PRESIDENT’S RECEPTION AND MÁS

by | Dec 24, 2019 | Uncategorized

Inside the lush garden patio of the boutique hotel of Villa Mercedes ANA held its President’s Reception and MÁS on Wednesday, November 20th.  Delicious tapas were served by eclecticos restaurant.   Friends, neighbors, and movers and shakers (MÁS) gathered to hear about ANA’s Five Year Plan.

Thanks Oscar Moran, ANA Board member and owner of Villa Mercedes, for inviting ANA into your secret garden.  Thanks Natalie Hartling, ANA member and business sponsor, for providing us with tasty tapas from eclecticos.

The presentation by President Sylvia Toy created a picture of what ANA will be working on for the next five years.

Here’s the link so you can see it online.  (Amapas 5 year Plan)

Here’s an overview of the first two years.

YEAR

 SAFETY AND SECURITY RESPONSIBLE DEVELOPMENT INFRASTRUCTURE

COMMUNITY
2019-2020

 

 Establish Security Council

Assess efficacy of a shared system of security information

Share data of criminal events

Identify and install street signage to increase safety

Focus on traffic calming devices on the highway

Maintain lobbying efforts between City, State, and neighbors

 Identify open space areas

Identify protected areas with signage

Encourage city communications of all future Amapas Zone projects prior to permit approval

 Install trash bins in heavily used areas

Identify and install additional lighting

Conduct monthly Clean Beach Walks

Obtain commitment from City to increase service to the Amapas Zone

 Identify and seek out other community agencies with similar goals

Hold Social Events that lead to stronger community and increased fundraising efforts

 
2020-2021 Establish Neighborhood Watch program

Hold neighborhood Q and A’s regarding legal issues and crime prevention

  Implement plan for continued maintenance and protection including responsibilities and fiscal requirements Identify trash bin design that allows for separation of aluminum cans

Encourage development of recycling plan in PV area

Establish relationships with local businesses that recycle

 Obtain funding to participate with agencies as members

Maintain qualified membership in agency with appropriate marketing and communication

Some believe it is an exercise in futility to plan in Mexico.  However, we cannot be so frivolous to pursue only those projects that pop up in front of us on a daily basis.  We need to know where we’re headed otherwise any road will do.  For those of us who have lived here in Puerto Vallarta for any length of time the needs are clear – street repairs, lighting, signage, trash cans, pedestrian safety, narrow roads, home and personal safety, clean beaches, and addressing irresponsible development.  Those are the areas focused upon in the Five Year Plan.  What’s different, is that ANA has identified what we can accomplish each year and the interagency connections we need to make to sustain them.   In and of itself, the Five Year Plan is a written document that helps ANA and its members see what ANA will be focused upon and what our work is.  In other words, this should answer the question of “What has ANA done for me lately?”

Will we adjust based on new information?  Of course we will!  Any good plan must adjust based on new circumstances and quality information.  If you’ve ever seen the Disney movie “Up,” you’ll recall the scenes where the dog sees a squirrel.  SQUIRREL!  Immediately the dog’s attention is distracted and the dog chases the squirrel.  Unlike the dog, ANA wants to stay focused on those things our membership has  identified as their priorities.  The Five Year Plan helps us maintain that focus.

Much of the groundwork for the Five Year Plan took place last year.  We began with the ANA Survey then details were added during the President’s Round Table.  Later the ANA Board filled in the details with observable and measurable yearly objectives.

ANA Board members addressed the nearly 60 attendees to share their perspective.  It was a great way for our members to get to know them.  

Grant Gillham –  Safety and Security
Oscar Moran –  Responsible Development and Infrastructure
Robert Howell –  Community Engagement
Robin Spencer –  Community – Social
Don Pickens –  Fundraising

The reception was a huge hit.  The room was filled with dreams, possibilities, and a plan on how to achieve them.  Positive energy filled the room.  We were also successful in adding two new buildings – Vista Mar and Condo Amapas – as full building members.  There are positive signs for three other buildings and more individuals to join, as well!   In addition to increased membership, ANA increased its volunteer network and the number of people who can speak to others about what ANA does.  We have more key communicators, ANA Ambassadors, on the ground.  It’s not just the Board who have all of the information about how the money will be used.  Everyone in attendance heard our truth – our plan.

The question always remains, “How do you fund dreams and possibilities?”  ANA must fundraise.  See previous article, “Why Does ANA Have So Many Parties?”  We hope to see many of you at January’s Dinner Dance focused on the 60’s which will be our last fundraiser for this season.

A second reception with the same presentation will be held in January.  Please let us know if you would like to attend by emailing info@amapaspv.com or if you would like a presentation to your building’s membership.

WHY DOES ANA HAVE SO MANY PARTIES?

by | Dec 24, 2019 | Uncategorized

On occasion this question has been asked.  This topic was addressed by President Sylvia Toy at the President’s Reception and MÁS event held on November 20th.   Let’s connect some dots to assist in clarifying how ANA works with our members and potential members.

DOT #1:  ANA is a non-profit organization.  We receive no City, State or Federal funds.  Legally, a non-profit organization is focused on not generating profit and no part of the organization’s income is distributed to its members, directors, or officers.  A perfect description of ANA!

Our sources of income are memberships – individual, full-building memberships, business sponsors, and donations.  Donations take several forms – direct donations such as ANAual Giving and donations associated with an event, such as ANA’s Annual Dinner Dance.

Individual memberships are 1500 pesos per unit.  Full building memberships are 1300 pesos per unit.  These funds are not sufficient to cover ANA’s basic operations which include salaries for two individuals, office rent, office utilities, highway maintenance (paint and plant growth trimming), fixing potholes and other street repairs) at an annual cost of about $37,000 USD (684,500 pesos at 18.5 exchange rate).

So, how does ANA get the money to cover its basic operations AND do everything it does?

DOT #2:   ANA RAISES FUNDS!!  We sell memberships and advertising in our Business Brochure.  We organize fundraising events – Mariachis, Margaritas and More, Annual Dinner Dance, and this year’s Holiday Bazaar.  Yes we want them to be interesting and exciting so ANA members and others want to attend and have a good time.  Who wants to go to a dull, boring party?  For the past couple of years we’ve also conducted the ANAual Giving event for those who want to do a donation not associated with an event.

DOT #3:  THERE ARE LOTS OF ORGANIZATIONS IN PV COMPETING FOR FUNDS.  If you’ve spent any time in Vallarta you know that there are many charitable events and lots of groups asking for money.  ANA is one of those groups and you directly benefit from your contributions.  How?  Private donations brought you the highway sidewalk.  It’s safer to walk to and from the beach and downtown.  Oh, but you only drive?  How many renters also rent a car?  Not many.  The highway sidewalk makes it safer for them to get about town and you get to advertise on your rental site that your location is conveniently walkable.  The sidewalk is also an attraction for others looking to purchase your condo.  It makes our neighborhood accessible and attractive.  Additionally, the sidewalk is used twice daily by our Mexican National neighbors, maids, workers, and friends to go to and from work.  The sidewalk was a great way to give back to our community!

DOT #4:  ANA BUILDS COMMUNITY.  But let’s get back to ANA’s parties.  Monthly ANA holds a Meet and Greet at one of your neighbor’s residence.  They open their home up for ANA members to get to know each other and hear the latest news.  This monthly event is one of the most significant differences between ANA and other neighborhood associations – we create community.  ANA members know each other.  They become friends and acquaintances.  They learn about what makes us similar as we navigate our lives here in paradise.  And why is it important to know your neighbors?  Neighbors who know each other experience less crime.  Neighbors look out for each other.

So, next time someone asks you why does ANA have so many parties, we hope that you too can answer their question and connect the dots.

2019 September eNewsletter

by | Sep 4, 2019 | Uncategorized

It’s September and your ANA has been quite busy during Hot Season.  We’ve had monthly meetings with the Police Commissioner and there are no security alerts to report.  Great news!  The ANA Board has met each month to work on its Five Year Plan and organize the upcoming High Season’s events.  An Auction Procurement Committee was established under the leadership of Joyce Ericson, ANA member and Sayan resident.  The third annual ANA Business Brochure is ready for layout and will be distributed in October.  The Pilitas Stairs Project is completed and now needs the beautification aspect applied. 

 

 

MOVING FORWARD WITH ANA’S FIVE YEAR PLAN

 

In our last formal ENewsletter we briefly alluded to ANA’s Five Year Plan.  Now that we have seven full ANA Board members on board we have been able to flesh out the details. 

  • Number One Priority: Safety of self and property
  • Number Two and Three Priorities: Responsible Development/Infrastructure
  • Number Four Priority: Community

 

Here is an outline that identifies and explains what we plan on doing over the next year (2019–2020) to address the priorities identified by our membership.

PRIORITY ONE: SAFETY AND SECURITY

 

Goal 1:           Increase the safety and security of Colonia Amapas to improve the quality of life of all residents and visitors.

 

In order to achieve Goal 1, ANA will:

  1. Establish a Security Council representing full building members and individuals.
  2. Determine feasibility of a shared system of security information.
  3. Determine ability to share data of criminal events.
  4. Identify specific locations needing increased lighting.
  5. Increase signage on highway for safety.
  6. Maintain lobbying efforts between neighbors, city, and state.

 

PRIORITIES TWO AND THREE: RESPONSIBLE DEVELOPMENT/INFRASTRUCTURE

 

Goal 2: The sanitation of Colonia Amapas will be improved by better-quality trash containers, an increased recycling plan, as well as maintenance and servicing of current trash containment areas.

 

In order to achieve Goal 2, ANA will:

  1. Select and/or design an improved trash containment receptacle to meet demands of residents.
  2. Identify location and installation of new receptacles with signage. Install.

 

These goals are to be accomplished by ANA working on your behalf with the City of Puerto Vallarta and its agencies.

 

PUTTING GOALS INTO ACTION – GOAL 3:  SANITATION OF COLONIA AMAPAS.

 

The Los Muertos beach area is the heart and soul of Puerto Vallarta. Every day the beach is visited by thousands of people—many of whom only leave their footprints on the sand. Some, however, fail to pick up the trash associated with a visit to the beach. 

We’re all here because of the beach and the ocean.  They are the life-blood of our costal community.  Would you like to be a part of the initial group of concerned citizens, high school students, local businesses, and City officials to clean up Los Muertos Beach?  Join us on Saturday, September 21st—the International Day of Clean Beaches—and let’s make a difference. 

This concerned group of people will target the trash from three fronts on Los Muertos Beach —the arches of the Malecon from the North, the Caballito statue from the far South, and Blue Shrimp to La Palapa in the middle.  On this first beach clean-up effort, ANA will establish the standards we expect to see at all times on our beloved Los Muertos beach. 

That’s right!  This will not be a one-shot deal where we all get to feel good for a day.  This is going to be a monthly effort so if you’re not available this time, then you can join us at a later date. 

The Amapas Neighborhood Association, along with Puerto Vallarta’s city departments of ecology, public sanitation, youth institute, and tourism, and the restaurants Si Señor and Blue Shrimp are the initial organizers working together to implement this Clean Beach Project.  Some of the details include:

  • Conduct periodic clean up events with volunteers.
  • Install proper garbage containers according to the rules for blue flag/white flag certification.
  • Ensure local restaurants and hotels become responsible for their own areas.
  • Develop visitor’s education.

Our goal is to develop responsible behavior and shared ownership towards maintaining the quality of our beach.  Toward that end, the City’s ecology department has identified the best spots to install garbage containers.  The department of tourism and ANA are working to contact the restaurants and hotels along Los Muertos to commit to the success of this project by taking ownership for cleaning their area and assisting with emptying the new trash containers. 

As you can see this is a collaborative effort between ANA, many City departments, and local businesses. 

Join us on Saturday, September 21st at 8 am to take back our beach and make it clean again.

RSVP to info@amapaspv.com so we know to expect you and provide you with more details.  Invite your friends and neighbors.  Let’s make a difference!

FOCUS OF FUNDRAISING EFFORTS 2019–2020

 

It’s great to have goals and plans, but the reality is you also need money to make it happen.  Your ANA yearly dues are not sufficient to cover the costs of the work that needs to be done.  We have a plan for that!

Four different fundraising events will occur during the upcoming high season.

  • Mariachis, Margaritas, and More: November 30, 2019
  • ANAual Giving: November – December
  • ANA Annual Dinner Dance and Auction—60’s Flashback

 

The funds from these events will go directly to help ANA make the following specific purchases.

  • Garbage cans and containers on the highway and beach
  • Initiating and maintaining the Clean Beach Project
  • Topes and vibradores on the highway
  • Signage on the highway, such as Pedestrian Crossing, Intersection Ahead, Slow Down, etc. (These would, of course, be in Spanish.)
  • Street lights in identified areas

 

Help ANA achieve its goals by supporting these fundraising efforts!

 

GOAL 4:   ANA IS ABOUT COMMUNITY!

The Amapas Neighborhood Association has many ways of interacting with our wonderful members—from our monthly Meet-and-Greets where we get to know you better and where we update you on our work, and, most importantly, we hear your concerns—to our fundraiser and annual events.

Mariachis, Margaritas and More is a cool fundraiser held in the City Hall courtyard where restaurants donate food and we make the fun! All money raised goes to improving a public area, such as a sidewalk, a green space, a street, etc. This event is a joint effort with our neighbor the Emiliano Zapata Viejo Vallarta Association and funds go towards the betterment of both communities. (learn more: http://amapaspv.com/mariachis-margaritas-and-more/)

The ANA Dinner Dance is an upscale party that celebrates our accomplishments and is our biggest fundraiser. We have an exciting event planned. Stay tuned for more information.

ANA also hosts small fundraisers throughout the year to support specific projects, like our Delicious Fundraiser for the Pilitas Stair Project that was held at Eclecticos Restaurant on August 3rd. We had great turnout, especially for the summer season, and we would like to thank everyone who made the evening such a success! (more info: http://amapaspv.com/andador-pilitas-stairwell-project/)

We know it may look like we do a lot of socializing, but promotion and publicity are very important to our work and we like to get the word out on all of our great projects. So please join us at one our informal gatherings where we all can share some food, a drink, exchange ideas and build our ANA community.

Our mission is to create a clean, safe, accessible neighborhood, but we can only do it with your support.  So we invite you to party with us, work with us, and contribute to ANA!

More info: admin@amapaspv.com

AUCTION PROCUREMENT COMMITTEE

“Dream big!  If you build it they will come.”  Those are the motivating words of Joyce Ericson, ANA member, and organizer of this year’s Dinner Dance Auction Procurement Committee.  Let’s do it!

Joyce has years of experience organizing live and silent auctions for the Seattle Men’s Gay Chorus.  She brings those experiences to ANA and knows how to organize for the highest impact.  ANA is so lucky to have her expertise pushing us forward.

How can you help if you’re in the States?  In many ways!  As you are shopping at your favorite stores (Trader Joes, Target, Macy’s, William Sonoma), think of those things that you wish you had here when you’re in Puerto Vallarta.  You know things like spices, kitchen utensils, meat thermometers, hostess gifts, napkins, guest towels, appetizer picks, or wine plugs.  Or maybe your basket tends to go towards fine chocolates, cookies, crackers, cereals or jams.  Whatever you desire bring it down with you and donate to the auction.  We’re going to pull all of these exotic items into themed baskets that we will offer for purchase at this year’s Dinner Dance.

Here’s another idea!  Perhaps you have an art treasure or something of value that no longer has meaning for you.  It could be exactly what someone else is looking for!  Or what you have is a home or condo up north that someone would like to use while you’re in Puerto Vallarta.  It’s a vacation for one of ANA’s fellow members! 

The possibilities are endless and would allow you to participate and contribute to ANA’s fundraising efforts.  Remember without you and money, ANA cannot move forward with its plans. 

So, as you’re shuttling between stores this month think about how you can be a member of this committee from abroad and help ANA achieve its goals.  You’ll definitely feel warm and fuzzy inside when you do.

What will the funds go towards?

  • Garbage cans and containers on the highway and beach
  • Initiating and maintaining the Clean Beach Project
  • Topes and vibradores on the highway
  • Signage on the highway, such as Pedestrian Crossing, Intersection Ahead, Slow Down, etc. (These would, of course, be in Spanish.)
  • Street lights in identified areas

 

Interested?  Please contact Joyce Ericson at info@amapaspv.com.

ANA is about community!

by | Aug 21, 2019 | Events, Junta Vecinal

The Amapas Neighborhood Association has many ways of interacting with our wonderful members—from our monthly Meet-and-Greets where we get to know you better and where we update you on our work, and, most importantly, we hear your concerns—to our fundraiser and annual events.

Mariachis, Margaritas and More is a cool fundraiser held in the City Hall courtyard where restaurants donate food and we make the fun! All money raised goes to improving a public area, such as a sidewalk, a green space, a street, etc. This event is a joint effort with our neighbor the Emiliano Zapata Viejo Vallarta Association and funds go towards the betterment of both communities. (learn more: http://amapaspv.com/mariachis-margaritas-and-more/)

The ANA Dinner Dance is an upscale party that celebrates our accomplishments and is our year-end fundraiser. We have an exciting event planned. Stay tuned for more information.

ANA also hosts small fundraisers throughout the year to support specific projects, like our Delicious Fundraiser for the Pilitas Stair Project that was held at Eclecticos Restaurant on August 3rd. We had great turnout, especially for the summer season, and we would like to thank everyone who made the evening such a success! (more info: http://amapaspv.com/andador-pilitas-stairwell-project/)

We know it may look like we do a lot of socializing, but promotion and publicity are very important to our work and we like to get the word out on all of our great projects. So please join us at one our informal gatherings where we all can share some food, a drink, exchange ideas and build our ANA community.

Our mission is to create a clean, safe, accessible neighborhood, but we can only do it with your support.  So we invite you to party with us, work with us, and contribute to ANA!

More info: admin@amapaspv.com

Meet & greet

Mariachis, Margaritas & More

Marti Rogo & Nathalie Herling

Sylvia Toy, Nathalie Herling & Viviana Teston

Delicious Fundraiser for the Pilitas Stair Project

Meet & Greet paella at Hospiten

ANDADOR PILITAS STAIRWELL PROJECT

by | May 29, 2019 | Events, News | Noticias

The Pilitas Stairwell Project, located on Calle Pilitas at Pino Suarez, is a project to restore the Andador Pilitas (staircase) that connects our 2 streets.  This important area was destroyed several years ago during the construction of the Bella Loma condominiums, and was never restored (as originally promised) with a new staircase and green area

.

With so much new construction happening everywhere in the old town area (and PV in general), small projects like this are important to the integrity of our neighborhoods and vital to the locals. This was originally a city thoroughfare and it is important that we restore it as such, with green areas.

The Amapas Neighborhood Association (ANA) has many other irons in the fire (as shown in their newsletter) but the Pilitas Stairway Project is a top priority.

We are very happy to announce that this past Spring we finally received the permit from the city to proceed with the project.  The ANA and its members of the Pilitas Stairwell Project been working tirelessly with a local architect to render a beautiful, ambitious, (and logistically complicated) project that our neighborhood can be proud of. Furthermore, we will be breaking ground on Monday May 20; (to avoid July’s heavy rains).  A ribbon cutting is planned for Wednesday May 29th.

 We are able to start construction because of the initial generous donation of Nathalie Herling from Art Vallarta of $10,000 USD.  Also, the residents of El Escondido and Canada Romantica have each donated in the amount of $10,000 USD.  We still need to collect the other half of the funds so that we may complete this project in the 2 month timeline.  

 

*So now we are asking for donations from those of you who live and work in the area (and who would benefit from the restoration of this andador) to help reach our goal of $40,000 USD.  Residents, Realtors, Hotels, and Developers in the area would certainly all benefit from our beautiful staircase.

 

We invite you to see the attached project plans. The staircase is highlighted with sections in different colors. Each section has a cost and can be dedicated to you or your business.  A ribbon cutting is planned for Wednesday, May 29th.

Art Vallarta is in charge of the tile work and adding names of the donors.  Funds are being managed through ANA so you or your business can receive a factura.

If you have any further questions or suggestions, please email us at info@amapaspv.com

Many thanks to those of you who have followed us during this process, for your continued patience and support, and to both the Pilitas Stairwell Project and the ANA staff who have worked so diligently to make this happen!

Thank you in advance for your support and donations for this important project!!!