Still coming up
The Night under the Stars Auction takes place Saturday, February 23, 6 to 9:30 p.m. It includes not only the silent auction but a delicious Mexican dinner, as well as live music, folkloric dancers, local talent and children’s performance. Don’t miss out on the fun.
Hit of the season
After weeks of preparation, last Saturday’s sold-out fund-raiser for Second Chance Dog Rescue was by far the number one hit of the season in La Manzanilla!
In excess of 200 people enjoyed a delicious meal, provided by Quinta Valentina’s Restaurant, cold drinks and great music. The Ol’ Country Boys (formerly known as The Tall Boys) made the trip from Ajijic just to perform at this benefit. The dance floor was filled from the very first song to the last, even the wait staff at Quinta’s couldn’t help but join in the foot-stompin’ two-step fun. Valetin Fernandez, operator of Second Chance, was brought to tears at the response of the community to the needs of his rescue center.
Thanks to Scottie Turner, who envisioned this event, and all the volunteers who helped along the way, to the band, and the owners and staff of Quinta’s. A side shout-out of thanks as well to Laura Lynch of the Lab and Karen Taylor of Bending Tree Yoga, who are also working to raise funds for Second Chance Rescue.
Fun Run
At 8 a.m. this past Sunday morning, the streets of La Manzanilla were filled with the sound of hundreds of footsteps! Both large and small, each one signified another step into fun and fitness. La Manz’s 5th annual Family Fun Run was underway!
Coordinated by Activos Gym and sponsored by local businesses, over 180 participants, adults and children joined in this event. Each was given a t-shirt and member’s number. There were no categories assigned, nor would prizes be awarded to 1st, 2nd or 3rd place. This event was not a race or competition. It was solely devoted to fun, family, health and fitness in our community. Each person could choose to complete either 2 km or 5 km. Prizes would be awarded by a raffle tickets received at each km marker along the route thus providing an incentive to complete the 5-km route. This format meant that everyone, adult or child, runner or walker would receive an equal chance at a prize.
Water stations were set up at each of these markers of the 5-km-long course. Volunteers manning these stations handed out water and a raffle ticket to each participant along the way. The person’s number was recorded as well. All participants gathered in the town’s Jardin after completing the course and the raffle was held.
Congratulations to those winners and to Activos Gym and all the sponsors and volunteers who made this day happen! Everyone I spoke with commented on what well organized, super fun event it was, and that just by partaking in it made them all winners. All are looking forward to doing it again next year.
Arrests on the beach
We have a lovely beach here in La Manzanilla that people come from far and wide to enjoy. Lately, however, it has become a hazard to you and your pets’ safety. Young men on motorcycles tend to ignore the “no motorized vehicles allowed” restriction by driving fast and recklessly, certain that there would be no repercussions for their actions. This past Sunday afternoon, four of these young Eviel Kneivels received a rude awakening when they were stopped, handcuffed and taken to the local police station where charges were laid. I have a feeling that the police are going to be the least of their worries, it is going to be mama and papa when they have to come and bail them out.
Meet the artist finale
Friday evening’s art reception featured the works of Scott Mattes, whose primary residence is in Boulder, Colorado, but who spends five to six months enjoying life in nearby Boca de Iguanas. While many people who come to Mexico view their time here to be spent for relaxation and recreation, Scott chooses to dedicate his time to his passion and salvation – his art. His past works include building larger than life sculptures of tropical animals, using jungle vines, seed pods and various other natural materials. Painting has been his focus for the past three years. He incorporates interpretations of Mexico’s precious beaches, mountains, flora and fauna and, of course, man-made structures. He uses a variety of media including specialized inks, pens, pastels, acrylic, oils, corn and torn material. For Scott, each day is exciting. Seeing each individual piece reveal itself provides the gratification and motivation to move to the next body of work. Scott’s work will be on display at the Galeria de Arte in La Manzanilla for the next few weeks.
Recycling pick up
Last Saturday was the start of our newest recycling projects. We now have curbside pickup every Saturday.
This is exciting news here in town. The La Manzanilla Hermosa organizers have been working hard with the municipal government in La Huerta and the citizens of La Manzanilla to have this feature brought to town. Residents, both local and expats, are becoming more aware of the need to cut down on the amount of plastic that inundates our landfills and oceans. It will take a bit of time to find the most efficient routes around the town, so please be patient, and the truck will come to your house.