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 News from Around Banderas Bay | February 2008 
Second Ship's Visit Helps Los Mangos Library
 Peter Gray - PVNN
The USCGC Hamilton arrived in Puerto Vallarta on February 4th with an enthusiastic offer from her captain, Vince Dilaurentis, to provide a work-party on the following day to continue the job of painting the Los Mangos Library. (Readers may recall that volunteers from the USCGC Active began the job of stripping the walls during that ship's visit on January 25th.)
The next day happened to also be the day of the monthly Navy League meeting. While adding a little extra logistical complication, this did afford an opportunity to invite the Captain to show up and say a few words at the meeting. He explained that this was his second visit to our port and the second time painting Los Mangos Library.
It was highly gratifying to hear his high opinion of the Puerto Vallarta Navy League, which he characterized as the most dynamic he had encountered in Mexico and Latin America. He also complimented our port authorities for their efficiency and friendliness - making comparisons with Acapulco which were all in Puerto Vallarta's favor.
Meanwhile, excellent progress was being made out at the library. A good portion of this very large building received its fresh coat of paint. Nevertheless, there is work still to be done to complete the job. Fortunately, the Navy League is expecting a third ship to arrive shortly, so it is expected that the entire building will be entirely re-painted within a month.
Taking advantage of the visits of U.S. naval ships is an integral part of the Navy League's mission here in Puerto Vallarta. It is an activity that goes unnoticed by many. But there are many scores of school-children, orphans, disabled and old people who have reason to be thankful to all the sailors who readily give their time and energy to ensuring their surroundings are in shipshape condition.
Of course, these projects do not simply happen. Navy Leaguer Bill Clark and his volunteers do a great job of handling the logistics that make these visits successful. There are locations to check out, paint and tools to be organized, transport to be arranged and schedules to be established.
And at the end of work, there is always a great lunch provided for the sailors by way of thanking them and making sure that they experience the good food and hospitality for which Puerto Vallarta is famous.
The Navy League is determined to maintain its reputation as the most pro-active organization of its kind, south of the border. |
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