E-mail:  yvonneal@pvnet.com.mx

The fall season is about to start and I want to say that we are waiting to welcome you back to Puerto Vallarta and the Club.  We need all of you to chip in and assist in some way, no matter how minor it might seem, but helping hands are required to achieve and maintain the goals we have established over our organization's years of existence.  The community is awaiting our help.

The summer months have produced a mix of activities even though it might seem to some that we automatically close down - far from it.  Here's what has been happening during this period:

--Firstly, our Treasurer, Al Badner, was very disturbed about the high fees we were being charged by our accountant (a "CPA") who had been maintaining our books for our charitable status, as required by the government.  I took it upon myself to look into this matter and determined after interviewing him and another CPA that his charges were indeed excessive.  We have now contracted with another highly qualified accountant for a fixed 12-month fee resulting in a savings of 50 percent.  Thank you Al Badner for your scrutiny.

--Our dedicated Medical Program chairpersons--Patricia Mendez and Joann Quickstad--carry on this vital program throughout the year.  And, besides the usual routine and ongoing problems that do surface at any time, they followed through with their usual cleft palate procedure, a quarterly undertaking.  We sincerely thank them for their continued dedication to the difficult task they have assumed.  When they call for help, please respond.

--Another dedicated member, Jimmie Ellis, has been very generous with his time (what he squeezes in between his other many duties for other charities) to follow through with those school repairs that come to our attention.  He visits the various sites and determines what needs to be accomplished and then proceeds to arrange for materials and labor to complete a project (see his comments on his latest "adventures").  He has asked for a replacement for this Education Chair and we hope to find a member this year who will be willing to take over.  In the meantime, Jimmie, thank you for your support; you truly are an honorable gentleman.

--Americans celebrate their Independence Day each year on July 4.  Our Consular Agent here, Kelly Trainor, annually puts together an event for recognition of this day.  This year she arranged for the event to take place at the Collage, utilizing the grounds in front of the building (for a children's balloon play area) and the street to the north (closed off for food booths).  The interior was set up with a bar (manned by the Navy League) and other booths from various charity groups.  Included in the activities were professional entertainers who performed continuously in the Collage theatre throughout the day.  

--The IFC's Annual Bazaar:  Unless one or more of you come forth to assume the responsibility for it, there will be no Bazaar, as we've known it, come February 2004.  The procedure is simple, it's even in writing in our archives, but it takes dedication and determination to bring this event to fruition.

To offset the possible demise of this huge event, however, Irma Willis has voiced an interest in utilizing the clubhouse to conduct a monthly or bi-monthly mini-bazaar.  She came forth with this great idea, which could generate added funds for our charitable endeavors.  Let's get behind her enmasse and start contributing ideas and ways and means to achieve such an ongoing event.  This should be a lot of fun.  You can contact Irma by telephone (222-3298) or email (iirmawillis@aol.com).  Let's get started.

--A "hearing technician" from Guadalajara has offered his services (hearing test, plus custom-fitted hearing aids) at a discounted price to our members.  He has worked with a like group in Ajjijic (Lake Chapala).  For those with a hearing problem this might be the opportunity for you to solve it in a simple way.  This gentleman will also do pro bono work for our Patrocinio Program.

--The Community Service Program continues under the direction and guidance of another devoted member, Susan Davalos, who is also a nurse.  She has taken the reigns of this special project which involves a hands-on investigation of any family seeking our financial aid, and her follow through to the end of whatever arrangements and procedures are involved to bring all to fruition.   She, also, has not been idle during these summer months.  Thank you, Susan, for all that you do.

--9/11 MEMORIAL SERVICE:  Our esteemed American Consul Agent, Kelly Trainor, held a memorial service for all those who died in this tragic episode in the history of the United States--many from other parts of the world, including 15 Mexican nationals--and in sympathy for all grieving families.  This was held at the Marriott Hotel.  It was well attended and the IFC was well represented.

HOME TOUR STARTUP:  Susan Austin has scheduled the startup for Wednesday and Thursday, November 19 and 20.  NOTE THE NEW LOCATION:  HOTEL POSADA RIO QUALE (walk past the entrance gate of the Hotel Molina de Agua to the corner (Aquiles Serdan & Ignacio Lopez Vallarta).  Hotel Posada is across the street at 242 Aquiles Serdan.  Tour buses will be parked in front.  Posters will be available for distribution by members at our first General Meeting, Tuesday, November 11.  This is the most vital program we have and all of you should be able to distribute a few posters.  We need you for this simple task, and know you'll accomplish what has to be done.  TOUR SCHEDULE:  Wed. Nov. 19, 2003 thru Thurs. April 29, 2004.

GENERAL MEETING--TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11.  POT LUCK--Doors open at 6:00 PM.  (The IFC Board will meet Monday, November 10 at 10:00 AM.  Members are welcome.)