Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, 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, a few community announcements and a couple of this weekend's events that you won't want to miss.

Are You Planning a Winter Vacation in Punta Mita? Pack for PEACE!

Once again, The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort came up with a wonderful idea for creating smiles for the children in México through their initiative they have called Pack for PEACE. Their idea is very simple, you just need to use the extra space left in your luggage to bring a toy for kids between 6 and 14 years old and delivery it directly to Front Desk or Concierge, these will be donated to less fortunate children in the Punta Mita community via the PEACE Foundation. All your donations will be presented by St. Regis staff and a group of guests on Día de Reyes (Three Kings Day, January 6, 2016) one of the fondest traditions for kids in Mexico. Join St. Regis in this beautiful initiative! For more information about this and other Peace Punta de Mita programs, and how you can support their amazing work, visit PeacePuntaDeMita.org

Jazz Pianist Janette Mason to Perform in Puerto Vallarta, January 8

CK Productions of Puerto Vallarta is pleased to announce that they'll be kicking off their Terra Noble Concert Series on January 8th, with a special concert featuring world-class Jazz pianist, Janette Mason. Banderas Bay Jazz Allstars members, electric bassist Steve York and drummer Luis Murillo, will be completing Janette's trio for this special concert. Janette Mason, from her high profile gigs throughout the 90’s touring with artists like Seal, Oasis, k.d. Lang and Robert Wyatt, to the years on camera as Musical Director for Jonathan Ross and Antoine De Caunnes, has proven to be a consummate musician and a standout talent in Jazz, Pop, Indie, Rock and World Music. Opening the show for Ms. Mason will be the wonderfully entertaining and talented local band, 'Moruno.' With a unique and magical style, Diego, Nacho and Osmar perform 'gypsy jazz' music, which is very popular with the Saturday night crowd at El Patio de Mi Casa in downtown Puerto Vallarta. The concert will be held at the magical Terra Noble Spa... Out of this world but still in town. (Click Here for Google Map.) Doors open at 7 pm, the main show starts at 9:00. Tickets cost $500 pesos for general admission, which entitles you to hors devours, access to the cash bar, and general seating. VIP tickets are available for $700 pesos, which includes classic table seating before the stage, table service for hors d'oeuvres and drinks. Seating is limited, so book your tickets now, while they are still available! For more information, visit CKProductionsVallarta on Facebook.

American School of Puerto Vallarta Students Visit Las Islas Marietas

American School of Puerto Vallarta students in Mr. Kilner's Biology class recently visited the Marietas Islands to continue their Ecology collaboration with the scientists from the Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas (CONANP). During a fun and tiring day, the students identified and took population data on birds such as Brown and Blue Footed Boobies, Pelicans, Gulls, Magnificent Frigate birds and several species of Tern. In the latter part of the day the focus turned under the ocean surface, where the class snorkeled and were able to identify coral species, and many species of fish including King Angelfish, Trumpetfish, Pargo and Giant Damselfish. On returning to the lab, the class has been producing scientific journal standard reports of their findings. "We are extremely privileged to have this level of access to the Marietas and the dedicated scientists who care for their wildlife," said ASPV student, Amanda Gonzalez.

Bucerías Spay & Neuter Clinic Needs Your Help!

Just as in many towns in Mexico, Bucerías and La Cruz suffers from many unwanted and abandoned cats and dogs. They are left to wander the streets searching for food and shelter. There simply are not enough loving homes to take them in. A January spay/neuter clinic is proposed to help solve the problem of over-population of unwanted animals. Sue Fornoff is working with several other Bucerías residents (including Harold Sokolove, Joanne Walsh, and Rachel Meza) to raise money for a clinic. They have contracted with PEACEAnimals for a clinic that will be held on January 13-16 at the former Bucerías Bilingual Community Center, Calle 16 de septiembre at Matamoros, in Bucerías. (Click here for Google Map.) The clinic services are free, anyone in the area can bring their dog or cat to be spayed/neutered. Animals will also be treated for parasites, fleas and ticks, and any additional health problems addressed when possible. In a typical clinic, over 100 animals are sterilized in the 4 days. The cost of the 4-day clinic is $1800 USD. As the sponsors, we are responsible for paying that fee, providing lunches for the staff and recruiting volunteers. We need your help to reduce the population of unwanted/abandoned animal in Bucerias and La Cruz. Please click HERE to make a donation, or email Sue Fornoff at sioux4noff(at)aol.com to volunteer for the clinics.

Weekend Events in Puerto Vallarta and Around Banderas Bay
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• South Side Shuffle Offers Fun and Friendly Shopping

• Vallarta Gay Men's Chorus 'Festival of Lights' Concert

• June Rosen Lopez Holiday Jewelry Party, Dec. 19 & 20