Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico - Offering a series of interesting lectures and entertaining workshops, the International Friendship Club in downtown Puerto Vallarta is the place to be on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from February 13th through March 14th.

Thursday, February 13th at 7 pm
No Need For Hysteria: The Truth About Mexico's 2014 Legal Reforms
Luis Melgoza, J.D.
IFC Donation: $50 pesos

Local "legal eagle" Luis Melgoza will give us the facts and dispel the myths about the impact of recent legal reforms on expats and foreign visitors. Time for Q & A. $50 peso donation at the door helps fund IFC charities.

Friday, February 14th at 10:30 am
Música Romántica Tradicional de Mexico
RosAngélica Moreno.
IFC Donation: $50 pesos

Born in Mexico and raised in the U.S., RosAngélica is a local author, dramatist (Nine Fearless Mexican Women, The Wives of Pancho Villa) and cultural specialist who has contributed to a number of previous history lectures at the IFC.

In this lecture, RosAngélica will take us on a musical journey through some of the classic Mexican romantic ballads she grew up listening to. She will explain the songs in English, play excerpts, and provide some handouts to guide the non-Spanish speaker to a new awareness of this great tradition. A perfect way to start off your Valentine's Day!

Wednesday, February 19th at 12 noon
Researching Your Veteran's Story
Commander Victory "Tory" Failmezger.
IFC Donation: $50 pesos

Commander Victor "Tory" Failmezger US Navy Retired and published historian will offer an hour-long presentation which will serve as an introduction for family genealogists and others interested in military history that want to begin researching the military service of their relatives but may not know how to get started.

Tory will outline a process to collect, record, and put into context a veteran's story even if a veteran has passed on. He recently completed a three year effort to research his deceased uncle's World War II Army experience and the result is a book called An American Knight. A $50 peso donation at the door helps fund IFC charities.

Thursday, February 27th at 7 pm
Introduction to Kirtan chanting
Raoul Diaz
IFC Donation: $50 pesos

Come to learn about and chant this peaceful meditative practice that touches heart and spirit. No previous experience or belief system required. Raoul is a classically trained musician who has performed internationally, and leads meditative chanting groups locally. A $50 peso donation at the door helps fund IFC charities.

Thursday, March 6th at 7 pm
Temporary and Permanent Expats...a Taxing Affair
Robert Meldman, JD, LLM
IFC Donation: $50 pesos

Bob is a retired tax attorney living in PV during the winter. From his bio: "He is known as the 'dean of tax law.' He has built a reputation as a superb litigating tax attorney, comfortable both in the courtroom and across the negotiating table. He is also one of the very few tax attorneys to have argued before the U.S. Supreme Court. He taught taxation for 32 years at the undergraduate and graduate levels. This included both domestic and international taxation."

Topics covered for both U.S. and Canadian Citizens:
1. Expat Definitions
2. From the horse's mouth: Your Fideicomiso
3. Jitters or jail: Disclosure of your foreign bank accounts
4. Short term Rentals of your Condo in Mexico
5. Taxation of Expats on Mexican rental income

Thursday, March 13th, 7 pm
Skin Care in the Tropics
Pam Thompson
Donation: $20 pesos or 2 canned goods at the door.

Our go-to expert on local medical matters, IFC member Pam Thompson, will offer an overview of the important topic of caring for your skin in our region.

Pam also extends an invitation to all to attend the Monday, February 10 Medical Matters Conference at the Hotel Marriott. This is a no-charge event that runs from 9 am - 5 pm, with 50+ speakers. For more information, please email Pam at pamela(at)healthcareresourcespv.com.

Fridays, February 21 - March 14, 10 am-12 noon
Local Landscapes / Paisajes Típicos
Water Color and Acrylics Painting Course
Instructor: Mario Lopez
4 week course: $400 pesos (plus art supplies)
Registration and Payment Deadline: Noon, Thursday, February 20, 2014

This course will guide students in hands-on techniques in landscape paintings using water colors and acrylics. Note: The course will be conducted in a mixture of Spanish and English; some ability to understand Spanish will be helpful, but not required. At the first class the instructor will have information on where an economical kit of basic supplies can be purchased by students. Course fee helps support IFC charities.