lepidopterists).

Just recently, while prowling through a friend’s garden in Ajijic, I happened across a most extraordinary bug (two actually) that were happily perusing the roses.

Their bodies were brilliantly coloured in black, white, red and orange, in the design which reminded me

April 22 - 28, 2013 Vallarta Tribune 837

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of an African mask.

Absolutely stunning! With a little help from Google and some friends, I discovered it is the fifth instar of the Giant Mesquite Bug. You have to hand it to Mother Nature, she has a fantastic imagination when it comes to the diversity of shape and form with which she has endowed all species.

Another purpose that I have been cultivating is the search for the perfect coconut ice cream.

Mexico is home to some of the most delicious ice cream in the world (called helado, pronounced ay..La.. bo) and while you can find the old standbys of chocolate, vanilla and strawberry (and such a mouth wateringly sublime strawberry), they also have a huge palette of flavours that they have developed, using their vast array of locally grown tropical fruits and nuts.

So, I have taken it upon myself to explore and savour, in every little town and village, their coconut ice cream.

It’s not a difficult task, you can find an ice cream vendor or two at almost every Zacolo (town square), but the sheer number of vendors producing homemade ice cream means I will be at this, not so onerous task, for a long time to come!

Community turns out to support Vallarta Pride The Vallarta Pride organizing committee headed up by Bill Hevener, Daniel Gomez and Armando Sanchez is pleased to announce the successful launch of the inaugural fundraising and float sponsorship effort.

The “Vallarta Pride 2013: Homage to Frida Kahlo” celebration to be held during the May 24 – 26 Weekend coincides with the gastronomic extravaganza of Restaurant Week, the city´s anniversary Parties Fiestas De Mayo and catches the tail end of the Bougainvillea Festival.

Three days into the sponsorship drive, the organizing committee confirms the participation and sponsorship of more than 20 floats and sponsors. They are aiming for a minimum of 75 floats to equal the participation at Mardi Gras 2012.

An estimated 45 local business and community leaders attended the informational night at SETAC this past Wednesday.

“The community came out in force,” he confirmed with a wry smile. “We got a lot of feedback from the local community, mostly positive and we are encouraged to continue to make the event completely

inclusive, which has been one of the principal aims of the committee since the beginning” To that note, organizers are planning several cultural events for those not interested in the nightly event being planned during the 3-day cultural celebration. “We are close to confirming an art exhibition and film festival as well as a beach volley ball competition, explained Sanchez. One organizer is also trying to create a 5 & 10 KIDS Walk and run during the festival to raise funds for local children born with the virus.” Organizers are in talks with the Botanical Gardens to create an event to promote Vallarta´s flora and fauna diversity.

Only corporate Floats are being charged a nominal fee of $200 to $300 MXN to participate in the parade with all money being used to promote the event, the destination and help with the event planning, entertainment and clean up after the event.

All not for profit organizations will be able to participe at no cost, while individuals will also be able to participate for free.

Confirmed sponsors and participants at time of writing: Almar Resorts, Hotel Mercurio, Encuentros

Pizza Pasta Bar Lounge, Divas Bar, Reinas, Frida Bar, Fridas Kitchen, Tom Salmon, Quality Painting and Electric, The Pitt Grill , Diana’s Tours, La Noche, SETAC, Blue Chairs, Lido Beach Club and Restaurant, Buen Flex Clothing Company, Cassandra Shaw Jewelry, Gold´s Gym, Dubois PV, Mijo! Brands, GayPV, A Page in the Sun Café and Bookstore.

To sponsor or participate in the parade: 322 222 9696 or info@vallartapride.com For more information contact dgomez@gaypv.Mx or visit facebook on.Fb.Me/17luc5k

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April 22 - 28, 2013 Vallarta Tribune 837

Paradise and Parenting

By Leza Warkentin rhythm2rain@gmail.com

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he flattery can go straight to your head when you make the decision to leave your home country and take up residence in Mexico. You, as a prospective expat, may have been told that you were an adventuring, risk-taking rock star by certain family members.

They claimed that they themselves would probably also one day sell the plasma TV, throw the rest into the Chev and drive roughly 1,145,000 miles over two borders to stake claim in a place that didn’t require jumper cables and a block heater to start the car every morning (which, on a side note, they haven’t done yet, not since they started spending every two week vacation they can muster in your spare room).

You tend to feel a bit above all of that, the block-heater stuff, and you start posting your new reality in the form of photographs on social media.

This generally amps up the comments in minus 30 degrees homeland from “I want your life” to “My therapist has requested that I defriend you until I get over my murderous rage.”

I’m sure you are aware that these envious compliments start a chemical reaction in the brain and, as a result, you start believing that you are a wild and crazy hippie.

Not only that, there is nothing to lose by falling in love with a person with very long hair and nothing to shackle him to this world save the tools of his trade, which consist of 3 electric guitars, an amp, and a 1,000 watt smile that makes you feel all melty inside.

What happens next is like an avalanche without the snow. Soon

there are babies that turn brown in the sun as opposed to bright pink, and there is a wedding (in that order), and finally thereis a two-year contract at work that was supposed to conclude after two years but is re-signed in late June. Yep, that puppy is signed and sealed despite the sweat dripping into your eyes, obscuring your vision and running the ink.

If this is somewhat your reality, dear reader, then have I got a column for you! Not only that, we have a lot in common, coincidentally. You are also in luck, because the contract I signed to work here in paradise was a teacher’s contract, early childhood no less. I have a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in science with a post-baccalaureate in early childhood education.

This wealth of education and consequent experience in the field has made me not only a knowledgeable professional but also a guiltridden parent who allows the kiddies to play Wii or watch Discovery Kids in Spanish just so I can finish my second cup of coffee.

Because, you see, I know full well the effects of too much media on a child’s tender brain, and yet I do genuinely need the second cup, and silence is key. Ex-pat parents, I do feel that you and I may have something to talk about here. Stay tuned.

And, by the way, once you’ve gone bohemian and sold that plasma TV you got dirt cheap at Costco and moved down to ol’ Mexico to meet the person of your dreams, you have to re-buy the EXACT SAME ONE at the Puerto Vallarta Costco for close to double the price. But don’t tell my cousin Gloria.

Locals

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Banderas Bay Initiative

By Maria del Mar Zamora www.bbini.org

Chasing Tadpoles: Remembering our natural heritage Announcing a new environmental mural project in Banderas Bay

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ost weekends of my childhood were spent at the beach snorkeling and exploring tidal pools or chasing tadpoles at the river’s edge. I’m not exaggerating when I say most weekends. My family moved to Puerto Vallarta from Mexico City when I was 5 years old.

Coming from an environment where at its worst, birds were falling out of trees due to pollution, we were keenly aware of the vitality and beauty of Banderas Bay. By the time I finished high-school those visits to the beach and the jungle were sporadic at best.

It’s easy to grow accustomed to the natural splendor we live in.

Too many of us take the beauty of our environment for granted. The Banderas Bay Initiative is working to create and strengthen a Culture of Consciousness in our community.

We believe we should enjoy and value the natural and cultural treasures that grace our region and take active measures to preserve them. To raise awareness the Banderas Bay Initiative is partnering with Ruta 383, an artist collective, and the Vallarta Cultural Institute on an environmentally themed mural project.

We are calling for submissions of mural proposals from all members of the Banderas Bay community. Those who wish to participate should send a sketch of their proposal to maria.zamora@bbini.org along with their contact information and a description of the techniques to be used. The deadline for submissions is April 29th.

Twenty winning entries will be notified and assigned a space to carry out the work. Paint, brushes, and a prepared space will be provided by the organizers. You can paint with a team or get guidance from some of the artists who are collaborating with us. Some murals will be part of a travelling exhibit to be shown in various venues in the region before finding their permanent home in a public area. Others will be painted directly onto buildings

and walls. We hope you will take this opportunity to leave your mark on your city and help us all remember how lucky we are to experience it.

For more details please look at the participation guidelines at www. bbini.org/murals, get in touch with us through Facebook at IniciativaBahiaDeBanderas or at the email above.

By supporting the creation of environmentally themed murals in the city we aim to create a process of reflection, expression and participa-

tion. We create this community every day. Through our actions and lack of actions we determine both the present state of our surroundings and what the future may bring. Rather than being passive viewers of an environmental campaign, participating in the creation of murals engages citizens and visitors in a novel way, creating ownership and communication in order to move into the future responsibly.

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Riviera Nayarit

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April 22 - 28, 2013 Vallarta Tribune 837

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Fun on the Riviera Nayarit

By Cat Morgan www.rivieranayaritfun.com

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iviera Nayarit stretches along the pristine Pacific coast of Mexico framed by the majestic Sierra Madre mountains just ten minutes north of Puerto Vallarta International Airport. The region extends along the entire coast of Nayarit from the resort town of Nuevo Vallarta, to the historic colonial town of San Blas.

This week we are featuring the puebla of San Francisco, also known as San Pancho.

San Pancho San Pancho is a charming, quiet town in Riviera Nayarit with beautiful, clean beaches but the highlight might be the lush estuary at the south end of the beach. Covered with lush jungles and teeming with jaguars, reptiles, hundreds of bird species, butterflies and more, this is a nature photographers paradise.

A Brief History The locals still live as fishermen and crop growers, following a typical traditional Mexican lifestyle. In the 1970’s, President Luis Echeverria took note of San Francisco. He built a vacation home in the town, along with a hospital and a few schools. His intentions were to make San Francisco a self-sufficient town and model village. His plans unfortunately ended with his presidential term but San Pancho continues to benefit from his efforts.

La Cruz May Festival

The parade will commence at 6PM. Once at the main Plaza, there will be a presentation of this year’s

In fact, a very late turtle nested on April Fools Day on the main beach in San Pancho. Volunteers found the nest with 76 eggs, which should hatch around May 27th. Two children helpers assisted transfer and reburying of the nest in the beach nursery.

For more information on San Pancho, visit RivieraNayaritFun.com and allSanPancho.com for community news and updates on events. See you at the San Pancho Turtle Project turtle release in May!

Fri. April 26th- ROCK NIGHT in the Main Plaza starting at 9 PM. Bands to be announced.

Wed. May 1st- A Musical Evening featuring Mary La Nayarita and singers from La Cruz and Nayarit starting at 9PM.

Sat. April 27th- May Festival Homecoming Queen contest and free dancing in the Plaza with LA IMPONENTE Band starting at 8 PM.

This year’s Fiestas Patronales de La Santa Cruz de Huanacaxtle (celebration of the patron saint of La Cruz) will kick-off with an open-to-all parade Thursday April 25th, starting at the back of the El Mangal Colonia, proceeding to the Punta de Mita highway, and then briefly south on main entry street Ave. Langosta, then zig-zagging down the east/west streets and ending at the main Plaza Benito Juarez.

Heading the planning committee once again this year are el Profe Carlos Ariel, (instructor at the high school and local business man) a vigorous supporter and organizer of all cultural events in La Cruz and Delegado Alberto García de Haro .

Ecological Paradise San Pancho is an amazing and beautiful gift of nature. The wonderful clean beaches are a favorite among advanced surfers, as well as the rich diversification of the local fauna. Non-profit organizations like the San Pancho Turtle Project, and San Pancho Birding Conservatory, (www.birdingsanpancho.org ), as well as EntreAmigos, a Local nonprofit community center for children (www.entreamigos.org.mx) continue to enhance the charms of this little rustic community.

Sun. April 28th- Fiesta Folklorica featuring the Tintoc Municipal Ballet Company and the La Cruz Hawaiian Dance Company with guest vocalists. Games and contests start at 8 PM. Mon. April 29th- REGGAETON Night featuring YAIR, ARAM and others to be announced.

Fiestas Patronales de La Santa Cruz de Huanacaxtle contestants for May Festival HomeThurs. April 27th- Parade coming Queen and a variety of live through La Cruz to the main Plaza. music will follow in the Plaza. CoIntroduction of the May Festival Home hungry and join everyone in the mecoming Queen. Live Music. Starts Plaza for food and drink each night. at 6 PM.

Tues. April 30th- Children’s Day featuring games, contests and prizes for kids and the Children’s Hawaiian Dance Group of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle under the direction of Maestro Luis of the Escuela Primaria Emiliano Zapata (Primary School).

Thur. May 2nd- FREE NIGHT OF MUSIC AND DANCE in the Plaza featuring the Municipal Symphony Orchestra starting at 9PM. Fri. May 3rd- RELIGIOUS FESTIVAL – Live Music and free snacks in the Plaza to celebrate the end of the May Festiva. Charro Horse dance, Maceualoyan Ballet Folklorico Group of La Cruz and the Taiyari Ballet Folklorico Group of Mezcales. Fireworks and fair.

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April 22 - 28, 2013 Vallarta Tribune 837

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VallartaTribune & Riviera Nayarit

May`s Special Promotions

Celebrate Mother's Day

* Surprise Her!

REMINDER IN MEXICO WE CELEBRATE MAY 10th USA & CANADA CELEBRATE MAY 12th

With a wonderful dinner on the town

* Treat Her!

To a spa day or a mini vacation

* Thank Her!

With owers, chocolates, jewelry and more!

Ofce 226 0800 ext 847 / 848 226 0829 phone and fax vallartatribune@yahoo.com.mx bvazquez@vallartatribune.com * cisandra@vallartatribune.com

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Cynthia Estela A DI

Cel. 322

cisandra@val cysandra@

21 de Marzo #1174 | C Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco w w w . v

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Vallarta

Cynthia Estela A DI

Cel. 322

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AN ELEGANT BEACHFRONT-BISTRO WITH EUROPEAN-MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE

April 22 - 28, 2013 Vallarta Tribune 837

9

EVERY DAY

HAPPY HOUR 2 x 1 [5:00p -6:30p] All domestic drinks included

FROM MONDAY TO SATURDAY

EARLY BIRD DINNER 20% OFF THE WHOLE MENU [5:00p – 6:00pm] Discount not valid with other promotions EVERY WEDNESDAY

OSSOBUCO & RISOTTO DISHES 30% OFF [6:00p -10:00p] EVERY SATURDAY….PREMIUM BEEF NIGHT

PEPPER STEAKS, BEEF MEDALLIONS, BEEF FAJTAS 20% OFF [6:00P -10:00P]

4

OLAS ALTAS & BASILIO BADILLO 101 (ON THE BEACH) RESERVATION: (322) 222-54-85 cocotropical@prodigy.net.mx LUNCH AND DINNER DAILY 11:00AM – 11:00PM (Closed on Sunday)

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April 22 - 28, 2013

10 Vallarta Tribune 837

News

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Toxic Food Guide for Pets What Not to Feed Dogs and Cats Part TWO

by Janice Gonzalez, SPCA de PV

O

ur thanks to PetInsurance. com and MyPetHealthZone.com for the following information.

Raw Meat and Fish

Raw meat and raw fish, like raw eggs, can contain bacteria that cause food poisoning. Certain kinds of fish such as salmon, trout, shad, or sturgeon can contain a parasite that causes “fish disease.” If not treated, the disease can be fatal within 2 weeks. The first signs of illness are vomiting, fever, and big lymph nodes.

Thoroughly cooking the fish will kill the parasite and protect your dog.

Fatty Foods

creatitis often follows the ingestion of a fatty meal in dogs. Certain breeds like miniature schnauzers, Shetland sheepdogs, and Yorkshire terriers appear to be more susceptible to a bout of pancreatitis than other breeds.

Fight the temptation to share fast food leftovers, junk food or foods cooked in grease with your dog.

Yeast Dough Unbaked dough that contains yeast can expand in your pet’s stomach or intestines. As the yeast ferments, it releases gases, resulting in

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and even life-threatening bloat and a twisted stomach. Some yeast dough also ferments into alcohol, which contributes to signs of lethargy and alcohol toxicity.

Salt Believe it or not, common table salt is poisonous to your pet— but it’s not usually from table scraps.

The source is often what surprises pet owners: pets often experience salt to-

xicity as a result of eating household play dough, swallowing too much ocean salt water or ingesting paint balls, which are loaded with salt. Salt toxicity can be very severe and results in neurologic signs such as poor coordination, seizures and brain swelling, and needs to be treated carefully by a veterinarian.

Fat Trimmings and Bones Table scraps often contain meat fat that a human didn’t eat and bones. Both are dangerous for dogs. Fat trimmed from meat, both cooked and uncooked, may cause pancreatitis in dogs. And, although it seems natural to give a dog a bone, a dog can choke on it. Cooked bones can also splinter and cause an obstruction or lacerations of your dog’s digestive system.

Foods that are high in fat can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Pan-

Another successful season PEACE Home Tours The PEACE Home Tours have once again ended on a high note.

Local realtors, property managers, rental agents and homeowners all graciously opened their homes and allowed guests in to view the beauty and diversity of the areas homes.

Entertaining hundreds of visitors from many corners of the world, local volunteers gave freely of their time to offer weekly three-hour tours of beautiful Puerto Vallarta homes from December through March.

Funds raised through the tours supported a Food for Families program providing over 6000 meals to families in the Vallarta area.

As the season winds down, the Tours find themselves making exciting new plans for the upcoming season. Watch for updates this fall under their new name Home Tours Vallarta.

Mexico set to shine at Cannes this year

The movie “Heli”, the third film of young Mexican director Amat Escalante, will compete for the Golden Palm at the 66th Annual Cannes Film Festival, on May 15th, organizers announced Thursday.

The Mexican film, with cartel violence as a backdrop, is the only Latin America film in the official selection.

This is the third feature of Escalante, who was discovered at Cannes in 2005 with his film “Blood”, and returned in 2009 with “The Bastards”, both in the official selection.

Also highlighting Mexican cinema this year, is “The Golden Cage” by Diego Quemada Diez, in his directorial debut.

“The Great Gatsby” by Baz Luhrmann, with Leonardo di Caprio, open this great film festival, and “Zulu”, the French director Jerome Salle, with Forest Whitaker and Orlando Bloom will close the event on May 26.

Filmmaker and producer Steven Spielberg will chair the international jury for the Palme d’Or, which this year will have a strong accent of Hollywood, which ensures a good dose of glamor on the steps of the Palais des Festivals.

Wedding of theCentury

Romeo and Juliet, move aside! You too, Kate and William, Paris and Helena.

The wedding event of the century is going to take place in Puerto Vallarta on Saturday, April 27th.

In a fundraising event best described as “crazier than a bag full of rats in a crystal meth lab”, Sue “wanna see my bra” Keevil and Ray “what’s his actual last name” Vallarta will enter into holy matrimony in support of two important local Vallarta charities.

All of the proceeds will be split between Corazon de Nina, a local children’s home for abused girls, and Banderas Bay Women’s Shelter, a shelter for victims of domestic violence. All members of the wedding party, groomsmen and maids of honor, are making significant donations to participate.

There will be jilted lovers and despondent mothers, hilarious vows and drag queens singing. Fun will be had by all.

You don’t want to miss the event of the season!

The wedding will take place on Saturday, April 27th at 6 PM at Langostino’s on Los Muertos Beach in Old Town. Cost is $250 pesos.

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Food & Drink

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April 22 - 28, 2013 Vallarta Tribune 837

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Michelada The Michelada is like a Ceasar but made with beer. It’s the perfect afternoon snack on a hot day. I say snack because it’s like a meal in a glass. Depending on where you are in Mexico they can be called by many different names including Cielo Rojo, and Chelada. Often it doesn’t come with Clamato unless you ask. And sometimes it comes garnished with fruit, salad, tamarind straws, celery and spicy peppers We like ours limey and spicey but each to their own!

3 limes, squeezed and with the pulp scraped loose Coarse salt 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce 1 dash soy sauce 5 dashes Valentina’s sauce 1 pinch black pepper or steak seasoning 1 dash Maggi seasoning, 12 ounces beer, preferably something Mexican 4-6 ounces Clamato Juice Salt the rim of your glass Add plenty of ice Add all the spices and sauces Add the lime and the lime pulp Add the beer and clamato.

Taste and continue doctoring until it’s perfect for you!

Tequila: Ninth Annual Cultural Festival The Ninth Annual Tequila Cultural festival is held in the town of Tequila from April 26-28th with three days of cultural events designed to promote the town of Tequila.

Set in the UNESCO protected field of Blue Agave, beneath a volcano and on the edge of a spectacular canyon, Tequila is offers a beautiful retreat from the big city of Guadalajara and the heat of Puerto Vallarta. A perfect get-away for the weekend, the Ninth Annual Tequila Cultural Festival brings world class music and entertainment to this historic town.

Located about 3 hours from Puerto Vallarta, Tequila is a charming Pueblo Magico and home to the largest producers of Tequila in the world including Jose Cuervo.

The inaugural event will present Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, by the Philharmonic Orchestra of Jalisco (FOJ) Foundation Choir Jose Cuervo and Nubem ballet group, under the direction of Allen Vladimir Gomez, beginning at 7PM in the main square of Tequila.

The second day of the festival, the Mexican-Argentine group, “Caledoscopio Tango”, will present a mu-

sical “based on a story of love and hate”, which will feature live music from the repertoire of classic tangos, also beginning at 7PM in the main square.

Saturday April 28 at 6PM, special guests French Canadian group

“Mamselle”, will enthrall with their ethno-jazz tunes. Tequila offers a range of well prices accommodations, excellent tours of the various distilleries and a beautiful scenic setting. If you are looking for something a little off the beaten path, Tequila is a wonderful option.

of { Calendar Events {

April 22 - 28, 2013

12 Vallarta Tribune 837

If you would like to have your music or cultural event added to this calendar please email editor@vallartatribune.com The Tribune is published on Monday and all events need to be submitted by the preceding Thursday.

April 22: Live Music Gerry on Piano Starting at 7:30 at Encore, Lázaro Cárdenas 51 Bucerías 329-298-0140 April 23: Beginner Salsa Lessons $50 pesos 6-7pm Octopus Garden, La Cruz 329-295-5367 April 23: Crazy Bitches Hilarious Drag show at Luna Lounge Avenida México 27 Bucerías 322-889-8391 April 23: Live Jazz Open from 6pm – 2 am El Patio de mi Casa Guerrero 311, Puerto Vallarta 322-222-0743 April 23: Bryan Savage music from 7:30pm-9:30pm at Sonora a la Parrilla in Bucerias April 24: Mexican Fiesta Food and Cultural Celebration of Jalisco from 7-11 pm in Lazaro Cardenas Park, Puerto Vallarta April 24: Fandango, House troupe tracing the history of Mexico through the Maya and Aztecs, the Spanish invasion and the Revolutions.6:30 pm Tickets: $450 pesos at Teatro Vallarta Uruguay 184 El Cen-

tro 322-222-4525/322-222-5381 April 25: Ladies Night 10pm 2am $50 pesos all you can drink $20 pesos with a short skirt - La Ingrata, Mariano Abasolo 169, Puerto Vallarta www.facebook.com/laingratapv April 26: Salsa Lessons and Live Latin Music Lessons at 6-7pm $50 pesos Band starts at 8pm Octopus Garden, La Cruz 329-295-5367 April 26: Art Opening “Camino Serenade”, Presenting two Yelapa artists, Philippo LoGrande and Anton Haardt. Cocktail opening April 26 from 6-9 p.m. continues to May 16.

Galeria Vallarta 222-5125 April 26: ROCK NIGHT in the La Cruz Main Plaza starting at 9 pm.

Bands to be announced.

April 27: Irreal Visual Expo, Alternative Art Festival Free admission 7pm at Johnny’s Diner Basillo Badillo 336, Puerto Vallarta April 27: Open Water Swim Competition, $600 pesos to register Marina Riviera Nayarit in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle belin@nadoseguro.com April 27: May Festival Homecoming Queen contest and free dancing in the La Cruz Plaza with THE STUNNING Band starting at 8 pm April 28: Ki-Hara Resistance Stretch Workshop - 12 pm - 3 pm at Yoga Vallarta, Basilio Badillo #325, South Side. Learn 16 self-stretches

to create strength, flexibility and balance. $50 USD or 650 MXN pesos. info@yogavallarta.com or http:// eventzi.com/view/1465.

April 28: Dancing (Danzon) in the Plaza with a live band every Sunday from 7pm at the Plaza des Armas in Puerto Vallarta April 28: Folkloric Festival featuring the Tintoc Municipal Ballet Company and the La Cruz Hawaiian Dance Company with guest vocalists.

Games and contests start at 8 pm.

April 29: Live Music Gerry on Piano Starting at 7:30 at Encore, Lázaro Cárdenas 51 Bucerías 329-298-014

May 2: Ladies Night 10pm 2am $50 pesos all you can drink $20 pesos with a short skirt - La Ingrata, Mariano Abasolo 169, Puerto Vallarta www.facebook.com/laingratapv May 2: FREE NIGHT OF MUSIC AND DANCE in the La Cruz Plaza featuring the Municipal Symphony Orchestra starting at 9PM. May 3: Salsa Lessons and Live Latin Music Lessons at 6-7pm 50 pesos Band starts at 8pm Octopus Garden, La Cruz 329-295-5367

April 29: REGGAETON Night featuring YAIR, ARAM and others to be announced in the La Cruz Plaza.

May 3- RELIGIOUS FESTIVAL - Live Music and free snacks in the La Cruz Square to celebrate the end of the May Festival. Charro Horse dance, Ballet Folklorico Maceualoyan Group of The Cross and the Taiyari Ballet Folklorico Group of Mezcales. Fireworks and fair.

April 30: Crazy Bitches Hilarious Drag show at Luna Lounge Avenida México 27 Bucerías 322-889-8391

May 5: Dancing (Danzon) in the Plaza with a live band every Sunday from 7pm at the Plaza des Armas in Puerto Vallarta

April 30: Live Jazz Open from 6pm – 2am El Patio de mi Casa Guerrero 311, Puerto Vallarta 322-222-0743

May 5: Int’l Festival of Alturism 6pm $400 pesos at the door At CasaMagna Marriott, Puerto Vallarta

April 30: Beginner Salsa Lessons $50 pesos 6-7pm Octopus Garden, La Cruz 329-295-5367 May 1: A Musical Evening featuring Mary The Nayarit and singers from La Cruz and Nayarit starting at 9PM in the La Cruz Plaza

May 7: Live Jazz Open from 6pm – 2am El Patio de mi Casa Guerrero 311, Puerto Vallarta 322-222-0743 May 7: Salsa Lessons $50pesos 6-7pm Octopus Garden, La Cruz 329-295-5367

May 9: Kiteboard World Tour runs from the May 9-12 at the Hard Rock Hotel in Nuevo Vallarta May 9: Ladies Night 10pm 2am $50 pesos all you can drink $20 pesos with a short skirt -La Ingrata, Mariano Abasolo 169, Puerto Vallarta www.facebook.com/laingratapv May 10: Salsa Lessons and Live Latin Music Lessons at 6-7pm 50 pesos Band starts at 8pm Octopus Garden, La Cruz 329-295-5367 May 12: Dancing (Danzon) in the Plaza with a live band every Sunday from 7pm at the Plaza des Armas in Puerto Vallarta May 14: Beginner Salsa Lessons $50 pesos 6-7pm Octopus Garden, La Cruz 329-295-5367 May 16: Ladies Night 10pm 2am $50 pesos all you can drink $20 pesos with a short skirt - La Ingrata, Mariano Abasolo 169, Puerto Vallarta www.facebook.com/laingratapv May 17: Salsa Lessons and Live Latin Music Lessons at 6-7pm 50 pesos Band starts at 8pm Octopus Garden, La Cruz 329-295-5367 May 23: Ladies Night 10pm 2am $50 pesos all you can drink $20 pesos with a short skirt - La Ingrata, Mariano Abasolo 169, Puerto Vallarta www.facebook.com/laingratapv

{

Sports

{

Hockey night in Vallarta

By Joel Hansen

T

his is it. The final week of an incredible, hectic and strange season. When was the last time a game featuring the NY Islanders was relevant? Yet there they are, poised to make the playoffs for only the second time in my sons lifetime.

Monday 22nd Winnipeg vs Buffalo Pittsburg vs Ottawa Vancouver vs Chicago

Same goes for the Maple Leafs.

Now I have always hated the Leafs, but I can not wait to see the atmosphere in that city once the post season gets started.

Wednesday Toronto vs Tampa LA vs Detroit

So here we are the final week, condensed schedule, condensed week the Leafs are in and Buffalo, Winnipeg, Washington and Columbus fight for their spot in the second season. It’s going to be a wild week and I will be watching all the games at Los Muertos Brewpub.

See you there, I will be sporting the Canucks jersey, fingers crossed hoping this is the year.

Tuesday Winnipeg vs Washington LA vs Minnesota San Jose vs Dallas

Thursday Montreal vs Winnipeg Columbus vs Dallas Anaheim vs Vancouver Friday NY Islanders vs Buffalo Saturday New Jersey vs NY Rangers Montreal vs Toronto San Jose vs LA Vancouver vs Edmonton

April 22 - 28, 2013 Vallarta Tribune 837

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April 22 - 28, 2013

14 Vallarta Tribune 837

{Philanthropy{

Non-Profit and Charitable Organizations For visitors to Puerto Vallarta who wish to do a good deed for 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

ned, abandoned, disadvantaged or vulnerable children.- Contact: Luz Aurora Arredondo at 221-1908, Rita Millan (322) 141-6974. casamaximocornejo@gmail.com

Asilo San Juan Diego home for the elderly - Contact: Lupita Sanchez Covarrubias Tel. 222-1257 or malupita88@hotmail.com or visit the website www.mexonline.com\asilosanjuandiego.htm

Centro Comunitario SETACGLBT - provides essential services to the GLBT community, including physical & mental health treatment and referrals, education & recreation, free AA meetings, English classes, HIV testing and counseling. Paco Arjona 224-1974 or paco@setac.com. mx

Asociación Down - The Foundation for assistance to persons with Down’s Syndrome – Contact: Ana Catalina Eisenring at 224-9577.

Clinica de Rehabilitación Santa Barbara - Rehabilitation of the handicapped. Contact: Laura Lopez Portillo Rodriguez at 224-2754.

Banderas Bay Women’s Shelter - Safe shelter for women & children victims of domestic violence.

Enables women to become financially independent through jobs, education and non-interest micro loans, professional counseling for them & their children. www.compassionforthefamily.org

CompassionNet Impact - forms strategic partnerships & initiates programs that provide opportunities for people living in chronic poverty to transform their own lives. Bookmobile, homes, jobs creation, loans, English & computer classes, emergency food, medicine & clothing, etc. Tax-deductible in Canada & the U.S. Cell: (322) 133-7263. ric@4compassion.org

Becas Vallarta, A.C. – provides scholarships to approximately 300 high school and university students. Donations are tax-deductible in Mexico and the USA. Polly Vicars at (322) 223-1371 or Buri Gray at (322) 221-5285. www.puerto-vallarta.com/amf Casa Hogar - a shelter dedicated to improving the lives of orpha-

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, transport them to their facility or other ones indicated by the injured person. Contact: 222-1533, 222-4973

Desarrollo Integral de la Familia (DIF) A municipal service, part of the federal System of Family Services that assists not only in times of emergency, but also with ongoing education, health, and training programs for the whole family. Contact City Hall 222-0058 Discapacitados de Vallarta, A.C. (DIVAC) association of handicapped individuals dedicated to helping one another. - Contact: Ivan Applegate at 221-5153.

GrupoEcològico de Puerto Vallarta – Contact: R.C. Walker at 2220897, rc_walkermx@yahoo.com.mx The International Friendship Club (IFC) - a registered charitable organization in Mexico listed as Club Internacional de la Amistad de Puerto Vallarta A.C. The IFC supports the Cleft Palate Surgery Program & families in need. Funds are raised through Membership & Home Tours. - Contact:322-222-5466. www.ifcvallarta. com. ifcvallarta@gmail.com.

Navy League - Meets and greets visiting Naval vessels from all nations, assists in the transportation of donated medical supplies from the U.S., organizes work groups to paint and repair schools and other public/ charitable facilities, and operates the local Toys for Tots program. Contacts: Bill Clark at 222 3616 or Jerry Lafferty at 221 6156. www.vallartanavyleague.org.

New Life Mexico - a British Charity working in Mexico. Challen-

ging Child Poverty with Health and Education Programmes. Contact: Philippa.VernonPowell@facebook.com Pasitos de Luz (Mamas Unidas por la Rehabilitación de sus Hijos) - substitute home for low income children with any type of handicap, offers rehabilitation services and special support to their families. 2994146. www.pasitosdeluz.org Pro Biblioteca de Vallarta raises fundsfor Los Mangos Public Library. Tax-deductible receipts for Mexico and USA. Contacts: Ricardo Murrieta at 224-9966 or Jimmie Ellis at 222-1478.

Proyecto Pitillal, “Busca un Amigo” - association created by underprivileged mothers of paralyzed children who need society’s help.

Contact: 299-4495.

PuRR Project - a no-kill cat shelter with approx. 250 resident felines living in a natural environment, un-caged, kittens in the Kitten Nursery, on-site clinic with daily veterinarian services. www.purrproject.com Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza Shelter for children. Donations are tax-deductible in Canada and the U.S. Contact: Madre Mari at 222-7857 or Sudy Coy at 222-5765. www.ccshf.ca Roma’s Kids - educate the children of the Volcanes and surrounding area, to provide them with the skills necessary to become employable by

the major industry here in Puerto Vallarta – tourism: math, English and computer programs a priority. 100% goes to the kids. www.kids.romamexico.com Toys for Tots Vallarta - is a nonprofit organization that is celebrating 15 years in Puerto Vallarta. Distributes toys and constructs playgrounds for less-advantaged kids in the Puerto Vallarta area during the Christmas holiday period. Contact: Jerry Lafferty 322 221 6156 or Lourdes Bizarro lourdes.bizarro@marriotthotels.com.

SPCA PV – provides private vet costs for rescued animals, volunteers to create & maintain a data base of adoptions, to walk dogs at the foster home, Casita de Guadalupe, foster homes for dogs & cats, trap & release program for feral cats, etc. www. spcapv.com Un MañanaBrillante (A Brighter Tomorrow) - partnership of Americans and Canadians to support the ColegioMexicoAmericano.

Contact: Margi Baughman mach1@ prodigy.net.mx or David Bender dbender@prodigy.net.mx Vallarta Botanical Gardens To build Mexico’s greatest botanical, rwesearch & education of plant life, city beautification programs, bird watching, etc. Donations to the Vallarta Botanical Gardens are tax deductible in the USA. Contact: 2236182 or info@vallartabotanicalgardensac.org.

{ easy

SUDOKU

Brain Teasers

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April 22 - 28, 2013 Vallarta Tribune 837

15

Challenge your brain! Sudoku is easy to play and the rules are simple. Fill in the blanks so that each row, each column, and each of the nine 3x3 grids contain only one of each of the numbers 1 through 9.

medium

hard

HUB-WORDS How many words can you make from the letters in the wheel? Each word must contain the hub letter I. Can you find a 9-letter word and at least 20 other words of five letters or more avoiding proper nouns?

9-letter word - EDUCATION Some other words of five letters or more containing the hub letter I: actin, adieu, antic, audio, audit, canid, cited, coati, cutie, dicot, dicta, edict, indue, nicad, tenia, tonic, tunic, unite, untie, action, atonic, auntie, coined, detain, induce, induct, notice, united, untied, aconite, auction, caution, conduit, noctuid, noticed Here are a number of useful time expressions: por la mañana in the morning (no specific time) de la mañana in the morning (specific time) por la tarde in the afternoon (no specific time) de la tarde in the afternoon (specific time) por la noche in the evening or night (no specific time) de la noche in the evening or night (specific time) la mañana morning el mañana tomorrow, future mañana por la mañana tomorrow morning pasado mañana the day after tomorrow ayer yesterday anoche last night la noche anterior, anteanoche t

he night before last el lunes que viene next Monday la semana que viene next week el año que viene next year el lunes pasado last Monday la semana pasada last week

Volcanoes Can you find the volcanoes hidden in the box? They may be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, forwards or backwards.

BEERENBERG, COTOPAXI, EREBUS, ETNA, FUJI, HEKLA, HUALALAI, IZALCO, KILAUEA, KILIMANJARO, KRAKATAU, LLAIMA, MAKUSHIN, PINATUBO, POAS, POPOCATEPETL, SANTORINI, STROMBOLI, TAMBORA, VESUVIUS.

9-letter word - ENIGMATIC Some other words of four letters or more containing the hub letter G: cage, gain, gait, game, gate, gent, geta, gnat (UK), giant, icing, image, magic, mange, tinge, acting, aiming, citing, eating, enigma, ignite, magnet, mating, taming, timing, imagine, mintage, teaming, magnetic.

Spanish Vocabulary

April 22 - 28, 2013

16 Vallarta Tribune 837

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