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

ASPV Kids Meet Firemen, Paramedics and Crocodiles

Last week, as a part of the American School of Puerto Vallarta's Trades and Occupations topic studies, Miss Silvia's Pre-first-grade group visited with Puerto Vallarta Bomberos (firemen). The kids wanted to learn the preparations required for this job, as well as the tools the bomberos use. They got to visit the fire department's headquarters, learned what needs to be done in case of a fire, and what number to call in case of an emergency. It was an extremely educational experience. They also got a chance to visit the University of Guadalajara Centro Universitario de la Costa's cocodrilario, where the students learned about the work involved in caring for crocodiles, turtles, iguanas, and serpents that inhabit the Banderas Bay area. They talked to biologists to discuss how to avoid accidents, and learned how the reptiles are identified and fed. It was especially exciting to touch a baby gator! Lastly, thanks to Amerimed Hospital, Pre-first students welcomed two paramedics and a doctor who brought their ambulance to the school grounds. The class was allowed to step into an ambulance and learn all about the equipment and tools inside, as well as the important work these professionals do.

Lupita Nyong'o Tweets in Spanish while in Mexico Promoting 'Star Wars' Movie

Lupita Nyong'o may have only lived in Mexico a short time before moving to Kenya, but the North American country is just a part of her as much as the African nation that saw her grow up. The Oscar-winning actress insists that she is Mexican-American and is letting it show on social media. Nyong'o was born in Mexico but her family returned to Kenya when she was 1-year-old. Her parents sent her back to Mexico when she was 16 so she could learn Spanish. For the last couple of days, the 32-year-old Nyong'o has been sharing photos from Mexico in Spanish – showing she is proud of her Hispanic roots. She was at her birthplace to promote the latest installment of the Star Wars saga. "The force is strong with this Padawan @memoapont. ¡#Thunder danger! @starwars #TheForceAwakens," she wrote in Spanish in the caption of a photo. "They're really, really big fans of ‘Star Wars' in Mexico," the actress told reporters, adding that she was happy to be back at her "second home." Nyong’o was joined by fellow cast member, Guatemalan-American actor Oscar Isaac and Kathleen Kennedy, a co-producer for the film.

Banderas Bay Blast Starts Tonight at Marina Riviera Nayarit

If you're in the Banderas Bay (Puerto Vallarta) area, it all starts on Friday, December 11, with Riviera Nayarit's Sailors' Splash Welcome for Ha-Ha vets and cruisers of all stripes at the Marina Riviera Nayarit in La Cruz. Starting at 7:00 pm under the big tent near the car entrance to the marina, there will be music, free T-shirts, free beverages and such, welcoming everyone to the area and the new sailing season. The Splash is followed, after a Saturday lay day, by the three-race, nothing-serious, Ha-Ha-style 'racing' of the Banderas Bay Blast. 'Race' your 'home'! The courses are relatively short and easy on the warm, flat waters of Banderas Bay. Sunday's race is around the cans off La Cruz, to be followed by a short party at the Marina Riviera Nayarit swimming pool area. Tuesday is the 'race' up to eight-mile-distant Punta Mita for the annual opening of the Punta Mita Yacht & Surf Club. Membership in this exclusive club is limited to those who sail there, but only costs $1 per lifetime. The last day of the Blast is the Pirates for Pupils Spinnaker Run for Charity from Punta Mita to Paradise Village Marina, where esteemed harbor master Dick Markie will provide participants with free berthing for the night. It all ends with a fun gathering at the Vallarta Yacht Club, adjacent to the Paradise Village Marina. Participants are encouraged to take guests aboard for this race for a $20 donation. The course is a lovely 12-mile spinnaker run. The money is used to buy school supplies for the local schools.

Mexico's Longest-Running TV Show is Set to End Dec. 20.

The Televisa network recently announced that En Familia would wrap up after a run of over 47 years on the air on December 20, 2015. Host Xavier Lopez has hosted the children's variety show since it started in January 1968. He has always worn children's overalls and speaks in a childish voice, even though he is now 81. Lopez is better known by his stage name, "Chabelo." He confirmed the end of the program and said he might start another, unspecified project. The announcement comes almost a year after the death of Mexico's other big proponent of "adults-dressed-as-children" humor, Roberto Gomez Bolanos, who was widely known as "Chespirito." Chabelo's program was not as famous in Latin America as Gomez Bolanos' "El Chavo del Ocho."

Weekend Events in Puerto Vallarta and Around Banderas Bay
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• Third Annual Purr Project Pig Roast & Luau at Sea Monkey

• Toys for Tots Vallarta Fundraising Events

• Puerto Vallarta Chamber Orchestra Christmas Concerts