We know that another year has gone by when the IFC publishes its’ first newsletter in the fall. I trust everyone has had a good summer despite all the troubles going on in the world. Soon everyone will be back in PV enjoying the sunshine and beaches and of course working on IFC projects and programs.

The good works of the IFC continued on throughout the summer thanks to Kirsten Reinking, Patricia Mendez, Joann Quickstad and I am sure others who work silently behind the scenes. The IFC was able to provide the committed monthly funding of all our supported programs as well as special needs through our Patrocinio and Emergency Medical programs.

Thanks to Kirsten, I received by email, twice monthly reports of our checks issued and the odd deposit and was able to keep our accounts up to date. All our costs and program spending is well within our budget and our treasury is comfortably funded.

As of our fiscal year June 1, 2003 to September 15^th 2003 we have taken in:

We still have a comfortable bank balance as budgeted to take us to the time in December when our revenues from Home Tours and Cookbook Sales come on stream.

We have always had great pride in what the Club has accomplished over the years as a result of the mind-set of its members. We have to thank those before us who initiated programs to provide assistance for the deprived in our area, as well as you members who are still manning the posts that keep these projects afloat.

To continue to maintain the impetus of our work requires monetary support.  We need to add to our coffers.

You business professionals, business retirees, perhaps can suggest some additional means of increasing our incoming funds.  What might you have in mind; be positive in your approach--whatever suggestion is made can be explored.  No one has to promote or proceed alone.  Voice your thoughts at our meetings.  We need to hear from you.

Please keep in mind, too, that the Clubhouse is available for rental use by outsiders.  See Kirsten Reining for details (tel:  222-5466 or email:  ifcpv@prodigy.net.mx).

Our social director, Marian Hansen, will also be open for suggestions and preferences for activities you would like to see set up at the Clubhouse, or outside.  She'd be pleased to hear from you and can be reached at tel: 209-0592 or email:  dalehandsome@yahoo.com.

We will begin our membership campaign at the General Meeting November 11 for the calendar year January 2004-2005.  Please be sure to give us any changes in your address status in PV or elsewhere, plus any telephone or email changes.  Also the months you plan to be in PV.

Since our last NEWSLETTER we are very pleased to be able to announce the addition of several new members.  We welcome you all and sincerely hope we will have the privilege of meeting you soon.  Maybe some of you are neighbors of other of our members. 

Thank you for your interest in what we do and stand for; we need the added strength you can give us.  Also thank you member recruiters.

Now let us together see what we can develop for the good and expansion of what we as the International Friendship Club of Puerto Vallarta do best--help others and expand our horizons.

With that I leave you and pass on these words by Johann Wofgang von Goethe:

   "Each indecision brings its own delays and days are lost lamenting over lost days.  WHAT YOU CAN DO OR THINK YOU CAN DO, BEGIN IT!  For boldness has magic, power, and genius in it."

And

     "Success stops when you do."

The gears are in drive and the runway is open for a season of activities.  The incoming traffic flow to Puerto Vallarta by air, bus and automobile increases in the month of October.  The path to the Clubhouse gate is open and we're waiting to receive members and visitors.