Well, I’ve been promoted. To President!
Last week, new officers and the executive board were elected at the International Friendship Club’s annual general meeting. Like me, most of those elected have previously served this all-volunteer charitable organization in some capacity.
We are excited to have Tricia Lyman of the wildly popular Facebook group, ‘Puerto Vallarta: Everything You Need Or Want to Know,’ as a new at-large board member. Sydney Clark, our former President, will become a member at large. We are looking forward to continuing to support select Vallarta educational and social services charities.
The IFC happy hours resumed last week at the IFC Clubhouse. Fred was back at the bar,
serving his signature margaritas, among other delicious beverages and popcorn. I chatted with many of the 50 or so attending and found much happiness over the return of this joyful way to make new friends and connect with the old. Please join us on Fridays at 5:00 PM at the Clubhouse at Insurgentes and Guerrero/Libertad. Upstairs.
Our trendy Mexican history classes also resumed, taught by Dan Grippo, Ph.D., to a sold out crowd. This season’s theme is borderland rebels, whose efforts influenced the commencement of the Mexican Revolution in 1910. These weekly classes can be joined at any point. Tickets are available here.
We also had our first Dine Around of the season at Trio Restaurant. A group of about 20 enjoyed a lovely evening out among old friends and new ones. The service was excellent, the food delicious, the conversation warm. We hope the same for our next Dine Around. Stay tuned.
These are posted on the IFC website the Sunday before the Friday Dine Around.
Each year, the IFC conducts the Dia de la Amistad/Valentine’s Day 50/50 Raffle fundraiser to benefit the 20-some charities supported by the IFC. This year, the IFC’s goal is to raise 120,000 pesos, distributed to local charities that rely on the IFC for support.
Two weeks remain to reach this important goal. With your help, we will succeed. Your generosity is appreciated and will help to support charities around Vallarta. Please follow this link to participate in the Raffle.
Find a description of charities supported by IFC here.
Health and wellness stand out on this season’s IFC agenda. Feel great with meditation on Saturday mornings at 9:15, chair yoga on Wednesday mornings, gentle hatha yoga on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, Tai Chi on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 3:00, and NIA Dance Flow at noon on Sundays.
Nia Dance! Nia lovingly stands for ‘Now I Am.’ It is a holistic, gentle, non-impact fitness practice addressing body, mind, and soul led by Broadway songstress Deb Darr. Nia combines dance, martial arts, and mindfulness. It tones the body while transforming the mind. 120 pesos or more donation at the door support the IFC.
Details of these programs are in the Calendar on the IFC website.
Upcoming IFC Event Highlights
- IFC Home Tours, every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10:15 AM, leaving from the Sea Monkey on the Malecon. For information and tickets, click here.
- Through February 2, ‘Borderland Rebels’ history class, Fridays at 10:30 AM, IFC Clubhouse. 120 pesos per class.
- Weekly Bridge Lessons on Mondays at 9 AM at the IFC Clubhouse. 50 pesos members, 100 pesos non-members.
- Weekly, Social Bridge, on Fridays at 2:00 PM at the IFC Clubhouse. 50 pesos members, 100 pesos non-members.
- Weekly Spanish language classes. Four levels. 120 pesos/class. Members can purchase 6 classes for 600 pesos (20% discount).
- January 26 – Members Dine Around. Watch the IFC Facebook page and the IFC website’s Calendar for dates.
- February 13 – Mardi Gras Happy Hour at Tilt Museo, Calle Pino Suarez, Int 3 (at Basilio Badillo) in the Romantic Zone.
- February 14 – 50/50 Dia de la Amistad/Valentine’s Day Raffle drawing.
All IFC events and offerings are described on its website at ifcvallarta.org/ or contact the Clubhouse at 52.322.222.5466. Tickets for all activities except yoga, meditation, and NIA dance must be purchased online in advance at ifcvallarta.org/shop/.
