 | Dear Members and Friends,
Word on the street is that the first Member Appreciation Night of the 2026 season, last Monday, was a hit. Following the IFC Annual General Meeting where the IFC Executive Board was elected and the 2026 budget approved, close to a hundred members and friends gathered in the clubhouse lobby and in the courtyard to enjoy a gorgeous evening. We celebrated our members and friends with live Latin music from Lalo Canela and Juan, cold champagne and delicious desserts. Such great conversations. We love bringing people together.
We look forward to seeing you again at the upcoming Festival of Friendship on Sunday, February 15, 1:00-5:00 PM. The festival originated from IFC members’ interest in learning more about the educational and social service organizations supported by IFC grants.
Representatives of 17 of these charities will be present to meet you and share information about their work. Several will make presentations, and some will provide musical entertainment. The IFC will provide beverages and snacks. Member Larry Long will launch a music video “Love Letter to Vallarta” and perform a song or two. It promises to be a fun and festive afternoon.
The Festival of Friendship will be paired this year with the Dia de la Amistad 50-50 Raffle. This is one of the few out-and-out fundraisers the IFC holds to raise money for cleft palate clinics and to fund grants to charitable organizations. It’s an important time to contribute financially. And take your chances on winning! You can get your raffle tickets here. | | Can't wait to see you soon!
Peggy Nelson
IFC President | | | |
Newly elected/re-elected IFC Executive Board:
Peggy Nelson - President
Rob Schamel - Vice President
Karen Browning - Treasurer
Rosemary Shaw - Secretary
Sydney Clark - At Large
Bert Chase - Strategic Planning
Jan Wood - Membership, Marketing
Stan Wagner - Marketing
Advisory Board:
Paul Adkins - Member Liaison
Madeline Milne - Orientation to Vallarta
Beth Tester - Home Tours Operations, Web Manager
Henry Golas - Education Committee Chair
Linda Sandell - Social Services Committee Chair
Linda Vasquez - Outside Events
Robert Nickerson - Preferred Merchants Program
Vacant (Peggy Nelson acting) - Clubhouse Programming
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Graceful, empowering, and joy-filled—NIA is more than a movement class, it’s an experience.
Deborah Darr is one of IFC’s dedicated volunteer instructors, and every Sunday she brings the clubhouse to life with NIA, a practice whose name says it all: “Now I Am.” This gentle, non-impact movement blends dance, martial arts, and mindfulness to nurture the body, mind, and soul—all while honoring each person’s unique way of moving.
Recently, we caught up with Deb to learn what makes NIA so special, why it resonates with so many in our community, and what first-timers can expect when they step into class. Read below for our mini-interview.
IFC: When someone hears ‘NIA – Now I Am,’ what do you hope they feel before they ever take their first class?
DD: I love it when someone is about to experience their very first NIA class -- because they are about to embark on an adventure in self-discovery. They are welcomed…and invited… to use the movement for their own delight and healing. Following “your body’s way” is key to NIA.
IFC: People often say they’re ‘not a dancer’ or worry about impact—what would you tell someone who’s curious but unsure if NIA is for them?
DD: You don’t have to “be a dancer” to enjoy NIA. It is about seeking joy and personal expression, not the “Choreography." Originally, “NIA" stood for "Non-Impact Aerobics" – and NIA is easy on the joints because it is non-impact. Everyone is invited to do what feels good to them….slower movements, smaller movements, or simply do what they want. In our Sunday class, there are opportunities for “free dance” – which basically means that you can cut loose and do your own thing!
IFC: After a NIA class, what do participants most often say surprise them about how they feel—physically or emotionally?
DD: I am amazed and gratified when participants who moved the least physically during the class say what a wonderful experience it was. And they come back…and bring their friends! Often people find immense JOY and relief in finding a safe place to express all that’s been bottled up inside. There’s a lot of spontaneous hugging following a class.
Curious about NIA? You’re invited to discover it for yourself. Learn more at ifcvallarta.org/calendar.
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Men’s Health - Set aside any inhibitions and join Dr. Jonathan Robles for a vigorous conversation about men’s health on Tuesday, February 2, at 6:00 PM at the Clubhouse. All topics will be on the table, from nutrition to ED to prostate health and more. This is the second in a series of three lectures on health and wellness in paradise. Register here.
Vallarta Botanical Garden Tour - Enjoy a gorgeous day with other IFC members and friends exploring the Vallarta Botanical Gardens. This package includes 5-6 hours at the Gardens, a guided walking tour, lunch in their award winning restaurant, and transport to/from Vallarta. The VBG is offering discounted pricing to both IFC members and non-members, and pricing for Garden members is discounted even more deeply. Duration 5-6 hours. Register here. Deadline to book: February 3rd, 2026
1920’s Jazz Age Lecture - Our very own member and Home Tour leader, David Lightstone will lead a discussion on February 17, at 6:00 PM, of the development of jazz, from New Orleans through major US cities to international acclaim. We will be privileged with original recordings and photos from Louis Armstrong, King Oliver, Jelly Roll Morton, Bix Beiderbecke, Benny Goodman, Sidney Bechet, Django Reinhardt and others. Come to learn, and to enjoy. Register here. |  |  | |
If you attend the IFC lectures, you may have noticed that the first presentations with video this season had technical difficulties.. We put out the word for help, and, et voila! an angel in the form of a LA-based film and video technician stepped up to volunteer. He wishes to remain anonymous. This angel spent a full afternoon at the Clubhouse, atop ladders and storage cabinets, diagnosing the issue and recommending a new modem, and direct HDMI cabling. He returned a couple days later to devote another full afternoon to installing the new equipment, restore our video to top notch.
As we’ve said many times, we depend on volunteers. Thank you, thank you. | |
Volunteer Opportunities
Want to represent the IFC at the 3 Hens & a Rooster Saturday Market?
A table has just been made available for the IFC at this Saturday market on Isla Cuale. This is an opportunity for a friendly member to spread the word about the IFC’s work and activities. You can set up and staff the table for a couple hours, or staff the table for a couple hours and take down. You would need to cart a lightweight canopy, the IFC banner, a small fold-up table and stool to the market and set up with IFC brochures and flyers. This is a great opportunity to meet people, and while you are there you can shop! Please contact president@ifcvallarta.org
Social Media Coordinator
We are looking for a Social Media Coordinator to participate within the marketing team. If you enjoy being creative, staying organized, and communicating with a friendly team, this might be a great fit! What we’re looking for: a basic understanding of social media (we’ll teach you the rest); access to a computer; willingness to collaborate with a supportive team; a commitment of about 3–4 hours per week. We use Canva Pro, and we’ll guide you through our posting style and scheduling tools. You’ll help us share IFC news and events on Facebook, Instagram (coming soon!), and online community calendars. If you’re interested, please contact marketing@ifcvallarta.org |  | | February's Book Selection: The Five Wishes of Mr. Murray McBride
At 100, retired ballplayer Murray McBride feels he has nothing left—until he meets Jason, a terminally ill 10-year-old with a bucket list. As they chase Jason’s dreams together, Murray rediscovers purpose, and both lives are forever changed by love, loss, and an unexpected gift.
Join us for an evening of reflection, connection, and great conversation at our February Book Club meeting.
 Registration is required: https://ifcvallarta.org/calendar
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Do You Live Like This?
If not, the next best thing is to join us for one of our weekly Home Tours and enjoy an insider’s look at some of Puerto Vallarta’s most remarkable residences. From charming traditional casas to breathtaking multimillion-dollar beachfront condos and villas, each tour offers something special. Relax in comfort aboard our air-conditioned tour bus as our friendly guides share engaging and informative commentary along the way. Net proceeds support our 30-year-strong Cleft Palate Program, along with other local charities.
Join Us! |  | Don’t Forget Our Excellent Spanish Classes
Whether you’re just getting started or ready to refine your fluency, IFC’s Spanish Classes are one of our most popular and practical offerings—and a great way to feel more confident living in Mexico.
How it works
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One ticket is good for any Spanish class from October 2025 through March 2026
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Tickets are not date-specific, so you can attend when it works for you
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Bring your digital or printed confirmation to the IFC Front Desk to receive your class tickets
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Tickets are non-refundable but transferable, so feel free to pass them along if you can’t use them
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Please note: no cash sales at the office
Class Levels & Times
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9:00–10:00 am | Intermediate I
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10:10–11:10 am | Intermediate II
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11:20 am–12:20 pm | Advanced
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12:30–1:30 pm | Basic / Beginner
📍 Location
IFC Clubhouse
Libertad 105, Centro, Puerto Vallarta
Register here for the classes.
Learning the language is one of the best ways to feel at home—please join us! |  |  | BUYING TWO OR MORE TICKETS
How do I buy a ticket for my partner or friend? |  |  |
9:00 AM
Beginner through Advanced Levels - 3x/week - Drop-In
1:30 PM
Spend the afternoon with friends!
10:30 AM
Dan Grippo, Ph.D., Latin American History
1:30 PM
Join us Fridays from 1:30-4:30pm for a friendly game of social bridge.
6:00 PM
Regional Mexican dishes in a colonial architecture building surrounded by several garden terraces and a beautiful view to the malecón.
9:30 AM
Dharma talk, Guided Meditation, Shared Reflections. Dan Grippo.
11:00 AM
Friendly to older bodies.
4:00 PM
A private sail in beautiful Banderas Bay.
12:00 PM
NIA combines dance, martial arts, and mindfulness.
9:00 AM
Please join us for a friendly and casual class of bridge instruction.
9:00 AM
Beginner through Advanced Levels - 3x/week - Drop-In
9:00 AM
Beginner through Advanced Levels - 3x/week - Drop-In
9:15 AM
Online Sales Only
6:00 PM
Men’s Health Issues-presented by noted Vallarta urologist Dr. Jonathan Robles
9:15 AM
Online Sales Only
9:30 AM
Friendly to older bodies.
11:00 AM
30min Quiet Meditation, Discussion. Dan Grippo.
1:00 PM
Qigong is a slow moving ancient Chinese exercise for building strength and energy in the body (Chi).
5:30 PM
Presented by Madeline Milne
9:00 AM
Beginner through Advanced Levels - 3x/week - Drop-In
1:30 PM
Spend the afternoon with friends!
6:00 PM
Registration opens 1 week before Dine-Around date.
8:00 AM
Guided by Spencer Tracy Lutz
10:30 AM
Dan Grippo, Ph.D., Latin American History
1:30 PM
Join us Fridays from 1:30-4:30pm for a friendly game of social bridge.
6:00 PM
Registration opens 1 week before Dine-Around date.
9:30 AM
Dharma talk, Guided Meditation, Shared Reflections. Dan Grippo.
11:00 AM
Friendly to older bodies.
12:00 PM
NIA combines dance, martial arts, and mindfulness.
|  | | Edificio Parian del Puente #13
Corner of Miramar and Libertad
Colonia El Centro, Puerto Vallarta
Jalisco, Mexico, 48300 | | | Your newsletter team includes many IFC volunteers. Do you have suggestions or ideas? Send a message to marketing@ifcvallarta.org. We value hearing from you!
Thank you! | |