Food Bank
Sandi Nystrom, an organizer of the John Ozello Memorial Food Bank in Bucerias, wants to give something a little special to the needy people who receive regular despensas (food parcels).
Nystrom is hoping that there are enough people who bake who are willing to make a few extra Christmas “goodies” for the Food Bank to hand out in Bucerias.
Yo Yo Mo’s Pizza and Sports Bar on Av. Mexico has agreed be a drop off location for the items that people are baking.
“I will also pick up any baked goods from you directly,” Nystrom says. “Just send me an email when any baked goods are ready.”
She is requesting that all baking be finished and either dropped off at YoYo Mo’s or picked up by December 16.
Food Bank volunteers will be distributing cookies and despensas just after December 18.
Nystrom hopes to have enough baked goods to hand out to 295 people.
They will also have what she calls a “Santa satellite crew” of volunteers to sort the baked goods into individual packages, as well as taking part in a group baking/packaging day at Yo Yo Mo’s on December 17.
Nystrom thanks Glenn Newell and Tanya Newkirk for allowing the food bank to use their ovens and space.
Anyone who would like to join in the project should email her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more details.
Local healthcare
Everyone is invited to attend a health information session at the Vallarta Yacht Club on Wednesday, December 10, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., presented by Pamela Thompson, of Healthcare Resources PV.
Thompson says she will give out a wide range of general healthcare information, including the availability of services specifically in the Banderas Bay area. Areas she will cover include:
- How to access physician information, how to find a physician, how they work, costs and qualifications.
- Hospital information, what hospitals exist, services available and how hospitals work.
- Insurance information, the various kinds, options and how it works in Mexico.
- End- of-life, what is involved when a U.S. or Canadian citizen passes away in Mexico and a variety of helpful miscellaneous tidbits, followed by time for questions and answers.
The Yacht Club is located between Paradise Village and the Sunset Market in Nuevo Vallarta. Everyone is invited to bring friends and stay for lunch at special member prices.
Paddle Championship
After months of speculation, it has been confirmed that the 2015 ISA World Stand Up Paddle and Paddleboard Championship will be held in Sayulita, from May 10 to 17.
The ISA World Championship is a special event, drawing more than two dozen nations from around the world for a week of paddling and festivities.
The event is basically a mini-Olympics, which is no coincidence given the International Surfing Association’s mission is to get the sport of stand-up paddling (as well as surfing) into the Olympic Games.
Mexico had been touted as a host for the 2015 event for a long time.
For more information go to www.supracer.com/isa-stand-up-paddle-world-championships-mexico-2015.
Posada
The public is invited to the Manos de Amor children’s shelter posada at Los Arroyos Verde, just outside of Bucerias, on Friday, December 12, from 4 to 8 p.m.
All those attending are asked to bring a food donation for the children to take home, such as canned goods, rice, beans, oil, pastas and cereal. Many of the children spend time with their families during the holidays and food is always needed.
The cost of the posada is 50 pesos for tacos and fruit water. There will be piñatas and games, a traditional Mexican posada.
Bottle Christmas Tree
The 2nd annual Recycled Plastic Bottle Christmas Tree exhibit will take place from December 22 to 31, along Avenida Lazaro Cardenas in Bucerias.
Floydilou Kerr, owner of Bucerias Art Gallery and Studio, is again organizing the show in a bid to boost the Christmas spirit and the coffers of local charities.
Kerr wants Individuals, non-profit organizations, businesses, church groups and artists “to gather up a team and make the most memorable Recycled Plastic Bottle Tree.”
Kerr suggests that interested participants ask a business to “host” a tree.
Kerr offers reasons to participate:
1. The more trees exhibited means more visitors, boosting the local economy.
2. It’s an opportunity for charities and non-profits to raise money, placing a donation box at the tree with a description of the charity.
3. Raises awareness of the amount of plastic bottles we use.
4. It encourages creativity.
5. Business owners can utilize this as a marketing and promotional tool.
6. It can garner international attention from sharing on social media.
7. Most importantly, it builds community Christmas spirit.
“Get creative,” she says. “For example, a business on the other side of the arroyo might like to exhibit a tree for exposure, including take-away promotional discount cards attached to the tree, real estate offices wanting walk in traffic, restaurants wanting more customers during off hours, boutiques wishing for higher sales … the ideas are endless.”
Contact Kerr at Bucerias Art Gallery and Studio to add your tree to her list, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .