Now you can email the webmaster at gringocentral@gmail.com!

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Volunteer event: Dog Day! Fri, Dec 2

Dog Day!

This Friday, December 2

Meet at Cafe Delicias 8am

YES! WOOF! Dog Day is approaching again... fast!

Helene, who runs Dogland, is suggesting (though no obligation - everybody can decide what he/she wants to do and in which way he wants to help) concentration on cleaning the houses, yards, beds and food plates. The workers never have enough time to clean these really well. This will help a lot.

Again, cleaning up the yard, etc., is absolutely not an obligation; the dogs are, of course, more than happy to receive your love, be brushed and ear cleaning is always a job that takes a lot of time.

All the 174 dogs send you their greetings and are very excited about the next Friday.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Reservation Event: Writer's Workshop - Dec 14

Writers Workshop: How to Get Published

Thanks to our friends at A.M. Costa Rica it has come to our attention that the Atenas and Escazú Writers Groups will be hosting a special workshop on How to Get Published on Wednesday, December 14 beginning at 1:00 pm at the First International Baptist Church in Escazú (the big church across the Autopista from Multiplaza Mall).

The workshop will include three presenters including Fred Holmes, the author of “A Trial by Fire and Ice”. There will also be a Panel Discussion with a Q&A session featuring three published authors. A.M. Costa Rica columnist Jo Stuart will also be in attendance.

The organizers are requesting a 2,000 colones donation for those who attend. We know there are a lot of you out there who are writers or aspiring writers and this is a fabulous opportunity to get some very tangible tips on how to get published.

If you have any questions or would like to reserve your spot please contact Larry Rusin at 2451 8063 or crcaseyboy@gmail.com. Shood San Ramón forme itz owen riters clubb???

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Event: A dog walk in the Park - Sun, Nov 27


"Por amor a los animales"

Asociación Humanista de Desarrollo Animal is literally translated to Humanist Association of Animal Development. They have been handing out leaflets to advertise a dog walk, this Sunday 27, starting 10am, at San Ramón's Central Park.

Registration cost: Colones 3500 with T-shirt / 1500 without / 500 per child

More information available from Trey Jiménez on 8762 8051 (Spanish only).

I (Annie) telephoned Trey and, with my poco understanding of Español, gathered there may be stalls and a dog walk.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Concert: TubaChristmas (via Action Alliance)

TubaChristmas

The Holiday Season is upon us and your Community Action Alliance wants to help you get in the spirit with a special Christmas concert: TubaChristmas.


Please join us on Friday, December 16 at 6:00 pm at the José Figueres Cultural Center for a holiday performance that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. San Ramón newcomers John and Caryl Buford and local music leader Elias Artavia are collaborating on this performance of Christmas music featuring tubas and euphoniums (exclusively!).

Please RSVP Mike Styles at mike@styles.com or 8333 8750.

Also in the spirit of Christmas (Ho! Ho! Ho!) several much needed music instruments will be donated to local schools and musicians by Santa Claus (aka Jeremy Davis, special guest from the far north). Our merry musicians are already making plans for additional holiday events in 2012 (OcTubaFest?).

PROPAZ Toy Swap (via Action Alliance)

PROPAZ Toy Swap
Drop-off extended to Monday, December 5

Our friends at PROPAZ are once again coordinating a Toy Swap at which children will bring their toy guns and other toys symbolic of violence and exchange them for ‘non-violent’ toys. In 2010 members of the Action Alliance donated over 100 toys representing the single largest donation by any group in San Ramón.

Please help us in supporting this worthwhile organization by dropping off toys at the Rancho at El Castillo de Relajamiento (aka The Cabinas) deadline extended to Dec 5. Note that PROPAZ will exchange the toys during the Municipality’s Christmas Celebration in the Central Park (details to be available on the Action Alliance website).

Santa, and possibly Mrs Claus, will be on hand distributing toys to the children.

Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Special at Mario's Steak House

Thursday 24th Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Special

Appetizer – soup or salad

Entrée:

Turkey
Stuffing
Cranberry
Sweet Potatoes
Green Beans and Carrots

Beverage – one glass of wine
Desert – Pumpkin Pie
Coffee – or cappuccino

Price: 9,000 colones plus tax

Reservations requested: please call Mario’s Steak House at 2445 7833 (Some of us have reserved for 4pm if you'd like to join us and reserve a place for that time also.)

[Mario has spent a good time in the USA so he knows all about Thanksgiving food! AND he's a very good Chef and really should be charging more (but don't tell him that)!]


- Directions from the Pista/Highway: Stay in left lane to the lights (gas station on right corner) and turn left. It's 3-4 blocks on left.

- Directions from the green church in San Ramon: Green church on right... keep going straight on until the road bends left. Go over the intersection and the restaurant is on the right side (less than a block).

http://gonzosincostarica.blogspot.com/2010/04/mario-steak-house.html

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Reservation event, Dec 10: Day out with Lunch at Finca Luna Nueva


December 10 marks the third anniversary of Slow Food International's Terra Madre Day when all members of Slow Food Convivia from around the world meet locally to promote good, clean, and fair food. Zona Norte Slow Food Convivium members invite you to meet Finca Luna Nueva to celebrate this important day with a lunch of organic local food products, a special garden tour, and a gift of cuttings from our organic farm to plant in your own kitchen garden. Enjoy this special "Slow Food in the Rainforest" event for just $20 per person. This is a $60 value for one-third the cost!

Arrive 10-11am

Tour from 11am-1pm

Lunch from 1-3pm

For those of you who live in the Zona Norte and would like to be part of the Slow Food movement, we invite you to join the Zona Norte Slow Food Convivium.


By Thursday, December 1, please email gringocentral@gmail.com to reserve your place.

Here's their website: http://fincalunanuevalodge.com/





Thursday, November 10, 2011

Event: Horseback Riding, Waterfall, Lunch, Dancing plus...

GIDDYUP!!

When: Sun, Nov 20
Time: 10am-1pm
Where: Las Mosas

Two hours of horseback riding, a snack, a walk to the waterfall and lunch. After lunch there's dancing with music, a snack and a dip in the swimming pool too! There's a Raffle also.

The cost, using 1 of their horses, is Col. 26,000. If you bring your own horse it'll be Col. 10,000.

You can buy tickets, in advance, at their office or on the day. Best to buy in advance so they know roughly how many horses to prepare.

Please email gringocentral@gmail.com if you can supply more information to go in this please (e.g. directions to the office and venue). Thanks.

RSVP Event: Cabinas THANKSGIVING!

Here is everything you need to know if you would like to celebrate Thanksgiving casual-style at the Cabinas.
All reports from last year indicate that it was lots of fun, and although turkey is not a guarantee, it just might appear on the pot luck table! Everyone is invited!

Date: Thursday, November 24, 2011
Time: Noon until 3 p.m.
Place: El Castillo de Relajamiento (The Cabinas)


Directions: Drive west from San Ramon on the autopista about three miles, passing El Jardin on left, then Las Tinajitas Restaurant on right, then look for the next bus stop shelter on left. Just past that on the left will be a wide place to pull over to the left and a sign for cabina rental. Drive to the top of the hill, and the rancho is on the left.

Cost: None, but please bring the following for each person in your group: plate, napkin, knife, fork, spoon, beverage of choice. Per single or couple, please bring a dish to share. If you have extra chairs, it would be great if you would bring them, though some tables and chairs are available.

Expect: Outdoor buffet dining in a lovely setting (click on
http://www.cabinasofcostarica.com/ for more info about the venue), twenty or thirty of your closest friends, good conversation and if we are lucky, a tv with football....!!!!!

Very important! Email Randi Killian at
randean96@gmail.com let her know you are attending and what dish you will be bringing!

A word about Turkey - - - as everyone knows, they are very expensive here in CR. Last year we were lucky enough to have a few turkey breasts to go around so everyone got a taste. So, if turkey is your thing that makes (or breaks) your Thanksgiving celebration, maybe a few people will consider going in on a that menu item.

Be sure to RSVP!

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

RSVP Event: Day Trip to Tortuga Island! Snorkeling! Beach!

Back by Popular Demand!! If you've always wanted to take the Calypso Tour to Tortuga and thought it was too pricey, we have a super alternative -- a Great Yeatman Tour! Paul and Gloria have arranged for you:

Tortuga Island Tour!


Two dates to choose from:

Sunday, November 13, 2011
or
Saturday, November 19, 2011

Description: Tortuga Island is a hidden tropical island just waiting for you off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. On the way, we will stop to look for dolphins and turtles, then go snorkeling to discover the hidden treasures of the deep. When we reach the Island, you will enjoy the white sand beach and beautiful aqua blue waters. You can swim, walk the beach, explore the island, or just plain relax. You will also enjoy tropical fruit, beverages, and a delicious BBQ lunch on the beach.

Cost:

Option #1: $54 pp (compare to a similar tour priced at $110-$120 per person) Price includes round trip boat ride (about 80 minutes each way), English speaking guide, fresh fruit, water, iced tea, lunch, snorkel gear, and a safe place to store your belonging. Bring your own alcoholic beverages, if desired. Reservations and payment in advance are required. Passengers, please give driver 2,000 colones towards gas.

Time: Meet up at The Cabinas at 7:00 am to car pool to Puntarenas. Tour departs Puntarenas around 8am and returns around 4:30 pm. Return to San Ramón around 6pm.

Option #2: $65 pp includes round-trip transportation from the church in San Ramón. 10 people minimum required.

RSVP or questions: please contact Paul or Gloria Yeatman at 8919-2710 or email gmyeatman@gmail.com


You know you've wanted to do this! Snorkeling not required! Just enjoy the beach!