By Rincón-Gallardo,Eduardo

At the beginning of the year I went to visit the old docks at Nuevo Vallarta Marina. I shared many great moments with that wonderful community of mainly American and Canadian sailors while I lived aboard "Drifter".
During the winter season they usually hold a "Swap Meet" every other Saturday at 10 a.m.

When you live on a boat you must have it clear in your mind that you cannot take everything home. And that you cannot keep forever that creap prize you won at the fair, or that memento from a baptism you attended once. Once in a while you must revise and clear all those things you know you can do without. That "Swap Meet".works precisely to that effect, it is a place where you can exchange that stuff you have to let go of, for other stuff you may be using for some time.

I figured I could maybe find a hat, a used one, of course.

But not as used and abused as the one Bill proudly displayed.

He asked me if I was interested in it and I told him I was interested in one in a somewhat better shape.

Bill set it on my head, told me it fit perfectly and that it was mine. He did not remember if he had bought it in Nicaragua or Costa Rica.

What I did remember though, was that Bill, sailing all on his own down the coasts of South America, shared with me the habit of refreshing himself constantly with sea water, by means of a bucket tied to a piece of rope (you don't say rope, you say line, well, never mind..)

Thing is, on one of those occasions, upon leaning on his sailboat's lifeline, the lifeline gave in and Bill fell into the ocean. At that precise moment, all of Bill's earthly possesions turned into a bucket and a piece of rope; possessions he had to let go of, because they were not going to be a great help during the, I believe they were 22 hours of swimming until he found the closest coastline.

There he had to swim another while until he found a stretch of beach because the rock breakers were not too welcoming.

After he finally landed it took him a couple of days to find the remains of an abandoned biological station where he could find something to cover himself and be better prepared for his first confrontation with whomever could help him start finding his long and strenuous way home.

Today Bill, tall, slender and with a full set of white hair, looks great and so self confident that he will challenge anyone to a boat race. I therefore preferred to risk this story to the imprecisions of my memory than to bring up the subject.
I got no compliments from walking around wearing Bill's hat, but coming from him, I wore it for the rest of the day with all the haughtiness I was capable of.

Sometimes the possession of something, as small at it may be, can mean a lot to you..

Picture Eduardo Rincón-Gallardo with 'Bill's hat.'

Alberto Perez Releases New CD

From classical music and traditional jazz to new age, rock & roll and rhythm & blues, the live-music scene in Puerto Vallarta and along the shores of Banderas Bay is as diverse as its people, culture, and beauty.

In 2002, with the help of his friends and fellow musicians Oscar Terrazas, Rigoberto Mora and Aaron Carranco, Alberto recorded his first CD, Noches Romanticas, which features some of the songs he's been performing at La Palapa over the last twenty some-odd years, and is available for purchase at his performances.

Noches Romanticas was such a hit that Alberto decided it was time to make a new CD, so in February, he and fellow musicians Memo Suárez, Alexis Guevara Muñoz, Bob Tansen and Carlos Hudson went to Blaine Selkirk's Ancient Sun Studios to record.

The result of their efforts is Noches en La Palapa, a fabulous new CD recorded by some of Puerto Vallarta's very best musicians, who together with friends and fans, celebrated the release of their new CD earlier this week at La Palapa.

Featuring Alberto's beautiful voice, Memo Suárez on percussions, Alexis Guevara Muñoz on guitar, and Bob Tansen and Carlos Hudson on flute, Noches en La Palapa is a collection of sentimental favorites and soulful songs in both Spanish and English that is sure to bring out the romantic in every listener.

By Sands,Barbara

Former Puerto Vallarta Since the informal book signing on April 15th, quite a number of old-time Vallartans have had a chance to check out what's between the covers of Jenny McGill's new book, Drama and Diplomacy in a Sultry Mexican Beach Town . . . and they're loving what they have read! Judith Ewing Morlan even complained that she had to buy her own copy since she couldn't wrest hers from husband Ed's grasp. Reveals "Drama and Diplomacy"

Since the informal book signing on April 15th, quite a number of old-time Vallartans have had a chance to check out what's between the covers of Jenny McGill's new book, Drama and Diplomacy in a Sultry Mexican Beach Town . . . and they're loving what they have read! Judith Ewing Morlan even complained that she had to buy her own copy since she couldn't wrest hers from husband Ed's grasp.

Don Gallery, who has headed the Writers' Group of Vallarta for some years found it a "couldn't put it down" experience, saying that he and wife Patricia had known quite a few of the people mentioned in the book and were meeting others. Don, who has headed the Writers' Group of Vallarta for years also said it gave him a great appreciation of all that an agent was expected to do. Jenny described her position as dealing with "the four Ds," death, destitutes, detentions and disappearances.

Jenny was the US consular officer in Vallarta for fourteen years and has loads to tell. Her prose is lively, the experiences she relates are at times surprising and other tales are tinged with sadness for many of those who once trod, as we do now, these adored bumpy, cobbled streets.

Pamela Thompson (get well quick, Pam!) cursed the author vilely for taking her away from the "millions of things" she absolutely had to get done. Sally Conley wrote to congratulate Jenny on a "beautiful baby" and Toy Metzler was reminded of her years in Casa Kimberley and told Jenny she was reading the book aloud to husband Morrie.

To repeat the perhaps apocryphal "recommendations" on the book's cover, "Jenny McGill is a wonderfully wicked woman" C.W.; "She took dead aim and created a zipper of bullet holes from his navel to his crotch" H.M. (could that be Howard McGill?) and "It reads like she's sitting on the terrace with you sipping a margarita." G.B.

Jenny and Howard came to live in Puerto Vallarta in 1973 and now make their home in Talpa de Allende. Jenny suggests that parts of her book may be considered a bit far-fetched, but all of the persons and situations are totally true though some names may have been changed to "protect . . . innocence and identity."

The book Drama and Diplomacy in a Sultry Mexican Beach Town is on sale at Rizo's and The Book Store in Plaza Caracol for $200 pesos or $20 USD and will become available in a number of other shops, hotels and locations to be announced. It's a great insider's view of Vallarta of some years back, but is also educational—which may not be the absolutely correct word—let's just say we can all learn about others' lives and jobs and it's a pleasure to do it with Jenny as a guide.

It's a grand, adventurous read that presents life as it was "back then" for those who weren't lucky enough to have been here—or even to have been born yet. Most will also learn a lot about the ins and outs of preserving a foreign country's integrity and presence in the adopted home of "we fortunate few" who live here.

Picture, Author Jenny McGill at a recent book signing.

On average there are around 2.4 million weddings per year in the United States and roughly 15 percent of those are destination weddings. These events are taking place outside the couple's hometown.
The Bay of Banderas, offers a unique location for a small ceremony or a big bash with all the trimmings. Your wedding coordinators will assist you in planning the celebration of a lifetime.

All couples are winners when they decide to start their new life together on the shores of The Bay of Banderas. We are located at the southern of Los Muertos beach in front of the boy riding the seahorse in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Your wedding coordinator, takes the worries and hassles out of planning this truly unique destination wedding.
The marriage takes place right on the beach.

Picture a recent wedding party obviously having a great time.

Feel free to contact us. www.VallartaWeddingsbylana.com

Given the interest from diners in the 3rd Annual Vallarta Restaurant Week, participating restaurants from A to Z. Look to Ztai, whose gorgeous balcony bar overlooking the Malecon is pictured here.

by Barbara Sands,
Imagine having all the best restaurants at your beck and call and within footsteps of each other. That's what all who paid their 300 pesos and attended the Fourth Annual Altruism event at the Casa Magna Marriott had on Sunday. Among others, Archie's Wok, Four Seasons, La Petite France, Boca Bento, Trio/|Vitea, Daiquiri Dick's and Café des Artistes. Among MANY others that should read including smaller ventures with a big flavor power punch such as the Xocodivas whose divine chocolates could go into the ring with the best from Belgium or Switzerland.

The weather couldn't have been more perfect as the crowd numbering more than 1,200 made difficult decisions about where to dine or taste next or which show on the outdoor stage to catch. Kelly Trainor, the originator of the event was overseeing the success of her endeavor with communication facilities firmly in hand.

Each adult and child would have his or her own culinary or just plain fabulously delicious remembrance to share. As two examples, Daiquiri Dick's satay and marvelous rare grilled tuna medallions with garnishes and La Petite France's Nacho Cadena's sublime mashed potatos with fresh, fresh shrimp in a mystery sauce and a very French sauced corbetina.

It is probably a good bet that nowhere in the North American land mass could such an assemblage of chefs and their masterpieces be gathered in one place.

And, of course it was all for the best of causes whose list includes more than two score of the organizations that keep *Vallartenses* healthy and furnished with services that were only dreamed of a few years ago. Photo Dru and Marco Anderegg taking in the Altruism Festival.

As the only gallery in Puerto Vallarta that hosts year-round cocktail receptions for the opening of their art exhibitions, Galeria Octavio Arte en Bronce welcomes Steve Fischer this Saturday, April 28th from 8-10 p.m. On April 28th from 8-10 p.m. the gallery will be welcoming artist Steve Fischer, a diverse painter with various techniques in oil and mixed media.
About Steve Fischer

Originally from the New York area, Steve Fischer also spent many years in San Francisco working and taking classes in art before deciding that the best place for inspiration for his career as an artist was in Puerto Vallarta, where he has resided full-time for over 10 years.

Having studied at the University of Virginia and San Francisco State University, after arriving in Puerto Vallarta he continued his education by taking art classes at the Isla Rio Cuale Art Center.

Today, Steve has mastered oil, acrylic and watercolor techniques and often works in mixed media. He specializes in large abstract oils on canvas, ideal for combination with contemporary decor, but he is equally adept at realistic studies of indigenous people and human figures. His paintings are rich in color and often accented with touches of gold and lavish textures.

Galeria Octavio will continue hosting art exhibition cocktails receptions on the last Saturday of every month throughout the summer season. For more information, stop by the gallery at 1115 Av. Mexico in downtown Puerto Vallarta.

By Twila Crawford
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - World-class music with Katmandu and Don Pope on sitar with world-class dining the evening of April 18 thrilled Puerto Vallarta music lovers and diners of fine food in the beautiful multi-level garden of internationally known Cafe des Artistes.

With twinkling lights and candles, incense, natural flowers and plants of the garden, and beautiful costumes, this event put together by Don Pope, Vancouver area and Puerto Vallarta resident, with former Second City´s Blaine Selkirk, formerly of Kitchner, Canada, and Puerto Vallarta resident, was sold out with an enthusiastic audience. World-renown owner/chef Thierry Blouet hosted guests for the evening.

The music, beautiful belly dancers and an elegant dinner setting could have placed the audience in any first-class major city of the world.

The concert featured a blend of East India and Latin jazz and blues sounds found on Katmandu´s new CD, ¨Ragamazo.¨

The unique instrument, the sitar, ¨is an Indian long-necked, 20-stringed instrument dating back about one-thousand years,¨ Pope says. ¨Originally the sitar was three-string dating back about three-thousand years.¨

Other well-known musicians performing with Pope are Rhonda Padmos on keyboard and vocals, Guillermo ¨Willow¨ Brizio on electric guitar; Oscar Terrazas on soprano saxophone and flute, and Memo Suarez on drums and percussion.

Pope explains the title of the CD, ¨'Raga´ means scales and songs of classical Indian music. ´Palomazo´ basically means a jam session.¨ Five of Pope´s original compositions are featured on the CD. ¨Nina´s Song,¨ an instrumental composition, is a tradional song of the Middle East. ¨Ravana´s Blues¨ is a medley of four songs including ¨Krishna Invocation,¨ a traditional mantra of India sung by Rhonda Padmos; ¨Rasa Dance,¨ a lively dance of Krishna and 1,000 cow-herding girls, and ¨Norwegian Wood¨ with Rhonda Padmos´ vocals, an homage to the Beatles´ late George Harrison; ¨Öm,¨ an instrumental piece about the beginning and end of the universe; ¨Shiva,¨ with all of Katmandu´s musicians, dedicated to the Creator and Destroyer of the universe, featuring a musical motif from the song, ¨Tequila,¨ with Latin jazz influences. ¨Namaste,¨ which opens Katmandu´s concerts is a customary Indian gesture of greeting the audience to ¨honor your soul.¨

As background, Katmandu was formed in 1984 in Katmandu, Nepal. Guitarist Don Pope studied sitar for five years in London, England, and in Calgary, Alberta, with Aashish Khan, nephew of Northern Indian sitar master, Ravi Shanker. Don Pope and Rhonda Padmos, who is a classically-trained pianist, were original proponents of the East/West fusion movement of combining traditional Indian melodies with Western jazz sounds when touring India with Aashish Khan in 1983. Pope continues his studies on the sitar with teachers from Vancouver, B.C.

Pope and Katmandu will perform in concerts this summer throughout the Vancouver area and other parts of Canada. For information about concerts of Katmandu, or Don and Rhonda, and purchase of the CD, ¨Ragamazo,¨ email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Katmandu will perform again during the winter in Puerto Vallarta.

Mexico's Best Hope
By Polly G. Vicars

In my first book, "Tales of Retirement in Paradise," published in 1995, I wrote: "They came scrubbed and dressed in their best.. They were bright eager, polite, handsome and full of hopes and dreams."... They are the intelligent, ambitious, scholarship boys and girls of Puerto Vallarta's America-México Foundation, Inc., a U.S.A. (Now Becas Vallarta, A.C.) tax deductible foundation. The occasion was the annual fiesta for the students and the foundation members."

"There were awards from the Mayor of Puerto Vallarta for the highest of the honor students . There were words of encouragement from former scholarship recipients who are now school principals, newspaper columnists, artists, teachers - - all successful, respected, active citizens. There were words of hope and wisdom from current scholarship students who are now in various universities throughout the country."

"Strange, but touching conversations took place between the English speaking Foundation members and the Spanish speaking students. These conversations, filled with empathy and love, breached language and age barriers. And of course there was the traditional food and music present at any gathering of more than two in this hospitable country."

"America-México Foundation... is a group of dedicated Americans, Mexicans, and Canadians who put their money and their work where their mouths are. This is an organization that has no salaries or travel allowances ... All work is contributed by Foundation members and their friends. Most supplies and services are begged or borrowed. Every dollar raised goes directly to pay for a book or a uniform or a bus ride for one of the becados (scholarship students). Thousands of Puerto Vallarta youngsters have reached their educational goals throughout the more than thirty years of effort put forth by this Foundation."

N0W on March 9, 2007 Becas Vallarta will be celebrating 45 years of providing scholarships for Juans and Juanitas of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. You can be a part of this noble effort! First, if you haven't bought your tickets for the Becas Ball, call me at 223-1371 or any member of the foundation for tickets. Then prepare for an evening like none you have experienced before. Bask in the sea-edged patio of the Westin Hotel and Spa that will be turned into a grand and glamorous spectacle of light. From 7:30 to 8:30 the Westin is offering a free cocktail hour that will be graced by Los Bambinos, voted best Vallarta musical group of 2006, strolling, strumming and serenading. This will be followed by a dinner that the "Tasting Committee" assures me will be the best ever.

There will be dancing interspersed with a tango demonstration by Joe and Kirstie Johnston, who have just returned from Argentina where they polished their skills, and a live auction of the five most asked for items from past years. You can be the high bidder for an Ada Colorina's painting, "Los Mariachis en La Plaza," two rounds of golf each for two at the unique Four Season's Golf Course at Punta de Mita, dinner for eight at the glamorous Villa Verano and dinner for four prepared in your own home or condo by Marta Huante Robles.

Ada Colorina's paintings for the International Sailfish Tournament and her colorful depictions of life in Puerto Vallarta have made her work much sought after. Ada is a Vallartense who was influenced by her artist father, Lepe and local artist and scholarship recipient many years ago, Javier Niño, but her style is her own. Whoever buys "Los Mariachis en La Plaza" will have a painting that embodies all the joy and color of this paradise by the sea.

Lynne Bairstow and the Dine Corporation, generous supporters of the foundation, have once again come through for us with two rounds for two golfers at the famous Nicklaus-designed course at the exclusive Four Seasons Resort at Punta de Mita. The winning bidder will be playing a course that is "distinguished by breathtaking ocean views and 200 pristine acres of lush, rolling hills and flowering landscapes. The 7,104-yard, par-72 course features eight ocean-side holes and an optional "19th" par-3 hole with a natural island green, making it the first of its kind in Mexico."

The last two auction items are for gourmets. Burt Hixson, long time supporter of the foundation, has once again donated dinner for eight at his glamorous Villa Verano. Known as the "Showplace of Puerto Vallarta," Villa Verano was featured in Robin Leach's Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. The estate has been televised in over 31 foreign countries, and has played host to many celebrities and dignitaries from all over the world. The expert staff will confer with the winning bidder on your preferred menu and on the night of your dinner you will be served cocktails and hors de oeuvres in a setting overlooking the bay that is unmatched any where else in the world. Then you will dine on an expertly prepared dinner served by efficient and friendly waiters who will make you feel as if this famous home were your own. I can attest to all of this as Husband and I were the high bidders last year and entertained six of our good friends in a style to which we all would love to become accustomed.

Marta Huante Robles, whose card reads, "Your beautiful HOME, my delicious FOOD, one fabulous PARTY," has once again donated her services to prepare and serve a dinner for four in your home or condo. Marta, a Mexican by birth, grew up in the states so is incredibly bi-lingual. She traveled the US, Europe and Mexico preparing parties from intimate dinners for two to movie openings for 5,000. After 9/11 she felt a compulsion to return to Mexico and chose Puerto Vallarta to be her home where she has become an integral part of our community, a staunch supporter of Becas Vallarta.

To attend this Becas Ball and auction and help the 300 Juans and Juanitas currently in school, 8th grade through university, call me to reserve your place at this prestigious event. Hit the ATM machine to be ready to bid on one of those fabulous prizes. Guys don't need a coat or tie-- just slacks and a sport shirt will be fine. However, you should know that Husband, a genuine Kentucky Hill Billy, is going formal, which in his book means he is wearing not only shoes, but also socks. You gals can dress up or down as much as you like. All we want is for you to feel good, have fun, bid high and perhaps drop a few bucks in the donation box to keep this incredible foundation doing the work it has done for forty-five wonderful years. Ya'll come! Ya Hear!

A few weeks ago when I wrote about Los Bambinos' concert, I reported that they motioned for Husband to join them on stage for the singing of "Elvira," and gave him his very own microphone! Husband acquitted himself professionally and never have the words "mow mow" been sung with such clarity and amplification. I wrote, "How the kids will get him off the stage in the future is their problem as I understand the smell of the grease paint is very hard to lose!" and thought I was making a joke, but maybe not!
We will get back to that soon, but I have a few other things to share with you today. Friends from California were in Vallarta for the first time and I immediately suggested they join us at the Santa Barbara Theater for dinner at the Santa Barbara Cantina Grill and then Los Bambinos Monday concert. Brother and sister Walter and Saralou and lovely Susie got there before we did. They were seated at our regular table on the balcony overlooking busy Calle Olas Altas before our friend and neighbor in Condominios LaPalapa, Ray Coffman and our ex‑neighbor (she and Terry opted out of condo living and built a home) Linda Wirth, Husband and I arrived. They said when they entered and told restaurateur Santiago they were with Polly and Husband, he immediately ushered them to "our table." Sure pays to have friends in high places, at least on the second floor.
After a round of excellent margaritas and various other libations, dinner was served, starting with a green salad with dressing that Husband declared the best he had ever eaten. We had the choice of sea bass cooked in white wine, chicken breast on a bed of peppers and onions or real home made meat loaf with barbeque sauce ‑ ‑ ‑ all served with the best scalloped potatoes this side of Belgium, veggies and of course that wonderful Mexican bread. Our orders included each entree so we did some passing and tasting. The proof that everything was great was that only clean plates went back to the kitchen. Then Santiago served a traditional Mexican desert, ate con queso, quince candy with cheese. This desert is served widely in the state of Michoacán where it was introduced by the Spaniards when they came to the new world. Everyone agreed it was just the right touch after such a full meal and before a concert.
Hope you noticed and wondered why I said, "the best scalloped potatoes this side of Belgium." Here is the scoop. Blaine Selkirk has been directing and producing Los Bambinos shows and their soon to be new CD. Vincent van den Berg from Belgium came to Vallarta to visit his mother who is Blaine's lovely bride‑ to‑be, Mariele van der Hoeven. Mariele, from The Netherlands and Belgium and now living in Vallarta, brought only her beautiful daughter, Celine when she moved here. Naturally her second son, Vincent, had to come to see his Mom and Vallarta. Like so many of us, he fell in love with this marvelous town. In Belgium he was a chef, moving up the ladder, but the Vallarta Magic captured him and he joined us ex‑pats. Here come the connections. Santiago was trying to open his Santa Barbara Cantina Grill over the theater and was doing every job from cleaning to cook to waiter to dish washer. Too much for one guy, even one as industrious as he. Vincent needed a job ‑‑‑ Santiago needed a chef! Voila! Scalloped potatoes Belgium style. Though a very young man, Vincent has the touch that makes for success be it as chef or businessman. I know he will continue learning and experimenting and those of us who love to dine at this newest eating joint in the Romantic Zone are going to be the winners. Santiago tells me that they are open from 8:30 a.m. until ??. Try it, I know you will like the good food, reasonable prices and great service.
Back to the problem with Husband, my budding virtuoso. Last night's Bambino concert was, as always, a sell‑out and an incredible evening of music from rock to romantic to a little bit of country. The four brothers and a cousin were in terrific voice, charged up and enthralled an appreciative audience which gave them a standing ovation at the end of both parts of the show. For encores they, of course, have an incredible repertoire and could have belted out "La Bamba," "Twist and Shout" or a myriad of other crowd pleasing songs. But no, they had to sing what one of the boys said was their favorite song followed by "Donde esta Humberto?" (Where is Hubert?) Well when Husband heard that, he rushed up to the stage, took poor cousin Luis's microphone and once again sang his "mow mow" part impeccably! Now, he is talking about his need for show clothes and asking what is going to happen when he goes on tour with Los Bambinos. So hear this Husband and Bambinos, This Has Gone Just About Far Enough! Five Bambinos are quite enough!

BECAS BALL 2007 - 45TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
By Polly G. Vicars

Friday, March 9, 2007's Becas Ball will mark the 45th Anniversary of the America-Mexico Foundation (Becas Vallarta). Those 45 years have produced incredible, fantastic and yes, world changing events for thousands of bright, ambitious Puerto Vallarta youth of little economic means, but great dreams. How? By giving them just that little extra help, in the form of scholarships and moral support, that enabled them to reach their educational goals.
In trying to write something to encourage the community to support this effort by coming to the Becas Ball and becoming sustaining financial supporters, I thought I would start by introducing you to one of the earlier Becadas, Luz María, who had her dreams come true because of this foundation and its founder, Bernice Starr. This is a chapter from my 1995 book, "Tales of Retirement in Paradise".

DREAMS DO COME TRUE

Luz María Rodriguez, a young girl from a pueblo just north of Puerto Vallarta, had a dream. Even though she was just a girl, and even though she was from a large family with very limited economic resources, and even though her father thought formal education was for his sons, but not hisdaughters, she dreamed of becoming a doctor. A Doctor! What a dream for such a poor little Mexican girl! But dreams do come true and there are fairy godmothers! Amigas told her about the generous gringa, Bernice Starr, and her AMF that helped students with good grades, high ambitions, and little money to pay for their schooling.

Luz María qualified in all aspects. She approached Bernice, and there was an immediate affinity. She was awarded a scholarship for junior high, then senior high, and then university. With the Foundation scholarship and her own hard work, she realized her dream - - she became a Doctor of General Medicine.
The relationship between Luz María and Bernice flourished. Bernice, the fairy godmother, evolved into Bernice, Mother-Father-Advisor-Friend! Luz María was not content; she still had much to learn! She continued her studies and earned the title of Doctor of Internal Medicine.

She was then earning her own money and came to Bernice and the Foundation only for encouragement and moral support. Still the dream urged her on. She applied for and was awarded an exchange scholarship at the University Hospital of Liege, Belgium. There she studied and worked for several years, distinguishing herself, her sex, her country, and her sponsor, the America-México Foundation. She then transferred to the prestigious Academic Hospital in Maastricht, The Netherlands. Her mentor-mother Bernice, who incidentally in "her other life" had been a school teacher, traveled to Maastricht and huddled with Luz María over her heart research papers. After both determined that every "i" was dotted and every "t" crossed, Luz María presented her research to cardiac physicians and researchers in Europe, Canada and the United States.

These research papers, corrected for proper English by Bernice, became the basis for Luz Maria's thesis. The thesis was accepted, and on April 29, 1994, with Bernice proudly in attendance, Luz María Rodriguez, received her Doctor of Cardiology! Doctor of General Medicine, Doctor of Internal Medicine, and now Doctor of Cardiology - - all degrees earned by a little Mexican girl who had a dream that wouldn't die! I'm sure you now see why we work so tirelessly to raise funds for the education of Vallartense boys and girls who have big dreams and little money.

Sadly, Bernice Starr is no longer with us. Happily Dr. Luz María continues to amaze the world with her brilliance as a doctor in The Netherlands. She is an internationally renowned and sought after speaker at medical conferences and is an inspiration to all her know her.

Want to help another little girl or boy reaches her or his dreams? Join in the 45th Anniversary Celebration Becas Ball. For tickets and information call Mary Ellis at 223-0155 Ext. 714 or Buri Gray at 221 5285 or call me 223-1371

Once again the reflectors were pointing towards Vallarta with the fourth annual edition of the Vallarta Film Festival, that took place here Dec. 5-9.
The ambitious program of 38 films touched a chord with audiences, which this year appeared to be double the box-office of years past.
The most important cinematographic event on the Mexican Pacific coast presented an interesting and extensive ecological section that included feature films, documentaries, seminars and conferences aiming to promote and increase the conservation and protection of the environment. The Vallarta Film Festival presented a unique selection of Latin American and Canadian films, American independent cinema, and an exclusive section of Hollywood studio films daily at Cinemark Plaza Caracol.
Zak Penn's directorial debut, The Grand, a comedy starring Woody Harrelson, Ray Romano, and Werner Herzog that takes place during a high-stakes poker tournament in Las Vegas, was the opening film, followed by a sold-out concert with Billy Vera and The Beaters at Playa del Sol Grand, Las Flamingos, Nayarit. On December 8th, special guest and Academy Award winning actress Helen Hunt presented her directorial debut, Then She Found Me, as part of the closing night festivities.
The constellation of stars and celebrities from both Mexican and international TV and cinema impressive. Among the special guests was the "Latin King of Comedy" and TV star Paul Rodriguez, who presented his latest film One Long Night, and MC'd the closing night gala on December 5th at the El Tigre Golf Course. Also onhand were Mexican "telenovelas"
(soap operas) star Silvia Pasquel, well-known Vallartan young acting promise and model Aarón Díaz, Mexican singer and pop idol Emmanuel, who also received the Elizabeth Taylor Humanitarian Award for his work in ecological NGO "Hombre-Naturaleza AC"; as well as Mexican sex-symbol Andrés García, and actor and director Rodrigo Murray.
For the second consecutive year, the Vallarta Film Festival in coordination with the Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit (UAN) promoted an exhibition of university short films as part of the activities within the
fourth edition.
It is important to mention that the objectives of this festival were not only to promote Vallarta one of the finest touristic destinations in Mexico, but also to create a link between the New Mexican filmmakers and the Hollywood cinema industry, as well as to increase ecological awareness among movie-goers and students alike.
The fourth annual edition of the Vallarta Film Festival would not have been possible without the support of the government of the State of Nayarit, headed by Ney González Sanchez; as well as important sponsors such as the OCV of Riviera Nayarit, Cinemark, Four Seasons, Marival, Paradise Village, Playa del Sol Group, Kodak, Icon Vallarta, Buchanan's, Plaza Caracol, Alaska Airlines, among other renowned companies.