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]

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.

An Exhibit on the Proposed La Peñita Community Cultural Centre

Deb Drew gave a presentation at the Xaltemba Gallery  on what her students designed for a proposed Community Culteral Centre in La Penita de Jaltemba

2010 Accomplishments Margarita Challenge

Education&Family Fund

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

Larry Baron - PVNN
January 17, 2011

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Scheduled to take place at the Compo de Ensueno Golf Course on Saturday and Sunday, January 29 and 30, 2011, the 5th annual Jaltemba Cup Golf Tournament is a best ball, four member team, of which three members must be from the community being represented, with two players from one team alternating shots, playing with two players from another team alternating shots.

Nine holes will be played on Saturday and nine holes will be played on Sunday. The four person team with the lowest total team shots for the two days will win the Jaltemba Cup. Winner's names will be engraved on the Jaltemba Cup. Awards, raffles and auction will be held after play on Sunday.here will be prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, middle of the pack and last a last place trophy. Also prizes for closest to the hole for men and women on specified greens. There will be a prize for the best team uniform.

Fees for the two days of play are, $400 pesos for members and $600 pesos for non-members. The fees include a meal on each day for the players and meals can be purchased for spouses and non-players.

The money generated from the charity golf tournament is being used to create a computer lab in the Secondaria Plan de Ayala school in La Penita, which all students of that age from Lo de Marcos to Chacala pass through. We are in the process of getting the required paper work ready for the three for one matching government funds, which will triple the amount of money raised in the tournament.

For more information, contact Larry Baron at (327) 274-3230 or clbaron6(at)gmail.com

Check out our new web site by Dorothy Bell

www.jaltembacup.com

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 in

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

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

Another Successful Gran Bazar

You had to be early to get the good stuff at the Gran Bazar held by the Education Committee of Los Amigos de La Peñita on Saturday, January 23.  An enthusiastic crowd was there waiting – even before the gates “officially” opened.

The event raised about 8,800 pesos.  This money will go directly into projects designed to help improve schools in La Peñita.  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.

Besides undertaking fundraising, like the Gran Bazar, parents are providing volunteer labour and local businesses are contributing supplies. Parents are required to contribute 20% of the cost of every project.   Other funding comes from the general fundraising done by Los Amigos, the majority of it through our annual Fiesta.  Fiesta 2011 will be held this year on January 30 from 1:00 to 5:00.

Ok! so its just a cute photograph and has nothing to with Jaltemba Bay living.  but I like it and I took it at the San Diego Zoo.  Bill Bell photograph

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 Valley of the Throat Cutters

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

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

Photography by Bill Bell

Click on poster to read larger version

San Blas Hosts International Festival of Migratory Birds

RivieraNayarit.com
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January 16, 2011

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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.

In 2010, Howell came to Riviera Nayarit to celebrate Christmas. He then waited for a group of eight bird watchers that would arrive three days later to embark in an adventure to discover the endemic species of this region, which are as interesting as the amazing migration that birds do to arrive to this paradise.

"San Blas is a truly privileged place; I can't understand why some ornithologists have stopped coming. This is the best place in the world to do bird watching and the conditions in this place are still top-notch - there's nothing that can spoil the experience," he assures.

Steve knows well what he's talking about. In 2010 he directed expeditions in Asia, Australia and in a large part of the American Continent, including other locations in Mexico like Chiapas, Oaxaca, Yucatan, Quintana Roo and Veracruz. "Ecuador is also an interesting location which is attracting large number of tourists, but honestly San Blas hosts a large number of species that can't be found there," he said.

Born in Cardiff, the capital of Wales in the United Kingdom, Howell spent his school years bird watching throughout the UK. Once he finished college, Howell spent two years traveling until he arrived to Mexico, where he began a 14-year adventure that culminated with the publication of A Guide to the Birds of Mexico and Northern Central America.

Steve is known worldwide for his extensive knowledge of maritime birds, and after spending a large part of his life in coastal regions he is now familiar with about 95% of the main coastal species. He currently lives in California and works for Wings, one of the largest businesses that specialize in bird watching in the world.

His visit to San Blas to lead this eight-day expedition is important not only to bird watchers, but also to the destination. Since Howell loves to write, his adventures in Riviera Nayarit will soon find a place in the most prestigious media that specialize in bird watching.

Don't Miss It
The International Migratory Bird Festival 2011 in San Blas is celebrating its 7th edition. The event will take place from January 23rd to 30th, and will include bird watching, conferences, activities for children, dance presentations, plays and music. For more information, visit: AvesSanBlas.uan.mx.

Howell In Print
The following is a list of Steve Howell's published work, which serves as a guide for the most passionate bird watchers.

A Guide to the Birds of Mexico and Northern Central America (with Sophie Webb)
A Bird-finding Guide to Mexico (1999)
Hummingbirds of North America: the Photographic Guide (2002)
The Peterson Reference Guide to Gulls of the Americas (2007, with Jon Dunn)
The Peterson Reference Guide to Molt in North American Birds (2010)

Highlights from the January 10 Meeting of Los Amigos de La Peñita

There were 44 individuals in attendance including 8 guests.

 An update was provided on Fiesta 2011 and it was noted that we are still trying to recruit more “Special Sponsors” so that all the proceeds from the event can go into community services.  Publicity for the event is ongoing but it was noted, that the majority of tickets are sold through personal contacts so it is important that members encourage their friends and neighbours to attend.  A large number of donations have already been received for the auctions.  Volunteers are being sought to work the registration desk and man the auction tables. Members of Education Committee were being recruited to act as servers for the event.  It was reported that the Perez Brothers and a Mariachi Band from Las Varas will provide entertainment. 

With respect to the Jaltemba Economic Development Initiative, 100 shopping bags were sold at the Tianguis and the balance of the bags that were ordered will be sold through the stores.  A volunteer is being sought to work with the stores on the development of a flyer to promote local specials in order to encourage people to shop locally.  Government funding is being sought for the Mango Salsa project, which is expected to create six full-time jobs.  PEACE has agreed to administer the micro financing program for us.  Under the program, women will be given loans to create small businesses.  A Mexican community event is being planned for the end of February in the EcoPark to raise money for this initiative.

 The Education Committee will be having its Gran Bazar on January 22 from 10:00 to 2:00 in the EcoPark.  They are still looking for items to be donated.  He also noted that the Luis Pasteur project started a week ago and was 30-40% finished.  Another public work day is scheduled in about two weeks to put the finishing touches on the project.  The process for determining priority projects for next year will be finalized shortly.

 It was reported that the Recycling Committee has made a total of 120 baskets recently, so we are making good progress on our goal of 500 new baskets.   People are beginning to heed our request to crush their plastics.  Work is underway on the development of a recycling education program for the schools but additional volunteers are needed for this project.  We are averaging 4,000 kilos a month.  It was noted that only plastic bottles and not chairs should be placed in the baskets.  The issue of how individuals should report that a basket was full was discussed and the Committee agreed to discuss the issue and come up with a solution.

 It was noted, with respect to our Scholarship Program, that there is only one intake for the year and that is in March and that only tuition is covered.

.The next meeting will be on January 24.

 Full Minutes are available on the Los Amigos Website (www.losamigosdelapenita.com).

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