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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, who have been married since 1951, 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.)
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.
 Tales of Retirement in Paradise - Revisited
If you've been searching for a copy of Polly G. Vicars' 1995 sell-out book, Tales of Retirement in Paradise, but haven't been able to find one, you'll be happy to know that a serialized and updated version added in weekly installments can be found right HERE on BanderasNews.
 Early Birds Have All The Fun!
 Polly G. Vicars
On November 18th, one hundred and fifty Vallartenses and visitors gathered at La Palapa Restaurant on Los Muertos Beach for the first Becas Breakfast of the season, raising enough money for 22 junior high or 6 senior high or five university becados to have their scholarships paid for another year!
A New Meaning for 'Round Up'
 Polly G. Vicars
The words "Round Up" bring visions of cowboys racing on horseback to keep the cattle moving in the right direction. But a new vision now appears in our minds when we hear those words - it is of centavos piling up to fund the education of hundreds of Becas Vallarta’s bright young Vallartenses.
OXXO Helping to Make Dreams Come True
 Polly G. Vicars
Becas Vallarta was chosen to be the recipients of OXXO's 'rounding up' program for August, September and October. The proceeds from the three months of redondear amounted to enough money to pay for a year's scholarship for 23 university students or 29 high school students or 100 Jr high students.
La Palapa to Open Becas Vallarta’s Season
 Polly G. Vicars
The first Becas Breakfast of the season will be held at La Palapa Restaurant on Los Muertos Beach at 9:30 am on Wednesday, November 18, 2009. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance at the same low price as last year, $150 pesos per person.
Becas Vallarta Making Dreams Come True
 Polly G. Vicars
An August weekend of meeting with more than 300 scholarship students for the 2009-10 school year left me and my fellow Becas members literally feeling like a million dollars. Today I want you to meet a few of those young Becas Vallarta scholars who are currently in Puerto Vallarta schools.
Becas Ball Prize — An Incomparable and Safe Trip to Michoacán
 Polly G. Vicars
Despite the unwarranted warnings by the U.S. State Department, CNN and U.S. television channels of dangers when traveling to the Mexican state of Michoacan, Husband and I, along with Carl and Irene Johnson, put final touches on our long planned trip to Patzcuaro in Michoacan.
A Weekend of Feeling Like a Million Dollars
 Polly G. Vicars
Bernice Starr would've been ecstatic this past Saturday and Sunday when the all-volunteer cadre of Becas Vallarta members met with the more than 300 bright young Vallartenses of great ability and small economic resources who gathered at Los Mangos to receive their semester stipends.
Keep the Change! Tiendas OXXO Helping Vallarta Charities
 Polly G. Vicars
Last week Becas Vallarta President Mariel de Fregoso and I attended an event at the Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza, where Mother Mary and the children received a check for $216,653.20 pesos, representing three months of 'rounding up' in Tiendas OXXO in the Puerto Vallarta area.
Becas Vallarta Counting on Big Numbers
 Polly G. Vicars
You've probably seen Chris Matthews' feature 'The Big Number' on MSNBC’s Hardball. Here in Puerto Vallarta the Big Number is the 1000's of students of scarce economic resources whom the Becas Vallarta foundation has helped to get the education they desire and deserve since the 1960's.
 IFC Cleft Palate Program: Making Miracles
 Polly G. Vicars
Husband and I joined Puerto Vallarta's International Friendship Club in 1988. Neither of us had ever been 'club' people, but the word was that the projects of this organization, especially the Cleft Palate Program, made dramatic differences in the lives of the people in the community.
Swashbucklers Still With Us
 Polly G. Vicars
As most of my readers know, Husband and I were on the SS Ocean Explorer I's maiden 1999-2000 four month round-the-world cruise. We never would have thought that piracy would reach the level it has reached today as we cruised safely though those treacherous waters 10 years ago.
Mexico and My Friend Linda Ellerbee
 Polly G. Vicars
I have been so upset by the ridiculous news in the USA about 'Dangerous Mexico' and have more than once sat down to write the real story, but could never strike the right tone. So I'm thrilled to share Linda Ellerbee's article about 'My Mexico' with you.
After The Ball is Over
 Polly G. Vicars
The hard working members and friends of Becas Vallarta want to express their sincere gratitude to all who helped make the 2009 Becas Crystal Ball the success that it was. In every sense of the word, it was the most successful Becas Ball ever.
Becas Crystal Ball a Great Night for All
 Polly G. Vicars
A great time was had by all at the 2009 Becas Crystal Ball! Thanks to a lot of hard work, generous donations by local businesses and the community's support, Puerto Vallarta scholarship students will be assured of having their lives changed through education.
Becas Crystal Ball Sold Out!
 Polly G. Vicars
While the patrons are having the time of their lives at the March 5th Crystal Ball, Puerto Vallarta scholarship students will be assured of having their lives changed through education thanks to the support of Becas Vallarta/America-Mexico Foundation.
A Day of Love and Friendship
 Polly G. Vicars
February 14 was a day of unparalleled love and friendship as Becas President Mariel de Fregoso, her mother Carla, Ana Caty Fenyvessi, Buri Gray, Linda Wirth and I met, one on one, with each of the Becas high school and university students at Los Mangos Library.
BECAS Sent Me
 Polly G. Vicars
Almost daily I experience the generosity of our community as an advocate for Becas Vallarta, the foundation that funds the education of hundreds of Vallarta's best and brightest young people with great ability and little economic resources.
Getting a Bang for Your Bucks
 Polly G. Vicars
Becas Vallarta has an abundance of events planned over the next few weeks that not only promise to be lots of fun, but will also help 300 bright, yet economically challenged, Puerto Vallarta students stay in school for another year.
A Fulfilling Breakfast at El Dorado
 Polly G. Vicars
Breakfast will be the most important meal of the day on Wednesday, February 11th at El Dorado Restaurant on Los Muertos Beach. At 9:30 am, Vallarta's favorite beach restaurant will be hosting the 4th Becas Breakfast of the season.
¿Qué Tal, Compadre?
 Polly G. Vicars
One year ago we at Becas Vallarta tried to enlarge our financial base by appealing to people of means who believe, as we do, that education is the key to the success of individuals, cities, states and even countries. Thus, Becas Compadres was born.
Becas Not Letting the Economy Get Us Down
 Polly G. Vicars
Several friends of mine have asked whether this economic downturn is making it difficult to raise Becas Vallarta scholarship funds. I am happy to report that the opposite is true; our almost 50 year old foundation not only survives, but thrives.
Becados and Bambinos, My Passions
 Polly G. Vicars
Since retiring to Puerto Vallarta, Husband and I have found our two passions, Becados and Bambinos. I invite all of you to join Husband and me in our joy working with Becas Vallarta and supporting Los Bambinos in their quest for the big time.
Record Breaking Becas Breakfast
 Polly G. Vicars
One hundred and forty-nine Becas supporters enjoyed breakfast at the River Cafe on December 10th, breaking the record 132 breakfasts served at the first Becas Breakfast of this season, held at Coco's Kitchen - BarrioSur on November 12th.
The River Café to Host December Becas Breakfast
 Polly G. Vicars
Evangelina Sánchez and her husband Margarito Larios, proprietors of the beautiful River Café, located on the Río Cuale Island in downtown Vallarta, are hosting the second Becas Breakfast of the season on Wednesday, December 10 beginning at 9:30 am.
Los Bambinos' Smash Opening Night
 Polly G. Vicars
On November 24th, Los Bambinos took the stage for their premiere show of the season at the Santa Barbara Theater to an ovation of clapping hands, loud cheers and intense whistles from a greatly animated audience.
Hurrah! Los Bambinos are Back!
 Polly G. Vicars
Monday, November 24 at 8:00 pm will be opening night for Los Bambinos at the Santa Barbara Theater. This twice voted Best Musical Group by the Vallarta Lifestyles Reader's Choice Awards is preparing a program that really rocks!
Not Too Many Cooks in Coco's Kitchen
 Polly G. Vicars
Close to 150 hungry Vallartenses came out to enjoy Coco's delicious breakfast and to support Becas nearly 300 scholarship students at the first Becas Breakfast of the season, which took place at Coco's Kitchen - Barrio Sur on November 12, 2008.
Becas Vallarta to Inaugurate the Season with a Gala Breakfast
 Polly G. Vicars
At 9:30 am on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 the "high season" will really begin for Becas Vallarta supporters when they gather at Coco's Kitchen-Barrio Sur for what will be a fantastic breakfast to help finance our student scholarships.
Tales of 'Prepa' - Vallarta's College Preparatory High School
 Polly G. Vicars
Recently a group of members of the America-Mexico Foundation and Becas Vallarta, two local scholarship programs, journeyed to El Pitillal to tour the new campus for 'Prepa,' a college preparatory high school run by the University of Guadalajara.
Coco is Back with an October 14 Opening!
 Polly G. Vicars
Many friends and neighbors have asked, "What happened to Coco's Kitchen?" Well, here's the answer: Coco, her lovely daughter Vanessa and their great staff will be opening on Tuesday, October 14 at Barrio Sur, Calle Pulpito 122 on PV's south side.
My Friend Peter
 Polly G. Vicars
Artist, writer, businessman, philanthropist are words easily and appropriately associated with the name Peter Gray. But the word that always comes into my mind for Peter is friend.
Don't Forget World Peace Day September 21
 Polly Vicars
September 21st is World Peace Day, and you are invited to join Puerto Vallarta in commemorating this international effort to make peace a priority by attending a concert by Arcano at the Westin Hotel and Spa in Marina Vallarta at 6:30 pm.
World Peace Day - Vallarta Style
 Polly G. Vicars
September 21, 2008 is World Peace Day, and Puerto Vallarta is joining this international effort to make peace a priority by staging a musical event by Arcano at the Westin Hotel and Spa in Marina Vallarta at 6:30 pm.
Vallarta Magic: It's For Real and It's The People!
 Polly G. Vicars
Those of you who have read my books and articles in the local press, know that I truly believe that there is something magical about this paradise by the sea. But you may ask, "Is it truly magical? and if so, what is the source of this magic?"
Becas Vallarta: And the Winners Are...
 Polly G. Vicars
School's back in session, but the cost of school supplies, uniforms, school and tennis shoes have risen alarmingly, thus making Becas Vallarta, A.C. more important than ever to the young people of Puerto Vallarta and to their struggling families.
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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