Members of the Association of New Men and Women of Panama (AHMNP) conducted yesterday afternoon in the Plaza de 5 de Mayo a leafleting to educate the population of Panama about the myths of homosexuality. (more)

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On April 5, 2013 at 3:30 pm at Loco's Restaurant in Gorgona, the Nueva Gorgona Vecinos Vigilantes will be holding a personal safety and home safety class. The class will be for 1 1/2 hours and food and drinks will be served at a reasonable cost. Please RSVP to Jim Rizik at jwr2001@msn.com.

His name is Jerry Dodson and, like many expats from many other countries, he and his wife Marj chose Panama to make their new home after they retired. They had been looking for the right country for a couple of years but in 2009, fell in love with Panama and all it had to offer. In 2009, they purchased some land and broke ground in 2010. They were expecting to move into their new home in the fall of 2011.

Little did they know, their future was up for grabs and that their new home may be wishful thinking. In late 2010, his wife underwent some challenging surgery for severe migraines that plagued her for many years. She would be a ‘new woman’. Jerry’s job was to nurse her through those two months. Little did they expect, a late Christmas present in early January left him with impaired vision and a few side effects from a stroke. So Marj then became the caregiver. However, just around the corner in early February, Marj was diagnosed with two types of cancer after exploratory surgery for something non-life-threatening. Family, amazing friends and work colleagues came to their rescue and ensured they were looked after. They were overwhelmed by their unsolicited generosity and concern for them and are forever grateful.

As Jerry’s vision began to come back (he now has 90%), their roles reversed again and he again became the caregiver through a very long and tough journey and regimen of cancer treatments. As tough as it was, incredibly, Marj never complained, except for not being allowed to have a glass of red wine once in a while! At this point they doubted they would ever see their new adopted home in San Carlos. Their answer and their motivation for making the move immediately after the treatments, came in the form of a second, however smaller stroke. That was their turning point. Either they gave up, sold their home and moved into a condo or forge ahead with their plans for Panama. Needless to say, Panama won out!

They hadn’t gone through all of those challenges to then just give in and not have the future they dreamed about for years. So they came to Panama and moved into their home last December to see if they had made the right choice…..they had! They returned to their cottage in Canada for the Canadian summer to gain their strength back and put the past behind them. During his nightly regimen of walks along the beach, Jerry got stronger and began 3-5 km nightly walks. They developed into faster and longer jaunts and he felt a new life-energy. An opportunity came along to sign up for training for a cancer marathon and he couldn’t say no. This was his chance to pay forward his second chance at life and to help make a difference to those who faced what his wife had to face. No one should endure that kind of pain and uncertainty about life. It is so hard on loved ones and family and friends as well, especially for those who lost their battle, as did some of their friends. What he could do to help change that, he knew he had to. This will be his legacy and what he will be most proud of, not what he accomplished through his career or what he has personally amassed.

His neurosurgeon has given him the go-ahead with the caution to ensure he pace myself. His goal is to not finish first but cross the line for his wife Marj and those that face this horrific disease, so they and future families may have hope.

He feels very fortunate to be in a position to meet this marathon challenge compared to the anguish and pain those with the disease have to deal with. Fortunately, cancer research has given many people a new lease on life. Marj is one of those who he considers the real heroes. She has been amazing through her ordeal and that only inspires him to do what he can.

There aren’t too many people who haven’t been touched by cancer. What little we can all do, can and will make staggering inroads to eradicating the disease so others’ lives may be saved. Would you help make a difference by sponsoring Jerry?

LLS is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services. Researchers have made incredible strides in new treatments primarily because people understand the value of giving to help others in need. Jerry will deal with the stress and pain of doing the marathon but he needs your support to help him reach his financial goal ($7,777.77) and bring awareness to as many people in Panama as possible. The more people are aware, the greater chance they have of fighting this disease.

Corporate Sponsorship is desperately needed as well as through individuals. Businesses that are community minded and want to make a difference can contact Jerry personally at any time by calling 6844-9275. Corporate sponsors also will receive benefits and recognition, up to and including next year’s marathon. Your help would be most invaluable and you would be doing a good thing for the people of Panama and the world while being recognized for your contribution and support.

Together, we can all make a difference! Cross the finish line with Jerry!

Jerry’s website and donation page is: http://tinyurl.com/jerrys-marathon-homepage

Remember the big fundraising event at Paraiso, Las Uvas on March 15th, starts at 6pm. Great food, dancing, sala, prizes, 50-50, games, and more! Tickets are $15.00.

Tickets are available now from the following locations:

1) Paraiso. Rose has also graciously offered Paraiso as the venue to host this event….. thank you Rose!

2) From the office of PlayaCommunity.com in Coronado. Or …

3) From Jerry , just call 6844-9275 ( he will deliver within a reasonable distance)

(Press Release)

On Friday, March 8, 2013 at 11:30 am-1:00 pm at La Ruina Restaurant in Gorgona, the Nuevo Gorgona Vecinos Vigilantes group will be holding a meeting where we will introduce our classes which you will be able to sign up for at this meeting. At this meeting we will give a short presentation of what the classes will be about. The upcoming classes will consist of personal safety, home safety, self defense and first aid. All ex pats and Panmanians are welcome to attend from Punta Chame to the far reaches of Panama. La Ruina will be providing food and drink at a reasonable cost. To RSVP, please email Jim Rizik at jwr2001@msn.com including the number of guests.

On Friday, March 8, 2013 at 7:00 pm at the basketball courts in Gorgona (next to the soccer field), the Nuevo Gorgona Vecinos Vigilants group will be sponsoring a basketball game between the National Police and the residents of Gorgona. This is the second game between the police and Gorgona citizens with the Gorgona residents winning the first game 37-36 in a shot at the buzzer. Sodas, hot dogs, baked goods will be sold at the game benefiting the Nuevo Gorgona Vecinos Vigilantes.

The American Society of Panama is hosting their first Annual Health Fair on Saturday March 9, 2013 at PH Las Brisas de Obarrio on Calle 53 (across from Sanctuario Nacional Church) from 9am - 1pm. The event will feature Speakers, Screening tests, Evaluations, Advice from the Professionals and Demonstrations all related to a Healthy Lifestyle. Contribution of $5.00 per person at the door towards the Society's Scholarship Fund for Panamanian Students.

We invite the American community to join us in welcoming Licenciada Ana Matilde Gómez, former Attorney General of Panama, as our guest speaker in the Salón Berlín of the Hotel Riu on 50th Street (across from St. George's Bank).

Licenciada Gómez's work in the private sector has included litigating and consulting for USA-AID in the program of Improvement of the Hydrographic Basin of the Panama Canal, and the position of Vice-President of Legal Affairs for the Continental Bank. In the public sector she has been a corporate lawyer for the Authority of the Oceanic Region (early Panama Canal authority under Panama), and was Executive Director of the Truth Commission, formed to investigate the crimes of the military dictatorship.

The breakfast will be a buffet for $17, payable in cash at the Salón door, which price includes a 10% tip and the 7% tax. A 50/50 raffle opportunity is optional at the door for a $5.00 donation per ticket. There is gratis but obligatory valet parking, requiring only a $1 tip to the parker.

You must RSVP to aiams@hotmail.com by February 15. The buffet menu can be sent on request.

The event is sponsored by Republicans Abroad Panama.

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Here's the headline: the Americans in Panama Yahoo! Email Group now has almost 6,000 members. As of this moment in time there are 5,993 members and soon after I publish this article we will probably go over the 6K mark.

People write to me all the time with their specific questions about moving to or living in Panama. I almost always give them the same advice. I suggest they should join the Americans in Panama Yahoo Email Group and ask their question in that forum. It simply makes more sense to ask 6,000 people the question. You're more likely to get a variety of answers and information you can use. It's more efficient and effective.

I started the Americans in Panama email group more than ten years ago specifically for that purpose - to create a friendly and useful Panama Forum where members can share their knowledge, wisdom, and experiences. The rules are simple. Members are expected to help their fellow expats, and to treat one another with respect. Rookies are expected to "do their homework" first before asking really simple questions that can be easily answered with a routine Google search. Don't expect the AIP members to search the Internet for you. But with that having been said, if you can't find the answer on the Internet somewhere then the joint brain trust of the AIP membership most likely has the answers at their fingertips. And whatever adventure you're about to start, someone else probably just finished doing the same thing.

Management: Don't worry about it. Clyde Jenkins and I run a fairly tight ship. Over the years we've honed our skills at identifying and booting out trolls and troublemakers and most of the real blazing idiots were banned from the group years ago. As such, only reasonable and helpful adults are left. Nice trick, eh? AIP is by far the most practical and useful of the Panama related Yahoo groups, and our focus is to maintain and preserve the usefulness of the group for the entirety of the body of members - sometimes at the expense of one ranting lunatic (boot...).

So, if you want to know more about what's going on in Panama on a daily basis, join the almost group with almost 6,000 members. You'll be glad you did, and your clue bag will be just that much heavier.

Copyright 2013 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.

VOICES OF CHRISTMAS - PLEASE JOIN US FOR THIS X-MAS SPECTACULAR

The Best Musical Show for the best holidays of the year.

The Prophecies, the Characters and the History of the Child who was born in Bethlehem to be the Savior. This is a beautiful production suitable for all ages and the Premier Christmas Show of Panama. Why not buy tickets for friends and family. A show they will never forget!

VOICES OF CHRISTMAS: Unique Choral Music and Colorful Choreographies in a spectacular production for the whole family presented on December 16th at 7: 30 in the evening at The Figali Convention Center. Seats are still available if you act now.

You may purchase your tickets through Ticket Plus the pharmacies Metro and in the offices of the Crossroads Bible Church in Cardenas on the corner of Ave. Omar Torrijos and Calle Rybicki (just past the Rey Supermarket where 4 lanes turn into 2 heading to ward the Miraflores Locks)

Presented by Evangelical Association of Panama

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - The Traditional German Christmas Market will be held on Sunday, Dec. 2nd from 10 AM to 6 PM at the Steinbock Restaurant on Via Cincuentenario in Coco del Mar.

This Third Annual Traditional German Christmas Market once again will benefit the Katherine Brown Home for the Aged in Rio Abajo (a private home receiving no support from governmental organizations). The market will have the traditional flair of a German Weihnachtsmarkt, with typical booths selling high quality crafts and foods - though not all necessarily Christmas-themed. Come and experience a small piece of German culture right here in Panama!

Treat yourself to delicious German foods and drinks, enjoy seasonal music, shop for Christmas decorations or gifts and immerse yourself in the old world charm of this event. A tombola (drawing) featuring a variety of nice items is sure to be popular. There will even be live music and a Santa Claus appearance for the little visitors, rounding out the Christmas experience.

The last two years were a great success, and even more visitors are expected this year. Entrance is free for children under 12, $2.00 for children over 12, and $3.00 for adults. At prices like these the whole family can enjoy the atmosphere!

Proceeds go to Hogar Catalina Brown; donations of the following daily-use articles are also gladly accepted on behalf of the old age home and may be deposited at the event (please do not wrap item). So, in the spirit of the season, when you visit our Christmas Market at Restaurant Steinbock, feel free to bring along a small Christmas gift for the old folks who are in need: mild bar soap & shampoo; toothbrushes & toothpaste; body lotion & powder; disposable shavers; Bay Rum; Rigar pain cream; sheets (twin size) & towels. Also much appreciated are dried goods such as rice, beans and pasta, as well as milk (in tetra packs or powdered).

The home for the elderly needs those kind of items throughout the year and the residents & staff thank you for your generosity!

The event is organized by the ladies from the Latte Macchiato Treff Panama, a meeting place for German and German-speaking women of all ages in Panama City, Panama. We are a non-profit group gets together at 10 AM on the first Wednesday of every month at the Las Hadas Café in the Sheraton Hotel near the Atlapa Convention Centre. We are a group of about 30 women of all ages in Panama City who mostly come from Germany, but also have a lot of German-speaking women from other countries in the group. We chat and socialize while enjoying the offerings of the Café; we also plan charity projects and other activities such as tours to the beaches, the interior, etc. Whenever possible, we help new women with tips for finding their way in Panama City so that they can feel at home sooner. Join us - we look forward to every new face!

Please do reply or call me at the number below should you have any questions. Warm regards and we hope to see you there,

Nicole G. Hornberger, San Francisco, CD de Panamá, 6888-7766

Musica Viva, Panama’s international award-winning chorus under the direction of Prof. Jorge Ledezma Bradley will present a Christmas concert on Sunday, December 2, at 3 pm at the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Luke in Ancon. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in advance at the Cathedral office in Ancon (tel. 262-1280, Calle Gorgas, down the hill from the Cancer Hospital) or at the door prior to the performance. Sale of arts and crafts and refreshments preceding and following the concert.