NewsLady

A wonderful assortment of food announcements is available, daily. Many of Boquete's eateries post ''Specials'' and menu items daily. Check us out! FOOD BOQUETE https://www.facebook.com/groups/1737086483196638/

The owners/administrators of the Chiriqui.Life (CL) website are very pleased to announce the release of its eighth audio podcast in the series that is called "Chiriqui.Life Podcasts". These podcasts are produced by Marcelyn Jandreau and Bud Huber, and basically are conversations with the "movers and shakers" in the Chiriqui highlands area. (Note: Chiriqui.Life Podcasts is a different series from the "Chiriqui.Life Stories" audio podcasts that are produced by Michael Schwartz and also published on CL.) This audio podcast features Bonnie Williams. Bonnie and her husband Larry moved to Boquete in 2007 based on prior travel experiences in Costa Rica and Panama, coupled with her interest in flowers and animals. Bonnie is originally from Florida, well educated, and a former Executive Director of the Florida Commission on Ethics. Today, besides being a Boqueteña, she is one of the two Boquete area Wardens for the US Embassy (Hank Landis is the other Warden). Bonnie has extensive knowledge about expatriation issues based on her personal experiences as well as her role as a Warden; she shares some of the more important factors for those considering expatriation to Panama in general, and Chiriqui Province in particular. She also mentions a few helpful processes for US citizens, such as how to renew a passport without making a trip to PC, etc. Bonnie is involved with and supportive of several Boquete area charitable groups, and was a five-year director of Bid 4 Boquete, a now defunct but very successful umbrella civic/charitable organization. Podcasts are premium content on CL, which means that you need to be a registered member of CL and logged in. Membership on CL is free, so if you are not already a member, then register and listen to Bonnie tell her story. If you are NOT already a registered member of CL, then first access CL at Chiriqui.Life and click on the "Sign Up" icon at the upper right area. Then wait for your registration to be finalized (you will get an email to that effect). If you already are a registered member of CL, then and only then may you access this podcast at: http://www.chiriqui.life/topic/6638-chiriquilife-podcast-08-an-interview-with-bonnie-williams Marcelyn Jandreau and Bud Huber Owners/Administrators of Chiriqui.Life -- support@chiriqui.life www.chiriqui.life

A Panamanian friend asked that I send out an inquiry in English to all dog owners in the area. She recently had 3 healthy and well-cared for adult dogs go deaf within 2-3 weeks of taking NEXGARD, a new oral flea and tick remedy containing afoxolaner. The 3 previously normal dogs were examined by two David veterinarians and their new-onset deafness was confirmed. Communications with the pharmaceutical manufacturer re: adverse effects of the medication have not been helpful. She finds no other common denominators (recent food changes, etc.) that could account for the sudden deafness of all 3 animals. This dog owner is interested in learning if any other dog owners have noted similar health changes in their pets whether or not a connection with NEXGARD is suspected. If so, please respond to this email and I will translate and forward your emails, as communications with the pharmaceutical company are ongoing. There is concern not only regarding the medication itself, but also regarding whether there may have been a contaminated batch. Medication was purchased in Boquete. Thank you. Charlotte Summers panamaprattle@gmail.com

From La Prensa, July 20, 2017 See rough translation to English below. XXI Best of Panama 2017 Café geisha se cotiza a $601 la libra en China Aet Elisa Tejera C. 20 jul 2017 - 00:00h Temas: Café El geisha posee aromas florales y sabor a frutas tropicales que lo distinguen en la caficultura internacional. El geisha posee aromas florales y sabor a frutas tropicales que lo distinguen en la caficultura internacional. El australiano de ascendencia china Jason Kew impuso un récord al pagar $601 por la libra del café panameño Esmeralda Geisha Cañas Verdes Natural, en la subasta online XXI Best of Panama 2017. La compra se dio a través de la compañía Kew Specialty Coffee de Hong Kong y es el precio más alto que se ha pagado por el grano panameño. El exquisito café es procedente de la hacienda La Esmeralda, de la familia Peterson, y se cultiva arriba de los mil 800 metros sobre el nivel del mar en Cañas Verdes, Palmira, Chiriquí. La puja y repuja del café panameño ocurrió entre tres compradores. La compañía Kew Specialty Coffee adquirió dos cajas de 100 libras cada una por un valor de $60 mil 100, informó Wilford Lamastus, presidente de la Asociación de Cafés Especiales de Panamá (Scap). El precio por el Esmeralda Geisha Cañas Verdes Natural es el más alto pagado por una libra de café en una subasta online en el mundo. El récord lo tenía un café variedad moca de Guatemala, cuya libra se cotizó en $425. Este récord confirma el posicionamiento y la calidad del café panameño. Se reafirma que las características organolépticas (sabor, textura, olor, color o temperatura) del grano panameño son inigualables y lo hacen cada día más apetecible en el competitivo mundo de los cafés especiales, manifestó Daniel Peterson, gerente de operaciones de hacienda La Esmeralda. En la subasta online panameña se ofertaron 51 lotes del mejor café producido en las tierras chiricanas y participaron compradores de Estados Unidos, Asia y Europa. La venta electrónica, que duró seis horas, se dividió en cinco categorías: geisha natural, geisha lavado; variedades tradicionales, proceso lavado y proceso natural, y la variedad pacamara. La casa Saza Coffee de Japón también compró una porción del codiciado geisha istmeño. La japonesa pagó $254.80 por la libra del café geisha marca Sophia de la finca Sophia Estate Panama, propiedad de Hellen Russell y Willem Boot. Saza Coffee conoce muy bien la calidad del grano local. En 2015 impuso un récord en la subasta online Best of Panama, al pagar $350.25 por una libra del café geisha de la hacienda La Esmeralda de la familia Peterson. De la finca Sophia Estate Panama también provino el geisha La Mula, proceso natural, que fue el tercer mejor pagado en la subasta al cotizarse en $165 la libra. La casa Aroma Café pagó $16 mil 500 por dos cajas de 100 libras de este grano. Un buen café geisha se cultiva arriba de los mil 500 metros sobre el nivel del mar y debe pasar por un período de entre 90 y 120 días en un proceso de añejamiento, manifestó Francisco Serracín, miembro de la Scap y catador internacional. The Australian of Chinese descent Email Jason Kew imposed a record by paying $601 per pound of Panamanian coffee Esmeralda Geisha Rod green Natural, in the auction online 21st Best of Panama 2017. The purchase occurred through Hong Kong's Kew Specialty Coffee company and is the highest price that has been paid by the Panamanian grain. The delicious coffee is coming from the hacienda La Esmeralda, the Peterson family, and is grown above the thousand 800 meters on the level of the sea Rod green, Palmira, Chiriqui. The bid and embosses coffee Panamanian took place among three buyers. The Kew Specialty Coffee company acquired two 100-pound boxes each with a value of $60 thousand 100, reported Wilford Lamastus, President of the Association of specialty coffee in Panama (Scap). By Esmeralda Geisha Rod green Natural price is the highest paid for a pound of coffee at an auction online in the world. The record had a coffee variety moca of Guatemala, whose pound was quoted at $425. This record confirms the positioning and the quality of the Panamanian coffee. Reaffirms that

the new adress for packages will be Serv / Name 8248 NW 68 st Miami, FL, 33195 tel 786 325 2841 the intention of this new adress is to improve the lead time by 1 or 2 days. Also the so called dangerous goods will be processed along with the general cargo so wont be delay for weeks by sea trasit and more expensive rate al the rest will maintain the same (also theregular mailling adress) please do the changes on your vendor pages so the new adress can start in effect as soon as possible. if something comming already by the previous one, dont worry, we will take care of it too. Thanks for your support

Starting In August, the Fènix Cafe will be closed on Sundays, and the Sunday Movie Matinee will transition to the Monday Movie Matinee with a showtime of 3pm. We will also have a monthly "Science Fiction Friday" Film Series starting at the end this month. Our first Sy-Fi feature - on Friday, July 28 at 5pm - will be Fritz Lang's 1927 German silent film "Metropolis" - a true classic and a pioneer in the genre. Like our Sunday films , we will select intelligent and often thought provoking science fiction films, but few if any pop-culture, space-opera blockbusters. ----------------------------------------------- This week's Sunday film: The Eagle Huntress (2016 - USA - filmed in Kazakhstan) - Documentary - 87 minutes, Rated G I watched this film at home last week, and loved the story. Aisholpan - the Eagle Huntress - is a real person. She is a delightful 13-year old Kazakh girl who lives with her semi-nomadic family in in the steppes and mountains of Western Mongolia near the Kazakhstan border. She is the star of the film, and her calm and confident personality and her relationship to her father is extraordinarily heartwarming. Aisholpan is a also an excellent student, and she wants to become a doctor - in a country where 70% of college graduates are women. A profit-sharing feature set up by the producers and marketers of the film will pay for her education. Unfortunately, when I first watched the film, I was put off by some of its elements, including the use of some schmaltzy pop music - that made it a feel not quite fully authentic. I had a feeling that what could have been a truly excellent documentary had been "Disney-fied" and felt a bit contrived. So when it finished, I went to Google to see if others sensed the same thing, and low and behold, a few reviewers did indeed have the same reaction. The review below from Australia's "Sydney Morning Herald" expresses the flaws of the film better than I ever could. So why would I invite my friends and fellow film lovers to see a "flawed" film? The answer is simple - the real story behind the shortcomings of this film is very heartwarming. Aisholpan and her friends and family are so real, and the spectacular scenery so utterly beautiful and breathtaking, that the positives overwhelm the negatives. I look forward to watching the film again with our Sunday movie-goers, and focusing on the story and the setting - while ignoring the flaws. If you do the same, you will leave afterwards with a warm feeling your heart for this delightful young woman and her accomplishments. (The story intrigued me so much that I spent several hours researching it and writing this e-mail.) From the below review, critic Paul Byrnes tells us that "The images tell us more than the words, with one stunning shot after another of their life on the steppe..." Link to trailer From the The Sydney (Australia) Morning Herald: There's a beautiful sequence in this visually impressive film where a famed Mongolian eagle hunter named Agalai takes his 13-year-old daughter Aisholpan to capture a young eagle on the cliffs near their home. Aisholpan Nurgaiv learns the ancient art of eagle hunting. Photo: Asher Svidensky We already know, courtesy of an unnecessary narration voiced by Daisy Ridley, that these nomads have been capturing and raising eagles as hunters for more than 1000 years in the Altai mountains. The images tell us more than the words, with one stunning shot after another of their life on the steppe. Agalai's father taught him, and both men were champions in the annual eagle festival at Ulgii. Aisholpan is a star student at the school where she and two siblings board five days a week. On weekends, they return to the family's summer home to their doting mother, Almagul. Aisholpan wants to become the first eagle huntress in Mongolia, a role usually reserved for men. We get a short montage of grizzled old eagle hunters who disapprove. In the cliff sequence, Agalai and Aisholpan climb above the nest. He then ties his daughter to a rope and lets her down the cliff. We see this from several camera angles, including her own point of view. She is fearless, capturing the terrified eaglet as gently as she can and enfolding it in a rug, to be hauled back up the cliff. Entertainment Newsletter Get the latest news and updates emailed straight to your inbox. By submitting your email you are agreeing to Fairfax Media's terms and conditions and privacy policy . At home, her father praises her: you are as brave as any man. Boys and girls should be equal, he says. She beams. The training begins. That sequence may be the most authentic part of the film, at least in terms of documentary. The image quality is poorer in this section because the English director Otto Bell filmed it on his first visit, with rudimentary equipment. He had seen a stunning photo of Aisholpan, taken in 2013 by Israeli photographer, Asher Svidensky. A successful advertising director, Bell went to Mongolia with a cinematographer friend to find her, with Svidensky's help. Most of the rest of the film was shot on a later trip, in superb quality with a full quiver of modern kit – including a crane and drone, to get an eagle's eye view. Almost none of these shots has the authenticity of the cliff sequence – which leads us to the central question. Can we call this documentary, or is it some kind of hybrid, when so much of it is constructed for the camera? In the prologue, a hunter releases his beloved eagle in the wild, after sacrificing a sheep. It is the custom: after seven years, when old enough to breed, the bird is set free – ''to continue the circle of life'', says Ridley, the first sign of the film's secret Disney heart. Bell has denied that anything was staged, while conceding that well, yes, he did restage this bit. Actually, I don't see anything wrong with Bell working with his talent to create the most beautiful sequences. All film-makers make choices, whether it be shooting at the golden hour or finding a vehicle that can keep pace with Aisholpan charging across the steppe on her horse. The problem is Bell's reshaping of the truth. Folklore researcher Adrienne Mayor of Stanford University has written a critique of the film, based on her extensive research. Mayor says the tradition of women as eagle hunters goes back at least 1000 years. She introduces, with photographs, a number of women doing it in Mongolia now. She says the film-makers knew that, but Bell declined an offer to meet one of them. There was even another young girl hunter at the Uglii festival where Aisholpan first shows her prowess – no sign of her in the film. To some extent, the film rests on an assumption that's easy to disprove: if Mongolians have a backward attitude to empowering girls, how come 70 per cent of the students at Mongolian universities are women? Could it be that what we have here is really a fantasy for Western eyes, constructed from Western prejudice about "primitive" peoples, who took only what they wanted from Aisholpan and her family, disregarding the rest. In that sense this is not so much a film about girl power: it's a film about first world power. ----- Here is a LINK to the website of Asher Svidensky, the Israeli photographer who "discovered" Aisholpan and inspired director Otto Bell to film the documentary. His subjects and photography are absolutely spectacular. If you want to see a "regular" documentary about other Mongolian eagle hunters - with less polish and without the Hollywood embellishments - here is a LINK to a video on YouTube. Near the end of that 2016 documentary from Kazakhstan is the short piece about another Mongolian girl who also wants to be an Eagle Huntress and follow in the footsteps the now famous Aisholpan.

The two-year positions of President and Vice-President on the Boquete Community Players (BCP) board are up for election. In addition, one member-at-large 2-year position also just became available. The election will be held at 2 pm on Sunday, August 6 at the BCP facility. Nominations are now open to fill these 3 positions and will remain open until the time of the election. A person may nominate themselves. Both the person making the nomination and the person nominated must be current BCP members. Membership can be purchased at the BCP membership table at the Tuesday market. Please send your nominations to Vice President, Penny Barrett at pjbarrett@aol.com.

Nancy cell 6857-9536 Boquete, Panama

The two-year positions of President and Vice-President on the Boquete Community Players (BCP) board are up for election. The election will be held at 2 pm on Sunday, August 6 at the BCP facility. Nominations are now open to fill these positions and will remain open until the time of the election. A person may nominate themselves. Both the person making the nomination and the person nominated must be current BCP members. Membership can be purchased at the BCP membership table at the Tuesday market. Please send your nominations to Vice President, Penny Barrett at pjbarrett@aol.com.

BIG GARAGE SALE FECHA: Sábado 22 de julio 2017 Date: Saturday, July 22 2017 De/From: 9.00 am to 2:00 pm LUGAR/PLACE: JARAMILLO CENTRO Atraviese el Puente de la Feriade las Flores. Doble a la derecha. Pasar el Cacé Fénix. Subir hasta la intersección de los 4 caminos. (+ ó - 4 kilómetros), allí doblar a la derecha. Bajar hast la Finca " Vida en las Nubes". Direcctions: Cross the Feria de las Flores Bridge, turn right. Pass the BCP, Café Fénix. go up to the crossing roads ( about 4 Km.), at this point turn right. Go down this road to Finca " Vida en las Nubes". Encontrará/We will have: - Tools-Herramientas - Artículos para el Hogar-Bedding and more - Utensilios de Cosina-Kitchen utensils - Artículos de decoración-Decorator Ítems - Artículos Electrónicos-Small appliances - Misceláneos-Miscelaneous Items - Variedad de Velas- Variety of Candles Etc., Etc., Etc. La mayoría de los artículos fuerón importados. Most items are imported. NO EARLY BIRDS PLEASE.

What's new in the Valley of the Flowers. We are so excited to see such movement in downtown Boquete. This rainy season has not stopped much in the way of progress and with that motion we also are moving forward. At the 2 Guys Kitchen we are constantly testing new products and experimenting with different cooking styles to bring innovative and soul satisfying dishes to the community. 2 weeks ago we purchased a commercial smoker for very obvious reasons but we have since bought an accessory that enables us to cold smoke. This means that our options for adding and infusing that hard wood or fruit wood flavor into your favorite foods have become limitless. We will be experimenting with paprika, salts, butter, cream cheese, capers (imagine smoked capers with smoked salmon and smoked cream cheese... YUM), ice cream, bacon, Pastrami, sausage, fruits, vegetables, nuts, cheese, and the list goes on and on. This smoker is amazing and what's even more incredible is that the woman that sold it to me has 2 more!!! Her husband recently passed away and she is moving to David after she sells some of his equipment. If you are interested in a smoker let me know (She has 2 sizes available one for the recreational smoker and one for the serious smoker). We use ours daily and love the way it works. Email me privately for more details. On a different note I wanted to talk a little about the local seafood. There are many options as to the Pacific seafood that one can buy here in the Mountain community of Boquete. Some of the more frequented vendors bring their products from Pedregal to Boquete in trucks with coolers packed with ice. You can generally find them hanging around Romeros or in front of Big Daddy's on any given day. Do you know what to look for when buying seafood? Have you eaten the local seafood and have experienced a tummy ache afterwards.. Here are some pointers that you can use next time you want some "Sushi Grade YellowFin Tuna". Also I will include some Spanish names for a few popular species of fish caught in the Pacific. Things to watch out for: Just because a man is filleting a fish right in front of you doesn't mean that fish is fresh. Seafood has a very short shelf life and is always best when fresh. Often the process between boat and salesman this fish might not see optimal storage temperatures in the upwards of 10 to 24 hours. This means that your fish might be packed in ice, freshly cut, and sold with a smile but might actually make you sick. The first tip you should always look for is in the EYES!! Remember Look, Smell, Feel!! TIPS ON BUYING BOQUETE SEAFOOD: 1. A Fresh fish should have bright, clear eyes. A fish that is not fresh or has not been kept in refrigeration will quickly go to a grey dull look. 2. Your fresh fish should be shiny and metallic. A fish that is old and not fresh will look dull and have discolored patches on it. 3. Are the gills a deep red? If the fish is old the gills will look like a rusty old brick. 4. What does the fish smell like? If your fish smells fishy then walk away!! It should smell clean or maybe a little briny. 5. This should go without mention but if you are buying shrimp or any other seafood and it has a faint smell of ammonia or bleach then walk away immediately. These techniques are used to take seafood that are days old and mask their rotting scent... 6. Is there any liquid on the seafood/fish? If there is it should be clear. If it is milky then this is a sign of rot 7. Press the fish fillet with your finger. A fresh fish will bounce back and leave no trace of your indention. If your finger indention is visible the fish is not fresh and "BUYER BEWARE" 8. Tuna should be red and favor a deep red color. If the tuna you are buying is reddish brown or dull in color do not use it for sushi. 9. There's a good chance that the shrimp you are looking to buy from the trucks on the street have been frozen and thawed multiple times. I have had countless conversations with many of the truck vendors asking them what they do with the seafood that doesn't sell. The most common answer is that they freeze it and try to resell it the next day. So a word of caution when buying seafood. If you are buying shrimp them buy it with the shell on. If the shrimp has been frozen and thawed the shell helps protect it from the harmful bacteria that causes decay. Be sure to smell it first and use your better judgment. Unfortunately the street vendors will almost always tell you that your fish was caught 3 hours ago and is the freshest it can possibly be. Now you know the truth... If you are eating at a restaurant that buys seafood from street vendors be sure to ask them questions. Ask them when they bought their catch, ask where they bought it, ask them how long it's been in the refrigerator/freezer. These are all questions any local restaurant should be able to answer. There has been a steady stream of bad seafood reactions in past 3 months and your health is worth the due diligence.. If you don't feel confident in the restaurants answer get a burger, It's your safest bet... Fish Names in English and Spanish: ENGLISH SPANISH Tuna Atún Sea Bass Corvina Red Snapper Pargo Rojo Grouper Mero Anchovy Anchoa Cod Bacalao Trout Trucha Salmon Salmón Tilapia Tilapia Mahi-Mahi Llampuga I hope that this information is helpful to you and gives you a more informed perspective when buying seafood. We know that there are a few vendors that have been servicing our community for some time but I feel that it is important to have a set of checks and balances that keep them honest... Are you familiar with our service? Our team here in Alto Lino is dedicated to providing you the most diverse menu of anywhere in Panama. Changing week to week our menu has a little something for everyone. Paleo, Pork, Beef, Fish, Vegan, Gluten Free, Thai, Chinese, Russian, American, Southern, BBQ, Italian..... The list goes on and on. We are including a new line of smoked meats and cold smoked products. Artisan cheeses, specialty bacon, brisket and smoked chicken like you've never had and so much more. If you are new in town and would like to hear about our culinary adventures be sure to click this link and join our newsletter. Each week we send out an email with updates and new menu items. Join By Clicking Here Also take a sneak peek at our menu and click this link. We know that we can't please everyone but that doesn't mean we have to stop trying!! Send us your suggestions. We love cooking new and challenging menu items and if it works as a freezer meal we'll add it to the menu!! http://doshombrespanama.com/our-menu/ We want your time here in Panama to be as stress free as possible so let us help you out in the kitchen. All of our meals are prepared using the freshest ingredients with unique flavors specific to that dish. Aren't you tired of eating out and everything taste the same with prices that seem to be catered to your passport? Our meals are packaged for 2 adults (generally) and are frozen. All you have to do is heat and eat. Very little mess and ultra convenient at a price that just makes sense (roughly $4 a person). If you see something that you like be sure to complete the online ordering process. We offer many options for delivery or pick up of our items as well. Convenient, affordable, stress free, delicious, and simple. Just like mom's cooking. Finally we want everyone to know that we just made a video walkthrough of our website. If you are experiencing problems or feel overwhelmed about the thought of ordering food online, click this link and watch this short video. I think you will feel more confident about our new and improved simplified process. We sure do hope to see you soon. Come by the BCP and say hi. Have your first brownie on us!! Eric, Cecelia, Chandler, Keira, Aidan

10:30 in the BCP Theater Tuesday, July 18 -- DEPRESSIVE ILLNESS is a common and serious malady, especially in post-retirement folks. Learn what it is, what causes it, and its medication and cognitive therapy treatment from the perspective of a (retired) psychiatrist. Dr. Dean Hoover, a Boquete resident, received his Medical Doctor degree from the University of Miami and then served as a USN Medical Officer for eight years including three years of Psychiatric Residency training. In 1983, he left the Navy and engaged in the practice private of Psychiatry in Annapolis, MD, until retiring in 2012. He and his wife have lived in the Boquete area for over four years. Tuesday, July 25 – Irma Castillo Smith from Keep It Simple Panama (medical advocacy and assistance) will talk about the things you need to know when faced with emergency or elective hospitalization in David. Irma’s service provides bilingual solutions to all types of requirements in Chiriqui. Fom the most basic domestic needs to advice on acquiring important products such as life and health insurance, migratory visas, accounting. Ect. www.keepitsimplepanama.com Aseguradora La Floresta (new insurance company in town) will introduce us to their products including those products for folks over 64. www.seguroslafloresta.com/ Tuesday, August 1 – ARF Amigos de Animales, Knitters and Quilters, Rotary Club and Buenos Vecinos will update the community on what they are doing and what they hope to do in the coming year(s). Most importantly, learn how you can join up. Tuesday, August 8 – Chef Juan Linares speaks on Market Cooking in Chiriqui. Learn to use local produce. What to do with plantains, chayotes, papayas, etc.? What are the beef cuts in Panama and how to cook them? Eat fresher, better, and cheaper. There will be tastings. Tuesday, August 15 -- Benefits the V.A. Doesn’t Tell Vets About. Shameful as it is, the V.A. does not tell veterans, or the widows of veterans, about benefits which are much needed, especially as we age! The V.A. website even misleads you about whether you can qualify! J.R. gave a wonderful talk in early June for those with service-connected disabilities. Betsy Barbeau will now provide all veterans and widows of veterans who served during any recognized war with information about a V.A. benefit that is awarded for ailments, infirmities, and/or disabilities that are or are not service-connected! If you are 65 or older, you could qualify. If you are under 65 and on Social Security Disability, you could qualify. For widows there is no age restriction. Come hear about what they are not telling you! Tuesday, August 22 Tuesday, August 29 – Hospice presents “Being Prepared”. Tuesday, September 5 – Magda Crespo, local insurance expert will talk to us be about how to use our medical plans in Panama, and the differences of how insurance is handled in Panama. She will speak on deductibles, co- payments and so on. And she will address the fact that our doctors do give us the "gringo price" and how to avoid it. Tuesday, September 12 – Dr. Maria Ruiz will speak on the history of coffee in Boquete in general and the history of the Ruiz family in particular. Cafe Ruiz is one of the largest producers of coffee in Panama. Maria will explain how coffee production started in Boquete, what's the picture for coffee right now and what she projects for the future. Dr. Maria Ruiz has more than 30 years of experience working in the Panamanian coffee industry, including growing, green processing, roasting, tasting, and product development. She has participated in many activities at a national level as a representative of the private sector. She has also represented Panama in international forums such as the Specialty Coffee Association of America, Specialty Coffee Association of Japan, and the Specialty Coffee Association of Europe. Currently she is the CEO of special projects with Casa Ruiz, S.A., in Boquete, Panama. Tuesday, Sept 19 – Oct 3 – Vacation for Tuesday Talks Tuesday, October 10 – Dr. Jennifer Daniels will speak on home remedies that work and potions you can mix at home to maintain your independence and why you should want to. Dr Daniels is a long-time resident of Panama and was trained in the US as a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician. During her 10 years of medical practice she quickly realized people would be better off staying home than submitting to medical intervention. Dr Daniels then applied herself to developing home remedies that are safer and more effective than the drugs she had been trained to recommend in medical school. Dr Daniels will share many of these healing potions during this presentation. Tuesday, October 17 – William Oates is a Boquete resident and an amateur sommelier (“a trained and knowledgeable wine enthusiast and connoisseur”). As a retired physician he is interested in the healthful benefits of moderate wine consumption. He will talk to us about what wines are available in Panama at a good value. The presentation may include a blind taste test by audience members. To suggest a speaker or topic for these meetings please email BCP Tuesday Meeting To become a vendor at the Tuesday market, Facility Manger

First, on Saturday from 8-1, a giant venta de patio at the Handicap Foundation in Alto Boquete. Bigger than ever with lots of household goods. Also great food to eat there or take home. Second, another Sunday mid-month mercado de pulgas (flea market) at Chiriqui Storage halfway between David and Boquete. Gates open at 10 and close at 1 pm.

Weekly Sunday Matinee Movies start at 1pm at The Fènix Cafe - which is a restaurant, so please, don't bring outside food and drinks to the event. Rather, support our film series by patronizing the Cafe, and be sure to say hello to Joy Alexander, the owner of the Fénix Cafe, and Erica, her assistant. Breakfast, lunch, popcorn and desserts - as well as coffee, espresso drinks, herbal teas, lemonade, beer, wine and mixed drinks - will be available for purchase. Early birds get the comfy sofas, but if you like, you can bring cushions for the hard restaurant chairs, or folding/camp chairs for more comfort. There is no admission charge, but we ask for voluntary donations to support the program and pay for the big-screen TV, and then to update the sound system - and those upgrades should be in place within a month. ----------------------------------------------- This week's film: Corazón de León (2013 - Argentina) Drama, Romance, Comedy - 94 minutes From the Hollywood Reporter: Ivana (Julieta Diaz) runs a law firm with her ex, Diego (Mauricio Dayub). She loses her cell phone, and by the end of her first encounter with the guy on the other end, Leon (Guillermo Francella)[who found the phone], she’s been bowled over in a telephonic tour de force of Latino verbal seduction. It also helps that he’s obviously wealthy, and though she’s mildly disconcerted by his height when they meet, she’s soon howling with delight as she parachutes with him out of one of his light aircraft. To the strains of Elvis’ "You Were Always on My Mind" — perhaps an odd choice to celebrate the start of something new — romance blossoms. The inevitable threats to it come via Ivana’s mother (Nora Carpena), a hypocrite who is rather too schematically dating a deaf mute but disapproves of Ivana’s relationship, as well as from the jealous Diego — but mostly from Ivana’s own inability to fully accept Leon. The reasons for this open up across several searching conversations about discrimination, and it is in the dialogue, often carefully balanced between the sentimental and the comic, that the film’s at its strongest. Link to trailer

It has come to the attention of the Wardens that the U.S. Embassy staff will be visiting Chiriqui sometime in September. The date has not yet been set, but it will be announced as soon as it is available. That announcement will contain instructions about making an appointment and about what issues will be handled. Many people ask about the Embassy visit because they need to renew their U.S. passports. Please note: You do not have to go to Panama City or wait for an Embassy visit to renew your passport unless you choose to do so. Passports can be renewed by mail (actually, DHL). Full instructions are below, but Mailboxes, etc. in downtown Boquete knows the drill and even can take the required photograph: one-stop service. Renewal – adults by mail | U.S. Embassy in Panama Renewal – adults by mail | U.S. Embassy in Panama You may renew your passport by mail or walk in if you meet all of the following requirements: Your most recent U... Note that all cashiers checks to the Embassy must be made out to U.S. Embassy Panama. The check will not be accepted if made out to the U.S. Embassy. This is a bank requirement, not an Embassy requirement. Turnaround time is approximately two weeks, sometimes less. Secondly, the American Citizen Services unit of the Embassy has asked all U.S. Wardens to direct citizens to the Embassy itself when the questions arise relating to their particular circumstances. The address of the ACS is panama-acs@state.gov and the phone number is 317-5000 (public call hours Mon-Thurs 3-4:30pm). The new role of the Wardens is to answer general questions, to disseminate Embassy notices, and to respond to Embassy requests that we intervene as deemed necessary. We will continue to pass on contact information if you have a personal issue, but it will save time if you make a note of the Embassy contacts and deal with the them directly when you have particular inquiries about your personal situation.

The owners/administrators of the Chiriqui.Life (CL) website are very pleased to announce the release of its seventh audio podcast in the series that is called "Chiriqui.Life Podcasts". These podcasts are produced by Marcelyn Jandreau and Bud Huber, and basically are conversations with the "movers and shakers" in the Chiriqui highlands area. (Note: Chiriqui.Life Podcasts is a different series from the "Chiriqui.Life Stories" audio podcasts that are produced by Michael Schwartz and also published on CL.) This audio podcast features Dan Porter of Twin Wolf Technology Group. Dan describes himself as a country boy who found his passions to be (a) computers, and (b) casino gaming and poker. Dan first came to Panama City in 2009 under a contract to bring American-style casino gaming (especially poker) to Panama. He arrived with his wife of 35 years for the multi-year contract. Upon completion of that contract, he found that he liked Panama so much that he decided to stay, but in the Chiriqui highlands. However, his wife did not share the same enthusiasm for Panama, leading to what is described as the world's most amicable divorce on record. Dan continues his two passions, and supports computer clients in various countries using remote technology. He then met and married his second wife, Clara, who is Colombiana. That marriage began a long series of issues with immigration status in Panama, with the result that Dan and Clara are relocating to Colombia. Dan goes into some detail about his experiences with immigration in both Panama and Colombia, as well as Panamanian culture. Podcasts are premium content on CL, which means that you need to be a registered member of CL and logged in. Membership on CL is free, so if you are not already a member, then register and listen to Dan tell his story. If you are NOT already a registered member of CL, then first access CL at Chiriqui.Life and click on the "Sign Up" icon at the upper right area. Then wait for your registration to be finalized (you will get an email to that effect). If you already are a registered member of CL, then and only then may you access this podcast at: http://www.chiriqui.life/topic/6568-chiriquilife-podcast-07-an-interview-with-dan-porter-of-twin-wolf-technology/ Marcelyn Jandreau and Bud Huber Owners/Administrators of Chiriqui.Life support@chiriqui.life www.chiriqui.life

Stop by Supermercados Romero in Boquete between 9 AM and 1 PM on Saturday, July 15, to support Buenos Vecinos de Boquete during our upcoming Food Drive. Our locally-based effort assists needy community families with monthly, non-perishable food supplies. We will have samples of what you can buy at Romero to aid our work, and of course, financial assistance is always appreciated. Shop for food that you (and we) need, and meet members of our team!

Hey there, all you Jazz&Blues lovers, check this out! BJBF2018 ticket prices& discounts update: Check the great savings that come with our early-bird offers! Online ticket sales will start on July 15! Don’t miss these great savings, get your tickets early! To buy your tickets online please go to https://www.mieventos.com/event-detail/2018bjbf Here are the details: Total Value Early Bird Pricing until Aug 31 Sept 1-Dec 31 Pricing Jan 1-Feb 22, 2018 Pricing 3-day Ticket % Discount 3-day Ticket % Discount 3-day Ticket % Discount General Admission 3-day $148.50 $87.50 41% $97.50 34% $109.50 26% Preferred Seating 3-day $223.50 $147.50 34% $172.50 23% $184.50 17% Platinum Seating 3-day $447.00 $300.00 33% $350.00 22% $375.00 16% Note: All prices are subject to sales tax & service fee Seating details (see also the seating layout below): All seating areas will be fully chaired. No need to bring your own!General admission 3-Day: Open-air, same level seating, 600 seats Preferred Seating 3-Day: Access to shaded elevated seating area at main festival events at the fairgrounds (shaded but not protected from rain), 500 seats available Platinum Seating 3-Day: Limited number of elevated, covered and padded seats on the sides in front of the stage at main festival events at the fairgrounds. Only 120 seats available! Fedora Club Membership: Limited number of memberships available. Platinum seating. Memberships include access to all BJBF events including the fairground, jam sessions and Garden Party. These are the only all-inclusive tickets available! In addition, each member will receive a welcome bag containing a commemorative tile, certificate for authentic Panama hat, poster, and the offer of a discounted rate of $79 incl. breakfast at the Wyndham Albrook Hotel in Panama City valid through 12/31/2018. More details will be published later on our website. (Over $630 value!!) $500.00 + Tax & Service Charge Seating layout of the main stage at the Boquete fairgrounds

For the last 6 weeks we've been broadcasting a radio program especially designed for ExPats called Listen Up!. In an effort to gauge our success, we ask that you complete this brief survey. CLICK HERE TO TAKE OUR BRIEF SURVEY And, be sure to tune in on Fridays at 10 am for our one hour show, followed by Strange Brew, a full hour of music. You can Listen Up! in a number of ways: On your radio at 103.3 FM On your television at CableOnda Channel 861 On your computer at http://radio.garden/live/david/radio-chiriqui-103-3 On your computer at www.radiochiriqui.com Join the fun....Listen Up!

Gangaji is a North American born teacher of non-duality. Her message is simple and true and her way of speaking this simple Truth is profound. This past June, I had the privilege of being in silent retreat with her and purchased the recordings of our gatherings with her, known as Satsang. I am offering these recorded meetings in a 10 week series that will meet at the Fenix Cafe at the BCP starting this coming Monday, July 17th. If you are interested in immersing yourself in a non duality conversation, I welcome you to join us. We will be meeting each Monday at 2:00 p.m. at Fenix Cafe in the BCP. The Cafe is closed on Mondays, but the gate will be open for parking until 2:00. After 2:00, you are welcome to park outside the gate and walk in. There is a $5 donation requested per person each week to cover the rent and facilitation. All are welcome and no prior education required - come as You are, which is perfect.