Explore the New Restaurant Recommendations section for Jaltemba Bay – written by Tara Spears
Tara’s Best Bets
| FRONT PAGE | NAYARIT NEWS | Tara’ Best Bets |
TRAVEL | HOME & LIVING | MEXICO INSURANCE PRODUCTS |
TRAVEL BUDDIES |
Farewell: Final Cancer de Mama Clinic 2025
Tara A. Spears
This is the place where the story stops. It is with a heavy heart that the Executive Committee made the decision to not continue offering clinics. While the public understands the reasons for change- aging volunteers, difficulty transporting prosthesis internationally- it still be difficult to accept that such a vital cause will cease.
The need of the Mexican breast cancer survivors continues and that hurts the dedicated volunteers that worked throughout the year to gather items and prepare for the annual three-day clinic.
Each clinic is a powerful experience for both the volunteer and the patients, with tears and hugs, yet a spirit of hope prevailing. I met so many wonderful ladies, and learned so much that volunteering at the clinic was something that I looked forward to all year.
Each woman takes away more than a boob; we empowered each other to carry the load. “she’s not heavy she’s my sister.” After the final event, the Executive Committee will share the impressive statistics of how many women benefited during the 29 years of operation.
The breast prostheses project originated in 1996 by Jackie Jackson, from Enderby, B.C. and the cause was adopted by the La Penita RV Park residents in 2008. Women at the RV park and throughout Jaltemba Bay are committed to providing this much needed service. In addition to donations from Canadian and American medical companies, particularly the wonderful ladies from Nightingale Medical Supplies in Vernon, B.C. who are certified post-mastectomy fitters, travel here to help. Sadly, it has become increasingly complex to move the donated prothesis and mastectomy bras internationally.
The dozens of compassionate volunteers in cheerful pink share smiles and hugs with the hundreds of women from throughout Nayarit. Many of the women traveled for hours by bus to receive assistance at the annual breast cancer clinic. Each woman attending receives a reusable shopping bag in which to put her new prosthetic bra, each woman is given a gel prosthesis and knit ‘tit bit’, a head covering, a snack, and a chance to visit the salon for a facial and or wig. There used to be a ‘store’ she can purchase additional bras and other donated clothing items-until Covid safe practices began.
During the years that the clinic was held at the RV Park, the facilities were transformed into a clinic with eight private exam cubicles that are attractively decorated to ease the women’s anxiety. One of the clinic goals is to help the women participants feel respected, comfortable, and feminine. The Cancer de Mama Clinic developed a high level of trust and acceptance that transcends the language barrier.
“It’s a two-way street now,” observed a volunteer. “Before, they (the women clients) were shy and uncertain. Now they kid around and reach out to us just like real sisters do!” What is a truly horrible physical illness has united women of all shapes, ages, color and background- with all of us better people for the experience. We are a sisterhood!
In 2017, the clinic added treatment for the women affected by secondary lymphedema. Approximately 40% of the Mexican ladies seen last year were suffering from lymphedema, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Coordinated by Carole Maze, she and a team of trained volunteers fit the ladies with appropriate compression and wraps
This grassroots effort is solely funded by donations and without any paid staff. The astonishing transformation of the senior center into an attractive, organized clinic for three days requires the cooperation and year-round efforts of many people. Even more amazing is that the majority of the clinic volunteers do not live in Mexico, but visit seasonally.
The medical prostheses are hauled from Canada and the US by RVs, as are the majority of other supplies used at the clinic. Many local merchants donate food items that become the meal for the clients and volunteers. Other concerned people volunteer time to sort, organize, and prepare for the clinic. The Cancer de Mama department chairs have great organizational talent besides their tremendous heart. Thank you all for what you do!
For many women in Nayarit, just surviving the breast removal surgery is not enough, there is still a huge uphill battle for regaining self-esteem and feeling like a woman again. Statistics from the Mexican National Institute of Salud Publica indicate that breast cancer mortality in Nayarit has exceeded the national average for more than 10 years.
There is a lack of after surgery care proved by the government for the lower socioeconomic individuals without health insurance, which is approximately 60% of the Nayarit population. The Cancer de Mama Clinic addresses this real need by providing free medical prosthesis, tidbits, and special bras to women breast cancer.
There is no one type of patient. Many of the women need emotional support and validation that she is still feminine after a mastectomy; other patients are further along the journey and can be emotional support for others” Clearly the women travel to the clinic for so much more than just a boob!
For many of the Mexican ladies it is a chance for a wellness day where she receives both physical and emotional support. Typically, the survivors range in age from their early 20s to 70s- although one year I volunteered the youngest was 15, another year the oldest mid 80s. The ladies come for supplies, comfort, and companionship as they struggle though their emotional journey to be brave, strong women that are breast cancer survivors.
One comment that has stayed with me is from a patient in 2008 (the first year that I volunteered): “I came as a stranger but I leave as a friend.” It sums up the interaction of both volunteer and patients. The Cancer de Mama Clinic isn’t simply about things, it is an opportunity for cancer survivors to feel good about themselves because they look good.
To all of the hundreds of caring volunteers that make, donate, organize so many bras, beanie bags tidbits, scarves, hats, wigs, hand sewn reusable bags, with little toiletry gifts to treat the ladies of Nayarit, you are giving positive energy to each woman. Your support of CdM by volunteering has touched hundreds of lives of Mexican breast cancer survivors each year.
It’s no surprise that so many Mexican women look past the pain of cancer to look forward to a day of wellness and emotional support. There are so many wonderful, positive memories from each clinic.
Thank you to the members of the Committee for your dedication, thank you to all the volunteers, thank you to all the women survivors. I will miss all of you!
Roxy Henderson: Loving Pet Grooming
Tara A. Spears
If your fur baby is on vacation with you, it’s good to know that there is a professional, certified groomer in Jaltemba Bay. Visiting the beach is fun and stimulating for your dog but oh, so messy! Holistic Pet Grooming by Roxy Henderson, 322 239 6423, is the answer to keeping your pet looking its best. Her full-service pet salon includes pick up and delivery option, bathing, hair trimming and nails. Are you wanting to take a day excursion but the dog can’t go? Roxy offers a safe, loving babysitting environment for small animals. She has many repeat customers- and dogs adore her- which rates her service a 5 star. The animals trust her genuine affection. The grooming salon, located in Guayabitos, is open year – round. Book your appointment today.
Being a dog owner often means so much more than just being responsible for a pet. Dogs are our best friends and our guides. “Dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me, dogs are the meaning to life,” said Roxy. For so many of us, dogs and cats are our first children or the only ones we’ll ever have. They spend so much time studying our habits and loving us unconditionally that they pick up on our cues and instinctively know where we’re going, what we’re doing or how we’re feeling. Naturally we want to provide a healthy, comfortable lifestyle for our four-legged companions, and regular grooming is a part of that.
Dog grooming is the practice of cleaning, styling, and otherwise looking after a dog. Grooming is an essential part of owning a dog as it helps to keep them clean and healthy. Not only does regular grooming make your dog look good, but it also helps to keep their skin and fur healthy by removing dead hair and other debris. It’s also a good opportunity for you and your dog to bond and teach your dog some essential grooming habits.
The dog grooming process (and cost) can vary depending on your dog, its age and breed, and what grooming style you want your dog to have. Yes, the primary purpose of dog grooming is to make your dog look good. Still, it is also crucial that the groomer takes into account the condition of the dog. Roxy has a calm manner and specialized tools to help make grooming a pleasant experience for your fur baby.
In fact, Roxy also provides a mobile grooming service that is convenient for customers and pets. To help soothe a timid animal that gets stressed in unfamiliar environments, Roxy can come to your home to provide service in the dog/cat’s home.
This vivacious Canadian expat gave up the long, cold Manitoba winters to become a resident of coastal Mexico three years ago. After getting to know the area, she decided to live in Guayabitos fulltime. This is great news for other JB residents because keeping your dogs’ fur short in the extremely hot summers is important for their comfort. “I recommend regular bathing for your house pet even if she doesn’t go to the beach” said Roxy. “During the dry season the animal still picks up dust that clings to its skin.”
Roxy’s mission for Holistic Grooming Services involves three major components: your pet’s health and safety, providing comfort and style, and being connected to the animal protection community (Jaltemba Bay Animal Resources- JBAR.) You can trust your four-legged family member to Roxy’s care- doesn’t your fur baby deserve the best?
Tired of Ordinary? Experience Petra’s Exceptional German Deli
Tara A. Spears
It’s rare to find quality German cooking in Mexico, but in cosmopolitan Jaltemba Bay, Petra’s Bavarian Deli, is a great café offering fantastic breakfasts and lunch. When it comes to German cuisine, it is much more than just food; this style cooking reflects history, warmth, and hospitality.
German food, especially as Petra Huerta does it, weaves flavor, culture and memories into every dish. With her partner, Kristi Hudsonpillar as the hostess-server, this charming duo works hard to make your visit comfortable and satisfying.
Open Monday thru Friday 8 am til 4 pm, Petra’s has fresh baked specialty breads available in the deli as well as cheeses, sausages, potato salads, sauerkraut, lots of great take out foods. Best yet, you can call 322-240-5006 to order tasty party platters to your specifications!
Located on the parallel street south of the La Penita Avenida, Petra’s Deli is easy to walk, drive or take a cab to Alfedo V. Bonfil #9. Many people wrap up their visit to the Thursday outdoor market with lunch at Petra’s.
A traditional German proverb is ‘A meal without sausage is like a life without love.’ I enjoy eating the bratwurst plate and buying a bag of specialty sausage to take home to enjoy throughout the week.
If you appreciate a good breakfast, you simply must try the Alpine plate- to die for- with more than one type of meat. Be sure to come hungry because this is a hearty dose of protein.
As customer Sally Zedillo says, “Petra is a great cook. Her deli provides a nice selection of cheeses. Kristi serves the food with a smile; together they are a great team. Their breads and apple strudel are out of this world!”
German Sausages(wurst) is not a hotdog: Sausages are enjoyed during festivals, beer gardens, or family meals. They symbolize joy and community, showing the dedication to quality that defines German cuisine.
Whether sizzling bratwurst or poached weisswurst, sausages are more than just a meal—they symbolize regional pride and German culture. My German grandmother used to say “A sausage a day keeps the sadness away.”
Besides the stellar breakfast options, the menu includes several traditional entrees that are exceptional. In addition to the full menu, Petra has whiteboard daily specials for breakfast and lunch.
An example of a daily special is a fresh home baked English muffin with Canadian bacon, cheese, eggs and fried potatoes. OMG, it’s delicious!
All of the pork and steak plates are excellent. If you have a vegetarian in the family, no problem, Petra makes wonderful fresh salads.
I recently had family visiting from out of town. I was not feeling like cooking another big meal so I let Petra do the work for me: I ordered X number of the daily special entrée.
I could play with the grandkids all day and not have the stress of preparing the meal and entertaining, but because Petra’s method is home style preparation, the family still felt loved and I was not as worn out. Win, win, win!
If you ever see Petra and Kristi out dancing, be sure to ask Petra to sing. Besides being a super cook, she has a beautiful voice and probably could have been a professional entertainer.
A life long cat ‘mama’- her fur baby shared her life through three countries for more than 20 years. Not only does Petra work hard but she can dance til the band quits. Petra and Kristi are always giving back to the community they love by supporting the various groups- thanks, ladies!
A visit to La Penita is not complete without at least one meal at Petra’s Deli. It’s an authentic German beer garden in a capsule. One can still love tacos and enjoy asavory plate of Jager schnitzl with potato pancakes and red cabbage.
English-speaking AA meetings: Mondays and Thursdays, 10a.m., at the Catholic Church on the square in La Penita. Use the rear door of the church, up the stairs on your left. All are welcome.
Tara A. Spears
Perhaps when you think of Christmas traditions, images of twinkling lights, decorated trees, and festive feasts come to mind. But, in Mexico, the holiday season is marked by one of the most beloved customs, la Posada Navideña.
If you have never been lucky enough to be invited to a Posada, you can experience the joyful Mexican Christmas spirit by coming to one of the town parades. Posadas are lively Mexican Christmas gathering. “Posadas are mainly organized by a family or coworkers or groups like classmates, etc. They are not public events. The JB taxi companies have a huge posada on a ball field, or rent a hall” explained Inez Santana.
Basically, Posada Navideña is a Christmas tradition that reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter in Bethlehem before the birth of Jesus. The term “posada” means “inn” in Spanish, symbolizing their quest for lodging. Families, friends, neighborhoods, church groups, gather together and organize posadas for 9 days, starting on December 16th and lasting for nine nights until December 24. The tradition involves lively processions with music, food, and carols, with each night representing one month of Mary’s pregnancy.
There are five main components to Posada Navidena: 1. Singing; 2. Piñatas; 3. Ponche Navideño- a hot and flavorful Christmas fruit punch; 4. Food- typically a buffet of family favorites; 5. Aguinaldos – little bags of candy that the host provides for the guests as a souvenir of all the fun of the Christmas party.
According to several sources, participants will walk along a designated route, stopping at symbolic “inns” where they sing traditional songs and ask for shelter or “posada.” The group is turned away until they reach the final destination, where they are welcomed inside with joy, symbolizing the spirit of Christmas and community.
A Mexican Posada typically involves singing traditional songs that ask for shelter, delicious food, drinks, and piñatas. One of the highlights of the Posadas in Mexico is the breaking of the piñata, often shaped like a star. This symbolic act represents the struggle of good over evil, with participants blindfolded and striking the piñata until it bursts, spilling candy and treats for everyone to enjoy.
Piñatas, a key feature of many Mexican celebrations, have their origins in the Posada Navideña. The traditional seven-pointed piñata represents the Star of Bethlehem and the seven deadly sins. Blindfolding participants symbolizes faith, and breaking the piñata marks the victory over sin. Filled with sweets, fruits, and nuts, the piñata offers a festive treat for everyone to enjoy. Kids LOVE hitting the pinata!
Christmas posadas in Mexico feature a variety of traditional dishes like tamales, atole, churros, and pozole. Drinks, including beer, tequila, and traditional Christmas punch, are also an essential part of the celebration. Of course, each family has their own version and there are regional interpretations but the general format is the same.
Mexican Christmas traditions like the Posada Navideña emphasize togetherness, hospitality, and the joy of the season. If you ever have the chance to experience a Posada Navideña, you’ll find yourself enveloped in the warmth of Mexican traditions and the rich spirit of Christmas.
From the lively processions to the festive gatherings, these holiday celebrations offer a magical glimpse into the heart of Mexican Christmas traditions.
ads
Rosa’s Beach Bar: La Penita’s New Happy Place
Tara A. Spears
Check out the beachfront Mexican cantina, Rosa’s Beach Bar which just opened spring 2024. Open air, flip flops welcome, cold brews and full bar plus it has a spectacular ocean view and great food. If you want to relax or hook up with friends, Rosa’s is your new hangout. You can walk up, drive, arrive by boat because Rosa’s is ON the beach just south of the Penita malecon.
It reminds me of the quirky Key West island bars where there are no bad days and only fun times. Rosa’s is open every day during winter and has live music Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with interesting activities on the other days.
Don’t bother combing your hair because the ocean breeze will give that sexy tousled look-oh, maybe it’s the margaritas you say? It’s also a great place to entertain visiting family: kick off your shoes, enjoy cool brews and wiggle your toes in the sand while your kids stroll the beach and the grandkids frolic in the surf. Yessss.
“It’s serendipity how my wife and I discovered this location,” said Ken, co-owner of the bar. “We discovered this location by accident. We often go on overnight road trips and it was during one of these that we were looking for breakfast on the beach when we discovered a run-down building with a for rent sign in it. We said, Why not?” After a lot of repair work on the structure, Ken and Rosa opened the bar the first of March.
Since buying the property, Ken and Rosa have added a men’s room, added doors in the women’s bathroom, built a new outside bar and palapas. “And of course, painting. Lots and lots of painting.
We also installed a new kitchen. Communication with the local tradesmen has been the most difficult as Rosa works Monday – Friday in PV and I travel back and forth. I am limited in my Spanish but I am often left alone with the workers so in order to communicate, I have a translation app on my phone. It’s been fun!” said Ken.
Although they have a professionally trained chef, at this time there is a limited menu of three items. The dinners are constantly changing and the waitress will tell you that day’s options. The food quality is excellent and the prices are moderate-it’s a real pleasure to enjoy lunch and drinks with that million -dollar view yet be able to go home with money in your pocket. It is a cash only payment no credit cards, please.
Being a caring person, Rosa has been a social worker for the past 22 years. She works for the government agency, DIF, which is the equivalent of the welfare department, NOTB. The mission of DIF is to help families and children with basic needs and training if needed.
“It’s important that our customers know that we are doing fundraising to help the local La Penita schools. We will not give cash donations but we will buy and supply them with what they require,” explained Rosa. At this time Rosa’s Bar is doing 50/50 to fund this assistance.
Sky above, sand below, peace within. Try Rosa’s Beach Bar to find your happy place. You can sip, savor, and soak in life in a small Mexican beach town.
The oldest group in JB is the Women to Women Scholarships. Other long -time organizations are the El Famoso Horseshoe Tournament on the beach and JBAR (Jaltemba Bay Animal Resources.) the Cancer de Mama Clinic has been hugely effective for more than 15 years and has what is now known as The Rock the Block our community cares street party in February.
It’s important to remember that all of these events are organized and implemented by volunteers, most of whom are only part-time residents. A tremendous amount of time and effort goes into putting together the entertainment and decorations, so please be kind in your comments. The out sourcing of the caterers and renting the setup is a big boost to the local economy.
Do things lag? Sometimes. Do they run out of items, yep. I can honestly say that I was impressed with every event that I have attended in the last 17 years- and I had a good time!
These are good hearted people that give of their time to make a difference. Just relaxing and meeting new people is amazing and knowing that this party is helping other people or homeless animals- too much fun!
Of course, there are lots of quality restaurants in JB and many will provide live music weekly. Another happening that is really worth the time is the free Saturday night concerts in February at the Guayabitos Plaza-excellent performances. You’ll soon find a favorite and get to know their performance schedule.
Don’t miss out on the unique entertainment options that are available when visiting Jaltemba Bay. Enjoy the culture and the scenic beach.
Everyone needs to eat so why not have it support a cause? “Giving is not just about making a donation. It is about making a difference.”
