JBAR UPDATE:  THE NEXT SPAY AND NEUTER CLINIC

Our next clinic will take place in March 18, 19, 20, 21, with a four day break and then again on the 25, 26, 27, 28. 

Eight days in total!!!

We will hold the clinic again at Lacy’s house (#12 Los Flamingos in Zona Residencial, Rincon de Guayabitos) 

as she has the space for both the clinic and accommodation for the medical team.

Help with food during the clinic will be needed:  lunches for all 8 days, water, snacks, and refreshments.  

Hopefully, many of you will be able to volunteer as well!   

So far Bobbi and Brian Emmons, Nancy Milski and Carole and Brian Francoeur have volunteered to provide a 

lunch for one day of the clinic….we need 5 more!  The more food and refreshments provided, the less 

money we need to spend in this area for our valuable volunteers working our clinics; thus, the more money 

we can spend on where it is reallyneeded:  the animals!  Please help out!

Attached is the flyer advertising the clinic.  If possible, please print a few copies and post or hand out in 

the Jaltemba Bay area.

CLINIC NEEDS:

*sterile surgical gloves size 7.5. 8, 8.5 and 9  

*stethoscopes

*digital thermometers

*SUTURE, monocryl and vicryl 3-0 and 2-0

*leashes

*Frontline or Advantage (flea and tick medication)

LACY’S CORNER:  A Week in the Life of a JBAR Animal Rescuer!

February 11th

 Yesterday I had a request to adopt a young dog from a perfect family with a ranch in Canada and a 

home in Guayabitos.  Celia had nothing appropriate so I went to show her the puppies at the bodega.  The man 

taking care of the bodegas has brought in several street dogs including puppies to feed.  The  caretaker loves animals

 and he had the perfect dog for them and wanted it to have a good home.  

The puppies were too small.  I guess only about two and a half weeks old.  I made appointment for them today at 

four o'clock with the vet in Lo de Marcos for rabies and health certificate since they leave Sunday.  Their names are 

Jim and Theresa Riccioti.  Another happy adoption story. 

February 13th

Once of my Mexican neighbors is not here at present and left a dog in the back yard.  His wife's nephew 

from La Colonia has been feeding the dog and trying to doctor the paw but has no money for doctor care. 

I think the paw may be broken and is very infected.  He is going to meet me today at six and I will 

take the dog to the vet. Without immediate care I don't think this animal will live.

MANY THANKS FOR THE FOLLOWING DONATIONS!

Tanya Gylfe, Escondido, AC                                     $  25.00 USD

Residencial Association in support of JBAR            $  1000 pesos

Cary and Kathy Coplea                                            $  1,000 pesos

Jim and Theresa Riccioti                                       $  1,000 pesos

Melina Bartlett and Robert Baumgartner                $  100.00 USD

Valerie Egan’s Birthday                                          $  1,171 pesos

Judy Amos                                                             $  1000 pesos

 Chris and Dee Brown for their donation of leashes

Drs. Jill Sampson, Stacy Jeter and Maureen Thomas for a ton of wonderful meds!!!  WOW, thank you,!  

These medical supplies will be put to good use during our 8 day clinic in March.

FOR ADOPTION

Kiwi is a 4-5 months old female dog ( pointer/mix) rescued from the beach in La Penita.

She is now free of fleas, ticks and worms . We will have her spayed at the clinic in March in Guayabitos. 

She is house trained, cat friendly and a fast learner. She knows how to sit, stay, come, shake a paw 

and follows you like your shadow. If you live in Canada, we can take her back with us at the end of April. 

But she would most likely prefer to catch a ride in a motor home instead of flying in a cage. 

Hopefully, someone can help us find a loving family for this affectionate little girl.

Thanks , Carole and Brian

JUST ADOPTED!! 

“Hi Lin. yes the pups are so cute and energetic and have great personalities. They are a story of angels who looked 

after them as they came to my door 24 hrs old carried in a basket by a neighbour’s children after the puppies’ mom died 

in the night. They had a novice for a foster mom as I had to go on the internet to find a recipe for milk which I could 

feed them. Luckily I found a breeders’ site and everything I needed was there. I fed them with baby 

bottles at first every hour and then more time would pass. 

They are miracles to have come to be such lovely pups and I feel they are meant for great things. 

I know the right owners are out there and they will know who they are and will not be disappointed 

with the big hearts and kisses of these adoring pups. 

Thanks Lin from Arla (substitute mom) 

 I named them Snoopy for his inquisitive nature and Chico after the best dog I know who looks like him.  

The black and white one is very energetic and on they go all the time and the brown one tires easier and 

just lays down and watches the other one. 

They play so well together and are very inquisitive and seem not to have any fear of things.  Both are males.”

Two Healthy Kittens 

RECENT RESCUES

This little fellow had his neck badly burned with

boiling water

He is almost ready for adoption 

This Doberman had his foot hugely swollen, red and infected probably caused by wire.

Recuperating with a broken wing!! 

Many thanks to our Foster Parents:

Bob and Arla Jay

Brian and Carole Francoeur

And of course, Celia!

If you have room in your hearts and your home to foster an animal until it is adopted, please contact me!  

It is a very rich and rewarding experience!  We have, so far, a 100% adoption rate!

Additional Requests!

Donations of bags of dog or cat food are always needed as we continue to feed street animals.

In 2008, approximately 20% of our budget was spent on providing food for homeless animals.

New Clinic Opening in Sayulita:

JBAR is very excited about the Sayulita clinic as we will be able to access their medical centre as well 

for medical certificates, sterilization and vet care year round.  This will save us many trips into 

Puerto Vallarta as Sayulita is only 30 minutes away.  

They need some help.  Please click on the following link.  

Congratulations to Tamara and Sara for getting this up and running!

http://www.sayulitanimals.org/clinic.html

Along with free spaying and neutering for all dogs and cats (a donation requested from those who can afford it!), 

education and awareness, medical care for street/beach animals and help with adoption requirements to fly animals 

back to the U.S. or Canada, they will provide the following services:

 DON’T FORGET TO CLICK ON THESE LINKS!   

http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com

http://hopeanimalnetwork.ning.com/

TO MAKE A DONATION:

Please contact linchimes@hotmail.com

Donations may be made through mail, direct deposit, email money transfer or in person.

 If you wish your name to be placed on our newsletter list, just let me know!

Thanks to all of you for your wonderful support!  

             Sandpipers: Beach Ballet

By Tara Spears

Third installment of seabird articles

When strolling along the Pacific Ocean one can’t help but notice and to be entertained by these manic little shorebirds.   Sandpipers are well known to many beach goers as the quick little birds that run around at the water's edge, picking at the sand and retreating frantically up the beach just beyond the reach of each new breaking wave. Most people see Sanderlings (this bird’s scientific name) only during their migration and during the winter months; in summer, they are on their breeding grounds in the high Arctic, thousands of miles from most of North America's popular beach destinations, including those in the Riviera Nayarit. As with other migratory species, the Sandpipers react to changes in the light, temperature, and food availability that triggers their instinct to migrate. Since these species live above the equator, their flyway (see map) ranges from temperate northern climes in summer to the tropical locales for the winter. It’s fun to realize that these birds that you enjoy while visiting Mexico you may see again in the summer on Canadian shores.

The intriguing Sandpipers are one of a group of similar small shorebirds called "peeps". The smaller species are categorized as ‘sandpiper’ but this well-known group also includes curlews and snipes. These birds form huge mixed flocks on ocean coasts and estuaries in winter. Sandpipers are the small to medium-sized, long-winged and relatively short-billed wading shorebirds.  The majority of the sandpipers eat small invertebrates (such as sand fleas) picked out of the sand or soil. The different lengths of bills enable the different species to feed in the same habitat on the coast, without direct competition for food.  Their bills have sensitive tips which enable them to locate buried prey items, which the sandpiper typically seeks with restless running and probing.

Within the ‘peep’ genus, the Sanderling is obviously larger with a bolder wing stripe. White-Rumped and Baird's Sandpiper are larger than the more common Sandpipers and appear especially longer-winged. The subspecies, Least Sandpiper, is more brown with yellow legs (unless stained by mud), and a slightly curved bill. During most of the year, Sanderlings are quite pale, almost a white and gray, with black legs and bill. (note above photo, right)  When the breeding season approaches, the Sanderling’s plumage changes to attract a mate; the back, head and neck darken.  The Sanderlings are plump but small, weighing approximately 2 ounces, and attaining an adult length of almost 8 inches. The Sanderlings are probably the most numerous shorebirds in the Western hemisphere!

        Juvenille                                                 adult Sanderling

Another frequent dancer on the beach is the Western Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, and the Common Sandpiper- all of which winter over on our coastal area. Regardless of being able to recognize the particular species, these darting little shorebirds make a perfect snapshot to take home. Even better, keeping the little Sandpipers company is a perfect excuse for lolling on the sun drenched beach and enjoying the splendor of the Riviera Nayarit, just savoring the natural wonders of Mexico!

Contact Tara:   tara.sprs@hotmail.com

2009 volunteers modeling original designs that raised $67,337 pesos for local women and children

Mujeres a Mujeres Fashion Show A Dazzling Success

                 By Tara Spears   

A rare cloudy day didnt lessen the enthusiasm of over 300 excited attendees on Tuesday for the 2009 Mujeres a Mujeres Fashion Show held at the San Carlos Hotel.  Besides showcasing the original designs of four Mexican fashion designers, the event initiated a pledge by the Fashion Show Fund to financially support the local Cancer de Mama Breast Prosthesis Program by awarding $10,000 pesos to that organization.   Carol Thacker and Maruca Dinsmore (above) received the first annual donation from Mujeres a Mujeres co-chairs Kate Baron and Debra Triplett (below).

Were very pleased to be able to help worthy individuals and charities in our Nayarit community said Kate. Now that the party is over, the committee will be working diligently to award all of the money raised in a timely manner.   The months of careful preparation that culminate in the dazzling afternoon event couldnt happen without the time and effort of the many volunteers. Kate and Debra extend heartfelt thanks to all who participated!

Accolades go to the following for their contributions: 

Jaltemba Sol magazine, especially editor Dorothy Bell for tech support and photography.

 Ginger Payne, ticket committee;  Val Schrowe, model scheduling/brochure production;

All of the hardworking bartenders; raffle ticket sellers and the beverage ticket tables volunteers;

The event MCs: Jaqui and Bob; singer Giovanni and Robert Curiel; and the food committee: Renee, Janet, Yvonne.

Special thanks to the 20 lovely local ladies that graced the catwalk as models; and the four very talented local designers that created the fabulous ensembles for the fashion show: Cynthia, Gella, Lucy and Ruth.

Designers Cynthia. Gella                                          Lucy                                       Ruth

Go to Fashion Show Pictures Here

Fiesta La Penita  a Resounding Success!

Los Amigos de La Penita held its 2nd Annual Fiesta La Penita benefit on Sunday, February 8, 2009.  The event was hosted by Thomas Bartlett at Hacienda de La Penita, his internationally acclaimed estate.

This benefit event featured a guided house tour, a hosted bar and finger foods, music and dancing.  Entertainment was provided by a number of local performers JaQui, Mimi Flammang, Giovana and the Young Ladies of La Peita (Osiris, Islis and Marisol).  There was also a silent auction of donated art and other valuable items as well as a number of door prizes.

The fundraiser was a huge success.  Roughly 200 people attended and, although final figures are still being calculated, proceeds from ticket sales and the silent auction together amounted to approximately 212,000 pesos.  

We also introduced and sold the first copies of the Los Amigos "Recetas Favoritas" to raise another 4,200 pesos.  Kudos to Mary Alice Ranta for organizing  and editing and to Jeanie Mintzmyer for formatting and producing the final version. 

A number of dignitaries attended the event, including Lic. Hectr Lpez Santiago, Presidente Municipal; Lus Enrique Medina Cuevas, Sindico Municipal; and Lic. Jose Luis Bejar Fonseca.

Our profound thanks to our host, Thomas Bartlett, for his gracious and generous support and for providing the inviting and welcoming ambience of his Hacienda La Penita.  Thomass decision to underwrite the full cost of this event means that all of the monies raised will go to support the work of Los Amigos.

Our thanks also go out to all of the individuals and businesses who donated items to the silent auction or to be used as and door prizes. The list of donors is being compiled and will be available here shortly.  We also owe our gratitude to the businesses who volunteered to serve as tickets outlets Xaltemba Restaurant and Galeria, Hidden Paradise Real Estate, Daniels Backstreet, Bavarian Gardens, Latitude 21 and Doris Chabot - Coldwell Banker La Costa.

A number of media outlets have been  invaluable in helping to promote not only Fiesta La Peita but the other activities that Los Amigos has been involved in over the winter particularly our recycling program, the beach clean-up and the EcoPark.  We would like to take this opportunity to thank Jaltemba Sol, Jaltemba Bay Folk, the Riviera Nayarit Forum, Vallarta Lifestyles, Vallarta Tribune and Vallarta Today for helping us get the word out.

This event would not have been possible without the Los Amigos members and other volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure the event was a success:

• Sydney Richmond, Gail Gafuik, Deborah Drew and Nelson Gothie for organizing and producing an extremely successful silent auction and door prize drawings;

• Ian Richmond for very ably and efficiently managing ticket sales;

• Anne and Dave Easby for working to promote the event;

• Sarah Walker for managing and directing the venue at Hacienda La Peita and Ralph Reichert for serving as the liaison between Sarah and the Planning Committee;

• Bob Gibbs, who did an admirable job as master of ceremonies;

• Roberto Gil de Montes for organizing and arranging for the food service and Eddie Dominquez for lending the support of Xaltemba Restaurant to our event;

• Our volunteer entertainers JaQui, Mimi Flammang, Giovana and the Young Ladies of La Peita -  and Juan Flammang, who made sure we heard them all;

• Bruce Hilton, Lin Chimes, Barbara Higgins and Lupita Cobian who made sure that reception went smoothly;

• Eddie Dominguez and Jeanie Mintzmyer who helped capture the event on film;

• Our docents Agneta Dyck, Helma Stewart, Sara Ferguson, Nora Dixon, Olga Porter, Mary Alice Ranta, Anne Easby, David Hughes, Ralph Reichert, Joyce Vanderstaak, Peter Martin, Bob Tripp, Margarete Arnold, Magie Walker and Tom Plattenberger; and

• The Planning Committee who held it all together Tom Plattenberger, Ben Ussery, Ian and Sydney Richmond, Ralph Reichert and Dave Easby.

And last, but certainly not least, we want to offer our heartfelt thanks to those of you who attended or just made donations and showed your support for Los Amigos.

Muchas, muchas gracias a todas!

Ken Snyder, International President

Zobeida Lozano Barrera, National President

Tom Plattenberger, Chairman, Fundraising Committee

To  see pictures of the event, please go to: the Los Amgos Website (www.losamigosdelapenita.com)

Fiesta La Penita - The Donors to Our Silent Auction

Here is the final list of the individuals and businesses who donated items to be used either in our silent auction or as door prizes at Fiesta La Peita. There are a lot of fundraising events at this time of year and you'll notice that many of these names also appear on the lists from these other events. We would like to acknowledge and thank all of you for your support and generosity.

Lucy Moreno:  Caring Fashion Designer

                                       By Tara Spears

      For those that enjoy casual beach wear, Riviera Nayarit designer, Lucy Moreno, is an excellent choice.  Senora Lucy is well known in the local community for her volunteering and her quality line of clothing for children, men and women.  All of her fashions are 100% prewashed cotton that are perfect for tropical, coastal living.  Even more exciting for the mature customer, Lucy’s boutique carries attractive and stylish ‘plus sizes’ that are difficult to find in Mexico. “I want all of my customers to feel comfortable and look good” said Lucy. The fashions carrying Lucy’s ‘Taya’hu’ label are handmade in La Penita and are her original designs.

Born in Tijuana, Baja California (northern Mexican state,) Lucy’s family moved to Juarez, Chihuahua when she was six.  Since both of her grandmothers taught her to sew, by age eight Lucy was making clothes for her younger sisters.  “I always loved working with my hands” she remembers.  Lucy attended a parochial school where the nuns were always sewing, and they taught her how to crochet and cross stitch, a talent Lucy incorporates into her designs to add textural interest to her fashions.  She also relaxes by creating beautiful cross stitch scenes that are framed and displayed in her home.

Growing up in northern Mexico near the USA border, she began speaking English with friends and later with customers when she began working.  Her grandfather had property in Nayarit so she would vacation in the area.  It was on one vacation that she met and fell in love with her husband, Herbert Ojeda.  After they married when she was 16, Lucy moved to La Penita where her husband worked as a construction engineer. They have four children: Fandor, (33), Zazil, (29) Carlos (21) and Abril (14). While all of the children live in the area, only Abril is still at home and attending secandario.  “All of my family has contributed to the business in some way,” explains Lucy, “My daughters especially.  I’ll be working on a design and one of the girls will say ‘what about?’ and her idea is just what the garment needed! My husband wanted all of the children to have accounting training in order to be qualified for good jobs.  There are so many more opportunities for young people today than when I was growing up.”  

Taya’hu fashions on display in Lucy’s boutique at Punta de Mita #34

Lucy’s lifelong sewing hobby grew into a thriving business nine years ago.  “I believe that when you have a dream, you only need time to make it happen” said Lucy. Her altruistic design philosophy is part of the reason her clothes are in such demand:  “I tell my customers, don’t worry about what other people say is fashionable….. style is what you feel good in and that suits how you live.  Don’t try to dress like you are 18; love being your age and accept your size.  When you feel fresh and feminine and beautiful, that’s fashion.”  Lucy’s shop offers pants sets, blouses, dresses for casual and more elaborate occasions, as well as beach outfits. Her three fulltime employees sew the garments after Lucy has created the pattern and cut them out.

Lucy is proud of her family “I’m very lucky to have very good kids” she says with a smile. She also gets a lot of satisfaction from her 28 years of volunteer service through the local government social agency that helps women and children. “We need more education and training for the ordinary people.  All the local schools should be teaching English in order that the young people can get jobs and stay here.” Following her heart is what has earned Lucy personal respect and success as a fashion designer.

This dedicated mom and volunteer is always creating, even when relaxing:  she plays piano and enjoys doing acrylic paintings.  Lucy hopes to paint full-time after retiring from the fashion business in the future.   A true people person, Lucy loves to entertain and frequently has family and friends over for meals on her days off. 

Previous articles about her fashion label have appeared in airline magazines and on Mexican TV channel 2’s “HOY” program. However, it is the large number of repeat international and local customers that are the best testimonial for Lucy’s beautiful designs. Visit her boutique on Punta de Mita street #34 (about 4 blocks south of La Penita main avenida) . The shop is open every day but Sunday from 9am until 5pm.  Lucy’s designs will be showcased at the February 10 Mujeres a Mujeres Fashion Show to be held in Guayabitos.  Tickets are still available for this luncheon event.

To contact Lucy:   322-274-1219  or email: sirenamoreno@hotmail.com

Employees Coabina and Valentina, above

The Spirit of Mexico: Metal Artisan Fernando Hernandez

   By Tara Spears       

Aficionados of Mexican craftwork have long admired and collected handmade metal objects. There are several metal artists that have studios in the Riviera Nayarit area, including the master craftsman, Fernando Hernandez. His family operated studio produces “Indios Art” that offers outstanding ironwork items for the home.  A third generation ironwork artisan, Fernando (38) works with his 67 year old father who learned the craft from his father. “I started learning how to work with iron when I was eight years old,” said Fernando in perfect English. “I went to a bilingual school and since then I practice speaking English with the foreign customers.”

The family business is based in the charming pueblo of Zacualpan, Nayarit, which is 30 minutes northwest of Las Vargas. (Towards the coastal town of San Blas.)  This town is primarily a farming community that produces tobacco, watermelons, tomatoes, and beans.   More than 2,300 years ago, the reign of the Tecoxquines Indians was centered in present day Zacualpan, perhaps explaining why so many Mexican crafts are still produced there.  This tribe practiced a type of mysticism that was very ritualistic. The historic trail weaves throughout Nayarit with a main  ceremony center called Chacalan, (located in Zacualpan,) where the ancient Coras and Huicholes from the north of the state came to pay tribute to their gods and ask for good harvest and wealth.

“When I was 14, I didn’t want to work in the family business,” said Fernando.  “I went to work in the hotels and tried sales. But by the time I was 19, I realized how much people liked the things my family made, that it is an honor to be a part of such a talented family. I’m very happy to be a part of Indio Art for the last 20 years.”  Fernando works in the iron shop three days and takes the family’s products to various mercados to sell their wares three days a week in Sayalita, La Penita and Zacualpan.  “Our dream is to someday open an exclusive gallery for our work.”

The iron and glass candle holder (right) is one of their most popular folk art items.

Fernando and his four brothers learned to measure, cut, heat, weld, and work the metal on an anvil, as well as how to finish pieces with paint or patina techniques. He said it is his father that designs the style of the ironwork.   Brother Victor, 40, prefers to create lacquered tin art, specializing in metal sculptures and wall hangings. The iron pieces take about 8 hours to create; the tinworks about 30 hours depending on the size.  All of their items are hand finished with a protective paint or lacquer to enhance the appearance of  the metal and to prevent the heavy humidity of this coastal area from marring the metal. The gorgeous finished pieces are a tribute to their Mexican culture.

While the Hernandez family are  metal artisans, many of their pieces incorporate glass and clay.  They have cousins that hand-make the glass in the Mexican tradition. Household glassware was unknown to pre-conquest Mexicans. The first primitive Mexican glassware was produced in Puebla in 1542, consisting of decorative items such as animal figurines and flower vases. Blown glass is typically produced in the colors of blue, yellow, amethyst, green, and red. Since red is obtained through a tricky technique using gold salts, red is the most expensive color. One will notice the thick, textured quality of the glassware that adds visual interest- as opposed to the thinner, more translucent type of factory, mass-produced foreign-made glassware.

 When not working, Fernando likes to spend time with his wife of 12 years, Josepfina, and their three children: Nathan, Moses, and toddler Tanesha.  He also sings and plays guitar with a band. “I am so proud of my children!” says a beaming Fernando. 

The Indios Art is a family business whose Mexican art emphasizes quality and unique design. They are happy to make items to suit the customer’s specifications and they offer quantity pricing on special orders.  These delightful home décor items are a beautiful way to bring the spirit and joy of Mexico into your home!

Contact Fernando:   01-322-225-1350

or stop by the Thursday La Penita market to peruse their handmade crafts.