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SOCIAL/HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE REPORT Pamela Hyland Tel. 044-322-278-3661 Email: pamelahyland@yahoo.com The New Year started off very well with over seventy members coming to the Happy Hour and General Meting. It was all very pleasant - Company, Drinks and Food very good, thanks go to Mary and Tom Wichie for the arrangements.Our first Club Night was fun with “Jenga”, ”Hearts,” and “Scrabble” being played. The 22nd was also a great evening with good socializing. Muffi Ehrlich was most entertaining blowing bubbles and showing us her Christmas act. Remember the Club House will be open every Tuesday from 7:30 – 10:00 p.m. It is planned to hold an Event in addition to the General Meeting every month, with the Social and Games evenings filling in. The February calendar is very full with many events on the program. The Social/Hospitality (SOHO) Committee is still being formed; let Kirsten or Chairperson know if you would like to be an active participant. |
A POSITIVE PATROCINIO EXPERIENCE By new member, Mary Borkus
Dear IFC Members:
I would like to share with you and your friends how Alfredo Franco and I greatly benefited from a recent experience involving IFC and Omar Reynoso. Omar is a 12 year old Mexican boy residing in Vallarta. Last year on Los Muertos beach we met his father, Joel Reynoso. Joel sells silver jewelry in order to support his large family. We quickly became his friend and learned that he and his lovely wife, Angelica, have five children, all of whom are honor students. Joel speaks proudly of his family, and, in particular, of his son Omar who averages a 9.6 grade point average in spite of his having had very poor eyesight. He could not see the class blackboard unless he asked to be seated in the front row and it has been difficult for him to read small printed books.
This triggered us into action as we had recently renewed our membership at the IFC office and had learned from Kirsten, after telling her about Omar's need for an eye examination, that there was a possibility that the IFC could sponsor a medical exam and eyeglasses. Patricia Mendez immediately furnished us with the required paperwork and asked that an application be filled out. Alfredo reviewed the form with Joel and it was then that we learned that his family of seven, plus, his mother visiting from Mexico City, lived in one room and that his income level would not allow for the purchase of eyeglasses. Joel was extremely grateful that there was a possibility that his gifted son, Omar, might receive help from the IFC.
Dr. Monica Rosensweig graciously agreed to examine Omar's eyes and determined that he needed glasses. Now, thanks, to the IFC, Omar has his glasses and cannot believe the difference in his vision. The whole family is grateful and his parents asked me to become Omar's honorary Madrina. I am now the proud godmother of a 12 year old Mexican boy who is not only intellectually gifted but a sweet and gracious young man who looks very handsome with his new eyeglasses.
In order to thank Alfredo and I for coordinating the paperwork and medical appointments, Joel invited us to his mother's birthday fiesta. Their one room home is immaculate and it was touching to see the many scholastic awards Omar had received, which are beautifully displayed and framed as a gift from his uncle who hand crafted the frames. Omar's grandmother, Alta Gracia, cried when she met Alfredo and I, having learned of IFC's gift and our involvement as his patrons. She expressed her delight that her beloved grandchild has "new eyes."
The birthday fiesta was wonderful and Angelica and Alta served delicious green mole they so lovingly prepared. About 40 family members and friends all brought something to the celebration held in Joel's backyard. I had a seat of honor at the head table across from my godchild, Omar. He expressed his gratitude to the IFC and I don't believe he stopped smiling all evening. Three other American women were guests at the party and, after learning about Omar's gift from the IFC, asked for more literature about the club and applications for memberships, which I arranged for them to have the following day.
It has personally been a most rewarding twofold experience. To know that a talented young Vallartan has an increased opportunity to succeed through his new found eyesight and to share the story with three caring visitors to Puerto Vallarta who plan to become IFC members. Thanks, IFC, for the opportunity to help in giving back to this wonderful community.
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HOME
TOURS Susan Austin Tel. 223-2794 Irma Willis Tel. 222-3298
The Private Home Tours are in the height of our season. February is our busiest month and this year we have more guests than last. The homeowners are most generous and our members have answered the call for docents.
A huge THANK YOU to Evelyn Clark, Bob Lilley, Peter and Judith Poulsen, Jerry Blair, Norm Oakley, Pat Bendix, Kathleen Phillips, Elizabeth Zemmels, Gila and Al Badner, Karen Guthrie, Al Burrows, Ruth Miller, Murray Beer, Jenny Pray, Joe and Diane Picciuca, Liz Dusbaba, Dudley Baker, Sally Kildea, Norm Yellowlees, John Lockington, John Hamlin, Susan Schebel, Barbara Fein, Andrea Edelstein, George Fulton, Sharlene Meyer, Jonnet Holladay, Jackie Scott, Verna Trexler, Terry Maguire, Beverly Layton, Lew Gilbert , Ann Barnhill and Cleo and Chuck Zalk.
We couldn't do it without you!!
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