By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Received via email: "Hello Don. I just received this report from Sylvie on the Spay Panama weekend we had here in Cerro Azul. I thought you might be interested in reading it. Since moving to Panama 3 1/2 years ago, I still have a hard time driving down our mountain and seeing all the malnourished animals. This is truly a great organization. We still love to read the guide, thanks so much for your time you put into to it. Rachelle"

Here's The Report: "Hi, First of all, thank you so much for your support; we have made a difference in our community which directly benefits 114 dogs and 27 cats, and this will avoid plenty of unwanted litters! All animals were sterilized and dewormed, they received vitamins and were sprayed against fleas and ticks, and they also had their ears cleaned. The dogs over 3 months of age got rabies vaccines and none of the dogs will run the risk of TVT (Transmittable Venereal Tumor) via copulation now. Here is a link to the full report. Sadly, three dogs were abandonned this weekend, so please let me know if you can help me find them a home. If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact me on sylviehuyskens@hotmail.com or 297 7271. Kind regards, Sylvie"

Copyright 2010 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.   

About 10,000 young Catholic activists from all around the country, started the first phase in the streets of a program called "The Archdiocesan Promotional Campaign of the Panamanian Catholic Church" that seeks to raise more than $1 million dollars. This weekend Catholic youth from the different parishes of the Archdiocese will be stationed at traffic lights and intersections seeking donations. Tomorrow thousands of adult Panamanians will continue this activity which seeks to collect money to help with the work of evangelicalism carried out by the Catholic Church. The schedule of activities of the Promotion Campaign, "the Church is you and it needs you" will continue, within fifteen days, in the second phase with the delivery of boxes to different households, and will conclude with a concert in mid-September upon completion this national effort. This year the campaign is led by businessman Roberto Moreno, who requests the support and participation of the Panamanian people, asking them to donate to the campaign. (TVN Noticias)   

(Posted By Charly Garcia) The American Society is joining up with, promoting the 4th of July BBQ at The Balboa Yacht Club, sponsored by VFW Post 3835 and the Ladies Auxiliary is hosting its Annual 4th of July BBQ WHEN: Sunday, July 4th TIME: 12:00 - until ? WHERE: Balboa Yacht Club, Amador Causeway, beside TGIFriday's Restaurant. COST: Free entrance DONATION: BBQ dinners $10.00 in advance, $12.00 at the door (dinners will include BBQ ribs & chicken, baked beans, potato salad and dinner roll) will be served from 2:00 - 5:00 ***food items will be sold a la carte...hotdogs, hamburgers, corn on the cob, apple pie, sausage on the stick, etc. from 12:00 - until. *** Happy Hour prices for drinks (national liquors and Beer) ***Music, Fireworks, 50/50 raffle*** For American Society members: Pay this year's annual renewal dues of $40 and we forgive the $10 late payment penalty for all former members. In Addition: We are now offering all renewals of present and former members received between 12 June and 4 July one free ticket per family for a BBQ meal ($10 value............ New Members joining between 12 June and 4 July will receive one free BBQ dinner ticket per family. All members and their immediate family attending the picnic will each be given one free drink ticket. Visit our website at: www.amsoc.org

Editor's Comment: I have always supported the events sponsored by both the American Society and the VFW here in Panama - two great organizations we as foreigners can be proud of. This annual 4th of July BBQ is another fantastic opportunity to meet other members of our community of English speaking expatriates who live here in the Republic of Panama. If you're a Veteran of the Armed Forces please consider joining the VFW, and anyone can join the American Society. They are starting a drive towards recruiting new members, expanding their base, and reaching out to some of the newly arriving members of our community. In any case, I'll be there on Sunday with my family, enjoying the food and celebrating our nation's 234th birthday. Did you know that the flags of 27 nations (including Panama's) consist of only red, white, and blue. There's a reason for that - emulation - an even more sincere form of flattery. In any case, I'll see you at the party.

Copyright 2010 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.   

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Received this morning via email: "Dear Don Winner: Can you give us some publicity on this? This will be a huge event in Chiriqui Province. Thanks. The Bid 4 Boquete Charity team has created a photo album containing 86 items that are open for bids. Items that receive bids less than full price will be carried forward into our December auctions. We are updating this album daily. To view it go here. Also check out our website at www.bid4boquete.com. You can utilize the forms on the web site to donate an item or to bid on a donated item. To get more information or ask a question, contact us at boqueteauction@gmail.com. Thank you for looking Bonnie Williams, Martine Heyer, Penny Barrett (Las tres mujeres de Bid 4 Boquete)." There you go. Good luck with the auction.

Copyright 2010 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.   

Heavy raid didn't stop hundreds of people, dressed in white, from participating in a march against violenct that began at 8:00 am this morning on the Coastal Strip. The 39 organizations that are part of the Grand Alliance for Public Safety participated. The walk was a call to action to the government and society so that everyone plays their role in combating insecurity. Organizations belonging to the Grand Alliance for Security such as the October 23 Movement led by David Ramirez, read on the stage a document that was handed to the President of the Republic. President Ricardo Martinelli pledged to take action immediately and called a meeting of the Gabiente Council. The event closed with the singing of the national anthem, which was interpreted by Lissette Condassin, Manager of Corporate Affairs for TVN and TVMax, Annie Tovar and Janelle Davidson. (TVN Noticias)   

A.C.T. Now! Fundraising Event to be held in David June 19th. We know that there are several opportunities to contribute to the people of the country that we all have adopted but we have a special need for you to consider. The indigenous in Panama live in various areas in this country referred to as the comarca. They are often out of site and living in conditions that are hard to imagine unless you have visited. There is one specific area named Alto Guayabal that a group of Gringos and Panamanians together have not only visited but are working to help.

After repeated visits to Alto Guayabal, the group has formed a coalition called A.C.T. Now! (Assistance for Comarca Teachers Now!) and they have taken on a specific and ambitious project. There are many needs including basic food, shelter and education for the Ngobe Bugles of Alto Guayabal. As we all know, education is the key to permanent change. These trips have revealed that the teachers that educate the children to facilitate this change must also live there during their tenure. The travel to and from is so difficult that they must stay there weeks at a time in the housing provided. (Last year 3 teachers were swept away by a rising river and died trying to cross a river to go home.) That housing, to put it bluntly, is deplorable. There are dirt floors, metal roofs, no indoor bathroom facilities, no enclosed windows and when it rains often the faculties possessions are wet and may be damaged.

Over the last several months A.C.T. Now! has been working together with the governmental agency, Social Investment Fund (FIS), to remedy this situation. Recently the Panamanian government has approved the funding for simple dormitory type housing for the staff of 20 teachers. In fact FIS has agreed to provide and transport all the materials to build the dorms to the Alto Guayabal site. You can see the plans and photos of the current teacher housing on the A.C.T. Now! facebook page. The caveat is that A.C.T. Now! must obtain the funds to assist in the construction and furnish the building. Items like simple beds, lockers for teachers to store their belongings, desks to prepare class plans, etc. The cost for the ACT Now's share to bring this to fruition is approximately $10,000.

ACT Now is hopeful that a large portion of the necessary funds can be obtained through a joint fund raising project with our Panamanian neighbors in David on June 19th. The concept is to have an event that is a unique opportunity to have a very special formal night out at the Club David. This black tie event will feature a great meal, wine, music and dancing. There will a chance to learn more about this special project and see pictures displayed that were taken by the children of Alto Guayabal with cameras provided by A.C.T. Now! The volunteers taught the children how to use the cameras then asked them to capture what their lives were like. There will also be a few art items for sale that were created by or about the Nobe Bugle. The cost for this special event is $100 per couple, the arrangements allow us to have only 100 couples. If you are interested in lending your support and enjoying a real chance to put on the Ritz please join us by contacting Yamel Gozaine at arq.ygozaine@gmail.com or Mindy Spice at mindysp@hotmail.com for tickets and answers to any questions that you may have.   

Doing the best we can with what we've got. The foundation EDUCACIONPRIMERO (http://www.educacionprimero.org) has been sponsoring a local children’s cultural Dance Troupe called “Orgullo Rio Hato Sur” the Pride of South Rio Hato. The children range in age from six to twelve years old and have been taught some of the traditional folkloric dances of Panama. They now have a DVD of one of their live performances for sale. ALL proceeds go directly back to the support of this group. Contact educacionprimero@yahoo.com or Sheila at XS Sports bar/ restaurant to obtain your copy of these talented, hard working, deserving young children. Whatever they lack in talent, they make up with cuteness! This group is also available for hire to perform at public or private functions.   

Hi everybody; WHEN : Monday May 10, 2010 , starting at 7 :00 PM WHAT : EXPAT HAPPY HOUR SOCIAL - WHERE : MACHU PICCHU Restaurant The MACHU PICCHU Restaurant , located Between the Las Vegas Hotel & the Granada Hotel (directly across from the El Parador Hotel ) , on Calle Easubio Morales . The Happy Hour drinks are at half price (including their famously delicious Pisco Sour!) for the duration of the evening. And although the food is FANTASTIC, dining is always optional at this monthly event. No cover charge, no membership fee, just fun & fellowship. Drop-ins welcome!! See you there ! More information, pictures, and additional event info available at www.expatsocials.com For your committee ...........Hall   

The Joint USA Auction is this Wednesday. Tickets will be available at the event if you cannot obtain tickets from one of our members. Members and Non-members are welcome. We are going to have another successful Auction. The response has been very good. This is the main fund raiser for our organization so please help by assisting and enjoying a fun evening. Many great Door Prizes and a great American Airlines ticket for two to anywhere in the USA will be raffled. Remember to bring cash or personal checks as we will not have access to credit cards to pay for our purchases. We have gathered some very exciting gifts! Time to get your tickets if you have not yet done so. With just a little effort from you someone in need will benefit. Just attending and getting a bargain on a restaurant or some other item is a means of donating. Be generous.

This is our main fund raiser for the year. We have so much. Enjoy a fun evening and help someone that isn’t as fortunate. We have been and continue working very hard to bring you this event. Please support it. USA Joint Auction: starts at 6 PM on Wednesday 21 April 2010 City Club, Panama City 29TH Floor of City Corps building. Price: $15 per person entitles the person to one bidding paddle, wine, soft drinks, and appetizers.

We want to thank all those that have come forward with their generous donations. Here are just some of the gifts we have received: Door Prize: Airline tickets from American Airlines to anywhere in the USA will be raffled. Cruises: Afternoon cruise for up to 20 persons on the yacht Brahms. Day Sail to Taboga Island on a private yacht for 4 persons & others. Hotels: Stays in Boquete Panamonte Inn & Spa, Hotels in El Valle: Los Mandarinos, Hotel Los Capitanes, Anton Valley Hotel, Rincon Vallero, Park Eden, The Golden Frog Inn, Contadora, Pedasi, Playa Bonita Resort, Panama Vacation Quarters, Gamboa Rainforest Resort, Buenaventura Bristol Hotel and others. Golf Green Fees.

Dinners: Market, La Posta, Los Años Locos, Radisson Hotel, Casa de Lourdes, Los Camisones, Oldies, Pangea, Red String Café, Madame Chang, Dharna Restaurant, La Posta, Market, Gamboa Rainforest Resort, Horoko Restaurant -Tucan Resort and many others.

Jewelry from Cynthia Bishop, Peggy Arias, Eduardo Liu and others. Multicolor sweet pearl necklace Reprosa jewelry, Lamps from LuzDecor. Set of three home made paper boxes created and donated by Cristina Trexel. Paintings, Massages & Sauna packages // Los Mandarinos el Valle de Anton, Sensory Spa by Clarins de Le Méridien Panamá. Bedding material, queen size comforter, three decorative pillows. Duvet Set, Excedra Books, Vases from Design Works Studio, Personal Financial Planning, Survival Spanish Classes,Khiva Fine Rug, Banyan Leaf large wicker floor lamp,Beauty salon products. Mola purse,Multiple original paintings,Silver water pitcher & English Silver vegetable server with lid, Dental package // Exam, x-rays, oral prophylaxis, fluoride, choice of in-office laser chair-side whitening or at-home bleaching, Gift Basket & Gift certificates for Certified Angus Beef from Gourmar / Niels Pedersen S.A., Gift Basket from Loreal, Wall Safe Vodka gift baskets, USA Remote PC Solution service packets and others that have not yet been cataloged. We will increase the list as we receive and cataloge the donations.

Tickets for this event are now on sale. Purchase Tickets from an AmSoc board member by going to www.amsoc.org for that information, or contact us at American.Society.Panama@gmail.com. Tickets will also be available at the event.   

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - I love putting up community announcements for groups and organizations. There are all kinds of very nice people doing nice things for charitable reasons in Panama, and many wonderful organizations with members who are graciously willing to donate their time and effort to support a good cause. I will run advertisements and announcements for these kinds of events for free, providing the people who submit them to me comply with the following guidelines;

• Plain Text in the Body Of An Email (Only): Please send me the text of your announcement in the body of a regular email. Please do not send an attachment or something like that. Remember that whatever you send, I will have to "mark up" with html script in order for it to be published on the website. If you send me something that's a pain to handle, I might not have the time to get to it. Therefore, plain text (only) in the body of an email (only.) If you send me a Microsoft Word document as an attachment, I probably won't even open it. If you send me a .pdf flyer or something like that, I won't use it.
  
  
• Little or No Formatting: By formatting I mean bolds, highlights, indents, large fonts, colors, center justification, etc. Leave all of that stuff out. Also, don't use a whole bunch of spaces (or whatever) to try to "line stuff up." I just have to take all of that out and again, it just takes more time.
  
  
• Send Me A Finished Product: Please simple write a short paragraph explaining the simple details of your event, in plain English. Please abandon the "Who, When, Where, Why" format of writing an announcement. It's very easy to just write "The American Society will he holding a fundraiser at Rino's restaurant on Ave. Frederico Body to support the orphanage this Friday, 26 March 2010, at 7:30 pm" - instead of Who: The American Society - When: This Friday at 7:30 pm, Where - Rino's Restaurant, Why - To raise money for the orphanage. See what I mean? Please just use plain English, and give me a simple announcement that get's your message across.
  
  
• Don't Slip Me A Micky: If you're organization is not making a profit, then I will be happy to run a community service ad for free. If you're raising money and all of the money will go do charity, then I can get behind that as well. But, if you're making money or turning a profit in some way off of your activities, then you'll have to pay to advertise. Please don't try to mix the two in an attempt to slip on by me or something like that.
  
  
• Don't Be Afraid to Pester: If you send me an announcement and if you don't see it on the website, don't be afraid to follow up, lightly "pester" me and send reminders. When I see these things come in I file them under "I have to get that done" but then I often stay focused on the things that pay the bills. Sometimes the community announcement stuff gets shoved aside by events (like a Tsunami warning or what have you...) and I have a bad memory anyway. So, don't be afraid of following up...

That's About It: Please just follow these guidelines and I'll get your stuff out. And, if you don't follow these guidelines then your chances of seeing the announcement on Panama-Guide are greatly reduced. Thanks in advance for your cooperation and understanding.

Copyright 2009 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.