 | President's Message...
Dear Members and Friends,
The IFC's season-opening reception, a Mexican posada, is proving to be a colorful celebration of the season and a musical event. On Saturday, December 13, 5-7:00 PM, the evening will feature music provided by students of two IFC-supported charities. A group of musicians from the Instituto de Artes Musicales de Puerto Vallarta (IAMPV) will perform throughout the evening. The ALAS Escuela del Canto singers will also be featured. This is a chance for you to meet members of these two organizations that each received IFC grants over the past several years.
The courtyard outside the IFC clubhouse will be lit and festive, with beverages and finger foods. A silent auction will feature some unique and interesting items. All sales support IFC charitable activities.
Looking ahead to the new year, the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of IFC members will be held January 19, at 5:00 PM. Come cast your vote for the IFC Executive Board, and review and vote on the 2026 budget. More information about the Executive Board candidates below. Per IFC Bylaws, the AGM is members-only.
The AGM is followed immediately by IFC Member Appreciation Night, to recognize the generous support that members provide. Complementary beverages will be offered, and live music in the courtyard featuring guitarist Eduardo Leon and friend. Open to members and their guests. This will be a magical evening.
We are initiating a new festival on February 15, to feature the charities supported by the International Friendship Club, aptly called the "Friendship Festival". Representatives of these charities will be available for you to meet and chat with, to learn more about their work and the IFC's support. Musician Larry Long will launch a music video, a love letter to Vallarta, featuring his music and photos by Josef Kandoll. Larry will also perform live. Guests will enjoy complimentary finger food and beverages.
The winning tickets from the IFC's annual Dia de la Amistad 50-50 Raffle, will be pulled at the Friendship Festival. The 50-50 Raffle is an important component of the IFC's fundraising for charity, second only to Home Tours. Fifty percent of the raffle proceeds go to IFC charities. The other 50% is divided among the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place raffle winners. More info. below.
If you haven't already, check out the exciting new website. Same old address: ifcvallarta.org.
Please renew your membership. And, as always, please feel free to reach out.
| | Can't wait to see you!
Peggy Nelson
IFC President
847.571.7329 | | | | Opening Reception:
It's a Mexican Posada!!!
Saturday, December 13
We’re kicking off the new season with a traditional Mexican Posada, and you’re invited!
Let’s come together to celebrate the season, share in the holiday spirit, and welcome the exciting year ahead! Join us for an evening filled with:
- Delicious food & festive beverages
- Live music
- Fun surprises throughout the evening
- A joyful celebration with friends old and new
Bring a toy to donate for the Toys for Tots toy drive.
| | | Annual General Meeting
The IFC Nominating Committee will present a proposed slate of candidates for election to the IFC Executive Board at the IFC Annual General Meeting on January 19, 2026, 5:00-6:30 pm. Others may be nominated from the floor during the meeting.
Peggy Nelson - President
Peggy is the current IFC president, nominated to serve a second 2-year term.
Robert Schamel - Vice President
Robert is an IFC member and recently retired from a career as a lawyer in Colorado. Robert would replace Rosemary Shaw as Vice President as Rosemary is nominated to serve as IFC Secretary.
Karen Browning - Treasurer
Karen is a certified public accountant who previously volunteered with RISE and the Vallarta Food Bank (now Vallarta Cares).
Rosemary Shaw - Secretary
Rosemary is currently IFC Vice President and acting Secretary. Rosemary previously served a 2-year term as IFC Secretary.
Bert Chase. Bert is a current board member, appointed to the IFC Executive Board on an interim basis on May 12, 2025. Bert is an architect, planner and organizational advisor who has assisted numerous non-profit organizations to adapt their structures to take on major projects.
Sydney Clark. Past-IFC president and current board member. Sydney is an aspiring author and writing student and a career theatre arts and English literature teacher.
Randall Gransow. Current board member, was appointed to the Executive Board on an interim basis on April 14, 2025. Randall is also a Home Tours docent. He is retired from a career in the grocery business.
Stan Wagner. Current board member, was appointed to the IFC Executive Board on an interim basis on October 13, 2025, although Stan has been leading the IFC Marketing Communications team since August 2025. Stan joins us with a professional background in marketing and community engagement.
Jan Wood. Current board member, with more than 20 years' experience as a product developer and a passion for building strategies and bringing big ideas to life.
| Member Appreciation Night
January 19, 6:30pm - members and their guests.
Immediately following the Annual General Membership meeting, please join us for an evening dedicated to celebrating you—our valued members! Enjoy a warm and welcoming atmosphere with delicious refreshments, live entertainment, and great company. It’s our way of saying thank you for being an important part of our community.
No fee, please let us know you plan to attend by registering now.
| | IFC Dia de la Amistad 50-50 Raffle
Season's Greetings to all our Members and Friends!
Did you know that the International Friendship Club Annual Dia de la Amistad/Valentine's Day 50/50 Raffle is the club's largest charity fundraiser after the IFC Home Tours?
Proceeds from both of these special events are distributed to local charities that depend on the International Friendship Club for support.
Raffle tickets go on sale January 2, and the live drawing will be on Sunday, February 15th 💖 at the Festival of Friendship event. Please join in for a chance to win and help us help others in need!
Best wishes,
Drew Wilk
| | |  | | IFC Friendship Festival
Sunday, February 15
Join us at the IFC Clubhouse for a new event this year!
Many of the IFC-supported charities will be present. Members and friends can meet these organizations in person. You will have the opportunity for conversation to learn more about their activities and the difference they are making to the community.
There will be
- charity representatives
- booths for each charity
- live music
- the launch of a music video, Love Letter to Vallarta, by musician Larry Long with photos by Josef Kandoll.
- finger food and beverages
- no charge
Register here to attend:
| | | | Dan Grippo’s
Mexican History Lectures
Fridays, beginning January 9
The topic this season is “Public Lives, Private Secrets: Sex & Love in Mexican History”.
You can read more about the individual lectures by clicking the link here:
| | | | Carlos Navarro’s
“Connect with Mexico”
Series Returns
Begins Monday, January 12, every other Monday at 4:30 PM.
A 6-part lecture series about contemporary Mexico.
You can read more about this series by clicking the link here:
| | | | Orientation to Vallarta
Wednesday, December 10
For those interested in knowing more about life and living in Vallarta.
Whether you are a tourist, an expat or resident, ask your questions!
The program features Madeline Milne,
author of the Moon Guide to Vallarta,
realtor and owner of 2 bookstores in Vallarta.
| | | | NIA Dance
Sundays, beginning January 4
NIA lovingly stands for “Now I Am”.
It is a holistic, gentle, non-impact fitness practice addressing each aspect of your life – body, mind, and soul. Led by Deborah Darr.
NIA combines dance, martial arts, and mindfulness. It tones your body while transforming your mind. NIA allows you to find YOUR body’s way, OUR body’s joy.
You can register today by clicking on the link here:
| | | |
IFC Hiking Club
Explore Puerto Vallarta's stunning trails, take in breathtaking views, and enjoy the journey on this casual coastal walk.
To learn more about the hike or to register, click your choice(s):
Guided by: Spencer Tracy Lutz
Guided by: Jodi Wolk
| | | | IFC Dine Arounds Begin
Meet our Dine Around hosts for the 2025/26 season and join in the small groups of diners at some of our Preferred Merchants restaurants throughout the season.
Dinners will be discounted 10% upon presentation of your IFC Membership Card.
Registration and restaurant name is available one week before Dine Around date.
Find out more about your preferred dates by clicking here:
| | | | January Book Club
Wednesday, January 14
The Goddess of Warsaw by Lisa Barr
We are honored to have Lisa Barr, the author of The Goddess of Warsaw, attend our IFC book club via Zoom.
Participate in person at the IFC Clubhouse or online via Zoom. (access code required)
| | | Many of these events are featured in this newsletter.
All can be found on the website by clicking on the links in this calendar.
To return to this newsletter when on the reservation site, simply click the back button. | | Friday, December 12
Saturday, December 13
Monday, December 15
Tuesday, December 16
Wednesday, December 17
Thursday, December 18
Friday, December 19
Monday, December 22
Tuesday, December 23
Friday, December 26
Saturday, December 27
Monday, December 29
| | | Monday through Friday - 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday - Closed
info@ifcvallarta.org
ifcvallarta@gmail.com
+52 322-222-5466
Stop in and say hello to Josue!
Edificio Parian del Puente #13
Corner of Miramar and Libertad
Colonia El Centro, Puerto Vallarta
Jalisco, Mexico, 48300
PLEASE NOTE: The IFC Front Desk will be closed from December 22nd to January 1st.
Felix Navidad y Prospero Ano Nuevo! |
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Your newsletter team is Peggy Nelson, Stan Wagner, and myself. With a lot of help and support from many others.
Do you have suggestions or ideas? We value hearing from you!
Laurie Mueller
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