Become a Friend on the Riviera Nayarit Click Here

You can donate to this worthy cause online by using the donation button below.  Your ribbon will be waiting for you at the walk.

El Gran Bazar coming soon!

The Education Committee of Los Amigos de La Peñita is holding a Huge Garage Sale (El Gran Bazar) in the Eco Park in La Peñita starting at 10 am Saturday January 22nd.

The Education Committee is working on a number of projects aimed at improving educational facilities for the children in our community.   The Committee has empowered parents by having them set the priorities in terms of funding as well as assisting them to initiate their own local funding activities.

We are looking for donations of yard sale items.  We have a number of drop-off locations:

• Calle Mazatlan #66 in La Peñita – the east/west street bounding the EcoPark
• Slumdog Millionaires Row #124  in the La Peñita RV Park
• Colibri #14 (one block from the bridge of life).in the Residential Zone in Guayabitos; 
• Gardenia #16 in Guyabitos – just off the road to Los Ayala
• Bungalows Las Iguanas in Los Ayala

You can also email Johan at sunwatts@gmail.com and we will get someone out to pick them up.  Please leave your address, phone number, email and name.

Of course we always need volunteers so if you would like to get involved drop us an email at sunwatts@gmail.com.

One new feature this year is that there will be plants for sale – including orchids.   You never know what you’ll find. Plus, this is a great opportunity to see our community working together and have some fun – and support a hard-working and dedicated group of parents.

For information on Los Amigos, you can go to our website at www.losamigosdelapenita.com.

Tequila officials name Jaltemba Sol's Dorothy Bell as Grand Judge in the Town of Tequila's Taquila Challenge.  Dorothy Bell, who is also a judge in the famous International Margareta Challenge, said that she was "thrilled" with the appointment.   This will be the second Tequila challenge with promises to be better with the addition of two more Tequila factories entering the event.  Tickets can be bought from Jim Williams [poptop_u@hotmail.com]

Casita de La Peñita is Walking for Malena!

This Week

San Blas Hosts International Festival of Migratory Birds

He's been bird watching since he can remember, or at least that's what he says during his official presentation - and then jokes about it, saying that he probably doesn't have that good of a memory. However, there is certainly one fact that guarantees his expertise: Steve Howell has been leading ornithologist expeditions for over 30 years, he has published a number of books on this topic and he attests that San Blas is the best place in the world for those who enjoy this activity.…go to original article

Patients Offered Transplant Tours Of Mexico

A Tempe company will soon offer tours to Mexico for uninsured patients in need of life-saving medical care.

"If there are people out there who need a kidney transplant and they don't want to die and they don't have the means, I bet they'll find their way to us," said Dr. Curtis Page, the chief executive officer of MedToGo International, a Mexico medical tourism company owned and operated by U.S. doctors.…go to original article

Mexico's 'El Chapo' thrives 10 years after escape

Joaquin Guzman has transformed himself into arguably the most powerful drug trafficker in the world. MEXICO CITY — In the 10 years since he escaped from a high security federal prison in a laundry truck, Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman has transformed himself from a middling Mexican capo into arguably the most powerful drug trafficker in the world. …go to original article

Austria ready to temporarily return Montezuma headdress to Mexico

Vienna - Austria is in talks with Mexico to temporarily return a feather crown known as Montezuma's headdress, changing its decades-long policy of keeping the valuable piece in the country, a museum official confirmed Sunday in Vienna…go to original article

Mexico police: Zeta drug cartel's founding member captured

Mexico's federal police have arrested a founding member of the brutal Zetas drug cartel, a man who controlled drug smuggling routes and the kidnapping of Central American migrants in southern Mexico, officials said Tuesday…go to original article

Canadian and American dental patients flocking to Mexico

Canadian and American dental patients are heading to Mexico in their droves to avoid high dental costs in their own countries.

In recent years, the number of dental patients heading abroad for treatment has increased significantly, as people look to save money on dental care.

…go to original article

Mexico seizes 39 art treasures smuggled out of Singapore

A total of 39 Singaporean art treasures from the 17th and 18th centuries were seized in the Mexican port of Manzanillo after being smuggled into the Latin American nation, the Attorney General's Office said…go to original article

The Aztec Gods Are Smiling Again!

The Mexican economy has had issues recovering from the 2008-2009 world financial crisis due to the strong reliance on the U.S. economy. As the United States went into recession the Mexican export sector's almost exclusive reliance on the U.S. consumer market reminded everybody in the country that having all the eggs in one basket isn't a very good idea. At the same time, the country had to deal with a decrease in the price of petroleum that directly affected the government's ability to conduct expansionary fiscal policy as the Mexican government continues to rely heavily on the petroleum sector to finance government accounts…go to original article

Mexico's Interjet expands fleet with Sukhoi

* Interjet buys 15 new planes, options for 5 more

* Young airline expands after collapse of rival Mexicana

* Plans more routes in Mexico

Interjet, Mexico's No. 2 airline, signed a $650 million contract with Superjet International for 15 aircraft to help it expand operations, Superjet partner Finmeccanica  said on Monday.…go to original article

Last Week

El Nino seen triggering next world warmth record

Last year tied with 2005 as the warmest on record, according to U.S. agencies, but is likely to be overtaken soon by the next year with a strong El Nino weather event, experts said on Thursday.

A gradual build-up of greenhouse gases from human activities is heating the planet but natural events such as El Nino, which every few years warms the surface of the eastern and central Pacific Ocean, can have a far bigger immediate impact.…..go to original

The Department of Homeland Security on Friday canceled a project to build a technology-based “virtual fence” across the U.S.-Mexico border, saying that the effort — on which $1 billion has already been spent — was ineffective and too costly….go to original article

Arizona, Phoenix officials head to Mexico for trade talk

A group of Phoenix and Arizona officials is in Mexico on a mission to boost trade with the state's No. 1 trading partner and send the message that the Valley is a good place to do business.The delegation, which left for Mexico City on Wednesday, plans to meet with several key political and business leaders and in meetings will focus on strengthening ties with airline, food, solar, aerospace and high-tech-manufacturing companies.…..go to original article

2 incomplete tunnels found at Ariz-Mexico border

Border Patrol agents say two tunnels under construction have been discovered near the international border in Nogales, Ariz.

They say the incomplete tunnels were found Sunday during a joint sweep along the International Boundary Fence west of the DeConcini port of entry.…..go to original article

Mexico: Pay Less For Property Taxes

Property taxes in Mexico are rarely more than $300 a year, even for large homes

January means that the clock starts ticking for paying annual expenses like predial—property taxes. Fortunately, most of these expenses are a fraction of what you would pay in the U.S., Canada, or many European countries.…..go to original article

U.S.-Mexico Crossborder Trade Relationship Improving

First, the Obama Administration said it would reinstate a measure allowing Mexican cargo trucks to cross deeper into the U.S. Then, Mexico responded by promising to ease punitive tariffs on American agricultural goods. And most recently, both countries met in Mexico City to improve their economic partnership.…..go to original article

Mexico City's street organists may be grinding to a halt

Few sounds are so distinctive to this capital as the tinkling, whistling melodies that itinerant organ grinders coax from their portable wooden barrel organs.

Hardly a downtown street corner or park is without a grinder in a khaki uniform turning the crank on a hefty instrument that whistles its high notes and rumbles with a bass refrain. An assistant passes a hat among pedestrians, collecting change….go to original article

Montreal police officer beaten in Mexico

A Montreal police officer was badly beaten by suspected biker gang members while on vacation in Mexico.

The officer, who is in his late 20s, was with six fellow officers from the Montreal police force and two from Quebec provincial police.…..go to original article

Ole, mole! Mexican regional cuisine finally gets its due

Mass-produced Tex-Mex may be a staple of food courts across the country, but mistaking burritos and chimichangas for Mexican cuisine is akin to assuming McDonald’s French fries are the sum total of France’s culinary contribution. …..go to original article

Cruise lines to cut back Mexico trips amid violence

 cruise lines will end or scale back on trips to Mexico from Southern California, a trend some in the industry attribute to escalating drug violence in Mexico that has frightened away tourists.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd's luxury liner Mariner of the Seas will depart on Sunday on its final run from the Port of Los Angeles to the west coast of Mexico, port spokesman Phillip Sanfield said.…..go to original article

The valley behind La Peñita de Jaltemba early morning... Bill Bell Photograph

Now that's a withdrawal! ATM goes missing in the middle of the night from Rincon de Guayabitos

Views from My Tropical Garden    ©Tara A. Spears

Warm climate gardening tips     

In northern latitudes, mid winter is a time for dreaming about gardening by pouring over the seed catalogs while watching the snow come down.  But for those of us fortunate enough to be living or visiting the tropics, January and February is a season of lush blooms and verdant plant growth. One simple, attractive home gardening strategy is to place hanging baskets on patios or balcony to enjoy a burst of color and fragrance that is easy to maintain.  Alas, unlike north of the border, one cannot purchase already planted baskets that contain a pleasing variety of plants. Not to despair- just follow these simple guidelines to create your own mini garden to have an eye-catching display.

I'm Walking for Malena

La Penita RV Park and Executive of Cancer de Mama are walking for Malena and Cancer de Mama.

Sharon, Maruca, Judy, Carole

Look who's walking for Marlena!

Tickets for the Walk for Marelna will begin today at the La Penita RV Park.

Crazy Nelly's Chili Cook-off spices things up on the Coast

Please join us next weekend in Los Ayala for a Celebration of Mexican Culture!

Sat., Jan 22nd & Sun., Jan. 23rd
Los Ayala's Town Plaza
10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

     Huichol Arts Crafts (Demonstrations & Market)
     Leather - Hats, Shoes & Saddles
     Coffee
     Cigar Making
     The Art of Mexican Candies
     Sculpting
    
Culminating each days celebration with a
SPECIAL SHOW
International Folkloric Ballet Dancers - Saturday at 6 p.m.
Mariachi - Sunday at 6 p.m.

This is a free community event!

Christina Stobbs

The Gift of Time:

How to Volunteer at the

Cancer de Mama Clinic

February 4-6, 2011

©Tara A. Spears

Dealing with cancer of any type is a horrible ordeal. Being a poor woman complicates the physical aspects due to a lack of available options or assistance.  Add the cultural taboos to the situation and most Mexican breast cancer survivors withdraw from social activities for fear of standing out due to the loss of hair and a breast. For many women in Nayarit, just surviving the breast removal surgery is not enough, there is still a huge uphill battle for regaining self-esteem and feeling like a woman again. Statistics from the National Institute of Salud Publica report that breast cancer mortality has increase by 2% annually for the last 30 years, with the Mexican state of Nayarit experiencing a 300% increase in the last ten years!  There is a lack of after surgery care proved by the government for the lower socioeconomic individuals without health insurance, which is approximately 60% of the Nayarit population. The LaPenita Cancer de Mama Clinic provides a vital service to those struggling to cope with this disease.  The clinic provides more than free prosthesis and a hot meal- it welcomes clients with instant fellowship, understanding, and a chance to feel feminine again- all wrapped in smiles and hugs from the many volunteers.

 In anticipation of the 400 clients that will be arriving for the annual breast cancer prosthesis clinic, the Cancer de Mama organization has kicked into high gear by organizing preparations into departments  of responsibility.  Each area of service has a chair to oversee the volunteers and get the tasks done.  Donated items can be dropped off at the La Penita RV Park office or contact the clinic co-chairs for pick up of items.  Judy:  judykrajnc@hotmail.com, Maruca: marucadinsmoor@aim.com, or Carole: carole@lapenitatrailerpark.com. Cash donations can be made through PayPal on the Jaltemba Foundation website, www.jaltembafoundation.com, or through the organization’s webpage, www.cancerdemamaclinic.com. A few hours of your time will do so much to help a breast cancer survivor begin to rebuild her life. Volunteer at the Cancer de Mama Clinic 2011 and become a part of the team that brings comfort, acceptance, and hope to those women in our community that are fighting breast cancer. Read the job description in the following list and contact the chair to get involved.     

Volunteer Tasks/Contact Person:

Task Description and Donations Needed

ü  Greeters, fitters:  Sue- sueandkensloan@yahoo.ca

                       Greeters will escort clients to various stations throughout the process;

Shawls for clients to cover with during exams       

ü  Sewers/pin/cut: Sandy-   sldodgers@yahoo.com 

Cut, pin, sew modifications to bras for custom prosthesis;

Serger machine and seamstresses

ü  Food/veggie prep: Karin- marchisland@hotmail.com

Prepare daily lunch for 450 people

Food items and paper serving products

ü  Stockroom: Pat- cutshall@shaw.ca

Sort and organize hundreds of bras, prosthesis, & all supplemental materials for clinic

Come to RV Park Tuesday –Thursday between 9-4 this week

Baskets, plastic storage containers

ü  Webmaster:  Donna- donna.steensma@gmail.com

Maintains and updates official website

Techie types knowledgeable with online programs

ü  Data input/spreadsheet:  Joan- jbrint@shaw.ca

Input client information for recordkeeping using computer

Individuals with laptop who are comfortable using spreadsheet program

 ü  Wig Station:  need a stylist to oversee

Anyone who likes to style hair & wigs; fit wigs, scarves, hats for chemo patients

All types of head scarves, hats, wigs, headbands

ü  Free store: Irene- Irene.1107@yahoo.ca

Sort and attractively arrange donated women’s clothing for give away

Ladies blouses, slacks, shoes, purses

ü  Knit Prosthesis: Angie- briangi@ hotmail.com

Knit and stuff cotton tit bit prosthesis used for swimming/ hot weather wear

Donate neutral colored yarn or cotton stuffing

 ü  Bilingual translators: Maruca-  marucadinsmore@aim.com

Spanish speakers to explain process and direct clients

Sign up for a portion of the clinic hours:  7:30 am to 3 pm (approximately)

ü  Sign in sheets: Lori- mamsir134@hotmail.com

Maintains record of volunteer participants and clients

 ü  Shuttle drivers: Carole- carole@lapenitarvpark.com

Drivers with van to transport clients to and from buses to the park clinic

Vehicles that hold more than 6 people

Last year, Los Amigos began discussions with the Ejido on the development of a community cultural center located near the plaza.  Our vision is that the centre would be used for a variety of purposes such as public meeting space, cultural activities/events for the community and adult and youth education and activities.  Now, thanks to Deb Drew and her Interior Design Students at the New England Institute of Art, the project is moving one step closer to reality.

Deb’s students took on the design of the proposed centre as a class project.  Each of the nine students in the class selected a particular area of the center to focus on; the students also worked to ensure coherence between the sections, so that most areas are dual-use or flexible.  

On Sunday, January 23, Deb will host an exhibition of her student’s work on the project at the Xaltemba Restaurant and Galeria.  The event will begin at 5:00 PM with cocktails. 

She will introduce the project with a brief presentation and the students work will be in the gallery across the street until Saturday, January 29. There will be plenty of blank paper for community comments/ideas/suggestions which Deb will take back to Boston as feedback for her next round of students.  

At 6:00 that evening, also at the Xaltemba, numbered limited edition prints of the ¡Olé! Poster for Fiesta 2011 will be for sale and when Sarah Walker, who designed the logo for this year’s Fiesta, has agreed to be available to sign them.  It will therefore be a great opportunity for folks to not only support the Fiesta, but to see where some of the funds that we hope to raise will be spent.

Education&Family Fund

               ©Tara A. Spears

Amid the preparations for this year’s fundraising event, the Margarita Education & Family Fund committee reflects on what the non-profit group accomplished with the proceeds in 2010.  The organization has sponsored the Emilio Zapata Primaria, in Guayabitos, for eight years, erecting a building that now serves as the special education classroom. Recently the school’s parent organization held a ribbon cutting ceremony and dedication for the completed building. Without the annual Margarita Challenge this long term accomplishment would not have been possible. In December the school installed a permanent plaque crediting the support of the group.

Left to right:

Principal Rosa Rodriguez; Bonnie & Jim Williams, Margarita Committee chairs;

Sp. Ed teacher Marlenne Gutierrez  stand next to new plaque crediting Margarita group for donating building, purchasing teaching materials and classroom furniture for Emilio Zapata Elementary School.

“When we looked for a project eight years ago, we met with Principal Rosa Rodriguez and the parents at the elementary school.  We asked the parents to decide what was needed and wanted; the Margarita Fund pledged the financial support but we stipulated that the parents would have to be involved,” explained Jim.  “We wanted a community effort- we saw our group as mentors not bosses.”  Initially the group improved the bathrooms, replacing fixtures and plumbing, painting and tile. Next, the PTA wanted a separate building to create a school library, and a place for special needs students to have instruction.  “Through the years, Margarita Fund purchased the materials and the parents supplied the labor- look at the building now!” Jim said proudly. 

 To read the entire story on the Margarita challenge click here

2^nd Annual Jaltemba Bay Rotary Club Dinner Dance

Saturday, January 22^nd in La Peñita

 January 2, 2011, La Peñita de Jaltemba, Nayarit -  The Second Annual Rotary Club Dinner Dance will be held at Toñita III on Saturday, January 22^nd.  Featured is a delicious dinner, lively music, dancing, a silent auction, a floor show, prizes and loads of good fun.  It all starts at 6:00 pm and ends at 11:00 pm.  The ticket donation is $300 pesos per person, which includes dinner and one drink.  Tickets are on sale at:  Xaltemba Restaurant, Piña Colada Restaurant, Jafiro’s, Fitness Pad, Centro Chiropractico, Interactive Computing and from Rotary Members.  Buy your tickets early because they are hard to come by as the day of the event gets closer.

The dinner dance is Jaltemba Bay Rotary Club La Penita’s big annual fundraiser.  Donations raised at the first dinner dance were largely responsible for the realization of the club’s three big 2010 accomplishments.  The club proudly inaugurated a new kinder at the Colonia Las Cabras on March 2^nd.  Education is a Rotary hallmark and so said Kinder La Patria behind the Pemex in Guayabitos also became a reality. Lastly, La Peñita Rotary co-partnered with Los Amigos de La Peñita, federal and municipal governments and the local Ejido on the La Peñita Beach Clean-up Project demolishing two derelict buildings on the beach, making La Peñita a more beautiful place to visit.

What does the Second Annual Dinner Dance mean to our communities?  La Peñita Rotary is the proud recipient of three 2010 Rotary grants.  The donations raised at this coming dinner dance will help fund each of the grants, soon to become our major 2011 projects.  The first grant provides for consistent water, a security fence and a safe play area for the Luis Pasteur Kinder Luis Pasteur Project.  The second grant provides for the remodeling of the Zacualpan La Preparatory High School (CBTA #107).  It is a large project with the goal of repairing the school roof, installing a new computer lab, installing a new kitchen lab and repairing a number of the classrooms.  The logistics of coordinating 12 international clubs led by Berkeley California and the local parents and craftsmen is a project in itself.  Lastly, continuing to focus on education, Kalispell Montana’s Rotary Club’s Learning for Life project (scholarship and leadership training) will be jointly managed by the La Peñita Rotary and Los Amigos Clubs as well as partnering with Chacala’s Cambiando Vidas.  Join us in making a difference in our corner of Paradise.

 Club Rotario Bahía de Jaltemba meets every Wednesday from 7:30 am to 9:00 am at Piña Colada’s in Guayabitos.

An Update on the Los Amigos Education Committee

The Education Committee of Los Amigos recently completed its eighth building and maintenance project, and two other are well underway.  All this, in the less than two years that have passed since it’s inception in February, 2009.

The projects are spread across all neighbourhoods of La Peñita and La Colonia.  Some of them involve the construction on whole new kinders – La Patria, Las Cabras, Las Rosas and Luis Pasteur.  Others involve simple tasks like repairing the entry cupola at  Guadalupe Manautou Kinder or the bathrooms at Juan Escutia or the wall at Justo Sierra.    The project at J. Cruz Bautista involved raising the grade of the school yard so children can get to the bathroom without wading through 12 inches of water during the rainy season and the addition of a second bathroom.  And one, the repair of the wall at Plan De Ayala Secondaria, was even approved on an emergency basis: a wall was about to collapse and was a danger to students and teachers.

But, beyond bricks and mortar, the initiative also has another more lasting benefit. It has empowered parents by not only having them set the priorities in terms of funding but also by assisting them to initiate their own funding activities – including the annual Gran Bazar.  Each year, in January, the Committee initiates a process which invites schools in La Peñita and La Colonia to both participate in the work of the Committee and to submit projects for consideration for funding.  The Committee then prioritizes the projects through a process which involves the Parent's Council, as well the Director (or a representative), from each school.  The parents are also required to contribute 20% of the cost of each project themselves by undertaking fundraising activities and providing volunteer labour.  Local businesses also contribute supplies.

So how can you help to keep this going – and support this hard working group of parents?

On Sunday, January 30, from 1:00-5:00, Los Amigos will be holding Fiesta 2011 at the award-winning Thomas Bartlett Estate.  Tickets will be available at the Los Amigos kiosk at the Tianguis every Thursday.  As well, on Sunday, January 23, you can get not only your ticket but a signed and numbered limit edition print of the Olé! Poster designed by Sarah Walker at the Xaltemba Galeria – from 6:00 to 8:00.  Tickets purchased at the Xaltemba can be bought with a credit card.  You can get more info on the Fiesta – including a list of other places to buy tickets at:

 http://www.losamigosdelapenita.com/en/fiesta-ole.htm

Mario's Tortas

Submitted by Larry

The Best tortas and Breakfast in town

Located across the street from La Penita RV Park and in front of the Conalep

"To die for food"

Friendly people

As part of the Jaltemba Sol's effort to support the La Penita Amigo's Buy Local campaign we ask of you to take a picture of your favorite local merchant or service provider and tell us in one paragraph why they deserve our business. Send to editor@jaltembasol.com  and we will print it in our next issue.  Your name must be attached. We will then add them to our directory of services

Hala of Hamaca Maya in La Penita de Jaltemba is one of the best places on the nayarit coast to buy great gifts

Click to go to our site

Recycling Committee of Los Amigos – Basket Making

The Recycling Committee of Los Amigos will be having Basket Making Workshops on January 15, January 22, January 29, February 5 and February 12, 2011.  The workshops will start at 10:00 AM and will be held at 162 Calle Allende, La Peñita.

Directions - From the Highway : Go 200 metres North (towards Tepic) of the Main Avenida, La Peñita.  On the left you will see Pollo Feliz.  Turn Right and go 2 blocks up the hill (the street name is not shown).  The house is salmon coloured.

Please bring gloves and wire cutters if you have them - and your friends!

The Altavista petroglyph complex is located near the village and beach-town of Chacala, south of the Compostela Municipality, in Nayarit Mexico.

The area is known as "La Pila del Rey", "Chacalán", "El Santuario", "The Petroglyphs” or "the Altavista petroglyphs", near the Jaltemba Bay, in the Pacific Ocean of Nayarit

To view and read more about these 2000 year old petroglyphs click here

BUY LOCAL

Thanks to all of you who have responded so enthusiastically to the BUY LOCAL campaign.  We are hearing good things from shoppers and from merchants. For those of you who are newcomers, this program is designed to boost the local economy by encouraging shoppers to buy products in the Jaltemba area rather than leaving their pesos in Puerto Vallarta or some other city.  This way we help people who are our neighbours.

Some recent finds in the Jaltemba markets:

-  Hair products, blow dryers, electric razors - all at the Perfumeria on the avenida in La Penita, good prices.
-  Dishwasher detergent - available at Crico's in Guayabitos
-  Cat food and litter, dog food - Popin Supermercado in Guayabitos

Do let the merchants know if you can't find what you're looking for.  They will usually get it in for you.  

See you all at the market on Thursday!

From Agneta Dyck for JEDI, the Jaltemba Economic Development Initiative, a committee of Los Amigos

Click on poster to read larger version