Moderator_02

http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/deputies-denounce-presidents-threats

Just an observation that these latter postings are diverging away from Panama related content. Hint, hint.

Some Tweets from Panamanian government and news sources are suggesting the large fire was an act of vandalism, and one Tweet suggested an act of arson. Things are "heating up" (pardon the pun) in Colon. If you are going to be in that area, do be vigilant.

http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/anti-corruption-protestors-besiege-assembly

http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/corruption-prosecutors-frustrated-by-laggard-justices

http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/attendance-dress-and-conduct-reforms-for-deputies

http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/ten-police-injured-in-colon-bus-crash

Dan Miller, June 17, 1941 to March 4, 2018 Dan and I started our adventures together almost 26 years ago. Over the years, we've laughed, we've cried, we've won and we've lost. Always, our mutual love and respect made it possible to overcome the inevitable obstacles that present themselves over a lifetime. Dan died last Sunday afternoon. I will miss him forever. He has preceded me in this last and greatest adventure of all. As was his wish, I will spread his ashes over the finca he loved so well. Rest in peace and Namaste, MyDarling Jeanie Curriculum Vitae and subsequent life: Herbert Daniel Miller was graduated from Yale University, cum laude, and the University of Virginia Law School where he was notes editor of Law Review and a member of The Order of the Coif. After he graduated, he joined the United States Army JAG Corp where he was Special Courts Marshall Judge for the Country of Korea. Upon returning to civilian life, he joined the law firm of Koteen and Naftalin in Washington, D.C. until he retired as a partner in 1996. Thereupon, he and his wife cruised in the Eastern Caribbean as well as Trinidad, Venezuela and Colombia in their sailboat, Namaste. They achieved their Dive Master certificates in Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles. In 2002, they reached Panama, spending a month in the Kuna Yala Islands on their sailboat before settling in Western Panama. He leaves behind his wife, Jean Fiester Miller, his son, Nicolas Miller, his daughter, Elizabeth Korchnak and his sister, Margaret Zilm, his nephews Andrew and Gregory Zilm, as well as three grandchildren. --

Crash Course Spanish Classes with Renny start on March 22 Mar 22 & 23 thru April 4, 2018 This is a fun easy class. If there is any practice or homework those with busy schedules will love having the option of doing it by email at their convenience. _________________________ New Spanish Classes with Renny - Classes start Mar 22 & 23, 2018 COST: $195 As many people know, Renny owned a language schoo­­­l in David under contract with the Panamanian Government giving classes for them, and had one in Houston also. She is now offering three levels of Spanish classes in Boquete, Basic and Intermediate and Advanced. There will be a 2 week “Listening” class offered in mid-April. You must be at the high intermediate level to qualify for the listening class. These are professional instructions with an easy, clear curriculum and the correct sequencing of material. Location of the class is in Boquete The Basic Class is called Crash Course Spanish ****Class meets Thursdays and Fridays 9:00 a.m -11:15 It will get you speaking fast! It shows how the language is organized, and teaches the tricks of the language, pronunciation, cultural notes, phrases, and vocabulary. The workbook is included. Speaking; the class teaches conversation and how to ask and answer questions. You will practice and share tips, create full sentences, and learn how to speak without conjugating verbs. The Crash Course Intermediate Class **Class meets Thursdays and Fridays 1:00 p.m -3:15 p.m. You will USE your acquired Spanish language! You will speak in class, get tips for learning to listen and respond in "rapid fire" exchanges, pronounce the difficult, role play, learn word order, expand your vocabulary and engage in specialized classes to gain better listening skills. You will speak every day, learn a higher use of some verbs without conjugating, create interesting sentences, listen to songs, conduct interviews and give short speeches. Learn by doing. Each student will translate for someone. It's time to do better at understanding what Spanish speakers are saying BECAUSE… the class also begins to "Train your ear” as well as “Practice Speaking", all of this as you learn more and more Spanish fast; you build the confidence you need to converse with others. Workbook is included. Pre-requisite for the *Intermediate Class : Basic Spanish, no exceptions *Intermediate Class To enter this class the following will describe your level of speech: You respond to simple, direct questions or requests for information, can ask a few questions concerning needs and wants, and are able to express personal meaning by relying heavily on learned or re-combined phrases, repeating or rephrasing what you hear around you. You know short and sometimes incomplete sentences in the present tense. At times you know you state things incorrectly, but gain confidence because the Spanish speaker “got” what you were trying to say. You may be hesitant or inaccurate, whereby frequent misunderstandings arise. When called upon to handle a variety of topics and perform serious functions you operate at about a 50% success range, and can sometimes respond in intelligible sentences, but cannot sustain full sentence exchanges. You know the meanings/translations (not the conjugations) of at least 75 verbs. FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO THE WEBSITE: review the left border. WEBSITE http://crashcoursespanishwithrenny.com EMAIL: rennykranich@gmail.com Registration will be at the public library in Boquete on Thursday, Mar. 15th from 10:00- 11:30 a.m. CHECKOUT FACEBOOK TOO. Click: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Crash-Course-Spanish-with-Renny/752177804872882 ­ --

Think about this- Mechanically repeating the same movements over and over again- creates rigidity of mind and emotions, as it physically over-works some muscles & under- works others. After beginning with a set system- a fine way to begin and learn how to move through our body and exercise- we then need to expand our repertoire of physical activities and exercise, to not get stuck in any aspect of life. And we need to perform our actions with awareness, precision and control. A creative, inquisitive and fresh mind, requires intelligently expanding our movement abilities and activities over time, and progressing beyond staying stuck in a set,repetitious routine. Pilates opens a devoted student to the wide- world of movement and an exploration of his or her body and potential abilities.. The Diversity of Pilates will have You Learning and Doing New Movements and Exploring.Turning-On- more of your Body as you progress. Simultaneously become more Body- Aware; Stronger, Agile, Better- Coordinated, Focused and Fluid. Be- in Better Balance in all dimensions and develop greater core strength to strengthen your abdominal muscles, improve your ability to balance and protect your back and spine..Discover More of Your Innate Self. and Your ability to move.. Develop Muscle [extremely important as we age], Become More Flexible, Learn Cues to Restore a More Youthful Posture, & Get on the Path of Greater Health and Well- Being! Pilates... a Widely Diverse Exercise System created by an Anatomical and Movement Genius, Joseph Pilates, decades ahead of his time. A system with the potential to Inspire and Bring- Forth... the Creative, Continually Growing, Ever-Renewing, Genius IN YOU! Pilates at the Haven. There's no time like the Present to Begin and Join IN! Just Do IT! *Classes resume this Wednesday, March 14th, after a short break. Ongoing Classes are Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8:30- 9:45 a.m. $9 each for residents, and $10 for non-residents or tourists., Or a Package of 4 classes for $30, or Unlimited Classes- either to be taken in a month- for $72. All props/exercise tools provided- including balls, stretchy bands, fitness circles, light hand weights, and yoga mats. Have a mat of your own? Bring it to be guaranteed 2 for when we go down to the floor for extra padding.. Questions? Email Susan Clare, at suzeclare@gmail.com, with Instructor Certifications in both Pilates and Yoga, former Personal Trainer and Lic. Massage Therapist, and over 25 years teaching experience. *And do know- One need not be a member of the Haven to Partake in Classes or Spa Services. Hoping To See You Soon! --

http://www.newsroompanama.com/business/panama-4/panama-construction-on-the-upswing

https://www.centralamericadata.com/en/article/main/Panama_Construction_Starts_2018_on_the_Rise

http://panamaadvisoryinternationalgroup.com/blog/news-from-panama/panama-seeks-attract-investment-uae-sovereign-wealth-funds/

https://www.copaair.com/en/web/ca/copa-airlines-expands-its-fleet-and-adds-destinations-in-2018

http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/20-countries-affecting-panama-interests-listed

http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/ex-president-ready-to-return-with-conditions

http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/fired-prosecutors-allegedy-enslaved-trafficking-victims

http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/colon-dawn-raids-involve-1000-cops

http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/assembly-using-flag-to-block-corruption-protest

http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/anti-corruption-group-wants-assembly-president-sanctioned

http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/sex-trafficking-organization-busted

We continue to receive both pro and con input from CL members on this subject. Thank you for that feedback. We will keep the window of opportunity open through close-of-business 11 March to provide your thoughts on this topic and whether it should remain locked or be re-opened.

Joe Hart with ACCB* received a call from Boquete Bomberos that the mother of an injured fire fighter -- Ricauter Rovira -- who was involved in an accident on March 5th was expected to be at the Boquete Fire Station that evening, Friday, March 9th. Joe Hart, John Simpson, and Linda Hart went to the Boquete Bomberos as representatives for ACCB to present a $300.00 check from ACCB to the mother of the injured firefighter. They reported that Rovira is improving but still has some critical issues. Joe says he will continue to provide updates on the firefighter's condition, and asks that we all pray for his speedy and complete recovery. For more information about this accident, see http://www.chiriqui.life/topic/8766-boquete-bomberos-vehicle-involved-in-serious-accident-with-a-bus/. _______________ *Asociación de Caridad de La Comunidad de Boquete --

A JUNGLE, CANAL EXPERIENCE ACROSS THE ISTHMUS.. FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC (OCEAN TO OCEAN) APRIL 22 TO APRIL 24, 2018 We've all heard of the Panama Canal, but how many of us have heard of the Panama Canal Railway? A trip on the Panama Canal Railway train gives one a new insight into the jungle of Panama, the amazing man made Gatun Lake and wonderful views of the Panama Canal and the locks. Riding in the observation car you can appreciate the planning and engineering that went into the construction of this railroad. Cars are furnished with comfortable booth seating and tables, and walls are decorated in wood paneling with lamps. The trip gives a great insight as to how difficult the task of jungle clearance was to enable the canal to be built. Sights along the way include marshes, jungle, the dredging, ships on the lake, sunset, and even the prison where General Noriega was held. The itinerary is: a.) April 22 (Sunday) – Leave Boquete 7:30AM. Travel by tour bus to Panama City. Enjoy mimosas and a continental type breakfast on the way. We will stop along the way for short breaks. Buffet Lunch in Santiago (included). We arrive at Wyndham Albrook Mall Hotel around 4PM. That evening dinner will be on your own. b.) April 23 (Monday) – Breakfast at “Wyndham Albrook Mall Hotel” (included) before boarding the 8:00AM bus to Colon. About a 1-1/2 hour drive. BUS TO COLON/NEW LOCKS..AGUAS CLARAS ATLANTIC SIDE/SAN LORENZO FORT/LUNCH FORT SHERMAN/LITTLE SHOPPING AT COLON FREE ZONE/TAKE TRAIN BACK TO PANAMA CITY This is an amazing tour. You get to see The New set of locks on the Atlantic side, Visit the San Lorenzo Fort, do some shopping in the Colon Free Zone..and then take the train back to Panama City. The only train in the world that takes you from Ocean to Ocean in 1 hour. This is a very historical tour. Today`s itinerary: 1.) We leave “Wyndham Albrook Mall Hotel” at 8AM. This will give you time to have a delicious breakfast at the hotel before you leave. 2.) We drive to Colon…about a 1-1/2 hour drive. 3.) When we get to Colon we will take you to visit the NEW SET OF LOCKS WHICH WERE BUILT ON THE ATLANTIC SIDE. THERE IS A WONDERFUL OBSERVATION CENTER WHERE YOU CAN SEE EVERYTHING ABOUT THE NEW CONSTRUCTION. 4.) We will then take you on a ride to San Lorenzo, which is located in the “mouth” of the Chagres River. Here you can visit a big fortress which was build here by the Spaniards to protect that area against the pirates. 5.) At 1PM a delicious Lunch will be provided for you at “Shelter Bay Marina”, not far away from the new set of locks 6.) After lunch we can take you to the Free Zone…from 3PM to 4:30PM. 7.) At 4:30PM we need to leave so that you can take the 5:15PM train back to Panama City. 8.) When train arrives in Panama City…at 6:15PM… bus will be there waiting for you to take you back to “Wyndham Albrook Mall Hotel”. We should be getting back to our hotel around 7PM. This evening you are on your own. c.) April 24 (Tuesday) – After breakfast at “Wyndham Albrook Mall Hotel” (included) we will board the bus at 10:30AM…and go to the Handicraft Market at the entrance of the Amador Causeway. This handicraft market is amazing. At 12PM…As we begin our journey back home… we will stop by Westland Mall to do some shopping and/or visit the food court (lunch is on your own). We will be here for 1 hour. We expect to return to Boquete around 8PM/8:30PM. This entire package includes: The round trip bus, Continental breakfast on the bus on Sunday, Buffet Lunch in Santiago on Sunday, 2 nights stay at Wyndham Albrook Mall Hotel with buffet breakfast included, guided English speaking guide on the Ocean to Ocean Tour on Monday, $25.00 per person train ride, $15.00 per person entrance to New Set of Locks Observation Center, $10.00 per person entrance to Fort San Lorenzo, Lunch at Shelter Bay Marina, all you can drink of Mimonos/Wine/Water/snacks on the whole trip. A $200.00 “per person” deposit will be taken Thursday, April 5, from 10:30AM to 12 noon at Los Establos Plaza in Boquete just outside Kotowa Coffee Shop. Judy Tovar, English speaking guide will be there to answer questions on the Ocean to Ocean tour we are offering you. Total package: $375.00 per person Rooms are based on 2 people per room. We have rooms with 1 “King” bed..or rooms with “2 Separate Double” beds. Single occupancy an additional $50.00 charge. You have to find your own roommate. Please contact us ASAP to reserve your spot. Space is limited. Maximum 35 people. It will be on a first come, first serve bases. Linda Hart – lhart249@hotmail.com OR Judith Tovar - easytravel@cwpanama.net --

Dear Boquete Weather Watchers: I posted the weather station data for the month of February 2018 the first of the month and have now published a Boquete Weather Watcher Update No. 107 which you may access on line or at this link. Sincerely, Lloyd Cripe www.boqueteweather.com --