Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - There's always so much going on in Puerto Vallarta and around Banderas Bay, it can be difficult to keep up with it all. Here's a look at some of this week's Puerto Vallarta news headlines and community announcements, plus a couple of this weekend's events that you won't want to miss.

PV Garden Club Elects New President

In a letter to "the supporters of beautification in Puerto Vallarta," the outgoing President of the PV Garden Club, Suzanne Kirkpatrick, writes: My term of office as President of the Garden Club has come to an end. Thank you for your trust and confidence in me and for all you contribute to the mission of PVGC. In the brief 4 years we have been in existence our accomplishments are many. Of course, we can all feel proud of Basilio Badillo. The bougainvillea blossoms cascading over the street fill my heart with joy every time I am there. We've expanded our planting scope throughout El Centro. We have a steadily growing, loyal membership who contribute their dues and many times a planter tile sponsorship to assist us in our mission. We attained this Spring a generous sponsor along with a number of matching donors who have enabled us finally to be out of the woods financially so we can pay our gardener and keep our plants alive. We have a terrific team of volunteers who turn out regularly to help with weeding and pruning. We have support from the Minister of Tourism and the head of Parks and Gardens, who promise to assist us with some of the problems of overeager pruning by merchants. Finally, we have a bi-cultural board we are very proud of whom we hope can overcome the concern that we are just a "gringo" organization. Please let's come together before leaving for our respective summer residences to celebrate the events of our 2nd Bugambilia Festival. Our newly elected President is Bonnie Mott. I know she will do a great job and take our organization to new heights. BN Editor's Note: The Vallarta Garden Club is registered as a non-profit organization in Mexico. For more information, visit vallartagardenclub.com.

Information to Help You Stay Healthy and Happy

Local researcher, educator and clinician-healer, Dr. Leslie Korn, will be hosting a 2 hour webcast, entitled "Beyond Fish Oil: 10 Dietary Strategies to Improve and Balance Mood" on June 23rd at 2 pm Eastern time (11 am Pacific and 1 pm Central). Join Dr. Leslie Korn, psychotherapist and expert in mental health nutrition, and explore the latest, most effective nutritional strategies to integrate into your client's everyday life. She will explain how depression, anxiety and bipolar, along with attention, are affected by food and dietary intake. Discover the secrets behind the food-mind-body connection and how to improve well-being through food, simple nutrients and behavioral strategies. The last part of the presentation includes a kitchen demonstration with Dr. Korn as she shares healthy food preparation strategies that save cost and time. Click HERE to register.

Vallarta Conservatory of Mexican Orchids Update

Construction continues six days a week on the Vallarta Botanical Gardens' Mexican Orchids Conservatory. Fans of this exciting project have been very impressed at watching the rapid pace of progress. The supporting rafters for the building’s roof are going up now, so the final form of the structure is now in place for you to see for yourselves. Thanks to the support of our members, friends, and donors, building construction fundraising is complete! Now our sights are set towards securing the funding for plants and educational displays, the conservatory’s first year operational budget, and the completion of the new orchid laboratory. Contributions are still needed and matching funds of up to $50,000 USD have been extended until the end of 2014! For those who have already contributed we extend a heartfelt thank-you. For those who would still like to contribute, we invite you to DONATE NOW. Tax-deduction receipts are available to Mexican, US, and Canadian taxpayers. Please contribute to the legacy and benefit to our beloved Vallarta community that this new world-class orchid conservatory will provide, while matching funds are available!

ACT LGBT Business Seminar at Casa Cupula

ACT LGBT, a non-profit Association of Commerce and Tourism that provides a networking platform and supports the development of LGBT businesses in Puerto Vallarta, will be holding their next monthly networking and business seminar at Casa Cupula's Taste Restaurant on Tuesday, May 13th, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Nancy Page will talk about Google analytics and how to make sense of the data collected from your website. She will demonstrate the power of better your website users and knowing and understanding all the features that this incredible tool has to offer. Nancy Page has nearly 30 years of experience in sales, marketing, and in building and managing teams. She currently volunteers at Gay Guide Vallarta and is active in the production of the "We Are Proud" documentary, which will be released during the Vallarta Pride 2014 festival. Everyone is welcome to attend the seminar. Entrance is free, and 'Taste-y' beverages will be available for purchase.

Weekend Events in Puerto Vallarta and Around Banderas Bay
Click on titles for more information

• Vallarta Hosts its First FIVB Beach Volleyball Open

• Riviera Nayarit Salsa and Mambo Festival, May 8-11th

• Second Annual Vallarta Bugambilia Festival