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

Tortuga Island Tours - 2 new dates

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

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, January 29, 2012 (almost full)
Sunday, February 5, 2012 (plenty of space)

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. Transportation to Puntarenas not included.Time: 8am-4:30pm.

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!

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

Food day out in Atenas (Fri, Jan 27)

A YUMMY FOOD DAY OUT!

Breakfast event at Kay´s Postres in Atenas.

Visit to a German sausage maker and buy authentic German sausages. Visit to a nut dealer - all kinds of nuts cheaper than Pricemart!

When: Friday, January 27. Meet at Cafe Delicias at 8.30am for the 40 minute drive to Atenas.

What: We will stop at the Nut House (pardon the expression) on the way to Kay's.

Then a great breakfast, or an equally great very early lunch off the menu, at Kay's. The lending library will be available for browsing and borrowing

Later, we will drive to the German sausage vendor... this is the same company that had the German restaurant in Atenas (sadly, now closed!), so a great opportunity to buy those wursts, brots, and perros caliente, etc., that we have all missed! The guys who Louise has told about this are already droolling over the thoughts of sausages!

Please RSVP to Louise Wittman in San Ramon reesemickie@gmail.com or 8997 9903. Email is probably most reliable. Let her know how many people are coming, whether you will drive and if you can take passengers, or if you need a ride.

Thanks to Terry Sechler for setting this event in motion!

RSVP event: Tortuga Island day trip (Sun, Jan 15)

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

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!

Sunday, January 15, 2012 (8am-5pm)

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. Time: 8am-5:00pm

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!

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).

RSVP: December Mixer - Action Alliance - Fri, Dec 16

Action Alliance is holding its "December Mixer" on Friday, December 16, 10am at the UCR Regional Museum (situated at the NE corner of San Ramon's Parque Central; one block west of PeriMercado.

They will be distributing proceeds from the book sale and acknowledging the volunteers and supporters as well as donating several musical instruments to locals in need.

The event is very popular so, to ensure everyone can be accommodated, please RSVP Mike Syles at mike@styles.com or 8333 8750

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!

RSVP Event: Insurance Seminar - Friday 21 October

The Community Action Alliance Costa Rica will be sponsoring an insurance seminar on Friday, October 21st (10am-11.30pm) at the José Figueres Ferrer Cultural Center in San Ramón (north side of the San Ramón church). The topic of the seminar will be “Insurance in Costa Rica Post-CAFTA: New Players, New Products, New Opportunities.” The featured speaker will be David Garrett of The Garrett Insurance Group who recently spoke at the International Living Conference in San José. Mr. Garrett has lived in Costa Rica for more than 30 years and has represented INS for more than 20 years. Presently, Mr. Garrett represents INS and other insurance providers, to give residents of Costa Rica a broad spectrum of choices. This seminar is FREE for Action Alliance members and 3,000 Colones for non-members. If you would like to attend please RSVP to mike@styles.com. For more information visit http://www.actionalliancecr.com/.

RSVP Event: CANCELLED Birthday Pot Luck Lunch Dec 3

Sorry this event is cancelled and will be rescheduled in due course.

RSVP Event: Weekend with the Whales!

Our friend Patricia Salazar is arranging a quick trip to Drake Bay to see the whales! If you are available next weekend and want to go along, here are the details!

Dates: Friday, October 14 - Sunday, Oct 16
Time: Leave San Ramon at 10 am, back Sunday afternoon
Included: Round trip transportation in a private van with Victor, two nights' lodging at Hotel Oleaje Sereno near Corcavado
http://www.hoteloleajesereno.com/, six meals, boat trip to Isla del Cano for whale watching and admission to the island.
Cost: $170 per person, all inclusive
RSVP: To Patricia (English/Spanish) at 8841-5682 or email her at psalazar62@hotmail.com for more info. Payment in full is required to make your reservation. There are only twelve spots available, so the early bird gets to see the whales!

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

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!

Date: Sunday, September 18, 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.

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

Cost: $55 (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. Reservations and payment by September 17^th are required. Passengers, please give driver 2,000 colones towards gas.

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!

RSVP Event: T'ai Chi Chih!

Dr. Anita Vestal is returning to San Ramon! Learn T'ai Chi Chih, a wonderful meditative and peaceful practice of gentle movement in a lovely outdoor setting! Anita led a class of beginners earlier this year, and we all enjoyed it very much! This class will go over basic movements and add a new ones as well. This event is sponsored by the Community Action Alliance!

Date: Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Time: 9 am to noon
Cost: 6,000 c for Community Action Alliance Members, 8,000 c for non-members.
Place: The Cabinas (El Castillo de Relajamiento)http://cabinasofcostarica.com/.
Directions: Autopista west from San Ramon, pass El Jardin Restaurant on left, Las Tinajitas Restaurant on right, after next bus shelter, look for wooden sign on left, "Cabinas for Rent" and make a left up hill. Rancho is at the top of the hill on the left.
RSVP: Mike Styles at 8333-8750 or email him at mike@styles.com . Wear loose, comfortable closthing and tennis shoes.

RSVP Event: The San Ramon Museum/Community Action Alliance!

It's time for the Community Action Alliance Mixer! This month's meeting will be a special event...you'll get a chance to see the newly renovated San Ramon Museum and learn a bit about its history from the curator, Roxanna Salazar-Bonilla! There will be other speakers and an Alliance update.

Date: Friday, September 23, 2011
Time: 11 am to 1 pm
Place: San Ramon Museum
Directions: The museum is located on the north side of the Central Park, approximately 75 meters west of Perimercado.
Cost: Free for Community Action Alliance members; opportunity to join at the meeting. See http://www.actionalliancecr.com/ for information about membership.
RSVP: Mike Styles at 8333-8750 or email him at mike@styles.com.

RSVP Event: Road Survival Spanish Seminar!

Have you ever worried about what you'd say if you had an auto emergency and everyone you needed to talk with spoke only Spanish? Well, help is on the way! Our friends at Community Action Alliance have a program just for you!

Date: Friday, August 26, 2011

Time: 10 am to noon

Cost: 2,000 c for Action Alliance Members; 4,000 c for non-members; opportunity to join at the seminar and receive lower rate.

Place: San Ramon Fire Department (Bomberos Meeting Room)

Directions: Main Street In past the church, make a right at the Perimercado and go two blocks until you see the Red Cross sign on the right. The Fire Department is the next building on the right. To enter the meeting room, round the corner and enter, and continue down the stairs.

Program: A learn-and-practice session with Spanish Teacher Johann Benevides of the Green Mountain Academy to help with the Spanish you will need in case of car trouble or accident or a stop by the transit police. As a bonus, each attendee will receive a handy guide with key phrases to keep in the glove box!

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

RSVP Event: Three Days in Tortuguero!

Wow! A chance to get to know the marine life at Tortuguero! A Caribbean vacation! Our friend Parker Henry has put together a wonderful trip!

Dates: Sat-Sun-Mon, September 3-4-5, 2011

Place: The Laguna Lodge, Tortuguero
http://www.lagunatortuguero.com/en

Includes: 2 nights' lodging, 3 meals per day, all transportation from and to San Ramon, baby turtles and canal tours! Leave from San Ramon at 6 am from the front of the church.

The nesting sea turtles tour is c8,000, additional, the money goes to support the rangers who protect the nests. Folks going on this tour need to bring black/dark clothing to wear.

Cost: $145 per person, USD only. 50% due by August 15, balance due on September 1.

RSVP or More Info: Call Parker Henry at 8703-6354. Last year's trip was a blast! Parker's got a good crowd going, so join the fun!

RSVP Event: Community Action Alliance Mixer

We're having a very special Community Action Alliance meeting! Our friend Paul Birdsall, the Consul General of the American Embassy in San Jose, is finishing his assignment in Costa Rica this month, and this is our chance to say thanks and wish him well!
Date: Friday, July 22, 2011
Time: 11 am to 12:30 p.m.
Place: Olga's Place Restaurant
Directions: 2-3 kilometers west of the San Ramon Mall on the autopista. Look for the big windmill on the left...you can't miss it!
Cost: Free to Action Alliance Members, others have the opportunity to join!
Agenda: Welcome/Opening Comments,Tribute to special guest Consul General Paul Birdsall,San Ramon Carbon Neutral Presentation by Jorge Araya,Signing of Articles of Incorporation, Committee Reports ,Member Introductions, Networking
RSVP: Call Mike Styles at 8333-8750 or email him at mike@styles.com.
Bonus! Stay for lunch! Olga and Joe have a super restaurant, and having run similar establishments in New Jersey, they have that American menu down pat! Let's all stay for a cheeseburger and fries! Many other menu items are available as well!

RSVP Event: Spanish for Medical Emergencies Seminar!

The Community Action Alliance is busy helping us with solutions! If you have ever worried about making yourself clear in a medical emergency, here's a great program for you!

Date: June 24, 2011

Time: 10 am - noon

Place: Fire Department next to Red Cross, 100 meters east of Perimercado

Program: Johann Benevidas of Green Mountain Academy will teach us basic Spanish skills needed to handle medical emergencies such as, "I have fallen and can't get up" and "Send an ambulance to (directions)." A handout to keep on your refrigerator will be distributed. And as a bonus, you will have access to an ebook for medical Spanish!

Cost: 2,000 c for members, 4,000 c for non-members, opportunity to join at seminar.

RSVP: Reserve your spot by emailing Mike Styles at mike@styles.com or call 8333-8750.