12/15/06
Association News
Update: December Special Meeting: Association Members did not appoint a new Treasurer. If you are interested in the position, please contact the Board. Members unanimously voted to increase the monthly dues for 2007 and to give Rogino the grounds person a raise. For a complete recap of this month's meeting, see minutes from Secretary Brenda Bitkoff.
2007 Association Dues: Dues are now "due" for 2007. If you have not already paid, please contact Sue Moss or Allyson Williams as soon as possible.
Deadline: 2007 Association Phone Directory: If you are a new member, or if you are a current member with changes to your personal information, please pick up a Member Information Form from Allyson Williams (Golondrinas #18). All members are encouraged to include a US or Canadian phone number so you can be contacted in case of emergency. If you are not planning to be in Guayabitos before the deadline, please contact Allyson via email at MexicanaAlly@att.net. Information must be submitted no later than December 20 to be included. The new directory will be emailed to members in mid-January.
*Note: Members, if you have phone numbers and/or addresses of hospitals, clinics, doctors, dentists, vets, pharmacy or any other medical-related services, please email me with the information as soon as possible so I can include it. I need your help to make this directory complete!
Hot off the Press; Guayabitos News goes Bi-Monthly: Association Members asked for more news, and they shall receive it (don't get me wrong, it's not like I didn't have enough to do). You can now get Association and other local news emailed directly to your computer twice a month.
January Association Meeting: Please plan to attend the next Association Meeting on Tuesday, January 9 at 10am at the home of Jerry & Shirley Vinyard (Flamingos #51). The Vinyards have graciously offered to host this meeting, as well as upcoming monthly meetings. They have an adequate supply of chairs and will provide coffee and water. Members are encouraged to bring goodies to share.
Association Board & Committee Contacts: If you have questions, want additional information or would like to join the Association, please contact:
President: Fred Chace (327) 274-0401
Vice President: Lourdes Robles Gonzales (311) 212-1010
Treasurer: Sue Moss (327) 274-2540
Secretary: Brenda Bitkoff (327) 274-2265
If you have an issue with, or comments and suggestions about, the cleanliness of the streets, signage, parking and buses, crime and vandalism, illegal cutting of trees or killing of iguanas or armadillos, please contact:
Street Maintenance: Harry Burnett (327) 274-0335
Vigilance: Salome Quintanilla (327) 274-0784
Local Events & Holidays
Mark your calendar for these upcoming events, holidays and fiestas. If you have information about upcoming or ongoing events, please let me know so I can include them.
Dec. 16-24: Las Posadas (Pre-Christmas Week & Festivities)
Sun. Dec. 17: Oaxaca Rug Artisans Coming to San Pancho: Due to civil strife, artisans are being forced out of Oaxaca to sell their wares. Raul, a rug artisan from Oaxaca, belongs to a cooperative of 20 young artisans who are striving to maintain the Zapotec language and ancient dye techniques for rugs which were passed down from their ancestors, using fruit, plants and insects as natural dyes. Raul has agreed to bring a group of these young artisans from Oaxaca to San Pancho. They will demonstrate dying, carding and weaving of the rugs using methods carried down from their ancestors at 11am in the plaza across from the Catholic Church in the town of San Pancho. A wide selection of rugs will be for sale and they will also take orders for custom made rugs. While some artisans from Oaxaca are now using synthetic dyes this cooperative is dedicated to maintaining the tradition of using natural dyes. Information: Linda Gibbs, San Pancho
Sun. Dec. 17, 24 and 31: Artistic Tianguis in La Peñita: A select group of artists and craftsman from around Mexico will show their work including jewelry, paintings, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, clothing, hammocks from the Yucatan, wooden masks, ironwood carvings and Huichol Indian artwork. There will be live music, traditional folk dancing, food and drinks. When: 9am-5pm. Where: the old basketball court in La Peñita (La Cancha).
Dec. 21-25: Dance, Pilates & Yoga Classes: Lillian Rose Bitkoff is a Juilliard graduate, professional dancer, choreographer and instructor. She will be offering classes in dance, pilates and yoga. If you are interested, please call (327) 274-2265. The time and place will be determined.
Fri. Dec. 22: Oaxacan Rug Exhibition & Demonstration in Guayabitos: Nina Steffens & Bob Brock will host an exhibition and sale of Oaxacan rugs. Raul & Eloy, who represent the weaver's cooperative in Teotitlan del Valle, are presently staying at our house and selling the rugs in the local beach towns. Raul's daughter, who speaks English, will be here for the exhibition and will demonstrate the carding and spinning of the wool, and show how the natural dyes are made and the plants and insects the dyes are made from. Due to the political unrest in Oaxaca, and subsequent lack of tourism, the weavers are having a difficult time making their living. This is an excellent opportunity to buy a truly unique handmade rug and help support these people who are striving to maintain an ancient tradition and culture. Information: Nina Steffens. When: 2-5pm. Where: Av. Flamingos #36, Guayabitos (on the estero).
Sun. Dec. 24: Annual Christmas Party for the Kids: The Posada parade will start in front of Los Cocos Hotel around 5pm, and will end at the plaza in Guayabitos. There will be tamales and pastries. Everyone is invited to come and watch.
*Reminder: donations of candy, fruit and toys for children up to 12-years-old are needed to fill the gift bags. Please be generous this year, and bring your donations to Harry & Geanie Burnett (Flamingos #3, Guayabitos) no later than December 23 so they have time to sort all the items by age groups. Over 500 children benefited from last year's event.
Mon. Dec. 25: Navidad (Christmas Day)
Thurs. Dec. 28: Día de los Santos Inocentes (Day of the Innocents)
Mon. Dec. 31: New Year's Eve
Mon. Jan. 1: Año Nuevo (New Year's Day)
Sat. Jan. 6: Día de los Santos Reyes (Three Kings' Day)
Wed. Jan. 17: Día de San Antonio de Abad (Feast of San Antonio Abad)
Fri. Feb. 2: Groundhog Day / Día de la Candelaria (Candelmas Day)
Mon. Feb. 5: Día de la Constitución (Constitution Day)
Wed. Feb. 14: Día del Amor y la Amistad (Valentine's Day)
Feb. 15-20: Carnaval (Carnival)
Feb. date to be announced: 9th Annual Horseshoe Tournament: Start practicing now and watch for details in upcoming issues.
Tuesdays through April 17: Malecon Sculpture Guided Walking Tour in Puerto Vallarta: Galeria Pacifico owner Gary Thompson leads this informative tour in which you can learn more about the beautiful sculptures that grace Puerto Vallarta's Malecon. The tour starts at the "Millennium" sculpture by Hotel Rosita at 9:30am; and ends at Galeria Pacifico with refreshments. For more information, please call (322) 222-1982.
Thursdays: Tianguis in La Peñita: This is the place to be and be seen on Thursdays... and to shop for silver jewelry, pottery, linens, talavera plates and sinks, glassware, Huichol Indian artwork, dried chiles, fresh fruits and veggies, and just about anything else you might need. When: 8am-1pm or so. Where: Held around the plaza in La Peñita and on Bahia de Manzanillo.
Sundays: Golf in El Monteon: Head to the Campo de Ensueño (Field of Dreams) golf course to play a round or two. Sundays are for men, women, couples or singles, and they draw for partners. Newcomers are welcome. No reservations are needed, just be there before 10am. This 9-hole, par 3 course is located on Hwy. 200 at km 102, just 5 minutes south of Guayabitos. When: Every Sunday at 10am. Cost: $180 pesos for 18-holes.
Ally's Inside Scoop
on where to eat, drink, shop & play
Okay kids, here's the deal. Coming from the restaurant biz back in Minnesota, and being that one of my favorite past-times is shopping, I decided to add this section. Each month I will do my best to feature the newest restaurants and stores in town, as well as to remind you about a few you may have forgotten about. Plus, I'll give you my top picks for what to do in and around town. Now go on, give 'em a try.
+ Not New, but Certainly Noteworthy
Piña Loca: This cute little restaurant is one of my all-time favorites. It is almost always busy (which should be your first clue that they have great food); and to top it off, you'll also get good service from both Fabian and Susana. Mercedes, the owner, offers a huge menu filled with traditional Mexican items like pozole, tostadas, enchiladas, sopes, burritos and tacos, in addition to several fish, shrimp, beef and pork dishes. A few of our favorites are the shrimp fajita served in a molcajete (lava bowl), veracruz-style fish fillet, octopus in garlic, coconut shrimp with mango salsa and tortilla soup. Most specials come with one national drink and dessert. Hours: 11am-8pm daily. Happy Hour: 4-6pm. Live Music: Nightly except Saurday. Address: Ret. Tabachines, Guayabitos.
Helados Michoacan: Ramón has been making and serving homemade ice cream, ice cream bars and fruit bars for as long as I have been coming here (that's over 14 years). He uses fresh fruit, nuts, vanilla and other tropical ingredients. David and I stop by almost daily to get one of his refreshing and tasty limon bars. The piña y coco (pineapple and coconut) ice cream is amazing; and if you're feeling a bit daring, try the piña con chile fruit bar (with chunks of pineapple and dried red chile flakes, it's a perfect sweet and spicy treat). His daughter Ruby runs their store in Guayabitos. While she has a much smaller inventory, she usually carries most of the same items. La Peñita: 9am-9pm. Address: Corner of La Avenida and Bahia de Banderas / Guayabitos: 9am-9pm. Address: Av. Sol Nuevo across from Equinox Disco and the internet cafe.
+ Other Good Stuff
Massage by Leticia: If you are in need of a good massage, and I can only assume that most of your are, pick up the phone and call Leticia. She will give you a 60- or 90-minute massage in the privacy of your own home. She offers a competitive price for the area (only $250 and $350 pesos respectively), owns her own table and does a wonderful job. On the weekends, she attends classes at the Technical University in Nuevo Vallarta and will graduate as a certified massage therapist in April. Be sure to let her know if she needs to provide towels, if you want her to use insence, and how strong or weak you like your massage. Oh, and just FYI, every Friday from 10-11:30am is already reserved by me. Hours: 10am-1:30pm and 4-6pm; Monday to Friday. Cell: (322) 138-3395.
Events and specials the restauranteurs and musicians in town want you to know about. This section is updated often.
Hinde y Jaime's
Av. Emiliano Zapata, La Peñita
Open 8am-9pm or 10pm, closed Sunday
Christmas Eve Dinner (Dec. 24): New York steak dinner, 2 drinks and Mexican music. When: 6-10pm. Cost: $150 pesos / New Year's Eve (Dec. 31): Buffet dinner with chicken, pork, turkey, shrimp skewers, potatoes and gravy, flan and live music. When: 8pm. Tickets: $300 pesos.
JáQui & The Pérez Brothers
English and spanish songs, romantic, country and rock & roll
Thursdays: Vista Guayabitos / Dec. 23: El Tiburon 7pm-1am / Dec. 31: El Tiburon (time to be announced).
Mateja's Bar & Grill
On the Beach, Guayabitos
(322) 131-0043 *new number
Open 11am-9pmish, closed Monday
Daily Specials: Happy Hour: 2-4pm daily; Tues: Beef or Chicken Quesadilla for $35 pesos all day. Wed: Rib Night 4-7pm for $60 pesos; Music by Eric Nice. Thurs: Grande Margaritas for $25 pesos all day. Fri: Peel and Eat Shrimp $2 1/2 pesos each. Sat: Black Angus NY Steak for $120 pesos; Music by Eric Nice. Sun: Chicken Teriyaki or Chicken Parmesan for $65 pesos all day / Group Reservations: If you are heading to Mateja's for dinner after 7pm, please call ahead to make sure the kitchen is still open to avoid disappointment. Mateja encourages all parties of 8 or more to make a reservation. If you do so, she will offer her famous rib dinner to the entire party at Wednesday's price (so why not eat ribs on Tuesday?). Don't forget, ribs need to be pre-ordered / New Year's Eve (Dec. 31): Choice of BBQ steak, BBQ ribs or chicken dinner, plus homemade mango apple crisp, 1 national drink, appetizers (cold tray, guacamole, shrimp, deviled eggs, etc.). When: Doors open at 6pm (closed during the day). Tickets: 250 pesos. Please call her new cell phone at (322) 131-0043 to make reservations or to buy tickets.
La Mesa Loca
Av. Sol Nuevo at Hotel Peñamar, Guayabitos
(327) 274-0225
Open noon-10pm, closed Wednesday
Happy Hour: 1-3:30pm daily / Live Romantic Music: 6:30-9:30pm Fri-Sun / Television: Full NFL, NBA and NHL package / Christmas Dinner (Dec. 25): Turkey with all the fixins and dessert. When: 4pm. Tickets: $150 pesos.
Piña Loca
Ret. Tabachines, Guayabitos
Open 8am-10pm daily
Live Music: "Miguel Angel:" Mon, Fri & Sun 6-9pm; "Orlando:" Tues 7-9pm; "Roberto Curiel:" Wed-Thurs 7-9pm / Christmas Eve Dinner: Regular menu and music by Miguel Angel / New Year's Eve: Information to come.
Ricardo's Italian
Hwy. 200 (near entrance to Los Ayala), Guayabitos
(327) 274-1101
Open noon-9pm, closed Tuesday
Pizza Delivery: call to have his fabulous New York style pizzas delivered to your door / Christmas & New Year's Eve: Open regular business hours and normal menu.
El Tiburon
On the Beach, Guayabitos
(327) 274-0642 or (322) 136-8465
Open 11am-11pm Mon-Thurs, Open until 1am Fri-Sun
Grand Opening Christmas Party (Dec. 23): Buffet dinner with leg of pork, Mexican-style chicken and steak stew, roast turkey, salad, green beans, mashed potatoes and flan. Music by JáQui & The Pérez Brothers. When: 7pm-1am. Tickets: $200 pesos.
Toñita I
On the Beach, Guayabitos
Open 8am-9pm daily
Christmas Dinner (Dec. 25): Turkey dinner and karaoke music. When: 5-9pm. Tickets: $150 pesos.
Toñita II
Av. Sol Nuevo (next to Hotel Peñamar), Guayabitos
Open 8am-8pm daily
Christmas Dinner (Dec. 25): Turkey dinner and live music. When: 5pm. Tickets: $150 pesos.
Villanueva
On the Beach, Guayabitos
Open 11am-8pm, closed Tuesday
Happy Hour: 4-6pm daily / New Year's Eve (Dec. 31): Mexican dinner buffet with turkey, BBQ ribs, shrimp scampi and more, plus dessert, open bar and live music. When: 8pm. Tickets: $250 pesos.
For Your Information
New Newspaper In Town: It seems that I have some competition these days (and oh, how I love a good challenge!). Bill & Dorothy Bell from the La Peñita Trailer Park have started The Jaltemba Express, an almost daily online newspaper. If you haven't already discovered it, click on the link to the right to receive your daily copy. Don't fret my Association friends, you will not find me slacking off, but rather working even harder to bring you an interesting bi-monthly edition chock-full of the latest local news. Between the two of us, we should certainly have what's going on in our neighborhood covered.
Adoptable Friends: Christmas is just around the corner, and a dog would make a great gift. These three dogs are spayed or neutered and are in need of a good home. Left: female, 4-years-old, loves walks on the beach, long siestas and companionship; contact: tylerhenshaw@hotmail.com. Middle: male looking for low-energy gringo, doesn't shed, does his "business" on cue and loves long siestas; contact: valleydog@msn.com. Right: Flaca the dalmation is less than a year old, loving and is learning hand signals. She needs a home before Dec. 20; contact: walkersj_03@hotmail.com. Information & photos: Lin Chimes, Los Ayala
Dog Found: A small female Fox Terrier named Roxy Ann (no photo) was found wandering through town. Her tag indicates that she is from Rockport, Texas. She is no more than a year old. If you know how to contact her owner, please email bcfranco@shaw.ca.
Turtle Release: Thank you to everyone who participated in the turtle liberations this week, and to those who made generous donations to the turtle camps to support the continued protection of these magnificent creatures. We just received a shipment of turtle t-shirts for both adult and kids. They are for sale for $100 pesos. Contact Allyson Williams. See photos at top of page.
Want Ads
For Sale: Twin Box Springs: Two Selther twin box springs purchased from Sam's Club. Both unused and wrapped. Contact Lee & Tina Krause (Flamingos #57, Guayabitos) at (327) 274-3203.
Equipale Furniture: If anyone is interested in ordering equipale (Mexican pigskin) furniture, please contact Allyson Williams. I hope to have individual piece pricing by next week, and to place an order after New Year's.
Newsletter Submissions
Please submit information, photos, comments and suggestions to:
Allyson Williams
email: MexicanaAlly@att.net
phone: (327) 274-1150
address: Golondrinas #18, Rincón de Guayabitos
