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 Local Profiles 
Life is an Adventure
a profile of Vallarta author Polly G. Vicars
A Floridian by birth (1932-1950), a transplanted Kentuckian by marriage (1951-1988), and a Vallartense by choice (1988 to present), Polly and her husband of 55 years have totally immersed themselves in the culture of Puerto Vallarta.
After graduating from University of Kentucky in Lexington, she taught sixth grade and later entered Kentucky politics, in time becoming Vice Chairman of the Kentucky Democratic Party, a member of Democratic National Committee and a Senior Administrative Assistant to Kentucky's only female governor, Martha Layne Collins.
Since their retirement to Vallarta both Polly and Hubert (a.k.a. "Husband") have volunteered with the International Friendship Club, The Holt English School, and their first love, The America-Mexico Foundation, Inc. (Becas Vallarta, A.C.)
| Proceeds from the sale of "More Tales..." also go to the scholarship fund and can be bought from Amazon.com (click HERE), or from any member of Becas Vallarta or at The Bookstore in Puerto Vallarta.
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At the age of 63, Polly wrote "Tales of Retirement in Paradise," Life in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and donated all of the proceeds from the sell-out book to the America-Mexico Foundation.
Many readers of the book began visiting Puerto Vallarta considering retirement here and many did! All funds generated by the book were contributed to scholarships for bright, ambitious Puerto Vallarta girls and boys otherwise without the economic means to finish their educations.
Polly's second book, "More Tales of Retirement in Puerto Vallarta and Around the World," tells of the great life they found in Mexico and narrates their four-month globe-circling voyage, including her newly acquired geographical, historical and societal tidbits, introducing the interesting and entertaining people she encounters along the way.
Proceeds from the sale of "More Tales..." also go to the scholarship fund and can be bought from Amazon.com, from any member of Becas Vallarta or at The Bookstore in Puerto Vallarta.
For Polly and "Husband" life is an adventure not to be missed, certainly not by those in their "senior years." Life is filled with joy-filled learning events that retirees of any age should seek to become full participants in the world's bounties.
 Now There are Two Fewer of "The Best People on Earth"
 Polly G. Vicars
Last week we were privileged to accompany daughter Melinda on the boat Jupiter to mix Valerie and Paul McMullen's ashes with the salty blue water of Banderas Bay with love, rose petals, Oso Negro (their drink of choice) laughter and tears.
Living in Mexico is Better With Spanish
 Polly G. Vicars
Recently I read an article in a local English language newspaper entitled Living in Mexico Without Spanish. While it's true you can live here without speaking Spanish and "get along just fine," that depends on your definition of "just fine."
But What Do You Do All Day? - Charities
 Polly G. Vicars
Linda Wirth and I have put together a list of some things you, whether living in Vallarta part time or full time, can do during your day, if you choose. There are many opportunities - one of which might be just up your alley.
Fund Raisers, Fiestas and Fantastic People Succeed
 Polly G. Vicars
Thanks to those in our communtiy who continue to give their time and money, and local businesses who donate prizes for our fundraisers, many a Vallarta student has renewed hope for a brighter future with financial help from Becas Vallarta.
Becas Breakfast at Boca Bento on Basilio Badillo
 Polly G. Vicars
David Leterman's Top Ten Lists always give me a good chuckle, so in trying to write an article to remind everyone about the April 1st final Becas Breakfast of the 2008 Season, I thought I would make my own Top Ten...
After the Ball is Over
 Polly G. Vicars
Becas Vallarta members are still glowing from the complimentary feedback from those who attended the 2008 Becas Ball on March 6th. But there's no time to bask in past successes - raising money to support Vallarta students is a year-round effort!
Becas Proves Do-Gooders DO Have More Fun
 Polly G. Vicars
Having fun while doing good, a fantastic combination that was afforded to the three hundred glamorous and generous Vallartenses who attended the 2008 Becas Ball at the fabulous Hotel Westin Resort and Spa in Puerto Vallarta on March 6th.
Fantastic! Incredible! Exceptional! Superb! Premium!
 Polly G. Vicars
The fourth and latest Becas Breakfast on February 26th at Le Bistro was once again a sold-out event. when writing about each breakfast, I try to come up with a title that invokes my feelings about the event, But I am running out of superlatives!
¿Qué Tal, Compadre?
 Polly G. Vicars
Becas Vallarta A.C. recently initiated a program where a donation of at least $5000 USD would make the donor a "Compadre of Becas," a person to whom we would entrust the welfare of our children now and in the future. And it's already working!
Becas Ball 2008 - Fantasía by the Sea
 Polly G. Vicars
Polish your dancing shoes, get out your best bib and tucker and get ready for a "fantasía" evening of dining and dancing at the 46th Annual Becas Ball, scheduled to take place at the Hotel Westin Resort and Spa in Puerto Vallarta on March 6th.
Bouquets to the People of Vallarta!
 Polly G. Vicars
It would take a book to chronicle the generous Becas' members, friends and supporters who have made Becas Vallarta the incredible entity it is, but today I throw a few bouquets to some people who truly "made a difference" at the last Becas Breakfast.
How to Fill Your Spirit and Your Stomach and Make the World a Better Place
 Polly G. Vicars
There are "how to" books on everything from "How to Lose 10 pounds in 10 days" to "How to Become an Overnight Millionaire" and probably most don't really work. But I guarantee this "How to" and it will be 'Oh So Easy!'
Bambinos, Becas, Beautiful People
 Polly G. Vicars
There is not another place in the world with people like Vallartenses. With such wonderful people surrounding us, I just feel it in my bones that 2008 is going to be another year filled with adventures, happiness, and incomparable happenings!
Friends, Family, Broadway and More – The End
 Polly G. Vicars
I am coming to the end of my New York - Boston Tale. I've told you about friends who made our New York stay so spectacular, now I want to tell you about other friends, beginning with Jonnet and Howard Holladay of Boston and Puerto Vallarta.
Family, Friends, Broadway and More - Part II
 Polly G. Vicars
My niece Janis' email telling us of the upcoming unveiling of a plaque honoring my Grandfather, Edward Cohen, on the 100th anniversary of his assassination in Boston, arrived about the same time as my 75th birthday celebration last February...
 Family, Friends, Broadway and More - Part I
Polly G. Vicars
Thanks to my niece Janis, we were honored guests at the unveiling of a bronze plaque honoring Edward Cohen to be placed outside the Massachusetts Governor's Office commemorating the 100th anniversary of my Grandfather's assassination.
Los Bambinos ARE Metamorsa!
 Polly G. Vicars
The transition had been fully realized. On November 16th at Santa Barbara Theater, Los Bambinos truly morphed into Metamorsa, and we were privileged to hear and see these highly motivated and exceptionally talented musicians giving us their all.
Successful Events and Generous Donations Delight Becas Vallarta
 Polly G. Vicars
Becas Vallarta, A.C. has been providing educational scholarships to Puerto Vallarta girls and boys for more than sixty-five years. To maintain this record, a small group of Mexicans, Americans and Canadians who currently make up the Foundation toil endlessly to raise funds necessary for those scholarships.
Becas Vallarta Starts Season with a Bang!
 Polly G. Vicars
Becas Vallarta, a non-profit organization that provides scholarships to Banderas Bay area high school and university students who have limited resources and high scholastic achievement, is starting this season off with a bang!
So You Really Want To Learn Spanish
 Polly G. Vicars
Want to be able to tell Transito that you didn't see that stop sign? Tell Immigration that you must have your FM3 by next Tuesday? Maestro Melchor has the answer for us Gringos who say, "We want to learn Spanish, but it's too hard."
Los Bambinos Morph Into Metamorsa
 Polly G. Vicars
With a name change, a new CD and an upcoming music video, Los Bambinos, who won the Virtual Vallarta Reader's Choice Award for "Best Musical Group" in 2006, are morphing into "Metamorsa" - and stepping into the big time.
A Perfect Puerto Vallarta Wedding
 Polly G. Vicars
The backdrop for the ceremony was blue skies and the sparkling waters of Banderas Bay. No hitches, no foul-ups, no rain, no wind detracted from the wedding of Yoanne Carrillo Jiménez and eldest Bambino, Gerardo Carlos Morales Salinas.
Season's Final Concert by Katmandu
 Polly G. Vicars
Katmandu's season-ending performance, described as a fusion of Mexican-Canadian-Indian styles with free flying, playful exchanges between the music and the sensuous Middle Eastern and Indian dances, is coming up at Cafe des Artistes on April 18th.
Things and Everybody
 Polly G. Vicars
As I thought about the many questions Husband and I often get about our 19 years of living in Puerto Vallarta, a friend's favorite phrase "things and everybody" popped into my mind - and suddenly many things and many people seemed newsworthy to me.
Starlit and Dazzled
 Polly G. Vicars
The 2007 Becas Ball at the Westin Resort and Spa was an unqualified hit, exceeding it's advance billing. The consensus at our table, and to everyone else I spoke to, was that it was a fabulous dazzling evening - and probably the best Becas Ball ever!
Vallarta Nights
 Polly G. Vicars
As you know, Husband and I are often asked, "But what do you do all day?" After we've answered that question, the next query is often "But is there anything to do at night in Puerto Vallarta?"
Juans and Juanitas - Mexico's Best Hope
 Polly G. Vicars
On March 9th, 2007 Becas Vallarta will be celebrating 45 years of providing scholarships for the Juans and Juanitas of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - and you can be a part of this noble effort by attending the Becas Ball at the Westin Hotel and Spa.
Can't Get Better Than This!
 Polly G. Vicars
This past week I celebrated my 75th wonderful year with amazing people who helped me commemorate this very special birthday. I told everyone that we would just have a small celebratory dinner with a few good friends - but that was not to be...
But What Do You Do All Day?
 Polly G. Vicars
Husband and I are often asked, "But what do you do all day?" Husband's stock answer? "In the mornings I don't do anything. In the afternoons I rest." But lately, with March 9th looming, all of my attention has been focused on this year's Becas Ball.
Far Enough!
 Polly G. Vicars
A few weeks ago I reported that during a concert, Los Bambinos asked Husband to join them on stage for the singing of "Elvira" and gave him his very own microphone. Now he's asking me what is going to happen when he goes on tour with Los Bambinos.
The Show Did Go On!
 Polly G. Vicars
If anyone had doubts that Los Bambinos have what it takes to make it to the top, they only had to have been there during Monday night's windstorm when those five young guys made lemonade out of lemons and gave the performance of their lives.
Dreams Do Come True
 PVNN
In an effort to encourage the community to support Becas Vallarta, Polly Vicars shares a chapter from her book, "Tales of Retirement in Paradise," which tells the story of Luz María, whose dreams came true because of the America-Mexico Foundation.
A Star is Born?
 Polly G. Vicars
I have never been accused of being a sophisticated music aficionado. But Los Bambinos knocked me off my feet when they went from singing all the wonderful Spanish favorites to a rousing performance of the Oak Ridge Boys' "Elvira!"
Who Talks Funny?
 Polly G. Vicars
"You talk funny!" I have been told that since I was a 6 year old Florida cracker visiting my kinfolk in New York City. And I hear it even more now when I reel off Spanish with a definite southern accent.
Our New Year's Eve, Then and Now
 PVNN
For Puerto Vallarta author Polly Vicars, New Year's Eve alway seems to include both Husband and Los Bambinos. Join her as she takes a look back at December 31st 2005, then fast forwards to her New Year's Eve 2006 celebration at Santa Barbara Theater.
It Really Does Take a Village
 Polly G. Vicars
Merriment filled the Santa Barbara Theater's Becas Night on December 18th as the America-Mexico Foundation, (Becas Vallarta) held their annual raffle drawing at the Los Bambinos concert intermission, instead of waiting for the Becas Ball in March. |
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