¨I always think with my heart,¨ Edith Piaf declares.

Musical actress Alex Ryer conveys that in song and telling briefly of the Little Sparrow´s life and loves in Pure Piaf, an Edith Piaf Tribute.

Piaf was a fragil figure dressed in black, standing only 4 feet 10 inches tall. Yet her voice was powerful and able to be strong and defiant or sad and nostalgic. She was a prominent popular music figure in France and around the world. Her recordings endure today.

Ryer often moved among the packed audience at The Palm, Olas Altas 508, opening night Wednesday, creating enthusiastic response. She tells of Piaf´s harsh childhood, her rise as an international star, her relations with men, and her downfall to alcohol and other addictions, all in a first person, intimate way. Piaf collapsed on stage and died in 1963 at age 47.

The acting ability and powerful voice of the Denver actress comes through in the songs. The audience loved the familiar songs such as La Vie en Rose, with rose petals being tossed their way, Milord, Under Paris Skies, Hymne de L´Amour (If You Love Me, Really Love Me), and No Je Ne Regrette Rien. The most dramatic and heartbreaking song is Autumn Leaves. Drinking way too much, Piaf through tears, is reaching for something lost, missing someone terribly.

A unique aspect of Pure Piaf are scenes with Piaf coming back following her death. There is humor, with no regrets. ¨I will let go of love with all of its heartache.¨ ¨With my memories, I will light the fire.¨

The award-winning actress Ryer is accompanied on piano and accordion by Emily Fellner, who is a recent graduate of the University of Northern Colorado where Ryer teaches musical theatre. Fellner will study with and audition for opera companies in Europe.

Director Melissa Lucero McCarl, a native of Denver, is author and director of ¨Painted Bread,¨ a play of the life of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. The much honored director will join playwright Tony Kushner and other playwrights in the Curious Theatre´s War Anthology which addresses the American experience of war throughout history.

Producer Tencha Avila says a generous portion of the receipts of Pure Piaf will benefit local women´s enlightenment programs.

Alex Ryer points out, ¨Puerto Vallarta audiences are wonderful. It requires a lot of sympathy to connect with Edith Piaf, and they make the connection.¨ A standing ovation showed that connection was made. Now Ryer hopes to proceed with the show to off-Broadway…..and maybe on to Broadway.

Performances are December 9, 11 and 13 at Mark Rome´s wonderful venue of The Palm. Tickets are $200 pesos and may be reserved by calling 224-1053.

 Renee Perez does it again. This time it is “Fantasticks”, a delightful romantic musical comedy about first love, with the girl next door.
Renee Perez, Producer, Director, Choreographer and whatever else needs to be done, has been producing Musicals at the American School for the past 12 years Miss Renee has gathered a wonderful cast, Jayce Johnson, who we used to call little Jayce when he sang with Spotlight, is now grown up to be the lead “El Gallo” in this production. I enjoyed his rendition of “Try to Remember” immensely. Jayce has long been a favorite of mine.
Luisa, played by Jacqui Ruesga, and Matt, by Jeffrey Bernal, are the young lovers, and Hucklebee, by Juan Ramon Gonzalez, and Bellomy, by Rodney Ingraham are the fathers. Other young thespians in the cast include, Diego Hernandez, D’Michael Williams, and Miriam Baumgartner.
“Fantasticks” will be presented on December 1, 2, and 3, Thursday, Friday and Saturday night at the American School.
I will personally guarantee that you will have a wonderful night if you attend.
I saved the best for last; the price of admission is only a paltry $80 pesos. Compare that to the $300 and 350 other places are charging.

Christmas Day 2005, and as we gather in the Sam’s parking lot, there are many familiar faces that I know from around town. Dennis and Faye that hard working missionary couple that teach the children English out at the city dump, along with Carl and Peggy and Jim and Linda, who also spend 5 afternoons a week out there, are all here.  Jimmy, from the Baptist Church who has built many houses for those that had no place to call home, is here, looking like Santa Clause. Actually, we had 3 Santa’s this trip. There are many others who I recognize from Calvary Chapel and the Baptist Church as well. My wife and I along with Connie are here from Dulci Refugio. I saw Monty Merrell, and told him that I was especially glad to see him, because last year he was on a different mission at this time.<br>

A cast of about 60 or so, in about 15 cars, now, all paying close attention to Dale, as we make ready for another of our Christmas Parties.  We have enough food to feed 2000 people, but none of it will we be consuming.  Our advance patrol was out at 10am gathering food, clothing, toys, candy and various other articles that will make life a little more fun for the less fortunate families that live and work out around the City Dump. Marlene, Dale’s wife, and Vera, are the key players in organizing this small army that will shortly be invading the City Dump. We will start by caravanning out along the almost deserted streets this morning, to complete our mission which has been in the planning stages for many weeks.  There was a degree of uncertainty about whether we could pull this off, because of the closing of this dump, but at almost the last minute it was a go.  Of course this was no surprise to Vera, who knew all along that it would happen just as she had planned it.<br>

As we rolled into our destination, we took no one by surprise, for they were already waiting for us to appear.  As quickly as possible, Dale got the vehicles lined up as pre-planned, and everyone that was not in a pick up, dropped their tailgates, to make ready to distribute their precious cargo. It was just like one of those great big tail gate parties that I had read about.<br>

Vera put my wife, Conchita to work, helping to have the large crowd form a long line.  Soon the line was moving from vehicle to vehicle, each one carrying a large bag into which all sorts of things were put. There were 600 fully cooked chickens, plus all that goes with it, plus all the other items I mentioned earlier.  So for about 2 hours they came, and then, the last chicken was handed out, and we were finished.  We had more than enough to go around, and so we were able to give more than just one chicken to some families.<br>  

The best part of all of this is the happy smiles and all the Feliz Navidads along with Muchas Gracias that we receive from these very polite families.  I have been fortunate to be able to participate in this adventure now for 3 years, and if you ask me how I intend to spend next Christmas Day, my answer will be, “Why at the City Dump of course, where else?”

The subway was not as crowded as she thought that it might be for this time of the year, and she found a seat without any effort at all.  Helen was on her way downtown to buy some last minute Christmas gifts that Santa might bring to her two children.  She had just received an unexpected bonus of $300 from her new boss. Since she had only been employed for such a short time, she had no reason to believe that there would be a Christmas bonus this year.  God is indeed good.  Everyday she repeats this over and over, and lately He has Blessed her over and over.<br>
It has only been a little over a year since she lost her beloved husband Bill in that unforeseen automobile accident.  Actually, 15 months and 5 days.  She had stayed at home that day because little Timothy had a bad cold, and she thought it best to keep him out of the rain.  Sarah had fussed, but her daddy told her to mind her mother, and he would bring her something special when he returned.  It sent a cold shiver up her spine when she thought that if they had all been together in that car, she would have lost at least one of her babies.  She was so deep in thought that she almost missed her stop.  She looked up just in time to see the doors start to close, and barely got off before they slammed shut.<br>
When she reached the street level, it seemed that all of New York City had decided to shop here on 34th street at the same time. She didn’t mind being jostled around, as she crossed the street heading to the Macy department store.  She was happy because now she would be able to buy some new clothes for the children, as well as some toys for old Santa Clause to bring as well.  Last Christmas was not a very merry one, with Bill being gone for such a short time.  After the accident, she had a nervous breakdown, and the children went to visit their grandparents while she was in this state of depression.  Helen was able to console herself with the knowledge that Bill was with the Lord, and that now she would take over and raise her two precious ones without him.<br>
 Bill had always been the provider, and she was the nurturer, but now she would have to fill both rolls.  Bill had earned a fairly good salary while he was a salesman on the road, but after he had a heart attack, he had to accept an inside position, at a greatly reduced salary.  All of a sudden it was extremely difficult to make ends meet on the reduced income, and she couldn’t remember exactly when or how she ever forgot to pay the premium on his life insurance policy.  It was when the realization hit her that there would be no insurance money to pay for the funeral expenses, nor the house payments, that she completely went to pieces.  Fortunately Bill’s parents took care of the immediate expenses, but they were not in a position to continue to do so.  Helen had to give up her home and move in with Bill’s parents so that the small amount of equity that she received for the sale of the house would sustain her and the children till she could find employment.<br>
Helen had little training for any kind of job.  She was a homemaker, and a mother, and very good at both.  Thus the first employment that she was able to find was cleaning houses for mothers that worked.  In the New York area, this was not hard to find.  It seemed that most families needed two incomes to survive in the manner that they were accustomed to.  Of course, what she earned was barely enough, so they continued to live in her in-laws one bedroom garage apartment.  It was small, but very nice.  She had furnished it with some of the furniture that she hadn’t sold with the house, and it felt just like home.  She missed having her own bedroom, as the children shared the only bedroom, and she slept on a hide-a-bed in the small living room.  <br>
This arrangement went on through the long hot summer, with Helen having to take the subway from Mt. Vernon down to Manhattan’s west side, where most of the families that she worked for lived.  If you ever had the misfortune to ride a New York subway during rush hour in the summer, you will understand why Helen learned to repeat over and over that God is good.  It was while she was doing this, and packed in the subway car like a sardine in a can, that she noticed a fairly well dressed lady just inside the sliding door.  She knew immediately that she had seen that same lady before, but could not remember when or where.  While Helen was trying to remember who she could be, their eyes met, and the stranger smiled broadly at her. <br>
    “You’re Helen Matthews are you not?  I met you at Hilda’s condominium just before they left for Europe.  I’m Jane Harrison”
“Oh, thank you so much.  When I saw you I knew I had seen you before, but just couldn’t remember.  Merry Christmas to you.”
“Thank you, but not too likely.  I just lost my housekeeper of the past ten years.  She has to go to California to help her mother care for her father.  He is very ill.”<br>
“I am so sorry.  May God Bless them, and you too.” Helen said bowing her head “Is there anything that I may do for you?”
“Well yes.  You could move into my condominium and be my new housekeeper.  You would have your own two bedroom apartment with a separate entrance, and if you’re as good as Hilda says you are, you would be the answer to my prayers”<br>
“God is good.  I would love to, but I would need at least three weeks to give notice to my present employers, and …err, do you know that I have two little children, a boy three, and a girl almost six?  Would that be a problem for you?”  Helen asked. <br>
“No problem at all.  I knew that you have children and that you are a widow.  Here is my address and telephone number.  Please give me a call, and come over to see my place.  If you like what you see, then I am sure that we will be able to work out an arrangement that will be good for us both” Jane passed her a card.<br>
“God is so good, God Bless you.  Can I come over tomorrow after 3pm?  I will be in your neighborhood, and if that is convenient…”
“Perfect.  I will see you then.  This is my stop, goodbye.” She turned and was out the door, leaving Helen with her mouth open.<br>
“Yes God is good” Helen repeated another seven times.<br>
The day seemed to just fly by.  Helen was so extremely happy and excited that all the scrubbing and polishing that she had to do became as easy as a walk in the park.  Her God is good phrase gave way after another 20 or 30 times to “This is the day the Lord has made, rejoice and be glad in it”.  She finished her work almost an hour sooner than ever before.  She never noticed either the heat of the afternoon, nor the crowd on her subway train.<br>
When Helen relayed the news to her family once back in Mt. Vernon, it was obvious that even though they were happy for her new opportunity, they were sad that she and the children would be leaving them.  Helen promised grandpa and grandma, that they would visit every chance they could, and that the children could spend at least one night every week with them. Everyone was happy, and admitted that God was indeed good to them.<br>

 These were Helen’s thoughts as she waited for the light to change to red so she could cross 34th street to the Macys store.  As she passed one of the Santa Clauses collecting for the Salvation Army, she stopped and dug in her purse for a couple of quarters to put in the basket. Thinking back about all the good things that God had blessed her with in the past few months made her turn back and place the rest of her loose change in the basket.  Yes, God is good…to me. <br> 
She remembered now how when she had seen the apartment that Jane Harrison had for her housekeeper, she gasped.  Why, three of the garage apartments that she was now living in could fit in there with room to spare.  Mrs. Harrison offered to pay Helen almost three times what she was now managing to eek out, plus the apartment with all utilities, including telephone and television cable.  There were three TV’s, one in each bedroom, and one in the extra large living room.  There was even a piano there.  <br>
Jane explained to Helen that although she expected her housekeeper to keep the condo clean, she also had a maid provided by the homeowners association who came in everyday who would make the beds, clean the bathrooms, and take the laundry down to the laundry room and wash and iron everything, bringing them back the next day.  Also, the Harrisons have a twelve-year-old daughter, who Helen would be responsible for after school until her mother returned home.  That might include preparing an after-school snack, but making sure that she did not over indulge her sweet tooth.<br>
“Is that all I have to do?  It hardly seems fair for you to pay me all that money for so little work.” Helen exclaimed.<br>
“I think it is a fair salary for a good person.  We have always considered our housekeeper to be part of the family rather than just an employee.  She would not be leaving us if she didn’t feel her mother needed her more than we do.  I hope that you will stay with us for at least as long as she has.  She will leave us after next week, and we will sincerely miss her.”<br>
“I can come in on my two days that I don’t have clients and help out after she has left” Helen volunteered.<br>
“No, Helen dear, you need your time with your little ones.  But thank you so much for the thought.  I meant that we would miss her as a PERSON, a lost member of the family.  We will manage keeping the condo maintained until you move in.”<br>
“Then as far as I am concerned, it is settled.  We will move in two weeks from next Monday, that is if you want us”<br>
“Yes, my dear Helen, I do.  My husband George lets me make all the household decisions.  I am very anxious to meet your children, and to have you meet our Dorothy.  But why don’t you move in on Saturday or Sunday.  George and I could help you anytime except Sunday morning.   After church would be alright as well.”<br>
“Thank you so much.  If we can move in on Saturday, then perhaps we could attend church with you on Sunday.  I would like that”<br>
“That’s a deal!  I will tell George tonight, and you just let me know the address and the time you want us to pick you all up.  We have a suburban, so it will be no problem at all.”<br>
Saturday, September 8 had been moving day, and the 10th was the first day for Helen in her new position.  For the past three months, Helen felt that God was indeed providing for her.  Yes, God was good.  And then this morning when Jane handed her the envelope that contained not only a very beautiful Christmas card, but also a check for three hundred dollars, tears swelled in her eyes, and she put her arms around Jane and thanked her profusely.  Jane took her by the chin and looked right into her eyes and said,<br>
“Helen, you and the children are the best thing that has happened to us.  God is good, indeed. Pardon me for stealing your expression, but it seems to be exactly what I feel having you with us.  Merry Christmas to you my dear friend.  Now go buy something for that family of yours.”
The light had changed, and she crossed the street.  She was pushed along into the store, and took the escalator up to the 5th floor, where all the toys were along with Santa. <br>
 She felt the need to sit, so she sat down on a bench over by the elevators, placing her purse on the bench next to her.  The elevator doors opened, and she turned to look, but when she turned back her purse was gone!  She felt panic.  If she didn’t get it back, Christmas would be ruined.  Then she saw her.  A small child was practically running to the escalators with her purse in her arms.  She immediately gave chase, but the little girl, who could be no more than a year older than her daughter could slip through the crowds faster than a grown women could.  Helen finally cornered her when she tried to leave through a locked door.
When she grabbed the child, she started to cry.  She was crying so hard that even though her mouth was opening to say something, the words did not come out.  Finally she blurted out,<br>
“Please don’t take me to jail. Please, Please.  I want the money for my mommy.  She said that the man was going to put us out on the street tomorrow if we don’t pay him the money.  Oh Please, I am sorry.  Please don’t take me to jail.  My mommy needs me.”  She cried even harder.
Helen was deeply touched.  She felt the tears rolling down her cheek.  She took the little girls hand and said,<br>
“I am not taking you to jail.  Please stop crying” <br>
A small crowd of curious customers was looking intently at them now.  They obviously thought that Helen was a mean mother, making her little girl cry so hard.<br>
“I am not taking you to jail, so please try to stop crying.  Now where is you mommy?”<br>
“She is at home with my little brother Timmy.  He is very sick.  He is only three.  Mommy said that he might die if he doesn’t get some medicine”<br>
Helen gasped.  For a minute she couldn’t breathe.  Then she started to breathe again and asked,<br>
“What is you name, and how old are you?”<br>
“My name is Sarah, and I am six years old, well almost.”<br>
Now Helen felt like she was going to faint, but she quickly regained her composure as she realized what was happening here.  As a Christian she believed that there was no such thing as “Just a coincidence” but that this was a message from God.  Sometimes called a “God Thing.” She was with this little child with the same name and age as her own child.  She felt a chill run up her spine, as she remembered that there also was another child the same name and age as her son.  Now she knew what she must do.  God is good.<br>
“Sarah, take me to your mommy”<br>
Sarah started to cry again.  “Oh please, don’t tell my mommy what I did.  I just want to help her and my brother.”<br>
“Don’t worry, I want to help too” Helen replied.  She knew what she must do.<br>
They walked west on 34th Street to Eighth Avenue, and then north to 40th street.  As they walked Helen couldn’t help wondering how this little child could wander so far from her home all alone.  Midway between Eighth and Ninth, Sarah stopped in front of a dilapidated tenement building, so typical of this Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood. They climbed up to the third floor through dimly lit stairwells.  She stopped at a door marked 302.<br>
“This is where we live.  Please don’t tell…”<br>
Before Sarah could finish the door opened.  A tired looking emaciated woman stood there in the doorway.<br>
“Sarah, where have you been?  I have been worried to death.  Why did you run away?” Then turning her eyes up to me, she said, <br>
“Where did you find her?<br>
“She found me in Macys.  I have come to help you.  Tell me how I can?  How is your Timmy?”<br>
The woman looked into Helen’s eyes and smiled. “God is good. You must be the answer to my prayers.  Please come in and sit with me while I thank Him for sending you.” <br>
 
Helen went in and together they thanked the Lord for this day. When they had finished their prayer, Helen asked her about the boy.<br>

“What he really needs is an operation on his heart. He has a hole in it, and unless he has the surgery to correct it, he will not be here for…” She started to cry before she could finish.<br>
Helen had noticed a pay phone in the hallway.  She immediately dialed the Harrison’s number.  George answered.<br>

“Dr. Harrison, I have a young heart patient for you.  This patient is being sent to you from God, and he needs an ambulance at 814 west 40th street as soon as possible to pick him up.  Thank you.  His mother and I will meet you at the hospital.”<br>
When George hung up the phone he looked at his wife and said,<br>
“I didn’t know that you told Helen that I was a cardiac surgeon.”<br>
“I didn’t”<br>

The surgery had gone well, and young Timmy was out of the hospital in plenty of time for Christmas.  Helen had cashed her check and given all the money to Timmy’s mother.  She had needed two hundred fifty dollars for the two months rent that she was behind.  The rest went for food to feed her little hungry family.  Now on this Christmas day they were all gathered at Helen Matthew’s apartment, the two Sarahs and the two Timmys and the two mothers.  The tree was nicely decorated, but there were no presents under the tree.  Helen was just explaining that perhaps Santa would not be able to come this year, when there was a loud knock at the door.  One of the Sarahs opened it, and there stood old Santa himself.  He had a big bag stuffed with all kinds of things that little girls and boys would like, and two of everything.  Mrs. Santa was right behind him, carrying a large fully cooked Turkey, and young Dorothy following with all the other good things that make for a good Christmas dinner.  Yes, God is good.  Really good especially to those who know that it is much better to give and to serve than to merely receive.

  Eileen O’Leary really knows how to pick comedy that appeals to everyone, and especially those of you who are on Holiday, (Or vacation). Eileen herself steps into the action as Brenda, the wife of Stanley, who is very energetically played by Jayce Damon. They are a British couple on Holiday in France, and Claude, the adulterous male, played by yours truly, certainly causes Stanley a lot of trouble; with both his wife and his girlfriend each having to be hidden in the bathroom at various times.
Besides four well known performers who are appearing in this comedy farce, I would like to introduce to you today our three new very talented actors.
First we have Temo Ramirez, born in Mexico City, and has lived in Puerto Vallarta for the past 8 years. Temo is an experienced Diving Instructor, and previous to coming to Puerto Vallarta, he had his own Dive Shop. He has been the stage manager for Eileen’s last two productions, "Two and Two Make Sex" and "The Mouse Trap", but this is his first performance as an actor.
Next let me introduce Arita Gutierrez. She also was born in Mexico City, and she lived in Cancun, where she was involved in the Real Estate business. She has only been here for three months, but is very enthusiastic about playing the sexy Cabaret Dancer, Simone. Eileen was very fortunate to find this talented young lady. This will be her first time on stage as an actress.
Last, but certainly not least, here comes Travis Dietz, who hails from Ashland, Oregon. Ashland is famous for their Shakespeare Festival which they present each summer. Travis had a little acting experience in High School, where he was in “The Odd Couple.” He has been living here in Puerto Vallarta for the past 2 ½ years, teaching English. Before coming here, he taught English for some time in Japan. He has traveled extensively in Europe, but now he is making Puerto Vallarta his home. He is Heinz, the hotel manager, and to me, it is perfect casting.
Needless to say, we all welcome them to our theatre group, and it is a pleasure working with them. May they keep performing with us for many years to come. If you want to see them for your self, please come to the Theatre On The Bay, to enjoy the NH Krystal’s fabulous buffet dinner, and to see “A Bed Full Of Foreigners”, Eileen O’ Leary’s latest triumph. Opening Night is December 15th, and the show will run to the 23rd, and then from January 4th to the 27th. Performances every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, dinner at 6:30, show following.
For Reservations: 044/322/429-7231 or 01-329-295-5249

The USGC Active was in port this weekend. And literally half the ship’s crew turned out on Saturday to work at the Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza, also popularly known as the RISE Orphanage. Having thirty sailors visit the orphanage on one day is certainly a record. This level of participation is outstanding and speaks volumes about the generosity and goodwill we find among these young men and womed. The reply I got when I thanked some of the individuals for their time and effort was a consistent “Thank you for inviting us!” That’s pretty special.
This was the fourth time the Navy League has organized a work party at this orphanage. In just a few years, the need for maintenance has increased substantially as the building has enlarged and paved areas and terraced gardens have been created. So this time the work party was divided between painters and gardeners. Which is why I found the ship’s Press Relations Officer, LTJG Meredith Jennings, busy hoeing a flower bed. Meanwhile, the leader of the party, LCDR Greg Burg was orchestrating several groups of painters who were hard at work both outside and inside the orphanage. Dusty Graham of the Navy League was continually on the move, making sure things were running smoothly. A task made a bit more complicated by the happy interference created by the boys of the orphanage, who were enticing the sailors to join them in kicking several footballs about.
Added to that, some young volunteers from the Iglesia Aramara in Pitillal were also at work cleaning furniture they had moved out onto the patio. These sailors had been away from home for two months and still have to make it back to their home base of Port Angeles, Washington. The Navy League aims to make the visits of naval ships to Puerto Vallarta as enjoyable as possible. It is indeed no small thing that so many volunteers include a community work project among the things they are happy to do in the couple of days they spend here. 

 Two species of Macaws can be encountered in Mexico. The Military Macaw (Ara militaris), which used to be found in three regions (the Pacific slope, the Huasteca and mid-south of the country) and the Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) in the south of the country. Mostly because of the fragmentation of their population, habitat and their exploitation that has been ongoing since pre-Hispanic times, their range and numbers have drastically decreased and are still declining. The species is considered by IUCN (Hilton-Taylor, 2000) as Vulnerable and is found in CITES, Appendix I (CITES, 2003), which prohibits their commercialization and is defined as endangered by the Mexican government, (SEMARNAT, 2002).

The current distribution of the Military Macaw worldwide is as follows: Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela. The total population is estimated at a little over 10,000 individuals (BirdLife International, 2003) but has not been studied extensively. However, a census has been made in Jalisco and some studies were done in the States of Sinaloa and Querétaro and they have been found to be a rare species in its distribution range. So we are blessed to have them in the south part of our Bay. Let’s take care of them.

This species requires big extensions of forests for feeding and nesting. Since they eat only a few species of flowers, fruits, sheaths, seeds, new buds of leaves and sometimes insects, this leads us to believe that they are particular about their diets which will include Bromeliads, Orchids, Mimosas, Leguminous plants and certain Palms just to name a few. They prefer to nest in secondary holes of tree trunks where they can enlarge those left by other birds such as woodpeckers or use naturally made holes like the rotten base of a branch. They may also use holes in clay walls or build their own in rotten tree trunks and their nest can be up to 40 meters in altitude but in nature, the availability of adequate nesting cavities is very limited.

No more than 19% to 30% of a Macaw population reproducing can raise 1 to 1.5 young birds in the wild per season. Depredation and habitat loss caused by humans and other natural factors like storms, illnesses, parasites, natural predators and competition for nesting cavities are all threats to the survival of this species. It has disappeared from many regions of Mexico where it once deployed its extensive colorful wings. Two major populations remain: Tamaulipas and Jalisco. The area of Cajón de Peñas (one hour south of Vallarta) was determined, through research, to be an adequate area for their protection should a wildlife refuge be established.

Conservation efforts in the case of Military Macaws should include:

Communication and Education - Awareness
Research actions - Population numbers and range
Research actions - Biology and Ecology
Research actions - Trends/Monitoring
Habitat and site-based actions - Protected areas - Management
Species-based actions - Sustainable use - Harvest management

I don’t know of anyone who wouldn’t be sad to see these extraordinary colorful birds vanish. There is still time to stop this decline. Get involved and help save this species from extinction.

“Nature could be such a wonderful teacher if only we saw it for what it really is”

Tequila is a rescued military Macaw, which is happily living free on the premises of a restaurant. It survived but will unfortunately never reproduce 

Home Tours Raise Money For Cleft Palate, School Education And Rice And Beans Food Programs

By Twila Crawford

Approximately 70 persons annually receive cleft palate surgeries, and hundreds of children benefit from school education and rice and beans food programs in the Puerto Vallarta area from the proceeds of the Home Tours of the International Friendship Club (IFC).

On the day I took the tour, we saw four of the 50 homes that are available for viewing. Three of the four homes offered bed and breakfast. The Home Tours run from November to April.

Most unusual for the visitors to Puerto Vallarta, on the tour led by John Lockington and Eliana Hafiz, was a home we entered behind a tortilla factory…and what a beautiful hidden treasure. The home is located along the Rio Cuale.

The old large Mexican home of several stories is decorated in a European and Mexican style. Decorative items and art from around the world, along with greenery, fill the rooms.

We also traveled to Conchas Chinas to view three villas. They offered exhilarating views of Banderas Bay and the Sierra Madre mountains. One home had four levels and seven bedrooms.

Each year a home known to locals because of a colorful bachelor with a vivid lifestyle who lived there at one time is opened for the tour. The home now features Indonesian and Mexican art, with magnificent views of the bay and mountains.

John Lockington is the IFC Home Tours Coordinator with assistance from Yvonne Ward, Bob Lilly and John Hamlin. Al Ward is president of the International Friendship Club.

Tickets for $30 USD can be purchased at the Hotel Posada Rio Cuale, Aquilles Serdan 242, beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Tours depart at 11:00 a.m. from the hotel and last approximately 2 1/2 hours.

I have to write this one down quickly before I forget because it’s a great story for a lull in cocktail conversation……..I am sitting in Alaska’s first class section feeling like I really do belong here, and what does my husband do?........He’s half way through his chicken on ‘ciabatta’ bread with a tomato basil sauce, and he leans across the isle toward a woman of obvious distinction, who by the way ordered tomato juice when we ordered ‘bloodymarys’, and says, “excuse me, but it appears you’ve finished your sandwich…..I was wondering if I could have your hot pepper?” (Oh my God he just asked for her hot pepper)!  Her expression even startled my husband, her response – “of course”, as she lifted her plate toward him, “and would you like my husbands too?”  About then Steve realized his error in judgment, and tried to make things better by saying, “the sandwich is good but the pepper really makes it better”.  (There’s no where for me to go, words fail, I continue to inhale and exhale and find great humor in the incident, but still wishedg he’d asked the flight attendant for another pepper!)

It’s an adventure for me to fly at 35,000 feet above the earth and on a clear day, like today, devour the view of the earth below.  I’m a seasoned traveler, but I still find magic in the whole experience of flying!  This trip is only for 6 days but I’m confident there will be time to soak up the warmth of Puerto Vallarta – time to nurture my body and my soul in preparation for the holidays.  I’m already planning my return in early January! 

I’m still reeling from my two weeks in November, and time spent at the Puerto Vallarta Film Festival - just like a kid, I was so excited to find out that I knew the Director and Producer of one of the films slated to be shown.  I tested my memory when I wrote a story for the Vallarta Today about the ‘Tim Liversedge’ I remembered from nearly 30 years ago.  He was my guide on safari in Botswana, Africa, and here he was in Puerto Vallarta, scheduled to present his film – ROAR: LIONS OF THE KALAHARI.  My story, from recall, was remarkably accurate, with a few corrections – Tim left his beloved Rhodesia just prior to the uprisings, (not because of them); he moved to neighboring Botswana to become one of the first Game Wardens at Chobi National Park.  His affiliation with National Geographic started in the early 70’s. Tim’s wife, and life partner, June, came from England to explore Botswana about the same time; her spirit of adventure is still something to be admired.  Their romance has lasted the test of time and “years of wildly exciting and sometimes a bit daffy’ explorations.”  

We reclaimed our friendship after a quarter of a century, just as though time stood still.  The documentary, ‘ROAR’ took me back on safari in the Kalahari Desert……. stalking Springboks, Gazelles, Gemsbok, Buffalo, Elephants and of course the treasured sighting of Lions.  So, I was ready for a ‘walk on the wild side’ when I picked Tim and June up at the Marriott the following Saturday morning.  We took off shortly after 10AM, I drove north, over the Rio Ameca and past the boarder crossing into the State of Nayarit.  It wasn’t until we left Bucerias behind, and headed into the canopy of trees, and the two lane road heading toward Sayulita, that Tim’s eyes lit up and his seatbelt was stretched to allow him to sit on the edge of his seat - alert to the sights and smells of the ‘bush’.  He began to spot various species of butterflies, nests hanging from trees, and remarked at the similarities in the terrain to Mozambique and Zambia, places he visited as a teenager, memorable nature field trips he took out of Rhodesia to view insect habitat and search for butterflies, birds and larger game animals. 

When I pulled into Sayulita, and stopped at the new ‘Rain Tree’ restaurant and galleria, (located at the bridge entrance to town, on the left side of the road) both Tim and June remarked how they felt the setting made them feel they were back in Africa.  They viewed the outstanding art of the talented Alejandro Mondria Hieber, and appreciated the craftsmanship of the studio and restaurant.  Meeting Alejandro was an unexpected pleasure, it was apparent that one Artist always appreciates the talents and works of another – they became friends without the need for me to introduce them, although I did! 

Then we climbed the winding road to ‘Hamara’ Yoga Retreat, (I had called ahead to ask if we could walk their hillside above the Pacific Ocean), we entered the main palapa dining room, it was shades of Africa all over again, Tim and June were a bit speechless.  Here we began our ‘walk on the wild side’ - this time we were stalking butterflies, spiders, birds and nests just as though we were in Africa stalking game (very quietly, listening only to the sounds of the bush).  We later replenished fluids lost on our trek down, and back up the mountain; seated under the grand palapa with the Pacific Ocean glistening far below us, we sipped tea (a very civilized afternoon tradition in England as well as Africa) and we reminisced of years gone by. 

We completed our afternoon at Chef Roger’s ‘Manana’ Restaurant in Punta de Mita. (The road from Sayulita to Punta de Mita is now paved and can be driven in less than 20 minutes!)  Roger prepared our meal as though we were his personal guests - creations of elegance and tastefulness that my African guests will long remember.  Once again, two artists met with mutual admiration for one another – Roger Dreier, originally from Switzerland, an artist in the preparation and presentation of foods - one of the first great chefs to come to Puerto Vallarta in the early 80’s, setting a standard of excellence that others followed - and Tim Liversedge, from Botswana, Africa, recognized as one of the four outstanding Photographers and Film Makers of Wildlife in the world, soon to receive one of the three awards at the Puerto Vallarta Film Festival.  In Mexico for the first time, and stunned by the beauty of the Bahia de Banderas, the flora and fauna of the surrounding area, and the ‘hearts’ of the locals he’d met, Tim had no idea of the gourmet extravaganza he was about to enjoy.       

The final leg of our whirlwind 8 hours together ended at 6:00 PM when I delivered them back to their hotel.  That night Tim was one of the speakers at the Gala Film Festival event, and to his surprise and pleasure was awarded the Elizabeth Taylor Humanitarian Award for his documentary – ROAR: LIONS OF THE KALAHARI.  The next morning he was up early, in time to rent a motor scooter and take a ride from the Marina, toward town and through ‘El Tunel’, taking a left up the Rio Cuale for a short ‘walk on the wild side’ before flying back to Los Angeles.  Last I heard from him he and June were on their way to Lucerne, Switzerland for an IMAX showing of the film, then back to Los Angeles for two private IMAX showings before they fly back to Botswana, Africa.

 The favorite port for visits by the US Coast Guard and Military is Puerto Vallarta and for good reason. This boast is is attributable to the local Navy League chapter made up of almost 100 members of all nationalities and background, not necessarily ex-Navy or ex-Coast Guard. All are enthusiastic to make our defenders of the high seas welcome. We greet the ships upon their arrival and deliver a list of establishments not limited to just restaurants who offer discounts to our Navy and Coast Guard personnel. We offer advice on how best to phone home and local activities of interest including where to shop and how to change money.
Many sailors are interested in absorbing some of the local colour and this is best achieved by participating in COMREL's (Comunnity related projects) which we the Navy League organize. These usually involve painting of buildings for needy facilities. Orphanages, shelters for old people, or abused women, children that are outside of the Government DIF programs and depend on donations to survive. This scenario makes painting appear well down on the list of priorities and thats where the volunteers along with the NAVY LEAGUE step in. After the work the NAVY LEAGUE hosts the workers to a seafood delight replete with cervezas and tequila at La NORIA restaurant who help out by giving us a deal on the meal.
A very needy and essential organization embracing handicap children called Pasitos de Luz had recently annexed an adjacent property and after changing the Tacoria into two playrooms they were in need of paint and some simple electrical wiring. ASPEN crew to the rescue (the coast guard motto is only a little distorted here) as out of 46 members of the crew seven volunteered to participate. Remember any ship has to have members stand watch even in port. Their stay was shortened by the fact that their alongside berth was to be occupied by a cruise ship in the early AM of their second day and consequently their leave was shortened to only two nights instead of the usual three.
Pasitos de LUZ provides without any formal funding a facility to daycare about 25 to 30 at times severely handicapped children. They are located at Exiquio Corona 545 Col. Bobadilla . Puerto Vallarta, Jal. México C.P. 48295 Tel/ fax: (322) 299 3605 . This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and its run by a young couple named Ceasar and Yolanda who have demostrated a compassion for these heart wrenching children whose parents need to work and of course these children need round the clock care so enter Cesar and Yolanda and Pasitos de LUZ.
They are a charitable organization from Puerto Vallarta, which was started up by a group of mothers of children with various disabilities such as:

* Cerebral palsy
* Down’s syndrome
* Consequences of Meningitis
* Microcephaly
* Muscular Dystrophy
* Cry du chat
* Hydrocephaly
* Other conditions

Their main objectives are:

* To provide a full crèche facility where parents can leave their children and are then able to go about their daily activities, and continue working. * To provide these children with a home away from home.
* To offer rehabilitation services, speech therapy and physiotherapy. * Basic education.
* To support parents, provide emotional support, and become a source of faith to them that their children can indeed be rehabilitated...

Check out their website at http://www.pasitosdeluz.org/ and have your cheque book handy as there is a great need here.
Ironically the same day we painted their facility they were one of the three charities benefiting from the proceeds of the OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE who found a novel way of celebrating their fifth anniversry here in Puerto Vallarta. All of the proceeds from the $300. pesos entry fee and also the drink revenue was distributed to PASITOS de LUZ, CASA HOGAR (a local orphanage) and MAKE A WISH Foundation.
Their share of the $315.+ thousand peso will go a long way to help them finish off their facility and we; (the Navy League) will find a way to get your new rooms wired.
Thanks once again to LTJG Allison Zumwalt, Ens Josh Zike CWO4 Gary Ewing, BMC Kim Gray, EMC Pete Clark, FNDavid Bass, FA Devon Hubbard of the ASPEN crew and especially two of the above that in addition to giving their time working, bought tickets to the OUTBACK benefit. Well done Coast GUARD Cutter ASPEN, OUTBACK and Puerto Vallarta NAVY LEAGUE.

Bill SEMEYN,
V/P Operations
Puerto Vallarta Navy League

Becas Vallarta, AC would like to thank Ed Hutmacher, owner of Santa Barbara Theater, for hosting two benefit performances of Patrice White’s Murder Mystery, Recipe for Murder, at Santa Barbara. On Monday, November 28th Ed presented Becas Vallarta AC with their share of the proceeds from the performances. Mil gracias!