Christmas Boutique
The Beta Sigma Phi service sorority of Bucerias and La Cruz hosts their annual Christmas Boutique on Saturday, December 9, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Lazaro Cardenas 52, in Bucerias.
On sale will be a bountiful assortment of hand-crafted items, baked goods, gourmet homemade frozen meals to take home and eggnog. Christmas carols will be sung.
Proceeds from the boutique benefit the charitable projects of Beta Sigma Phi, including the Bucerias CAM special needs school, Operation Warmth and others.
Library calendars
The Bucerias Children’s Library has begun selling their popular calendars that help finance their operation.
The 2018 edition calendar is available at Gringo’s Book Store, Morelos 7, next to Casa Tranquila; Splash of Glass, Lazaro Cardenas 7, across from La Postal; and Salon Divas, Melchor Ocampo 51.
Always a favorite because of the beautiful Mexican art, the calendar is also bilingual and notes Mexican, U.S. and Canadian holidays.
The price this year remains at 200 pesos.
Library spokesperson Rita Kollock says anything paid over that amount would be appreciated, as the cost to print the calendars has increased.
Kollock can be contacted at (329) 298-1263.
Voluneteers needed
The Amigos de La Cruz Kids Club opened in November, after Carmen Tapia’s return, at Coral 5, near the La Cruz glorieta.
Tapia needs volunteers to assist her with teaching English and playing with the children. Her tentative plan is to work with elementary school children in two shifts, from 10 a.m. to noon, and from 1 to 3 p.m. There are plenty of books, puzzles, games and videos, she says.
“Adults are also asking for lessons in English in the late afternoon or evening, so this program could take off if there are any volunteers,” Tapia says.
She is also seeking someone to help Emma, a blind second-grade student who takes classes in the mornings. There are materials to work with her, Tapia says.
Contact Tapia at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more details.
‘Hospital in Paradise’
The long-awaited opening of the newest and most up-to-date medical complex in the north shore area has finally taken place.
On November 16, CMQ Hospital Riviera Nayarit opened its doors to the public, after more than two years of construction.
It joins Hospital San Javier as one of the two most modern private health-care facilities in the Puerto Vallarta region.
The self-described “Hospital in Paradise” is conveniently located on Highway 200, just south of Bucerias centro at Calle Javier Mina. The developers paid for the reconstruction of the highway intersection to simplify the arrival of patients, visitors and emergency vehicles, rather than wait for federal roadway changes promised in three years.
The hospital features an emergency treatment and ICU area that is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It has 22 private patient rooms, many with views of Banderas Bay, two of which are isolation rooms (double air lock entry) to ensure a safe environment for patients with immunity issues.
A staff of more than 80 doctors, nurses and support personnel will work at the hospital, as well as EMT’s stationed with the CMQ emergency transport ambulance parked there.
While the new hospital boasts the latest high-tech health technology, unfortunately some of the equipment touted in their promotional material is still being made by the manufacturers. This is for use in areas such as the open MRI and the catheter lab. Delivery is expected within six months. The hospital also has a café next to the entrance lobby.
A multi-story building is being constructed across the street to hold 16 doctors’ offices.
For more information, see hospital cmq.com or call (329) 298-0717.
Dental clinic
The Amigos de La Cruz annual free dental clinic for local children is looking for people to provide lunch and refreshments for 20 to 25 clinic staff and volunteers.
This year’s clinic will be held at the Kids Club in La Cruz, Monday to Friday, January 22 to 26.
If volunteers are able to help, contact Amy Welch This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Sailing fun
Get ready for three days of action packed “nothing serious” sailing fun and socializing (on land).
The Banderas Bay Blast runs December 12 and 13 and the Pirates for Pupils Spinnaker Run takes place December 14.
Now in its 10th year, the event is sponsored by Latitude 38, Marina La Cruz, PV Sailing, Punta de Mita Yacht & Surf Club and the Vallarta Yacht Club.
The event starts at the La Cruz Marina around noon on Tuesday, December 12 for a sail around the bay, then back to La Cruz for a poolside BBQ and games. (Water balloons will be involved.)
On day two, sailors head to Punta de Mita and anchor out, then back to shore for a beach party and the opening of the Punta de Mita Yacht & Surf Club. (Watch out for the paddle.)
Sailors dress like pirates on day three and sail downwind to the Vallarta Yacht Club in the Pirates for Pupils Spinnaker Run for charity and then party the night away!
Register online (and don’t forget to tell them your pirate name) at vallartayachtclub.org.
Green thumb alert
Home gardeners, your local plant sources have just increased! You can work your green thumb while helping a couple of different groups.
Andrea Demers-Lynch of Bucerias (contact her on Facebook) is growing licorice, red, spicy globe, Thai, cinnamon and sweet basil, oregano, spearmint, dill, rosemary, lavender and thyme. She also has Purple vinca, sun coleus, lime potato vine, red shield hibiscus and a few other flowers – and cherry tomatoes. Plants are 20 pesos each and all proceeds go to the Campamento Tortuguero Boca de Tomates (the turtle camp).
Linda Carlson, Demers-Lynch’s neighbor in Bucerias, announced that Abuelos de Bucerias A.C. Tercera Edad at La Alegria de Viviro is beginning their seasonal plant sale. There are hundreds of plants at the center ready to go to your garden or patio. Many of them are already in beautiful planters. You will also find many varieties of herbs for cooking. All proceeds go directly to the center.
Times for shopping are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Or contact Carlson for herb sales and availability.