Amigos y Vecinos!

Living outside of our home country can be one of the most incredible learning adventures any of us can take on.  Every day provides an opportunity to learn something about differences in how we view time, in how money is valued, how we communicate, and so much more.  What we do with these observations depends on our ability to accept other ways of thinking. Our ways are not better; they are just different.  Those differences must be both respected and appreciated.  This is when true learning and true understanding can take place.  How exciting is that? 

Community Events

Ask yourself: Does it seem that every day you read more…and different and…contradictory news about changes in financial and legal regulations?  Are you confounded or confused or frustrated, perhaps even angry?  Or have you given up and chosen to simply laugh at the absurdity of it all? 

Are there or are there not taxes on Costa Rican corporations?   If so, how much, who is paid and when?  What about non-active corporations?  What is FACTA (the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) and what impact does it have on U.S. Citizens living abroad?  What about funds that are wired to Costa Rican banks?  What are the implications if the proper reports are not filed?  How do I ensure that I am following the appropriate laws and reporting requirements?  

It’s hard to abide by laws that are confusing, constantly in motion, and rarely enforced: it shouldn’t be that hard.  In an effort to help demystify the latest and seemingly constantly changing news and to lower our individual and collective anxiety level the Community Action Alliance is hosting a seminar this Friday, February 17 that we encourage everyone to attend. 

Title: It’s Your Money Honey: Changes in Taxes, Banking and Investing

Day/Date: Friday, February 17, 2012

Time: 10:00 am

Presenter: Randall Zamora, President/CEO, Costa Rica Accounting and Business Center

Location: COOPENAE, Upstairs Conference Room

Directions: 50 meters north of the Court Building; on the left heading south

Fee:  Members: FREE, Non-members: 2,000 colones

For More Info: www.actionalliancecr.com

RSVP: mike@styles.com or 8.333.8750

For those planning on attending we ask that each of you send us topics you would like covered during the presentation: what keeps you awake at night, or what requires some clarification.   Please, please, please send us your topics!

After the success of the Gran Venta de Libros and the César Millán (see below) fundraising efforts the Development Committee will be circling the wagons to identify our next project tentatively scheduled for April.  Although it remains to be confirmed there is serious consideration being given to hosting another book sale.  Please be certain to hold on to any used books, particularly Spanish-language books that can be donated for sale at the event.   Details to follow… 

Community News

César Millán

On Saturday, January 28th César Millán, the renowned Dog Whisperer made his first appearance ever in Latin America at the Estadio Nacional in San José.  Working in cooperation with the promoter, RPM/Xtreme Family Entertainment along with animal welfare group SASY!, the Community Action Alliance raised $1,000 for the Dogland Rescue Center in San Ramón.  These funds will help Helene pay for the spay and neuter of 100 dogs.  In addition to the funds raised there was significant publicity generated to help raise awareness of animal rights here in Costa Rica and the many local organizations that are making a difference in their respective communities.   Special thanks to Manrique Mata of RPM and Rita Devore of SASY!

Integration, Balance and Perspective: A Youth Movement

One of the benefits of volunteerism is the opportunity to work with area youth: the hope, the potential, the energy is infectious.  Each generation produces different goals, different perspectives, different values.  There is much that can be taught and much that can be learned.  The Steering Committee of the Community Action Alliance has recently voted to create a youth initiative.  Effective immediately the Action Alliance is offering Student Memberships at the discounted rate of 5,000 colones per student.  We are seeking members of the community who are interested in helping identify and execute initiatives to work in cooperation with other area organizations to support the development of area youth: to help create the Next Generation of Poets and Presidents…or Musicians, or Academics, or Working Professionals…the Next Generation of Leaders.

The Gift of Music: And the Beat Goes On

This past December the Community Action Alliance was pleased to donate several music instruments to local schools in San Ramón.  Recently, Action Alliance members Mike Murphy and Earl Balance contacted several friends who were planning a visit to Costa Rica and asked them to see if they could bring down any used music instruments.  Well…thanks to Bill Reed and Leslie Lami-Reed of Kalamazoo, Michigan local musicians now have an additional nine instruments to play including a Piccolo, a Trombone, two Trumpets, four Clarinets and of all things, a Xylophone/Glockenspiel.  What was once just an idea has now become a program.  Special thanks to Bill and Leslie Lami-Reed, Mike and Kathy Murphy and Earl Balance.  To anyone interested in learning more about this program please contact Mike Styles at mike@styles.com or 8.333.8750.  And the beat goes on…

Back to School: Volunteers Needed!

Most of you know that local public and private schools are back in session.  This also means that the English-language programs at ITCR and INA have begun.  The number of ITCR classes offered locally which are based on different levels of proficiency and are held on Saturdays has reduced over the last few years and these classes are basically covered by long-term volunteers (thanks!).  INA classes are structured differently: they are more intensive (Monday through Friday) and begin with a fresh set of students each year.  Bottom line: INA tutors are not requested until later in the year, in April or May, once students have achieved some degree of proficiency.  We will need tutors for INA classes and other educational programs under consideration such as conversation groups.  If you are interested in volunteering please contact David Scott at scottyincr@gmail.com.   

Steering Committee: Changes

Change can be difficult however it can also be very good.  We recently announced how pleased we were to have Elizabeth Mora, a professional editor/translator and former ITCR instructor, join the Steering Committee of the Community Action Alliance.  We are equally thrilled to announce the addition of Cesar Carrillo to the Steering Committee.  Most of you know Cesar and are well aware of his talent, experience and maturity.  Cesar has been an active supporter of the Action Alliance since its inception.  He has been directly involved in many of the organizations achievements to date and we are honored to have Cesar accept our invitation to join the Steering Committee.  With the addition of two very talented people such as Elizabeth and Cesar our future looks very bright!

Member Updates

Monkey R&R (Rehabilitation and Release)

Michele and Paul Gawenka at the Centro de Rescate de Vida Silvestre Magallanes are pleased to announce their first two residents, Lolita and Chiquito.  The rescue center is currently approved by MINAET for primates and birds and recently rescued the two spider monkeys.  To follow their journeys back to the wild search on Facebook for Spider Monkey R & R and click the “like” button to receive all updates, photos and videos in your Facebook news feed.  The rescue center will set visiting hours in March.  For more information contact Michele at Michele@Gawenka.net or 8.632.4787. 

Mercadito Amanecer

Chris and Luisa Panzer, owners of the lovely Casa Amanecer Bed and Breakfast recently announced the hosting of a weekly market featuring high quality, locally produced food items.  The market will take place every Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and will include items such as fresh goat milk products, organic coffee, fresh passion fruit, sourdough bread and more.  Casa Amanecer is located in San Juan, San Ramón, 1.5 kilometers from the church of San Juan, towards Concepción. For more information contact Chris or Luisa at 2.445.2100 or 8.306.3159.  Please spread the word!

Mario’s Steakhouse: All You Can Eat Special

On Thursdays beginning at 6:00 pm Mario’s Steakhouse is offering an All You Can Eat Special for 10,000 colones per person.  Mario will also be bringing in local pianists to help set the mood for hungry patrons.  Most of you know how wonderful the food is at Mario’s so if you have the appetite you won’t want to miss this offer. 

Membership Rewards

Please don’t forget to take advantage of the Membership Rewards Discount program and support Action Alliance Business Members.  Your membership fee can pay for itself simply by taking advantage of these exclusive discount offerings and supporting those that support your community.  For more information please visit the Action Alliance website at www.actionalliancecr.com and click on Membership Rewards found under the Membership link.

2012 Memberships: The Best Investment You Can Make!

The Community Action Alliance is a 100% volunteer-based organization: NO one is paid for their time and efforts.  Our reward comes from knowing that our efforts are generating tangible benefits for the community we live in.  The only source of revenue to help underwrite operating expenses for the Action Alliance is membership fees: there are expenses associated with hosting seminars and mixers and supporting community-based initiatives.  In 2011 the Community Action Alliance generated just over $1,000 in membership revenue.  The contributions made to the local community through your efforts can not be measured however you can be assured that your membership fee generates one of the highest returns on investment a community group can earn.  

Our 2012 Membership pricing:

• Student Membership – 5,000 colones (NEW!!!)
• Community Membership (couples count as one membership) – 10,000 colones
• Business Membership (10 or less employees) – 20,000 colones
• Corporate Business Membership (11 or more employees) – 30,000 colones

If you would like to become a 2012 Member simply reply to this email and say ‘Sign Me Up’.  Thank you joining the Community Action Alliance and your commitment to making a difference. 

Thank you for supporting the work of the Community Action Alliance and your commitment to improve the lives of all residents of San Ramón and Costa Rica. If you would like to get more involved or you have suggestions regarding initiatives please contact Mike Styles at mike@styles.com or call 8.333.8750.

Puedes leer nuestras noticias en español accesando www.actionalliancecr.com, ve a la sección “Newsletter” y selecciona en el traductor el idioma español.