When you head to Mazatlan to check things out, a fun and easy way to get info is to visit the social clubs . You’ll get opinions on everything from banking in Mexico to hearing about the wonderful theater downtown.

Once you’re here, you’ll probably find even more organizations!  Here are some of the groups to check out:

“What’s Up Amigos”  At “When Pigs Fly” 4:00 p.m., Fridays. When Pigs Fly is located on the malecon, about a half-mile south of Valentino’s Disco.

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL  You won’t have to miss your meeting if you call 69-83-90-37

LION CLUB  Located in Av. Insurgentes #1000.Phone: 69-83-28-00, 69-83-12-56

AA MEETINGS  Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 6:30-7:30 p.m. Sunday 10-11 a.m. #333 Sabalo Suite 6 across from Guadalajara Grill, behind stores, 2nd. row (there’s a sign in the window) Golden Zone

ALANON MEETINGS  Wednesday 5-6 p.m., same address as AA. For information call Mike at 69-13-01-32 or Barbara at 69-88-05-68

AMERICAN LEGION POST #11  All meetings are held at The Place (El Paraje) restaurant on Sabalo Ave.For more information, you can call Commander A. “Sam” Pelzman at 69-85-20-47;or Adjuntant Jerry Alexson at 69-16-66-03

AMIGOS DE LOS ANIMALES  The Humane Society can be reached at: 69-16-71-07.

HANDS ACROSS THE BORDER  This is a group of English speaking foreign residents in Mazatlan, they meet the 2nd Friday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Playa Mazatlan Hotel

FRIENDS OF MEXICO  Meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at El Pueblito Restaurant on Av. Camaron Sabalo. Social hour begins at 9:00 am, with the meeting starting at 10:00 am

FRIENDS OF THE AQUARIUM  They meet sporadically. Volunteers are needed. You can call Kittie at 69-83-99-31 or Vicky at 69-16-62-10 for information

PRO MEXICO  It’s a Mazatlan organization dedicated to help people help themselves. Call 69-85-26-11 for more information.

There are seven Asociacion’s Mexicana Automovillistica throughout Mexico.  I had originally thought there were no auto clubs in Mexico that sort of correspond to our AAA, American Automobile Association – but I was wrong.  I have their contact phone numbers as an addition in my book Retire In Luxury.

And come to Canuk’s – most of the meetings have a listing in the local newspaper – Pacific Pearl.