Puerto Vallarta Navy League Newsletter & Events Bill (Guillermo) Semeyn - Puerto Vallarta Navy League
October 31, 2016

Another US Coast Guard Cutter the USCGCWaesche (WMSL-751) visited Puerto Vallarta last week and 8 of the sailors participated with members of the Puerto Vallarta Navy League in what the Navy calls a COMREL (a community related project) in this case the painting and waterproofing of a roof at the rehabilitation center Santa Barbara.

The staff of the Clinica de Rehabilitacion, extended an invite for lunch to the sailors.
 
The first line in the mission statement of the Puerto Vallarta Navy League is to meet and greet visiting sailors from friendly nations when they chose to stop for fuel and supplies in our favorite port.

Secondly we strive to make them feel welcome and enlist volunteers to work on projects that we have lined up beforehand and afterwards treat the sailors who are on the work parties to a meal with a Mexican flavor of course with libation. I guess we're doing a good job as most of the fleet choose Puerto Vallarta over Manzanillo or Mazatlan.
 
In addition JON MURPHY of Murphys Pub in the very town center on the Malecon is a retired coastie (as they're called) and a true blue Irishman to boot. He generously opens his place to all the visiting chiefs and officers subsidized from a small budget with the Navy League. This party saw 31 sailors and 5 Navy Leaguers rub shoulders and enjoy the Irish fair both food and grog while asking questions about coming down with girlfriends for a vacation. Jon's case makes a good argument for retiring here. This is our way of saying thanks to the sailors of the Coast Guard who are now under the umbrella of HOME LAND SECURITY. They are part of the fabric that protects our cherished and blessed lifestyle here in this wonderful Port.
 
On another front the Puerto Vallarta Navy League is involved in the Marine program known universally as Toys for Tots.  Indeed this is our largest project each year where we raise money through a golf tournament and a gala dinner. The proceeds of these two events allow us to purchase thousands of toys which we distribute throughout the community on the day of the Kings. (Jan. 6th or the first day school returns). We are indebted to Vista Golf and the CasaMagna Marriott Hotel Puerto Vallarta who graciously offer both elements to us free such that all the proceeds go directly to the purchase of toys. Indeed we even have a sponsor for the music for the Gala Ball, namely Coldwell Bankers Realty. The dates for these two signature events are December 10th for the Golf and December 11 for the Gala ball. Tickets for both these events are available at either the concierge office of the Marriott, Murphys Pub or Carol's Boutique (our president is Carol SMITH) across from EL Tucan (on Basilio Badillo in Old Town Vallarta). The more attendees the more toys!

In addition to the toy distribution we also create playgrounds or refurbish ones in disrepair. One popular one which is located behind Walmart and serves the Aramara area was first built by the the PVNL and has recently been refurbished by others, whom we work closely with namely the local chapter of the American Legion.
 
Well we recently discovered that the town of El Tuito has a magnificent football pitch but NO playground so we along with several partners including the El Tuito Municipal government are embarking on a very large project involving several hundreds of thousands of pesos. We would not be able to have participated in this project had it not been for us enlisting a very significant major sponsor who we hope will be with us for years to come. INTERCAM is this sponsor who is a major player in this endeavor and we certainly are grateful to have them on board. More details on this to follow as the project unrolls. Let me just mention that the local boss Mr. Lavender is truly a local as his mother was here when they were still building with beach sand. She founded and runs Galerie UNO.
 
Headquartered in Mexico City, Intercam Grupo Financiero is an integrated group of financial services companies which include Intercam Banco (a commercial bank) Intercam Casa de Bolsa (a Mexican broker dealer member of the Bolsa Mexicana de Valores) and Intercam Fondos, (a mutual fund administrator).

With 75 branches across Mexico and with more than 1,800 employees, Intercam offers Investment Banking, Corporate, Personal and Private Banking services to more than 87,000 clients.

Many local Expats are enjoying good returns on their investments with Intercam. It's easy to set up an account with them unlike many of the local banks. To learn more, please visit Intercam online.

Other significant events coming up on this busy social calendar what with we are involved or the instigators or beneficiary are Autumn Fest to be held November 12 at COCO TROPICAL sponsored by the PVNL and which PATRON TEQUILA which will be auctioned off some bottles commanding prices of $500….. no Veronica that's not pesos. Tickets available at Carol's Boutique on Basilo Badillo. (This special Swiss-German Buffet is offered one night only - November 12 from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. A generous selection of delicious specialties, including salads, main dishes and desserts are on the menu. Plus live entertainment. 500 peso donation. This is a Navy League fundraiser to help finance their numerous community relations projects.)  

Also we are having a recruitment drive for membership in the PVNL to be held in a private home in Conchas Chinas on November 17th, 6:00 until 8:00 pm. Come and learn about the Puerto Vallarta Navy League and perhaps join in our endeavors for more information (space is limited) call Carol SMITH at 322-137-4902 or drop into her store on Basillo Badillo, Carol's Boutique.
 
The Vallarta Yacht Club for the last 16 years will again, on Saturday December 3rd, host the 16th annual Great Chili Cook Off, now also including 'A Taste of Nuevo Vallarta.' The beneficiary of this event is the Cleft Palate Program and Toys for Tots as well the general public who attend.
 
See you there!
 
Bill (Guillermo) Semeyn, Secretary of the Puerto Vallarta Navy League

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  Learn about Navy League of Puerto Vallarta

  Learn about Clinica de Rehabilitacion Santa Barbara

  Learn about Toys for Tots Puerto Vallarta

  Learn about Banderas Bay American Legion Post 14

  Learn about Vallarta Yacht Club

  Check out TalaveraEtc Quality Mexican Pottery and Tile

  Check out Coco’s Kitchen & Wine Garden