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IFC December 2003 Page 1 | |||||
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FROM THE PRESIDENT Al Ward Tel. 223-2591 or 228-0050 E-mail: yvonneal@pvnet.com.mx
It was a pleasure to personally welcome back so many members at the General Meeting on November 11, and to meet the first-time new members. How nice it was to see so many smiling faces. There was a wonderful variety of potluck offerings, and we were rewarded with a fencing exhibition by the Club Esgrima Vallarta composed of local teenagers. Additionally, Ms. Pat Henry spoke to us about the John Huston celebration this month here in PV, and distributed brochures listing the many scheduled events (well-known celebrities are participating). You can reach her by phone at 222-4119. Of great interest to all of us regarding IFC's programs were comments by members (see below). Our first meeting of this "high" season, when those of us not living here have returned for a number of months, is when we begin to lay plans for our 7 most active months. My greatest desire is to have everyone participate in all of our functions--some well established and others new or in the planning stage. Committee chairpersons will contact you for help. Please be open-minded and consider at least investigating the involvement required. Participation can be immensely rewarding (just like acquiring a pet for the first time), and will also introduce you to interesting and generous people from all walks of life and with varied talents. And, besides of all of those benefits, you will be helping so many less fortunate than yourself. Others who spoke on IFC programs: (l) TOYS FOR TOTS--Jerry Lafferty, Chairperson (also President of the PV Navy League) who reviewed the need for assistance for a period of time. The big gala to acquire more funds for toy purchases for the deprived little ones is set for Sat., Dec. 13 at the Marriott. Please consider attending this dinner-dance (includes any drinks), and entertainment. Cost only $50 US ($550 Pesos) per person--plus golf at the Marina for $100 US per person if interested. Check with Jerry (Tel: 221-6156) for details; Clubhouse for tickets. (Distribution of toys is Tues., Jan.6, Day of Kings.--we'll need a lot of vehicles and hands to deliver the toys. (2) ART TOUR--Barbara Peters, the creator of this new program as a fundraiser for the IFC, described it for us. Bob Lilley offered to organize it with Barbara's help. You will be hearing more on this; consider participating. Startup date will be a Tuesday in January. (3) BLOOD DRIVE--Pamela Thompson, our new chairperson of this clubhouse drive spoke on the need for blood here in PV (whose coffers are depleted), and explained, too, that blood can only be kept a number of days. Donors are badly needed. The first drive will be December 11 from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.. and every 6 weeks thereafter. (Contact our administrator at the clubhouse to sign up as a host/hostess--cookies and juices are also needed). (4) CLEFT PALATE SURGERIES--Patricia Mendez scheduled these for Nov. 26 and 27 and spoke for the need of assistance for meals for 7; generous Sandy Baker offered to provide food. (5) COMMUNITY SERVICES--Susan Davalos updated us on her food program and activities with information on a day-care center for special-need children with physical and mental conditions. (Also see Susan's comments on her Dental Hygiene Program with Children, and suggestions for maintaining general hygiene in all aspects of daily living.)
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(6) SOCIAL ACTIVITIES--Marion Hansen has a meeting scheduled for Wed., Dec. 3 at the clubhouse to review her activities schedule for the season. She will be in contact with some of you; please be there for her.I am also very pleased to announce the replacement for a long-term and dedicated Education Chair--Jimmie Ellis--a dedicated soldier of many causes, who can now be relieved of these weighty duties. Mel Bornstein has agreed to assume the responsibility of this program and is meeting with Jimmie for a review of duties. Another big project--our Cookbook Chair--will be assumed by another dedicated member Bill Bendix, who with wife Pat recently co-chaired our Home Tour program. We welcome you both to these projects and will work with you to acquire some additional assistance. Thank you, gentlemen, for stepping in to take over these important programs. Another vacant position was that of club photographer. Here we are privileged to obtain the talents of retired professional photographer Dale Hansen. Thank you Dale, we really need you. Most of you have heard by now that our administrator, Kirsten Reinking, will be relinquishing her position to pursue other endeavors. However, she has volunteered to become a member of the IFC and continue to help out with our newsletter and website. Kirsten will be replaced by Valeska Guerrero, a permanent resident of Puerto Vallarta. Valeska has a few years of administrative experience working in hotel reservations and is completely bilingual! Stop in and say hi to Valeska the next time you’re in the vicinity of the clubhouse.
Note the schedule of events for the months ahead and the clubhouse renters' schedule (some of these may be of interest to you members). We continue to seek additional renters; perhaps you know others who need a clean and comfortable space at a reasonable fee. Send them to us. Our BUDGET FOR YEAR 2003-2004 was unanimously approved by the membership. Al Badner, Treasurer, sent a message stating that our treasury balance was very adequate for our current needs. (But fund raising is a vital requirement if we are going to be able to support our current programs and expand into others). You will be hearing from our chair members about the need for assistance. Again, please consider a look-see at the activity involved. You might just become a dedicated giver of your time. Incidentally, we will have some floor fans available for next month's general meeting, Tues., Dec. 9, which will make it more comfortable for everyone. As always, we hope that the 2003-2004 year will be a productive one for the International Friendship Club as a result of the contributions of time and the interest shown by all of us. THE HOLIDAY SEASON BEGINS--MAY THIS BE A SEASON OF GENEROSITY, GOOD WORKS, LOVE AND TOLERANCE FOR ALL, AND MAY WE ALL RECEIVE THE BLESSING OF GOOD HEALTH.
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