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Hi, everyone in Boquete and those who wish they were! Most of you who are US taxpayers probably already know this (or use it), but if you don’t, and if you’re working and can live abroad in places such as Panama, you should definitely know about how you can legally exclude over $100,000 from your US taxes. This article is a year old, but it still applies today. https://www.thestreet.com/story/13519656/1/expats-may-be-able-to-avoid-paying-u-s-income-taxes-say-experts.html Chuck Bolotin Vice President, Business Development The Site That Potential Expats Trust BestPlacesInTheWorldToRetire.com Chuck.Bolotin@BestPlacesInTheWorldToRetire.com Cell: U.S. (520) 940-0481 Skype: Chuck.Bolotin Download the free eBook: Panama- 62 Things You Need to Know. Download the free research studies: Expats: Expectations & Reality, Is It Cheaper to Live Abroad? and Expat Report: How is Healthcare Abroad? Visit us on Facebook, Youtube, and Pinterest To see articles written by our about us in NextAvenue, TheStreet, Yahoo, MoneyWatch, Forbes, MSN, LifePart2, Sixty&Me, Daily Finance, etc., visit press.

The British Ambassador, Dr. Ian Collard, will be visiting Boquete on Thursday, March 30th, 2017. He will be accompanied by the Vice Consul Jose Mesquita. An informal “Meet and Greet” will be held at the Boquete Library at 2 p.m. Please join us if you have questions or simply to say hello. Not only British Citizens are most welcome but the British Embassy also assists citizens of Commonwealth and European countries who do not have representation in Panama. Dr. Collard is looking forward to visiting Boquete and the British Community so please join us for tea or coffee at the library. Tricia Daugherty

On Sunday, March 19th we were contacted by someone who found a very sickly, skinny dog wandering the streets in Los Naranjos. We named him Pluto and he was taken to a foster and a vet visit scheduled for the next morning. He was drinking Pedialyte during the night so we were very optimistic. Pluto tested positive for Distemper, and unfortunately, had to be put to sleep. Pluto was only about two months old. From the condition of this pup, it was apparent that he had not eaten for quite some time. This poor dog had a very rough and short life. Much of what we do can be emotionally draining and frustrating but we press on because we do feel we are making a difference in some small way. January and February were very costly months for us and has resulted in draining much of our financial resources (expenses exceeded donations by more than $1,700.00) and March is not looking any better. We can only carry on our work if we have the funds to do so. Please consider making a donation so that we can continue to help the animals in the Boquete and surrounding areas. Please visit http://www.arf-boquete.com/donate.html and thank you for your support. ARF is a small non-profit animal organization dedicated to the rescue, care, foster and adoption of the unwanted and neglected animals in Boquete and the surrounding areas. Please visit our website at http://www.arf-boquete.com/ if you are interested in adopting an animal. You can also help with the financial support of these animals by clicking here http://www.arf-boquete.com/donate.html 100% of our donations go to the animals. Our email address is arf.boquete@gmail.com Please visit and “like” our Facebook page on https://www.facebook.com/ARF-Adopt-Rescue-Foster-Boquete-Panama-260616740779036/ YouTube: Adopt Rescue Foster ARF Boquete Panama Also, please visit our sister site Pets Want Homes if you are interested in adopting an animal on http://www.petswanthomes.com/

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Dr. Ted Harrison has provided a copy of his presentation materials as used in his interesting talk yesterday (March 21st) at the BCP Theater. Note that there was a typo in his presentation materials, which was caught in real time during his presentation. The material that he provided is a corrected copy. Click on the below link to access a posting on the Chiriqui.Life (CL) website for access to his presentation materials. Be advised that downloading of content from the CL requires that you be registered and logged into the website. If you are not already a member, then click on the "Sign Up" icon in the upper right of the home (index) page. There is no cost involved in using CL. Click on the below link, then scroll to the bottom of that event. http://www.chiriqui.life/calendar/event/655-tuesday-talks-at-bcp-saving-your-brain/ If you have questions about how to access or use CL, then please send an email to support@chiriqui.life. support@chiriqui.life www.chiriqui.life

The BCP Center and Cafe will be closed this Sunday, so again, no movie. It has been officially announced that Joy Alexander, who leads the morning Yoga Classes in the Hex room - and is also a professional graphics designer, will be the new proprietress of the Hex Room Cafe (under a new name) and it's events program. I look forward to working with Joy and the continuation of our Sunday Matinee Movies at the BCP cafe. Although it will be closed this coming Sunday, the current volunteer-operated version of the BCP cafe will be open most other days through the end of March, and is scheduled to re-open as a new business under Joy's management on April 1. -------------- Upcoming movies - details about each film will be sent out during the week before the screening. April 2: Buena Vista Social Club (1999) April 9: Tracks (2013 - Australia) (Note: BCP management assures me that they are taking steps to have the large-screen TV in the Hex Room will be serviced to eliminate the the multiple shut-downs that occurred during our last couple of films.)

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TVChiriqui is pleased to announce the posting of the presentation by Milagros Sanchez Pinzón, translated by Luz Graciela Joly Adames, regarding the history of Chiriqui Province and Boquete held on January 31, 2017 at the BCP. Milagros Sanchez Pinzón is the premiere historian for Chiriqui Province and Boquete in particular. She authored the book Boquete, Rasgos de su Historia in 2001 and Boquete: Valley of the eternal rainbow in 2006 -- research and photos illustrating the rich history of Boquete and its founding families. Luz Graciela Joly Adames, Tenured Professor of Anthology, Department of History, Faculty of Humanities, Autonomous University of Chiriqui, is also an historian and a translator. The Video can be viewed at www.BoqueteAlcalde.com (Videos – Historia de Boquete) and www.TVChiriqui.com (Videos Generales) We hope that you find our productions both interesting and informative. TV Chiriqui

A horse's viewpoint to Sunday's Cabalgata in David with thousands of riders & spectators. YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/Dmb4Z7ZSi9M John R Hampton NotSereyus Productions

Buy your tickets NOW! for this Special Opportunity to Enjoy to the Best Band in Boquete QUANTUM TRIBE featuring Harreson Mayers and Edgar Vargas Relax in the lush Poolside surroundings of Lucero and Give Back to this Community by doubling raised funds for two wonderful charities. Tickets will go fast for this special event on Easter Sunday, April 16th Buy yours now at MailBoxes, Etc.

Valle Escondido with Toronto's Jazz/Funk/Rap Shuffle Demons at BJBF 2017 FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/100000700576218/videos/1473064569393548/?l=3088122137992283178 YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/mbLH04fVrBs John R Hampton BJBF Cinematographer NotSereyus Productions

10:30 in the BCP Theater Tuesday, March 21 – “Saving Your Brain” by local resident Ted Harrison, MD. Dr. Ted will tell us how to help avoid Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, dementia, etc. as you grow older. Tuesday, March 28 – Kevin Fisher aka “Sparky” will give a talk/demonstration on cutting edge light based wellness technology. These products are used for appetite control, cell repair, detoxification, sleep, pain relief, energy, stress, and inflammation control. FREE ADMISSION Tuesday, April 4 – Mike Petersen (BS Mathamatics and BS Information Technology) presents “The Universe, Q&A”. He will entertain questions about the Universe, regardless of content. Mike has made a life-long study of Cosmology and associated topics, and know that a Q&A on this subject would garner many, many questions. Many will not be answerable, but that is one of the points. Tuesday, April 11 – Four Boquete authors present their works: James Fletcher - Poetry (https://www.amazon.com/Poems-Terra-James-Thomas-Fletcher/dp/153771113X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481402495&sr=8-1&keywords=james+thomas+fletcher) Byron Edgington - Biography or essay (https://www.amazon.com/Vietnam-Anthem-What-War-Gave-ebook/dp/B01NAI0LFO/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1482844730&sr=1-1&keywords=a+vietnam+anthem) Gabrielle Reynolds - Fiction (in progress) Tuesday, April 18 – Scott Yates will speak about the attributes and use of treated bamboo in construction of affordable kit houses already built and available here in Boquete. These are lightweight, ultra strong, energy efficient, quiet homes that are ultra low waste with natural light and beauty. Designs are available in ultra low cost 400 sq ft to luxurious 1800 sq ft homes. FREE ADMISSION Tuesday, April 25 – Jim Kavney will tell us about snakes in Panama – the good, the bad and the ugly. Jim’s love of Reptiles began when he was a youngster in New York and he became a Herper for life. He’s collected and studied snakes ever since and even worked a summer job with Ross Allen, one of the best-known herpetologist in the U.S. in the fifties. Jim’s goal is to teach us to identify and to not automatically kill the snakes we find in our yards and fields. Tuesday, May 2 – Dr. Bill McGraw will give a talk on the research he has done on coral reefs of Panama. Dr Bill Has been studying coral reefs in Panama for over 5 years and has documented the effects of the most intense el nino (2015-2017) in the past 25 years that has caused increased ocean temperatures and bleaching of coral (newaquatechpanama.com). He has visited every major reef system in Panama and has a scientific paper published in the Journal of Reef Encounters, regarding the el nino effect on corals at the Secas Islands., Did you know that corals have been reported to have been reduced by 50% in the Caribbean area of Panama during the past 30 years? Thankfully, although there has been widespread coral mortality, corals have found a way to adapt and survive the higher temperatures. Come and find out how they are doing it and what we can do to ensure the survival of one of the planet's greatest treasures. Go here to read more about Dr. McGraw’s work in Panama saving the shrimping industry and visit his website at www.newaquatechpanama.com Tuesday, May 9 – Evolution of the sports of Rock Climbing & Slacklining in Panama in general and Boquete in particular. Program presented by Cesar Augusto Melendez - Panama's first proffessional rock Climber & Sponsored World athlete and Ruben Dario Camarena - Panama's first Highliner. The presentation will include photos and videos. www.panamarockclimbing.blogspot.com Tuesday, July 4 – Tom McCormack will tell us all about Panamanian legends, wives tales, myths, and superstitions. This is a very entertaining talk and will teach us all something about this place we call home. . To suggest a speaker or topic for these meetings please email BCP Tuesday Meeting To become a vendor at the Tuesday market, email facilitymanagerbcp@gmail.com

We have quite a bit of compost ready-to-use. Made from cow manure + ash from rice and coffee hulls. Good for what ails your plants. $5 per 25lb flour sack -- and multiples thereof. Also lots of trees and flowering shrubs -- list on Chiriqui life. all plants $5. All proceeds to the Biblioteca de Boquete. If you're coming, please let me know by email or phone ahead so I'll be here to help you. Directions to Finca Tangara from Boquete. At San Francisco Plaza turn right. We are 6km down the road. Pass Boquete Country Club on left, then Ruiz coffee beneficio. Pass thru Palmira Centro, leaving mini-super on your left. Continue, passing cow pasture of Hacienda Esmeralda on right, eventually reach on left, a dairy operation and garage for trucks and farm machinery. Then pass office and coffee beneficio of Esmeralda (on left) – somewhat hidden by trees. About 200m beyond that, the main road (paved) continues left at a fork. Immediately beyond that fork there is a small white bus stop/shelter on left. Our sign (Finca Tangara) is right there and the entrance is a gate with vertical metal bars. The vivero is about 50m down the drive on right; our house is another 50m down on left. Peter Sterling my phone: 6652-2763

Don’t Forget! Saturday March 18 is our Annual Meeting at 1 PM followed by a thank you reception for all volunteers AMIGOS DE ANIMALES SPAY/NEUTER CLINIC CLINIC: Sunday March 26, 2017 WHERE: The Animales Clinic in Alto Boquete FOR APPOINTMENT: contact Magaly at 6563-8686 or boqueteanimales@gmail.com TO VOLUNTEER: contact Alicia at akcleavenger@hotmail.com please let me know if you can come in the morning, afternoon, or all day. Once again, we are asking that anyone who can, to please bring a dish to share for our clinic lunch.

Real Live Theater shines at the BCP With The Dixie Swim Club we can say that real live theater has taken hold once again at BCP. Under the professional direction of Gabrielle Reynolds, we are treated to a story that will resonate with many of us in Boquete. Five ladies, one a fallen nun, bonded in their teen years as members of a swim team, return every year to the same cottage on the Outer Banks. In four short acts, the play arcs from 1984 to 2017, bringing the characters right up to today. At times funny and ultimately touching, we can all relate to the passage of our lives and those of our friends. And the characters are our friends, people we know from our own community, which is what makes live theater so special. The ensemble cast is led by BCP veterans Louis Orr and Linda Miller. Gabriella Reynolds, who is the director and also plays the fallen nun, is a newcomer to Boquete but not the stage. Tina Hoenig and Mamie Brisker Pettit, are welcome new additions to the stable of BCP acting talent. I hope we see more of all of them in the future as Gabrielle builds our theater to become once again a shining star in our Boquete life. Let’s face it - live theater at the BCP is among the best entertainment to be found in Boquete. We should all celebrate the huge effort it takes to mount a stage play and the herculean effort and courage it takes to act in one. Everyone involved in this play, onstage and off, should be very proud of what they have created for our entertainment. Dixie Swim Club is an excellent addition to the storied history of the BCP, so come on down and check it out - laugh, cry and clap for the five women in a cottage. Mark Heyer

Our regular movie screenings will be preempted this coming Sunday by a matinee performance of the BCP musical play, -"Dixie Swim Club" -------------- Upcoming movies - details about each film will be sent out during the week before the screening. March 19: Buena Vista Social Club (1999) March 26: Tracks (2013 - Australia)

John R Hampton BJBF Cinematographer NotSereyus Production

Alicia McGuigan <akcleavenger@hotmail.com>

U.S. Embassy in Panama Message for U.S. Citizens March 15, 2017 The U.S. Embassy in Panama would like to inform all U.S. Citizens in Panama that on March 6th 2017, the Panamanian Immigration Authority (Servicio Nacional de Migracion-SNM) announced new guidance for Panamanian immigration officials on the enforcement of pre-existing regulations. According to the SNM, immigration officials have been instructed to be stricter about the enforcement of the regulation that foreigners entering Panama with tourist status prove that they are in fact entering Panama as tourists and not residing in Panama. Since the announcement, the Consular Section has received many questions from U.S. citizens about this new guidance. Below are the most frequently asked questions along with the responses the Consular Section received from the SNM. Should you have further questions, please reach out to the SNM directly via phone at 507-1800 or visit their website at: http://www.migracion.gob.pa In order to re-enter Panama on tourist status, does a U.S. Citizen need to return to their country of origin (the country from which they came into Panama) or can they return from a third-country (example: Costa Rica)? Answer: In the new guidance SNM does not specify if the tourist needs to return his/her country of origin. What is being implemented is that, in most cases, the person needs to leave Panama for a minimum of 30 days before reentering as a tourist. In order for a person to re-enter Panama on tourist status, what is the minimum amount of time the person needs to spend outside of Panama? Answer: The new requirement that is being implemented by SNM in reference to time spent out of Panama is a minimum of 30 days before applying for admission, in most cases. In order for a person to re-enter Panama on mariner visa status, what is the minimum amount of time the person needs to spend outside of Panama. Answer: According to SNM, mariner visas are valid for 90 days and must be renewed on the 90th day, or the day before, from the date of the previous mariner visa stamp. Mariner visas can only be renewed once before the visa- holder needs to exit Panama. The amount of time the person with the mariner visa needs to stay outside of Panama is not specified by SNM. If entering Panama on tourist status, does the method of entry need to match the method of exit (i.e. can a U.S. Citizen enter Panama on a plane and use as proof of exit evidence that they own a boat in Panama and plan to exit via boat)? Answer: The method of entry and exit into and out of Panama does not have to be the same so long as the entries and departures are met legally by using established Ports of Entry - land, maritime or air and admitted by a Panamanian immigration officer. Do U.S. Citizens with legal Panamanian residency status also require a roundtrip ticket when entering Panama? Answer: No. A foreigner with legal residence in Panama does not need to show proof of exit from Panama. Is a person applying for Panamanian residency required to stay in Panama for the entire duration of time required to complete the residency process? If so, what happens if the process takes more than the allotted six months for tourist status. Answer: If the person has an ID that shows that his/her residency is in process, the person is fine to leave and return to Panama. If there is no ID, then the person should exit as a tourist (i.e., before the sixth month approaches). How long does the FBI Identification Record process, required for purposes of obtaining residency in Panama, take? Can this process be expedited? Answer: For information on the FBI identification record process, individuals may visit https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks. According to the FBI website, the current turnaround estimate for these records is 12 to 14 weeks plus the amount of time the results may take to arrive in the mail. Currently there is no option to receive the response electronically. For questions on this topic, individuals may call (304) 625-5590 or write an email to identity@ic.fbi.gov Tourists are only allowed to drive in Panama for 90 days. Is there an exception for this given that tourists are allowed to stay in Panama for 180 days? Answer: According to the Transit authority (http://www.transito.gob.pa/sites/default/files/reglamento_decreto_640..pdf Artículo 110) foreigners that enter Panama as tourists are not permitted to obtain Panamanian drivers’ licenses and are only allowed to drive with a foreign license for 90 days. There are no exceptions to this rule. Can SNM waive the FBI Identification Record process if a person does not exit Panama for two years? If so, would there be an exception to the 180 day stay limit for tourists for a person trying to obtain this waiver? Answer: If a person stays in Panama for more than two years then the FBI requirement does not apply. The waiver of the FBI requirement applies to those people that stay in Panama two years, without exiting. In these cases, a fine is paid by the person for overstaying their tourist visa and the person is only required to present a PNM police record rather than the FBI check.