Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico - The Amapas Neighborhood Association (ANA), a group of Mexican and ex-pat residents and business owners that work together to enhance the quality of life through improvements in security, streets and infrastructure, and responsible development, brings us up to date on what's happening in Colonia Amapas.

Mission Accomplished - Hortensias Repaving Project

After months of waiting for the official Obras Publicas go-ahead to install two grooved concrete tracks from Highway 200 up to La Cima I, trenching began in earnest on Tuesday, November 22. Under the supervision of ANA's Fernando Hernandez, the five-man City team cleared the broken paving, placed forms, and we had our first cement pour three days later.

With only a brief street closure to accommodate the comings and goings of the cement truck, backhoe and dump trucks carting off the last of the old pavement, the work is open to traffic and almost complete.

ANA thanks our Hortensias and Gardenias Individual and Full Building Members, who contributed over $200,000 pesos to make this important improvement a reality.

As noted, there's more work to be done on Hortensias. If you haven't done so, you can still contribute to the project at GoFundMe.com/FixHortensias.

New Street Lights on Pulpito Plaza

ANA has just added two new, decorative street lights to Pulpito Plaza - the intersection of Olas Altas and Pulpito, at the foot of the Signature funicular.

It's part of our ongoing effort to make the Amapas beach and business area safer and more attractive. ANA, with proceeds from the Pulpito Drag Derby, has also added the new planters there, and installed professional landscape lighting for 'Coco's Tree.'

Sold Out! - 2nd Annual ANA Dinner Dance a Big Success!

On December 1, a sell-out crowd of eighty ANA members and guests dined and danced the night away under the stars at Taste Restaurant. Act II Stages star Paul Fracassi headlined the entertainment, with a surprise appearance by Brittany Kingery. A good time was had by all.

This year's theme was 'Homecoming,' and many guests dressed accordingly. Each received a boutonniere, welcoming cocktail and hors d'oeuvres, and commemorative photos were taken by Josef Kandoll. The Casa Cupula pool disappeared beneath a temporary dance floor, with tables arranged around it.

Silent and live auctions brought in 43,400 pesos, with Diane Walsh walking away with a catered day on the bay aboard the Tequila Sunset, as well as Vista Vallarta Golf package. The evening's fundraising was matched in absentia by Jim Gabbert, who generously contributed $120,000 pesos. After expenses, ANA cleared $156,000 pesos for next year's expenses and projects.

We Want To Hear From You!

You put the 'Neighbor' in 'Neighborhood Association,' and we need to hear from you: What we've done right, what we've done wrong, what you'd like to see ANA do for Amapas in the coming year! So come to the ANA Consultation Meeting on Thursday, January 12 at 4:00 pm at Taste Restaurant in Casa Cupula.

Our November Consultation was so popular that we're having another one for those who missed it. All ANA members are welcome, and we're inviting a representative from every condominium in Amapas to come and give their thoughts and input for 2017.

ANA Board members will be there to listen, so please show up and speak up!

Membership/Renewal Season Now in Full Swing!

ANA's strength - our ability to get things done for Amapas - is the result of our strong membership support. January is Membership/Renewal Season, and we're holding the line: Individual membership dues for 2017 are again $1,500 pesos. Full Building Members pay only $1,300 pesos/unit.

To renew individually, stop by our new office at Hotel San Marino - 111-3 Rodolfo Gomez - and pay with cash or credit card. Viviana will issue your new 2017 ANA Membership card on the spot, and you can score Member Benefits discounts at many local bars, restaurants and businesses. You can also reach us and arrange to renew on line. Contact Viviana at admin(at)amapaspv.com for appointment or details.

If your condo is already a Full Building Member, your Board and Administrator should handle your renewal automatically for you, but it never hurts to remind them.

If your condo is NOT already a Full Building Member, it should be! Talk to your friends. Encourage your Board to talk to us. We're happy to send an ANA Board member to talk to your president, your Board, your AGM, answer any questions and listen to suggestions.

Save These Dates!

• ANA's Consultation Meeting: Thursday, January 12 at 4 pm at Taste @ Casa Cupula.
For those who missed our November Consultation, it's a Q&A with the Board. Bring your complaints, comments, questions and suggestions.

• ANA Presidents Reception: Tuesday, January 17, 6-8 pm at El Set

• ANA's January Night Out: Friday, January 20th - our informal monthly get-together from 6-8 pm. This month's Meet and Greet will be held Estrella Del Mar Condominium, featuring fabulous sunset views and some of your favorite Puerto Vallarta people - your friends and neighbors!

• ANA Annual Meeting: Friday, February 10 at 10 am at Taste Restaurant at Casa Cupula

To keep up with all of the latest ANA news, follow the Amapas Neighborhood Association on Facebook.

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The Amapas Neighborhood Association is the official association of residents and business owners in the Colonia Amapas of Puerto Vallarta. A volunteer and not-for-profit association with about 350 members, the ANA was founded in 2002 to improve the quality of life in Amapas. We work to keep our neighborhood safe, beautiful, desirable and welcoming to tourists and residents from all countries and walks of life. We are also the official "Junta Vecinal" or neighborhood council for Amapas, the legal representative of the neighborhood to the city government. Learn more at AmapasPV.com.