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IFC February 2004 Page 1 | |
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FROM THE PRESIDENT Welcome to 2004--a new beginning for all and the possibility of more projects for the IFC. With the last vestiges of the 2003-2004 holiday season here in Mexico with the celebration of the Day of the Kings, we will now proceed to some new adventures, while still, of course, not forgetting our many other commitments. Thank you all who participated in the January 6 toy distribution. It was a well-organized drive by Jerry and Ann Lafferty and the Navy League, Kelly Trainor, US Consul Agent, supported by the Marriott organization and employees, the personnel of the local Mexican Navy and the IFC. The reward to all was seeing the gratitude, joy and smiles of the youngsters and the enthusiastic "gracias" from these lovely children. Thank you to all who participated no matter in what capacity--the result was stupendous. We will all do it again next year and will strive to surpass this season's goal. Our General Meeting this week, Tuesday, the 13th, including a pot luck, was well attended. Ted Will, Facility Chair, is always on deck early, and by 6 PM, anticipating an impending dark clouded sky, set up the tables and chairs in the clubhouse meeting room, which lent itself to much camaraderie. We were also privileged to have as our speaker our member, Luigi Corsi, retired from the diplomatic service in Italy, who enjoyed sharing some of his experiences and humorous anecdotes with us. It was fun, Luigi; please favor us with more of the same in the near future. The time of year has arrived when we pick a Nominating Committee to select a slate for the forthcoming March election of officers. The committee is comprised of the following five members: Gila Badner, Sharon Eggers, Dale Hansen, Bud Palmer and Leon Rolnick. They will be busy for the next several weeks. Cheri Sibley, a local author, also introduced us to her recently-published book, which is a how-to-do-it right, where of interest to go, how and where to find what you need, helpful Spanish words and expressions, and many other minutiae that a tourist or new resident will find helpful. The book is available at the clubhouse and if you buy it through the IFC, we will receive a nice percentage of the purchase price. We wish you much success with your book, Cheri and thank you for bringing it to our attention. We are now into the fourth month of our high season here in this supreme city by the sea, and it's hard to imagine anyone saying they are bored. Activities abound for those who admit they can't spend all of their time on the beach. Therefore, to remind you, there is always the need for hands-on assistance in on-going programs such as our Medical Program chaired by Patricia Mendez. |
Make an inquiry of her to see how you might contribute even a brief period of time on one of her projects. She'll appreciate hearing from you (her telephone is 044-322-728-7519 or 01-329-298-1767; email: casatranquila@prodigy.net.mx) Coming up on Tuesday, February 3 at 7:00 PM is Patricia's annual CLEFT PALATE INFORME. She will introduce you to the dedicated doctors, nurses and hospital personnel who devote themselves to this program. You will also meet some of the beautiful patients and their families. Please do join with us to show all of them our appreciation and thanks for the marvelous work that they do. (Bring some munchies or sweets with you to make the occasion also festive. If any questions, you can contact Valeska at the clubhouse--222-5466.) Our Community Services Chair, Susan Davalos, can also use some helping hands. Do contact her and see how you might assist her; she might only need some help occasionally, but will be thankful to hear from you. Contact her at 281-0311; email: susandavalosrn@hotmail.com. Another pending matter of interest is our Fund Raising Committee. There are those of you out there who are loaded with ideas from experience with groups outside of Mexico and can possibly formulate new ways to raise funds for the IFC. The more funds we have, the more our giving can expand. To date we have the following members who have offered to proceed in getting together for a "think tank" session, namely--Barbara Bornstein, Nancy Bowen, Jacqueline Bowering, Tony Harrington, Cristina Juhas, and Barry and Pattie Shaw. Others will also be hearing from us. We'll get together shortly. (We're open for all suggestions.) Our new Education Chair, Mel Bornstein, has also been busy and also he may be calling for some assistance. You'd be surprised at some of the interesting places he visits. We will also let you know when we plan a visit to the day-care center for handicapped children, La Estancia, (not supported by DIF) and the RISE orphanage--a day or two that will make a lasting impression you. We'll inform everyone after we've picked a date. Our main sauce of funds is our Home Tours--each Wednesday and Thursday through April 29. Tickets are purchased at Hotel Posada Rio Cuale (Aquiles Serdan #242) beginning at 10 AM the morning of each tour. The 2 1/2 hour tour begins at 11 AM. Remind your family and friends--they'll be invited inside some of the most beautiful and memorable homes in PV. (If any of you have a home you'd like to offer for the tour, please contact Susan Austin at 223-2794 [email: susanaustin@qwest.net]). I am confident that our IFC organization will achieve its 2003-2004 goals. You willing members who devote your time and energy to make good things happen should be very proud of what you do. Through such efforts on your part we'll reap the added funds needed to be able to expand our programs for the benefit of the less fortunate here in Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding area. Thank you all for caring so much.
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