IFC December pg. 2

EDUCATION REPORT
Mel Bornstein
Tel: 221 5659

The season of helping schools has begun....

Having met with the Director of Education, Lydia Sorocco at City Hall.... we drove out and around to see some of the schools that are badly in need of classrooms and desks and bathrooms....and more to see as the season progresses....

The City has agreed to furnish structures if we could help with cement... labor is furnished by parents..... As for the bathrooms, we need to purchase and furnish some bathroom plumbing fixtures, as again labor is being performed by parents....

I received some requests for fans and sports equipment, but have not been out to visit those sites as of this newsletter....

Tomorrow, Wed., the 24th, I'm going out with some board members to see a site for handicapped children… to see what can be done to help AND next week, we have an appointment to meet for the second time with the President and Treasurer of Cabos Corriente..... for we do help those VERY poor students there, Los Animas and Yelapa are included in those needs.....

Last Year we gave all the children in one area all the school supplies they needed for one whole year......so they now are getting "smarter"....BUT there are so many places yet to go and see.....

I will keep all the IFC members aware of the progress being made.... AND thanks to those of you who have made generous donations to the IFC so that this work can continue.....

Early renewals for the calendar year Jan. 2005-2006 have begun. Remember, ALL checks should be made out to Club Internacional de la Amistad (the International Friendship Club in Spanish) to be acceptable here. Singles $330 pesos; Couples $550 pesos (US and Canadian dollars would be based on the current exchange rate).

ACTIVITIES CALENDAR: See calendar of events (events tab) for an update. Special Note; The 1st Aid Class has been changed to Sat. Nov. 27 (10 am-4 pm)--bag lunch it; Fee is $200 pesos pp. For reservations contact: Pamela Thompson: Tel. (Day: 226-1014/ Night: 223-1695) Email: pmt15@hotmail.com. There's been some changes and some additions; if you have any questions, please contact the clubhouse or yours truly. (Look for the exciting upcoming events in the next few months. We'll be alerting you via email and telephone.)
 

CAFIN: CHILDREN and FAMILIES-IN-NEED 501(c)(3) U.S. Foundation is now operating. Donations are being accepted and are tax deductible in the United States for income tax purposes. Mailing address: P.O. Box 30484, Raleigh, NC 27622 (Email: CAFINIFC@HOTMAIL.COM) (Tel: 919-889-2055).
 

RESTAURANTS: Another restaurant has joined the ranks of those offering discounts to IFC members: El Set (see details on member discounts page) and review the others included there.
Join us at our monthly General Meetings on the second Tuesday of each month. The

December assembly will be on Tuesday, 12/14. Dr. Luis Arias will discuss "Staying Healthy in the Tropics"; an especially important topic in this high tourist season (or any season). SEE YOU THERE!
It's never too late to...

"BE CHEERFUL! OF ALL THE THINGS YOU WEAR, YOUR EXPRESSION IS THE MOST IMPORTANT'

("Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm. It overcomes discouragement and gets things done. It is the magic quality. And the remarkable thing is--it's contagious!")

Yes! Many of you are back and have already indicated an interest in the realm of activities anticipated this season, as was evident at our November General Meeting, but we are still awaiting more of you in the next two months.
 

We will be contacting those of you interested in assisting us--no one individual, or just a few, can do a credible job without willing backup. Have you thought of offering your services? (There's always something new we might be introduced to that would enhance our programs. Don't keep your knowledge a secret--please share it with your Board or contact your president, Al Ward. He'd like to hear from you).
 

Our Home Tours began November 17 and will continue through April 30. If you haven't picked up a poster and some small fliers, they're available at the clubhouse. Place the poster in a prominent location, and pass along the fliers to family and friends. This is an opportunity to enjoy the thrill of actually walking through a Puerto Vallarta home--there are four shown on each tour, and each is unique; truly memorable experience.
 

COOK BOOKS: Consider this as a lovely gift for the holiday season; available at the clubhouse or at the Home Tour.
 

Our Membership roles are growing. How fortunate we are to have these enthusiastic NEW MEMBERS. The welcome mat is out and we are so very pleased to have you in the IFC family.

Our apologies to new member Clay Chance of Puerto Vallarta, whose name was misspelled in our Sept./Oct. newsletter.