Buenos Vecinos de Boquete

View this email in your browser Buenos Vecinos de Boquete Newsletter January 2023 Family of the Month – Rigoberto’s Family For many years Rigoberto and his family lived up in the Comarca (indigenous reservation) but it was difficult to find enough work to feed his large family. So he packed up their few belongings and brought them all down the mountain to live with his sister and her family on the land whose owner allowed them to stay there in exchange for maintaining it. Rigoberto has a large family that includes his wife Liliana, his three daughters, Itzl 8, Darlin 6. Kelysneth 5, his two sons Royber 3, Roderick 1 and his mother-in-law. They constructed another zinc and bamboo house on the property and bought chickens and seed corn to help feed both families. There is no electricity, but they have been able to tap into a water line. During the rainy season the nearby creek serves as a washing machine for both moms and a swimming hole for all the kids. It turned out to be a bad time to find a job in this area. The first hit was, of course, Covid. What resulted were the consequences of shut downs, new energy policies , and then the inability to buy or afford vegetable seeds and fertilizer. Many agricultural and food-processing plants in the area again laid off workers and now the job market was flooded with these laborers. Still Rigoberto looks for work every day and plants corn and root vegetables for his family’s cook pot. He sets up a treadle-driven sewing machine out under a tree so that Grandma can sew native dresses to sell in the village. But kids are kids, and poverty is neither new nor stressful for them. There is school in the rainy season, games to play outside in the sunshine during dry season, dogs and chickens to chase, and always one another for companionship. Plus, every morning and every evening they gather around the cook-stove to each get their bowl of rice and beans. Thankfully, their situation and their daily diets have improved. It only took a couple of weeks before nearby Buenos Vecinos volunteers discovered them and saw how much assistance both families needed. They were soon accepted into the program and now every month they receive canned fish and meat, powdered milk, pasta, oil, cream cereals, flour, salt, (more) rice and beans and even a chocolate bar to share. Each month there is also a new vegetable plant to add to their garden, thanks to the BVB Food Start program. Life is looking a little brighter for these families and there are plenty of smiles and happy waves “hello” whenever they see their BVB volunteers. Wanted: A person with a pick-up to help BVB as a volunteer to transport one-hundred Food-Start jugs from a farm in Palmira to the Handicap Center (across from Chop Sticks Chinese Restaurant) the last Thursday of each month. Contact us at buenosvecinos79@gmail.com Global Food Providers (GFP) Feeds the Poor In preparation for what will be challenging times in the food supply, GFP is teaching people in Panama and throughout the world how to acquire and preserve food. Buenos Vecinos is learning how to translate this knowledge to better nourish our clients. GFP has provided Super Foods, nutrient-dense dehydrated greens, to a few of our families in an initial test program this last year. Three times a week our moms have added a tablespoon of this powderized food to their families’ rice pot or soup kettle. The results have been encouraging. Kids and adults have reported that they sleep better at night, are more focused at school or work, and have more energy and a more positive attitude throughout the day. BVB will soon be ready to take our program to the next level to include more of our families. Take fifteen minutes to view the video below and hear about the ways this coming food revolution will affect us all. Buenos Vecinos de Boquete exists to help people, who are unable to meet their basic food needs. We have provided emergency food support on many occasions and have been successful in helping families through hard times. We will help them with food support until the working age adults in the family can find enough income to become self-sustaining. If you prefer to donate by cash or local check you can see Louise Orr at the Tuesday Market or contact Trish at buenosvecinos79@gmail.com Be sure to check out our website and Facebook page: Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BuenosVecinosDeBoquete/ Website: http://www.buenosvecinosdeboquete.com/ Copyright (C) 2023 Buenos Vecinos de Boquete. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe

Help and Provide a Toy for Over 700 Local and Indigenous Children This Christmas Join us on SUNDAY DECEMBER 18TH for a Fund-raising and Toy-Collection Event at Mesa Azul A Dinner Buffet 1:00 and 4:00 Seatings (Reservations Required) 6455-9988 Inclusion Boquete, our special-needs students who are learning about the restaurant industry will be helping to seat you and serve you. **Please bring a wrapped toy labeled with the age-level and gender AND/OR a check or cash donation to purchase any additional toys/food for this season** (Plus a special guest appearance of the holiday’s most popular couple)

Calling all water drinkers!! Buenos Vecinos of Boquete could use your help. We are collecting these water containers that have the plastic lids with a carrying loop. We want to make hanging planters so our needy families can grow their own veggies. There are more than 100 families in the area who would be ever so grateful! You can drop them off at the Buenos Vecinos table at the Tuesday market in the fairgrounds building. Gracias!! ¡¡Llamando a todos los bebedores de agua!! Buenos Vecinos de Boquete podría usar su ayuda. Estamos recolectando estos recipientes de agua que tienen tapas de plástico con un asa de transporte. Queremos hacer maceteros colgantes para que nuestras familias necesitadas puedan cultivar sus propias verduras. ¡Hay más de 100 familias en el área que estarían muy agradecidas! Puede dejarlos a la mesa de Buenos Vecinos los martes desde 0900 hasta 1130, al "Tuesday Market" en el edificio Arco Iris de la feria. Gracias!!

View this email in your browser Just Like Our BVB Kids, Sweet Potatoes Come In All Shapes and Sizes Project Sweet Potato/ Food-Starter is well underway. Many of our families planted the sweet potato root we placed in their July food bags with simple-to-follow instructions. Even more indicated they would plant this latest batch they received in their August bags. With this last batch to be delivered in late September, our families will have an on-going harvest for the next few months. And by replanting the hundreds of roots and runts from all of these harvests, they are well on their way to creating their own sweet potato farms. New vegetables and fruits will soon be added; papaya, and moringa trees, yucca and other favorites like guandu beans (pidgeon peas) will be our next endeavors. Guandu is to the Panamanian holiday table what cranberries, green bean casserole or roast turkey are to the U.S. holiday meal. To help us with this ambitious program we only need to look within our own volunteer ranks. John Rhoades is a new but very active and energetic BVB volunteer. He packs and delivers food to families, and now he has taken on the job as Food-Starter Coordinator. His interest and experience in agriculture and his access to a local greenhouse owner and other resources make him the perfect choice to spearhead this important program helping our families learn how to grow some of their own food. Thank you, John! Family of the Month Luis and Irma Though he does not own this rambling cattle ranch, Luis manages it for an absentee owner who pays him only $180 a month. Luis and his family care for the herd, clear the fallen trees, mend fences, and maintain the property using two horses. There is no machinery and everything must be done by hand. It is a hot dirty job that requires their attention every day. Luis is willing to take on this big responsibility to support his wife Irma and their six children. They live on the ranch in a two-room house of bamboo walls with a zinc roof. They use cardboard to sleep on to protect them from the dampness of the dirt floor. Their outside kitchen consists of a wood stove and cooking utensils and pots that are old and almost unusable. The oldest daughter named after her mother is seventeen and was born without a tongue, but her disability does not affect the way she lovingly cares for all of her younger siblings. She has two sisters, Juana, 15 and Odilia, 12 and three brothers Domingo, 12 Eugenio, 10 and Lazaro, 5. None of the family can read or write. The younger children would like to attend school, but there is no money for uniforms, shoes or school supplies. They are a close-knit family and have little contact with others beyond the ranch, so they have struggled through these problem with little or no help until now. When we heard of this family’s living conditions we immediately accepted them for a double-portion of food. Two of our BVB volunteers sprang into action and donated a large collection of pots and pans. The volunteer who brought this family to our attention approached a local hostel that was renovating their property and was able to secure the donation of three like-new mattresses for the family. We are also finding out more about what can be done to get some of these children in school. Though this family represents some of the most extreme examples of hardship we encounter at BVB, their story is not unusual. Panama is also experiencing inflation, food shortages and supply change disruptions like much of the rest of the world. However, in July nation-wide demonstrations and strikes that blocked the country’s primary highway caused additional damage to the agricultural industry resulting in mass layoffs of farm workers and other food industry laborers. We thank all of our newsletter and social media readers for their continued prayers, kind thoughts and donations of any size as we endeavor to help our neighbors in need. Irma and kids admiring the mattresses donated by Wanakaset Panama, a hostel in Macano de Cochea and their representative, Mariel. Volunteers of the Month Trish and Brian Christofferson Trish and Brian have been faithful BVB volunteers since 2008. Besides her current positions as Co-Chairperson, Secretary and Social Media Coordinator, Trish performs other administrative tasks to keep track of prospective and current volunteer information, collect our PayPal donations and send thank you notes to all of our donors, route our emails and organize our packing volunteers. Yes, she wears a lot of hats! And she has also been on the food-pack line and helped with many fund-raising events for over a decade. She and Brian deliver food to six families every month, many of whom have become like family. All of us at BVB are grateful for their dedication and hard work. Moreover, we feel so fortunate to work along side this genuinely kind and gracious couple. Buenos Vecinos de Boquete exists to help people like this, who are unable to meet their basic food needs. We have provided emergency food support on many occasions and have been successful in helping families through hard times. We will help them with food support until the working age adults in the family can find enough income to become self-sustaining. If you prefer to donate by cash or local check you can see Louise Orr at the Tuesday Market or contact Trish at buenosvecinos79@gmail.com Be sure to check out our website and Facebook page: Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BuenosVecinosDeBoquete/ Website: http://www.buenosvecinosdeboquete.com/ As always, we must thank our very valued donors! We owe you all a big thank you! Thank you! COMIDA ES VIDA! FOOD IS LIFE! Copyright © 2022 Buenos Vecinos de Boquete, All rights reserved.

View this email in your browser Family of the Month- Martin’s Family Martin and Marielena’s family Three generations of Martin’s family live in this small one-room cement block house. Supplied by his employer at a citrus farm/processor, this structure is home to Martin and his wife Marielena, their seven children, ages two months to twelve years and his father, Martin Sr. 70 years old. Baby Abner was born by C-section and Marielena is still recovering her strength. He was born with a cleft palate and must be bottle-fed with expensive baby formula. Martin was laid off of work recently when he suffered a serious work-related hand injury. But even when he works his usual 8-hour six-day work week he only brings home $390 a month. He and his father worked all of their lives as farmers in the comarca, but they moved to the area a few years ago so he could earn more money for his family. Martin and Marielena are good parents; their happy, fun-loving and respectful children are testaments to the loving atmosphere in which they’ve been raised. Martin told us how much this BVB food means to them, and his wife and kids told us even more with their big smiles. Helping Buenos Vecinos Clients Help Themselves Examples of a rooted sweet potato slip and some of the harvest they will provide in 3-4 months Rice and potatoes, Panamanian staples, are rising in price and may soon become unavailable, according to local farmers and producers. Covid-19 food worker restrictions, fertilizer shortages, fragile supply chains and recent road blockages during protests have resulted in wide-spread farm-worker layoffs that will soon result in dramatic drops in food production and harvests. In response, BVB implemented an experimental program Project Sweet Potato to help their clients begin growing their own food. During this last food distribution a few days ago all clients received rooted sweet potato slips and simple growing instructions. This low-input, high-calorie food will provide a harvest within three to four months. It was chosen as our first growing project because these particular sweet potatoes (camotes in Spanish) have proven locally to be nutritious, easy to grow and propagate, and widely accepted by our consumers. Project Sweet Potato will soon become Project Food-Starter as we add other slips, seeds and sprouts to our usual monthly non-perishable food provisions. We are grateful to local farmers and gardeners for donating these live plants and for providing vital information about how to select and grow these foods. For those BVB clients who have not already created their own gardens this project may prove to be a valuable endeavor. Our Energetic BVB Volunteers Three strong and dedicated volunteers Gabi Zimantes, Sandy Ullstrup and Debby Pauley move 500 5-lb. bags of rice every month during our food pack. Gabi and Debby are new to our organization and Sandy has been a faithful BVB member for many years. She also serves as a skilled and valued veterinarian for the Amigos de Animales spay and neuter clinic each month. Thank you for your service contributions, ladies. We depend on you! Bags, Bags, Bags Price Smart is once more selling their big over-size and sturdy bags that we like to use to deliver food to our clients. We are able to use these month after month. If you are in the area, would you like to purchase some at Price Smart and drop them off at the Handicap Foundation (across from ChopSticks Restaurant) 9 am-3 pm Mon.-Fri Or if you would like to make a donation, simply mark it “Bags” and we will use it to purchase these bags or plant-starter bags for our new Project Food-Starter. Thank you! Buenos Vecinos de Boquete exists to help people like this, who are unable to meet their basic food needs. We have provided emergency food support on many occasions and have been successful in helping families through hard times. We will help them with food support until the working age adults in the family can find enough income to become self-sustaining. When we brought Eva her first food delivery of non-perishable food she smiled with a look of genuine relief and said, “Now there will be enough food to feed all of the children.” If you prefer to donate by cash or local check you can see Louise Orr at the Tuesday Market or contact Trish at buenosvecinos79@gmail.com Be sure to check out our website and Facebook page: Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BuenosVecinosDeBoquete/ Website: http://www.buenosvecinosdeboquete.com/ As always, we must thank our very valued donors! We owe you all a big thank you! Thank you! COMIDA ES VIDA! FOOD IS LIFE! Copyright © 2022 Buenos Vecinos de Boquete, All rights reserved. Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

View this email in your browser The BVB Program is Growing! Buenos Vecinos is increasing the amount of food that large families are receiving each month, as many people in the area continue to struggle to find jobs after the pandemic and with the cost of some goods rising every day. So, in response to this situation, BVB is also expanding the number of area clients that they are adopting into the program. Prospective clients are vetted and assessed according to level of need and level of income, and a site visit and interview complete the process. New BVB volunteers have been identified to deliver the food at the end of each month. These volunteers also observe the state of health and general living conditions of their families so they can help find other resources to improve their lives. Family of the Month Benilda’s Family- An Update When we first presented Benilda and her eight children in April 2020, the six-school-age children were excited that they had just begun the school year with new school supplies furnished by an “angel”. Within a few days, however the schools were closed because of the onset of pandemic restrictions. And yet they felt fortunate; “their wood and bamboo house with it dirt floor and sturdy roof still keep out the rain” she announced cheerfully. And though there was no running water in the house, there was a water pipe on the property and electricity to give them light for reading in the evening. Circumstances change, and the family’s living conditions have deteriorated. The kind benefactor who had allowed them to live in that house for $10 a month died and Benilda’s family was forced to find a new place to live. They have found a nearby lot rent-free, but they must build their own structure. With only $485 a month income from her house-cleaning and son Alexander’s part-time work at a nearby greenhouse, finding even second-hand building materials is difficult. They are no utilities on the property, neither electricity nor running water, so they must go to a nearby creek for drinking water and water for washing.This photo shows how primitive and inadequate are their current accommodations. This early and heavy rainy season has been especially hard for them to endure. Concerned citizens are finding ways to help them make a better house. Still, Benilda maintains her optimistic attitude and reminds the children to be grateful for blessings that come to them, like the extra food from Buenos Vecinos each month. A few of our happy and hard-working volunteers. From left to right: Leslie Sterling, Stan Kempf, Mary Nieves and Sherry Shirritt Buenos Vecinos de Boquete exists to help people like this, who are unable to meet their basic food needs. We have provided emergency food support on many occasions and have been successful in helping families through hard times. We will help them with food support until the working age adults in the family can find enough income to become self-sustaining. When we brought Eva her first food delivery of non-perishable food she smiled with a look of genuine relief and said, “Now there will be enough food to feed all of the children.” If you prefer to donate by cash or local check you can see Louise Orr at the Tuesday Market or contact Trish at buenosvecinos79@gmail.com Be sure to check out our website and Facebook page: Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BuenosVecinosDeBoquete/ Website: http://www.buenosvecinosdeboquete.com/ As always, we must thank our very valued donors! We owe you all a big thank you! Thank you! COMIDA ES VIDA! FOOD IS LIFE! Copyright © 2022 Buenos Vecinos de Boquete, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. Our mailing address is: Buenos Vecinos de Boquete Boquete, Chiriqui Panama City Panama Add us to your address book

Buenos Vecinos de Boquete Family of the Month May, 2022 Meet Raquel's Family Change has been difficult for everyone these past two and half years. But it is especially hard for children who have lost parents who were breadwinners. Esther is only thirteen, but she and her three siblings miss their dad and the food he was able to supply. He did leave them a comfortable though modest house with a cement floor and a sturdy roof, but their Mom must now try to feed and clothe them with her small income from cleaning houses two days a week. Everyone pitches in to help the extended family, as well. Esther, seen here with her little cousins, watches them for her aunt every day during summer vacation. And Grandma is the caregiver when the older kids are gone during the school year. Buenos Vecinos food delivery day is a welcome event every month, as all the kids carry whatever they can carry up to the house. The rice, beans, pasta, oil, canned fish and meat are the staples for this diet, but the additions, including the powdered milk and candy bar are the tasty treats the kids look forward to the most. Our May Family of the Month reminds our team members exactly why Buenos Vecinos is so important to the Boquete community and why we are fortunate to be able to serve this family and all our BVB families! Click here to make a safe and secure PayPal donation Check out our website For more information check out our Facebook page

View this email in your browser Family of the Month April 2022 Jacinto and Paulina can give their kids the basics, a hot meal of rice and beans, often twice a day, and a warm dry place to sleep. Even better, they give them love and affection, a sense of security and protection, and a future they believe will be better than their own. Jacinto works four days a week between two local families and also maintains the property in exchange for the right to put up a house there. It’s made of corrugated metal, bamboo and plastic tarps. Even though it has a dirt floor, only an outside water spigot and no electricity, they are comfortable. He says it is all they need for the present, but he would like more food and clothing for his family now that the cooler rainy season is beginning. He is looking for more work, but recent government health requirements plus inflationary pressures have severely impacted job opportunities for unskilled workers like him. Still, the family is optimistic and grateful for small victories. This year six-year old Antony is in first grade at the local elementary school and doing well. The whole family is proud of him, especially his four-year old siblings, Byron and Janet who long to begin kindergarten next year. Two-year old Jeremy will also one day have his chance to start school, but right now he just enjoys playing with the family and their dog Lupita. As brand new clients of Buenos Vecinos, Jacinto and Paulina are very happy and grateful for the monthly food bags. Jacinto knows enough English to be able to say “Thank you!” again and again as the kids embraced a watermelon and packets of cookies, gifts from their BVB volunteers. Buenos Vecinos de Boquete exists to help people like this, who are unable to meet their basic food needs. We have provided emergency food support on many occasions and have been successful in helping families through hard times. We will help them with food support until the working age adults in the family can find enough income to become self-sustaining. When we brought Eva her first food delivery of non-perishable food she smiled with a look of genuine relief and said, “Now there will be enough food to feed all of the children.” If you prefer to donate by cash or local check you can see Louise Orr at the Tuesday Market or contact Trish at buenosvecinos79@gmail.com Be sure to check out our website and Facebook page: Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BuenosVecinosDeBoquete/ Website: http://www.buenosvecinosdeboquete.com/ As always, we must thank our very valued donors! We owe you all a big thank you! Thank you! COMIDA ES VIDA! FOOD IS LIFE! Copyright © 2022 Buenos Vecinos de Boquete, All rights reserved. Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

View this email in your browser BVB Family of the Month March 2022 Eva is the matriarch of a large family of nineteen people. She has three daughters, two sons, eleven grandchildren, her husband and her elderly mother. Eighteen of them all live together in a small block house with an added room made of sheets of tin. Her husband is older and has been sick and so he is unable to work very often at his regular job. One of Eva’s two sons was laid off from his usual job during the pandemic and since then has found only occasional work as a day laborer. The daughters do not receive support from the fathers of their children and have been unable to find consistent work themselves. Their combined income of only about $170 is, of course, much too meager to sustain them all. Thus it falls to Eva’s other son to attempt to help feed and clothe this large clan. He works as a full-time teacher on the comarca (indigenous reservation) but he is paid less wages than a permanent teacher would be paid. Obviously his income cannot even begin to meet this family’s needs. He has no children of his own, but he sees three generations of his family struggling to survive and so he brought this situation to our attention. Buenos Vecinos de Boquete exists to help people like this, who are unable to meet their basic food needs. We have provided emergency food support on many occasions and have been successful in helping families through hard times. We will help them with food support until the working age adults in the family can find enough income to become self-sustaining. When we brought Eva her first food delivery of non-perishable food she smiled with a look of genuine relief and said, “Now there will be enough food to feed all of the children.” If you prefer to donate by cash or local check, please contact Louise, buenosvecinos79@gmail.com for arrangements or visit us at the Tuesday market. Be sure to check out our website and Facebook page: Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BuenosVecinosDeBoquete/ Website: http://www.buenosvecinosdeboquete.com/ As always, we must thank our very valued donors! We owe you all a big thank you! Thank you! COMIDA ES VIDA! FOOD IS LIFE!

View this email in your browser BVB Family of the Month February 2022 At the foot of a densely-forested hillside stands a small twelve by sixteen-foot wooden cabin. This is where thirty-four year-old Jose and Rufina, his twenty-four year-old wife live with their six children. Three of them, Arlys 10, Sara 7 and Ayken 6, are nieces who were taken into the family when their parents died three years ago. Jose’s mother and sister, Lizbet 16, live in a small lean-to about twenty yards away and Jose supports them, too. The cabin includes a seven-foot square bedroom which has only enough room for the recently-donated double mattress; it replaced the cardboard that covered the wooden floor and serves as the sleeping area for the whole family. Around the perimeter of the room are wooden pegs that hold all the family’s clothes and become a makeshift closet. Most of the rest of the cabin is a kitchen and living room. The kitchen has a one-burner stove fueled by a small propane tank and a small table that is a food-prep area and then the family kitchen table at mealtime. A well-worn sofa is the only other piece of furniture in the house, but it can accommodate five small children. There is no bathroom, no running water and no electricity. Everyone takes turns carrying various-size buckets of water up to the kitchen from the nearby river. Jose makes $75 a week as a coffee bean-picker during the four-month harvest season, and $200 a month doing odd jobs for his boss the rest of the year. Their only expense besides food are the cost of propane and phone cards. There is no rent because the owner of the property provides the living quarters for his workers. In fact, one fourth of the cabin houses another bedroom inhabited by two other employees. But, as the photos illustrate, these are happy children. They find fun and diversions everywhere In their sparse surroundings and despite their limited resources. Their simple lives do not dampen their sunny disposition and curious nature; they find value in entertaining and caring for their younger siblings and satisfaction helping out with family chores. When we arrived and asked, “Where is your papa?” they proudly pointed up the mountain to the coffee plants and trees that shaded them. When he saw us he quickly came down to greet us and to answer our questions. Today, after two years of Covid precautions and without any schooling, they are excited at the prospect of attending in-person school three days a week. But that can only happen if Jose can find the money to buy school uniforms, school supplies, and bus fare for two of the girls The small government stipend of $90 per quarter per student may not be enough or come early enough to cover these expenses. School begins March 7th. Buenos Vecinos exists to help families like these. Their dedication to one another and their perseverance in the face of these poor living conditions inspire us to help them, and we hope they also inspire you. Donate Here! If you prefer to donate by cash or local check, please contact Louise, buenosvecinos79@gmail.com for arrangements or visit us at the Tuesday market. Be sure to check out our website and Facebook page: Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BuenosVecinosDeBoquete/ Website: http://www.buenosvecinosdeboquete.com/ As always, we must thank our very valued donors! We owe you all a big thank you! Thank you! COMIDA ES VIDA! FOOD IS LIFE! Copyright © 2022 Buenos Vecinos de Boquete, All rights reserved.

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View this email in your browser Thank you, Louise Orr! After serving for twelve years, Louise Orr is stepping down from her role as the administrator of Buenos Vecinos de Boquete. We are relieved to say that, even though she is stepping down, she is not stepping away from our organization. She will continue to be a vital member of our team. When thinking about Louise and her contributions, not only to BVB but to the rest of the community, a quote by Mr. Rogers comes to mind. “We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility. It’s easy to say, ‘It’s not my child not my community, not my world, not my problem.’ Then there are those who see the need and they respond. I consider those people my heroes.” Our organization thrives because of the hard work and the leadership Louise has brought to the team every day. Since joining BVB, Louise has been one of the main driving forces. She has served as the director, leader, and liaison of this well-respected community service organization. Though Louse will continue serving as an active member, she is ready to take a break from being our fearless leader as she pursues other interests. Louise made important contributions to BVB. One of her many brilliant innovations was to streamline our packing experience. Before Louise took over, the food was being delivered to Amigos de Boquete from a warehouse in David. The members had to pick up the food in their cars and unload it at the Handicap Foundation. When Louise became the administrator for BVB, she contacted Roher and arranged for the food to be delivered to Handicap Foundation and stacked on tables for easy packing. Not only is our packing process streamlined, but we are also now buying our food from a local business. Louise also demonstrated her exceptional organizational skills planning and overseeing our numerous fundraisers. The wine tasting event at Bid 4 Boquete, which Louise ran single handedly, was a much-anticipated gala and was sold out every year. Our other successful fundraisers were also coordinated by Louise. Louise has been instrumental in making BVB a successful and credible charity in the Boquete area. Her attention to detail and her keen vision for BVB have been the needed keys to the success and respectability of our organization. In addition to all of Louise’s skills and talents, we appreciate her heart for the families we serve and her willingness to help others. We are truly grateful for having Louise and her exemplary leadership skills guide our group for the past twelve years. We wish the best for Louise and whatever new ventures she chooses to pursue. As members we cannot thank Louise enough and this recognition is long overdue! In Recognition of a Loyal Donor Jackie Lange founded Panama Relocation Tours in 2010, when she moved to Boquete, Panama. Jackie has been an active Panama resident and business owner ever since. Jackie relocated to Boquete from Texas with her husband, to whom she was married for 45-years. Sadly, her husband unexpectedly passed away a few years ago and Jackie has been on her wonderful Panama journey on her own ever since. Her journey, which had only one, but non-negotiable, requirement: it must include great weather! As Jackie stated, “I wanted to live in a place where I’d never need an air conditioner or a heater again. I spent 18-months exploring many different countries before I found the perfect place for me; Boquete, Panama!” Jackie has found many advantages when she made the big move to another country. The biggest ones, of course, “Many areas in Panama offer a much more affordable lifestyle. The weather is the big draw for many people who move to Panama. You can literally pick your ideal temperature based on the elevation in Panama.” Of course, Jackie points out that there isn’t any place that is entirely perfect. As she stated, “There are always some disadvantages to living in Chiriqui Province (where Boquete is located), as it is not easy to get to. Given there are no direct flights to North America from David, so you have to go through Panama City, which often requires an overnight stay.” Picking your preferred temperature is nice, but it may require some extra travel; but given its natural beauty and weather, Boquete is a popular choice. If you ask Jackie, she will argue that those extra miles are well worth it, which is why, since moving to Panama, she has lived exclusively in Beautiful Boquete. As she always advises her clients, when Jackie first moved to Boquete, she rented a house, she did not buy. “A year after moving to Panama, however, I purchased the house I had been renting. So, I have lived in the same house since moving to Panama.” It is in that house she started one of the most prominent businesses in Boquete: Panama Relocation Tours. We asked her how this company was started. Jackie replied, “I’ve been a real estate investor for 30-years and have another company where I offer online training for real estate investors. When I told them I was moving to Panama, they were curious and asked me to organize a tour of Panama. I did a tour for eight people in 2010 to teach them the things I had learned about, such as how to get a Visa, how to bring pets into Panama, where to buy health insurance, etc. Shortly after that, I got calls from their friends and neighbors asking when my next tour would be. I did another tour and the request for information kept coming. So, I built a website and started offering tours.” Tours that are literally booked every week - all year long. Not bad for someone who planned to retire, but instead has completed “More than 150 all-inclusive 6-day Panama Relocation Tours.” Remarkably, 67% of the people who have taken a Panama Relocation Tour have relocated to Panama. Since 2010, Jackie’s company has helped tens of thousands of people move to Panama. Jackie continues to support BVB, in fact, in her upcoming fund-raiser, Jackie is donating a percentage of the proceeds to our non-profit organization. Thank you, Jackie Lange and the Panama Relocation Tours for all you do to support us and our beautiful Boquete community! You are one of Boquete’s Best! For those interested in more information about Jackie Lange’s Panama Relocation Tours: https://panamarelocationtours.com/about-us Full article can be found at: http://www.buenosvecinosdeboquete.com/panama-relocation-tours/ The Boquete Bridge Club has been all hands-on deck with their support. This group of card-playing zealots do more than just play cards. They gather, they play, and then they donate to BVB. Thank you, Boquete Bridge Club! Here is BVB’s interview with Boquete Bridge Club Member, Penny Barrett BVB Representative: Who are the members? Penny: Our members come and go. Some are here for 6 months out of the year and some swing through for a week at a time - several times a year. There is no fixed membership . . . just a desire to play a good game of Bridge. BVB Representative: Have any locals joined your group? Penny: We have a couple of Panamanian players. Unfortunately, they don't live in Boquete full time. One very good player lives in Panama City and this player also has a large house in Boquete. Another one who plays occasionally, but also lives in Europe. BVB Representative When did you all start? Penny: We started about 15 or 16 years ago. The original members were Irene, Mikey, Hershel, and I. BVB Representative What are the objectives? Penny: The objectives of the club are just to enjoy the world's best card game, hone our skills in that game, and do some socializing. We meet the best (and smartest) people playing Bridge. BVB Representative: Do both men and women attend? Penny: We have about equal men and women. Right now, we have 14-16 regular players. When we're at full strength, we'll have 16-18 players. BVB Representative: How are you able to donate to BVB continuously and generously? From the beginning we've collected $1.00 from each player - every week. It's not much, but it's a steady income for Buenos Vecinos. BVB Representative: Why do you donate to BVB? Penny: Somewhere early on we chose BVB as the charity we wished to donate to. BVB Representative: What would you hope people say about the Boquete Bridge Club? Penny: I guess I would hope they say we're a nice bunch of people, not too snooty, and welcoming to new members. BVB Representative: How can someone join – can someone join? Penny: Anyone can stop by Big Daddy's Restaurant - any Wednesday afternoon - and introduce him/herself and observe for a while. I do have to say, however, we can't really accommodate total beginners. We pretty much want intermediate to advanced players. BVB Representative: Where do y’all meet? Are snacks and Spirits provided? Penny: We meet at Big Daddy's. While there, the owners give us a Boquete Bridge Club Lunch Special for a Special Price. The lunch includes a drink, an appetizer, and a choice of one of their many main courses. We are given a very good deal. BVB Representative: How can people join The Boquete Bridge Club? Penny: If somebody would like to have more information, they can call our fearless leader, John Sandeen, at 6738-2486 Our Crystal Ball is saying that a new Buenos Vecinos de Boquete partnership with Global Food Providers is on the horizon. In hopes of providing more nutrients to our clients, we are looking to use a top Global Foods’ product to enhance the food products our clients already receive. We still investigating to see how this program will work. TO LEARN MORE, CHECK OUT OUR LATEST VIDEO ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL? GLOBAL FOODS PROVIDERS FARM TOUR – A SPECTACULAR FACILITY: https://youtu.be/q6uV-RMQOpE MEET OUR VERY SPECIAL FAMILY: Raquel’s Family You would never guess, looking at Raquel’s serene countenance, that life has been a roller coaster ride for her and for her family. When they were homeless, a kind landowner gave them permission to put up a simple bamboo and zinc house out in his woods. They were able to create a small garden and eventually even have electricity. Raquel’s mother and Raquel’s brother, Pedro moved in with them and began to help with household and gardening chores. Everyone was feeling happier and more secure. But then, Raquel’s husband suffered a debilitating accident at work. Raquel, a strong and hard-working woman, wanted to get a job, but could find little to do that would pay for food, school expenses and the electric bill. BVB stepped in with emergency non-perishable food as did Raquel’s church family. Months later, he was finally able to return to work. The family was just getting back to normal when Raquel’s husband suddenly abandoned them, leaving Raquel to step into the role of breadwinner. Though she was able to find a local part-time house-cleaning job, it was not enough to pay the bills. BVB and her church once more came along side to help support her and the kids, Julissa 16, Jose 15, Esther 10, and Baby Edward. All three school-age children are studying remotely, using a phone and data donated by a sympathetic donor. They are avid students devoted to maintaining good grades, and of course that pleases Raquel and her mother. In addition to the regular BVB food basket, Raquel and her family agreed two months ago to test what well may be a permanent addition to the BVB client menu, Super Foods. These are highly nutritious and virtually organic greens like spinach, kale, mustard, and collard greens and swiss chard. Grown by Global Food Providers, a local farm, these greens are harvested, dehydrated, and pulverized to create a highly concentrated powder that is easily added to the soup or rice pot. They provide the very nutrients that are missing in the typical indigenous diet of rice and beans. It has not taken long for the family to see the results, increased energy and focus, better sleep, and an improved mental outlook. Best of all the family members like the taste and are looking forward to feeling healthier and more alert, however life might unfold for them. I am certain Raquel’s plight truly exhibits the important role Buenos Vecinos de Boquete and all our donors play in the lives of our valued family members. Truly, our goal of “each one, reach one,” continues to positively impact lives. As we close out this month’s newsletter, we want to wish everyone a very happy and safe holiday season! May you all find the blessings you need to have a wonderful 2022! Speaking of blessings, if you need to purchase a gift for that “difficult to shop for” friend, perhaps make that friend a Coconut Foundation Member. Give the gift of life; Comida es Vida – Food is Life! Would you like to be one of our valued donors too? Here is how you too can help us to help others. As you know, we would appreciate your donation of any size. It’s important for you to know that we are a small all-volunteer force without any administrative or overhead costs. Every dollar of your donation goes to the purchase of food for our clients, like Raquel’s Family. When you make that important decision to help the less fortunate in our community, you truly become a “Good Neighbor!” When you donate $400.00 a year (A little more than$33.00 a month), you become a Coconut Foundation Member, which is an acknowledgement of your care, concern, and generosity. Please donate today. You may do so through our online VERY EASY and VERY SAFE PayPal account or any of our other methods. If you prefer to donate by cash or local check, please contact Louise or buenosvecinos79@gmail.com for arrangements. Be sure to check out our website and Facebook page: Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BuenosVecinosDeBoquete/ Website: http://www.buenosvecinosdeboquete.com/ Don’t forget to check out our YouTube Channel and HIT THAT SUBSCRIBE BUTTON! All our YouTube videos currently feature music by Danny Burns. Listen and follow Danny at: https://soundcloud.com/technocinema As always, we must thank our very valued donors! We owe you all a big thank you! Thank you! COMIDA ES VIDA! FOOD IS LIFE! Copyright © 2021 Buenos Vecinos de Boquete, All rights reserved.

Buenos Vecinos de Boquete Family of the Month November, 2021 Itzel's Family It is with great pleasure that we are able to share this month’s featured family with you. This spotlighted family has been a humble client since February 2021. Their family struggles began just before the pandemic hit the world and once the pandemic hit Panama, they have been looking for silver linings and avenues that lead them to better times. Amongst their silver linings, this family of seven, has been gratefully enjoying Buenos Vecinos’ monthly visits and food deliveries to offset their difficult times. The children look forward to the warm greetings and the friendly exchanges they all receive when Megan, our amazing team member, delivers the food supplies. Megan has gained the trust and the appreciation of this family, who has been struggling to find stable housing and work. The father, Francisco, is rarely with the family, which leaves part-time working mother, Itzel, to single-handedly care for her five children. Itzel, who is a 34-years old food server at a local restaurant, is doing everything she can to be able to establish a stable home for her family. Due to the housing woes, Itzel is thankful for the help and the kindness Buenos Vecinos offers her and, more importantly, that we have shined on her children. Itzel hopes her hard work and grit will inspire her children to hit the books and have a happy life. The hope for her children is not for great wealth, but one where her struggles mean they struggle less when they are navigating their own adult lives. Both parents understand, “The school books are keys to the children’s future.” Buenos Vecinos and the parents truly believe, food is life, as it is the fuel these children need to stay healthy and focused on their scholastic endeavors! Now, meet these beautiful children who, like most, go to school and enjoy playing games with each other and their friends. Dilan (16 years old) is a high school student and he is also employed by a bus transit company in Boquete. He helps his mom with the finances and the babysitting. Tatiana (13 years old) keeps her head in the books and she also helps with the younger siblings. Kevin (11 years old) is trying to keep up with his older brother, which keeps him busy and challenged.. Kathia (8 years old), who was initially upset that she was no longer the spoiled baby of the family, is now showing her baby brother, Johan Leandro (1 year old), all about life! She is proving to be a great “big sister.” Our November Family of the Month reminds our team members exactly why Buenos Vecinos is so important to the Boquete community and why we are fortunate to be able to serve this family and all our BVB families! Would you like to be one of our valued donors too? Here is how you too can help us to help others. As you know, we would appreciate your donation of any size. It’s important for you to know that we are a small all-volunteer force without any administrative or overhead costs. Every dollar of your donation goes to the purchase of food for our clients, like Itzel’s Family. When you make that important decision to help the less fortunate in our community, you truly become a “Good Neighbor!” When you donate $400.00 a year (A little more than $33.00 a month), you become a Coconut Foundation Member, which is an acknowledgement of your care, concern, and generosity. Please donate today. You may do so through our online VERY EASY and VERY SAFE PayPal account or any of our other methods. If you prefer to donate by cash or local check, please contact Louise or panamaleo@gmail.com for arrangements. Be sure to check out our website and Facebook page: Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BuenosVecinosDeBoquete/ Website: http://www.buenosvecinosdeboquete.com/