Pet Castration Clinic in Palmares (Fri, Feb 17)

Cat & Dog Castration Clinic in Palmares at Campo Ferial.

Friday, February 17
9am-Noon

Note: Remember to check on what after-care service there is.

To give you a better idea, the circle within the marked area is the Bull Ring (Toro Rodundel)... near Pizza Hut.

Mercadito Amanecer / Tiny Market (Sat, Feb 11)

Mercadito Amanecer (Tiny Market)

When: 10am-4pm Saturday, February 11

Where: Mercadito Amanecer (tiny market) in San Juan, San Ramón, 1.5 kilometers from the church of San Juan, towards Concepción.

Casa Amanancer B&B will be featuring their first Mercadito Amanecer (tiny market) selling high quality, locally produced food items. Please spread the word!

Following are some items that we are offering:

• Fresh goat milk products from local producer Mario Rojas*
- Milk, 900 grams at 1,100 colones
- Yogurt, 1 liter at 1,700 colones
- Fresh cheese, 1/2 kilo at 4,000 colones
• Organic coffee from our farm, freshly roasted and packaged (finely ground, medium roast)
- Whole bean, 250 g at 2,000 colones
- Ground, 250 g at 2,000 colones

• Fresh passion fruit (granadilla) (price TBD)
• Loaves of sourdough bread and cookies (prices TBD)

They'll be serving up bocadillos (medium-sized portions) of:

• Papas a la Huancaina (Peruvian dish consisting of sliced potatoes covered with a mildly spicy hot sauce) 2,500 colones
• Lentil vegetable soup with slice of sourdough bread 2,500 colones
• Fresh coffee or herbal tea 500 colones

Our intention is to do this small market every Saturday, depending on turnout, even expanding and offering more locally-produced products down the road, maybe even with local live musicians and artists.

*Note: Regarding the goat products, please get in touch with us and put in your order by the end of the day Wednesday.

Christopher and Luisa Panzer Valdivia

Casa Amanecer B&B
San Ramón, Costa Rica
2445 2100
8306 3159
www.casa-amanecer-cr.com

Tortuga Island Day Trip (Feb 12 & Mar 3)

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

2 more dates!

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:

When:
Sunday, February 12, 2012 (plenty of space)
Saturday, March 3, 2012 (plenty of space)

Time: 8am-4.30pm

Note: Transportation to Puntarenas not included.

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: $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.

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!

"Getting Published" writing seminar (Wed, Feb 15)

"Getting Published" writing seminar in Escazu

When: Wednesday, February 15

Where: Universal Baptist Church in Escazu

Cost: RSVP 5,000 Colones or at the door 7,500 Colones. Coffee and light pastries will be available.

RSVP:
L Michael Rusin: crcaseyboy@gmail.com
Allen Dickinson: allen@humphree.net

Getting something formally published isn’t difficult; if you have the money there are many tools available to the modern writer. Opportunities for self-publishing abound via the many companies (vanity presses) who will print and bind just about anything one wishes to pay for. But it’s not cheap and rip-offs are plentiful.

Now, the new age of e-Publishing is providing a different opportunity for writers to reach an audience, but that too can become pricey. And, as in hard cover publishing, e-Publishing leaves it up to the author to find a market to which they can distribute their works.

Presenters will be L. Michael Rusin, author of the novel Avalon, George Farrell, author, and Allen Dickinson, a contributor to the Tico Times and other local outlets. The 4-hour session will consist of three short presentations, each followed by a Q&A, where the audience can ask questions and address their own particular concerns.

Expats Financial Seminar (Fri, Feb 17)

Expats Finanical Seminar - Friday, February 17, 2012

"It's Your Money Honey" Expat Financial Seminar: Changes in Taxes, Banking, & Investing

Given the changes in tax codes (both in Costa Rica and the US), filings required by the IRS, banking restrictions, etc. the Community Action Alliance has scheduled a seminar titled It's Your Money Honey: Changes in Taxes, Banking, & Investing to help clarify financial and legal obligations relating to these and other areas of importance to all of us.

Financial adviser and accounting specialist Randall Zamora, President/CEO of Costa Rica Accounting and Business Center will be the presenter.

DATE: Friday, February 17, 2012

TIME: 10am

PLACE: COOPENAE, San Ramón de Alajuela

DIRECTIONS: North side of the church on the block in between the Central Park and PeriMercado

ADMISSION: This will be a free event for Action Alliance members. Anyone is welcome however a 2,000 colones fee will be charged for non-members.

RSVP: RSVP to mike@styles.com

Monthly CRAFT Group (Tue, Feb 14)

Tuesday, February 14

10am-2pm

This meeting will be a Pot-Luck... so bring something to share... your favorite cookies, bread or whatever.

Deanne will provide coffee, soft drinks and plates, etc.

Please bring pen and paper to take notes.

Please email Deanne at ticadea@hotmail.com

Directions:

Take the Palmares exit off the main Pista and follow that street into town to the point you have to turn right or left. Turn RIGHT.

About 200 mts you will have to choose right or left again. Turn LEFT.

Turn RIGHT on the first street on your right. [Note it is a little hidden but as you turn on to it.] You should see a large ICE building on the left side of the street but, if you see the fire department (Bomberos), on your left, you missed the turn.

Stay on that street until you see a sign on the right that says:
Residencial Palma Real 300 mts. There you will want to IMMEDIATELY turn LEFT.

Cross over a small bridge.

About 100 mts you will be turning RIGHT into the entrance of Palma Real (it is a divided entrance with palm trees).

Turn RIGHT at the 2nd street. [Note the 1st street to the right is a dead end and has no houses.]

Cross over a speed bump.

House is on the RIGHT not numbered but has 4 palm trees in front
(3rd house in a row of 4 that touch walls).

House phone # is 2453 6064

Pet Castration Clinic (Sun, Feb 5)

There's a Castration Clinic taking place in Sarchi on Sunday, February 5, from 8am to 2pm at the Agricultural Centre in Sarchi North. Cost is only Colones 8,000.

Note: There are 2 Sarchi numbers at the bottom of the poster. 2454 4067 and 2454 1171 . It's probably a good idea to call first to find out what the next step would be if your cat/dog became unwell post-op.

Directions (with Naranjo behind you): As you come into Sarchi you'll see the only gas station (on your left). Turn left just after the gas station. If you see Banco Nacional (BNCR) you'll be 1 block too far so turn around.

Directions (with Grecia behind you): You'll have passed many furniture stores and started going through downtown Sarchi. You'll eventually see Banco Nacional (BNCR) on your right. Turn right just after it (BEFORE the gas station).

Everyone: Once you've turned onto the road, you'll see white dotted lines in the road a bit like on a running track (I don't know why they're there). You should see a "SUR" sign up on the left
and you may also see a cute road sign, on the right, "Calle 2".

You'll come to an intersection where the stop "Alto" sign, on the right, seems to appear a little too soon. Cross over and you'll see "Agricola Centro Sarchi" the right behind the tall cylone fence (it's orange and green).

RSVP: US Embassy Workshops - Fri, Jan 20 (for both Gringos/Ticos)

US Embassy Workshops - Friday, January 20

Both Workshops (1 in English relating to US Citizens and the other in Spanish relating to Costa Ricans) will take place at the Jose Figueres Cultural Center. The US Citizen Workshop will be from 10-11am. The Costa Rican Citizen Workshop will be from 11am to Noon.

10-11am: US Citizen Services Workshop (in English)
"Reaching Out to Build Community"

This workshop will focus on services offered by the U.S. Citizen Services Department in the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy. Services that will be covered AND PROVIDED include Voter Registration, Passport Renewal and Notary Services. For more information on what you must bring with you if you wish to take advantage of any of these services please visit the Action Alliance website: www.actionalliancecr.com). In addition recent changes regarding the Embassy appointment system, new passport usage and other updates will be covered. The new American Citizen Services Newsletter will also be introduced. Note that there will be some time for questions however the focus should be on U.S. Citizen Services. http://www.actionalliancecr.com/seminars.html


11am-Noon: Costa Rican Citizen Workshop (in Spanish)
"Demystifying the US Visa Application Process"

This will be an informational workshop the objective being to demystify the Visa application process. The workshop will provide an overview of Work and Tourism Visas as well as the underlying law. Frequently Asked Questions will be covered along with several case studies. For Costa Rican Citizens interested in applying for a U.S. Visa this will provide you direct access to U.S. Embassy representatives and will help answer any questions you may have about the application process. As a courtesy to others in attendance we ask that questions not be personal in nature, i.e., please focus on questions of interest to the audience at large.

http://www.actionalliancecr.com/seminars.html

YOGA at the Cabinas - Mon, Jan 2

Hola Yogis,

Anna Campagnale hopes everyone had a wonderful holiday season!! On Monday January 2nd @ 10am at Las Cabinas she will be commencing yoga practice. Come join her as we open up our bodies and minds to the wonders to come in this New Year. We will be letting go of the old and welcoming the new!! New Year brings with it so many opportunites to enrich our lives and increase our awareness so that we may navigate through our days with clarity and an abundance of love!!! So much to explore!!!

Yoga Schedule will be as follows: (below are more detailed class descriptions)
Monday - Vinyasa 10-11:30
Friday - Yin Yoga 10-11:30

Classes are $5. No experience is necessary. Anna is merely a guide. You are the keeper of your own body and I always encourage yogis to go at their own pace. Please wear comfortable clothing. They are mats for your use if you should need one.
Please feel free to call Anna with any questions or if you need directions @ 8718-2719.

Anna looks forward to seeing some familiar faces as well as some new ones!!! RSVPs are appreciated, but feel free to just show up if that is more convenient!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Namaste'
Anna

Vinyasa Flow is a form of yoga where movement is linked with breath as we move from one pose to the next. It is a more vigorous form of yoga as opposed to Yin Yoga. We will be flowing much like dancers do from pose to pose. Be prepared to sweat.
Yin Yoga is an extremely therapeutic form of yoga. Contrary to a more vigorous or yang form of yoga, where we mainly work the muscles of the body, Yin Yoga addresses the Yin parts of the body. Specifically, it targets the connective tissue (the ligaments and tendons in the joints and spine). The benefits of Yin Yoga are numerous. It increases range of motion and flexibility, cultivates patience, acceptance and peace, and puts the body in a deep state of meditation where healing occurs. Yin Yoga is a wonderful way to experience pain relief and obtain/maintain a sense of well being.

The asanas or poses are all done lying or sitting on the mat and held for a mininum of 3 - 5 minutes. This allows for the release of the muscles, giving us access to the fascia, ligaments, tendons & joints. These yin body parts are less elastic and therefore require more time to lengthen.

Monthly CRAFT MEETING (2nd Tuesdays)

CRAFT MEETINGS

Tuesday, January
10am-2pm

RSVP if possible (for food purposes) but all are welcome without.

The first meeting will be just a general to discuss the direction people want to go.

Please email Deanne at ticadea@hotmail.com

Everyone is welcome to bring a hand craft to work on if they want, paper and pencil.

Directions:

Take the Palmares exit off the main Pista and follow that street into town to the point you have to turn right or left. Turn RIGHT.

About 200 mts you will have to choose right or left again. Turn LEFT.

Turn RIGHT on the first street on your right. [Note it is a little hidden but as you turn on to it.] You should see a large ICE BUILDING on the left side of the street but, if you see the fire dept (Bomberos), on your left, you missed the turn.

Stay on that street until you see a sign on the right that says:
Residencial Palma Real 300 mts. There you will want to IMMEDIATELY turn LEFT.

Cross over a small bridge.

About 100 mts you will be turning RIGHT into the entrance of Palma Real (it is a divided entrance with palm trees).

Turn RIGHT at the 2nd street. [Note the 1st street to the right is a dead end and has no houses.]

Cross over a speed bump.

House is on the RIGHT not numbered but has 4 palm trees in front
(3rd house in a row of 4 that touch walls).

House phone # is 2453 6064

Deanne will try to have some balloons or ribbons on the trees at the house.

This is during fiesta so she will tell the guard that friends are coming to her house (another reason for a head count).

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.

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?).

Go On Your Own Event: Mother's Day Fundraiser!

Our friend Paola Artavia invites everyone to a special event in San Ramon in honor of Mother's Day! The dinner with special music and a seranade to mothers is a fundraiser for the music association's programs offered free to children who cannot afford them!

Date: Friday, August 12, 2011

Time: 8 pm to Midnight

Place: Event Hall behind the Main Church in SR

Directions: 50 meters east of Vica's Store

Cost: 12,000 c for one ticket or 20,000 c for two

RSVP: Call Lillian at 8323-7549 or Juan at 8763-8431.

Questions? Email Paola (in English) at artaviapaola@yahoo.com

Go On Your Own Event: Marcha Pacifica!

Come out tomorrow to support our community's peacemakers! At Friday's Community Action Alliance Meeting, Mike Styles talked about San Ramon's effort to petition the judiciary for a local flagrancia court to speed up the judicial process and deter crime. This marcha pacifica will demonstrate the unity in our community!

Date: Sunday, July 25, 2011

Time: 10 am to noon

Place: Marchers will start from the front of the Hospital in San Ramon and will walk up to the Parque Centro/Church.

Questions? Call Mike Styles at 8333-8750 or email mike@styles.com

Go On Your Own Event: Celebrate the 4th at Bocaditos

Wow! The nice folks at Los Bocaditos are helping Americans to celebrate Independence Day on the 4th of July by providing free bbq wings, hamburgers and hot dogs to the Gringos of San Ramon!

This lovely gift is available on the afternoon of the 4th! Please remember to thank Victor and the gang at Bocaditos by buying beverages and leave a nice tip, perhaps...here are the details:

Date: Monday, July 4, 2011

Time: 2 pm to 7:30 pm

Meet Up: No particular time, though some of us are planning to be there around 2 pm and another group somewhere around 3 or 3:30 pm. Or arrange your own group!

Directions: Los Bocaditos Restaurant is north of the hospital's emergency entrance by about two blocks. Look for the Liquor Store on the corner on the same side as the ER and Los Bocaditos next door. You will see their outdoor tables and seating!

No RSVP Necessary! No need for passports! They are pretty good about identifying Gringos and muddling through our Spanish!

Go On Your Own Event: Let there be light!

Jacki reports that the track lighting is sold, but these are still available:
2 single recessed spots with movable/adjustable bulb - $7 each

5 recessed flood light fixtures - $8 each

Email jacki@styles.com for more info.

Go-On-Your-Own Event: Private Sale! Great Stuff!

FOR SALE BY APPOINTMENT NOW

Sale is on a first-to-arrive-with-cash basis! Directions: On the Main Road to La Fortuna, 800 Meters North of the Los Angeles Sur Church. It is a yellow house on the left with the numbers 800 on the second gate post.

Please call Sharron at 2456-4042 for information, current availability of items, and appointment for items listed. This is a PRIVATE SALE so please DO NOT PASS THIS ON TO OTHERS. And Sharron respectfully indicates that SHE WILL ONLY ADMIT A GENTLEMAN TO HER HOME IF HE IS ACCOMPANIED BY A LADY.

7' artificial Christmas tree 2/ pinecones (metal based arms fold down) with huge assortment of ornaments, lights, etc. - all for $50.00. Check out the photo above!

"Tiffany" style lamp $45.00

table lamp w/ Mexican metal shade (has marbles embedded in shade) $20.00

pair of pewter lamps (made from old church candlesticks) $65.00

small double boudoir lamp $5.00

desk lamp $10.00

wall hanging lamp $5.00

large fan for floor (or even table) $20.00

portable radio/CD player/tape deck $25.00

radio/tape deck runs on batteries $15.00

Pilates reformer (exercise machine) w/ accessories $250.00

art books and art supplies - various prices

ART SUPPLY SALE COMING SOON!

Call if you are looking for anything special! Available are storage chests, paper racks, watercolor paper, canvas, paints, mediums, some brushes.

Oh, my! This will be fun!

Go On Your Own Event: International Food Festival in Los Angeles Sur!

As a benefit for the computer program at the Felix Angel Salas School in Los Angeles Sur, Joe Anello invites everyone to attend a Christmas International Food Festival! Here are the details:

Date: Sunday, December 12, 2010
Time: 10 am until approximately 2 pm
Place: Salon Comunal, adjacent to the Church in Los Angeles Sur
Directions: From Maxi-Bodega continue north until you see the beige San Juan church in front of you; make a left toward La Fortuna (just in front of the church) and continue approximately six miles until you see the Los Angeles Sur Church on your right.
Expect: Lots of Tico Food prepared by parents, international foods prepared by the Gringo community, music (10 am - Tico band, 12 noon - Joe Anello Jazz Quartet, then the Krazy 8 rock band). You can get food to go if you bring your own tupperware containers.
Auction: 12:30 pm, Dinner at Vista Del Valle, Dinner at Mi Rancho, other items

Come out to support the kids! More info: email Joe Anello at jophoster@gmail.com