The Fused Art Glass Class will be $150.00 per person. All glass supplies, tools, and jewelry findings will be included in the cost of the class.
To register call Marcie at 6765-1865
Class limited to eight people.

From Panama City: Drive southwest on PanAmerican highway (”autopista”) for approximately one hour 10 minutes to San Carlos (depending on traffic). Continue past the turnoff for San Carlos for .8 km where you will see bus stop shelters on both sides of the highway. Look on your right for a small FLM sign (8 ½ x 11). Turn RIGHT after the bus shelter on the right. You will soon see a blue and yellow school building on your left. This road leads through our small village of “El Nance”. (see below “once in the village of El Nance” )  If you reach the turnoffs for Rio Mar or El Valle, you’ve gone too far.

From El Valle turnoff:

Head toward Panama City on the PanAM highway, and in less than 3 or 4 minutes, and AFTER the road on right that goes to RIO MAR, you will see an enormous vertical rectangular billboard advertising BANYAN LEAF on the right side of the road.   TURN LEFT onto the small road directly across from that billboard and immediately BEFORE the two bus stop shelters on either side of the highway. You will soon see a blue and yellow school building on your left. This road passes through our tiny local village of “El Nance”. Continue on…see below.

Once in the village of “El Nance”:

After passing the blue and yellow high school on the left, staying on the main road (most obvious) and pass through the small village of “El Nance” (village name is not indicated anywhere). On right you’ll see a barely-recognizable super-mini “store” or “chino” on right. Continue on and at the fork in the road, you will see the village’s small playground and basketball court. Bear to the RIGHT and follow the road which curves to the right and down a hill. At bottom of that small hill, follow a red cyclone fence on left side. curving again to the left and slightly uphill. Now HERE is the tricky part:

At the END of that red cyclone fence, when the road begins to go uphill again, look to your immediate RIGHT and you’ll see another red cyclone wire fence that encloses a baseball field. Bear slightly toward the RIGHT toward baseball field, then make an immediate hard left onto the newly-paved road. (has white stripes on both sides). If you pass the “bleachers” you’ve gone the wrong way; turn around and go away from baseball field in the direction toward the “outfield”.  Continue straight on this road for 2-3 minutes until you see a 3 foot high white cross at a fork and a dirt road on the LEFT. Leave the paved road, bearing LEFT at that white cross, continue another minute straight ahead until you see bright tangerine color walls and a double gate. This is the entrance to “Finca La Maya” which is clearly indicated on the left side of the gate. You’ve arrived!

There are SIGNS posted to lead your way, thanks for your patience!

Call if you get lost 240-8281.

Contact: Starr McCamant
From USA, Canada, or Europe: (901) 414-2844
In Panama: (507) 240-8281

FLM Library Opening is a big Success!

17 February 2009 San Carlos, Rep. of Panama

The inauguration of new community library and Dell computer lab at Finca La Maya was a success! Books were donated, the auction sensational, and live jazz and mariachi bands were enjoyed by all. Not only were adults and volunteers excited for this event, but children were eager to take the first steps within, as soon as ribbons were cut and doors were opened!

Now, local families and anybody looking for a way to broaden their education can use the library resources freely for homework, personal studies, and entertainment! Finca La Maya will initially keep the library and computer lab open Fridays and Saturdays, 12 - 5 p.m.

However, it takes more than dreams to keep community programs free and available to those who need them. While volunteers help minimize costs, and individual donations are helpful, new facilities mean new expenses. Providing lights for reading and power for computers will increase the cost of electricity. La Maya is therefore appealing to corporate sponsors for their support. Sponsors not only benefit the community, but are also acknowledged as Finca La Maya patrons.

Finca La Maya is a non-profit foundation registered in Panama. Their goal is to enhance education and cultural opportunities for local Panamanians. Needs for FLM Community Programs are ongoing; can you help? For more information or to make a donation, please visit our website www.fincalamaya.com, at the Community Programs link.
For those who live in Panama City, contributions can also be made through our sponsorship agreement with Exedra Books. Books most needed for the library are listed and can be donated directly from Exedra’s website: www.exedra.com

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Finca La Maya is located on fifteen scenic hectares an hour from Panama City and minutes from spectacular Pacific coast beaches.

The 500 square meter light-filled Arts Center and Community Library are versatile - providing numerous areas for meetings, workshops, art courses, yoga, or group activities. Outdoor studios are suitable for construction, ceramic, or sculpture projects. The facilities are available for instructors of any kind to bring small groups for deeper investigation of whatever disciplines they teach: painting, photography, yoga, holistic medicine, or other types of activities. La Maya welcomes course or session proposals from private groups and professionals.  Please inquire for details. For more information and directions to Finca La Maya, visit: www.fincalamaya.com.  Locals in Panama call: (507) 240-8281. From the USA call: (901) 414-2844
Foundation Bridge Panama

R.U.C.  1291 186-1-27769 D.V. 89

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FINCA LA MAYA REALIZA GRAN APERTURA

Febrero 18 San Carlos, Rep. Panamá

La inauguración de una nueva librería comunitaria y un laboratorio  de computadoras Dell en Finca La Maya fue todo un éxito.

La comunidad de San Carlos tuvo la oportunidad de vivir la gran apertura de esta librería con libros y computadoras donadas en un ambiente amenizado por músicos de jazz y mariachis que disfrutaron chicos y grandes.

El evento se llevó a cabo el pasado sábado 14 de febrero donde y contó con la participación de  voluntarios, niños, familias de nacionales y extranjeros que de forma muy entusiasta cooperaron con el evento para aportar sus donaciones, que entre otras se subastaron cuadros pintados por los propios niños de la comunidad, fondos estos que se usaran para sufragar los gastos de este nuevo centro.

Finca La Maya es una organización sin fines de Lucro fundada por Starr McCamant quien se enamoró de las tierras de San Carlos y con la ayuda de patrocinadores logró levantar este centro con 500 metros cuadrados para reforzar la educación y los programas culturales  que permitan a los niños y adolescentes expandir sus oportunidades.

FLM ofrece cursos de inglés, cursos de pintura, lectura, y artes en general para todos de forma gratuita..

El Centro ha repartido sus instalaciones en área para  Centro de Artes y la Librería de la Comunidad con sus computadoras adicional a talleres  exteriores para desarrollo de manualidades tales como cerámica y esculturas.

Los instructores maestros y/o profesores que tengan grupos pequeños de  escolares que deseen hacer uso de las instalaciones para profundizar en sus investigaciones, de cualesquiera sean las disciplinas que enseñen, pintura, fotografía, yoga, medicina, o cualquier otro tipo de actividad podrán hacer uso de las mismas de forma gratuita. El centro estará disponible los viernes y  sábados de 12  a 5pm para la realización de sus tareas e investigaciones en internet entre otros programas.

Para mayor información sobre FLM puede visitar la página web www.fincalamaya.com y si está interesado en realizar sus donaciones puede obtener mayor información en Excedra Books con quien Finca La Maya tiene alianza para llevar a cabo los programas que aquí se desarrollan.

Felicidades a la comunidad de San Carlos en buena hora.

Contact: Starr McCamant
(507) 240-8281 (within Panama)
(901) 414-2844 (from USA or Europe)

December 12, 2006 San Carlos, Republica de Panama

Finca La Maya inaugurates a new Culture & Arts Center on January 13th, 2007 with a benefit concert at 2 pm.

The new 500 square meter Arts Center is located on forty scenic acres an hour from Panama City and minutes from spectacular Pacific coast beaches. The spacious and light-filled structure is versatile - providing numerous areas for meetings, art courses, yoga, or group activities. The 110 square meter air-conditioned indoor classroom is matched by an equally large covered outdoor balcony area. Additional outdoor studios offer space usable for construction, ceramic, or sculpture projects.

The cultural retreat is available for instructors of all kinds to bring small groups for deeper investigation of whatever disciplines they teach: painting, photography, yoga, holistic medicine, or other types of retreats. Finca La Maya welcomes course or session proposals from private groups. Group rates are available.

The hacienda style lodge provides spacious accommodations for up to sixteen individuals comfortably with air conditioned rooms, delicious gourmet meals prepared with locally grown ingredients, beautifully landscaped gardens, a pool with jacuzzi, horses, and many other attractive amenities. A two-minute garden walk leads from the residence to the Arts Center.

Finca La Maya encourages world travelers, vacationers, tourists and local residents to discover art and culture in Panama, learn new skills, enrich or discover their own talents, and have a relaxing tropical vacation. Many participants are expected from “snowbird” countries to escape the icy cold winters in the northern hemisphere and enjoy Panama’s most desirable summer season.

Tuition for workshops ranges from all-inclusive session-plus-lodging, to local daytime-only rates. Discounts are offered for full-time students and adults over 65 years of age. Participants can easily register and pay for courses online.

The benefit concert will feature Panamanian group “Sunset Jam”, whose versatile repertoire includes jazz, rock, salsa and more. Band members Alfredo M. Bocanegra, Jorge Roldan, Angel Sanchez and Tony Mendez put on an excellent show. Guest performers are also expected. Proceeds for the event will be used to purchase books and materials for art and language lessons to be offered to local children and adults in the community. Tickets for the Benefit Concert are $15 and can be purchased in advance at the Mailboxes Etc. in Coronado (tel. 507 6722-8166), or at the gate to Finca La Maya on the day of the concert. Press and media welcome.

For more information and directions to the finca, visit: www.fincalamaya.com Locals in Panama call Finca La Maya at: (507) 240-8281. From the USA call: (901) 414-2844

Contact: Starr McCamant
(507) 240-8281 (within Panama)
(901) 414-2844 (from USA or Europe)

February 15, 2007 San Carlos, Republica de Panama

The new Center for the Arts at Finca La Maya is offering free courses to local residents in Panama.

Currently, most schools cannot afford to hire teachers or provide materials for English or Arts instruction. The new resorts and communities in Panama are developing extremely fast and the local residents’ world is already changing profoundly. Learning new skills will equip them with more employment possibilities and potential for better lives for their families.

As contribution to its community, La Maya offers two classes every Saturday: English Course (for all ages), and “Art for Kids” (ages 6-14). The first English session (in January 2007) had 34 students. As of mid-February the number of students has grown to nearly eighty. The Art for Kids class currently has an average of thirty-six children attending every week.

The number and quality of our programs at La Maya is dependent on the talents and generosity of our supporters. La Maya’s ultimate goal is to provide learning opportunities, cultural enrichment and a greater appreciation for the arts within Panama’s communities.

Teaching materials and art supplies have thus far all been donated by friends and local residents. Instruction is also on a volunteer basis. La Maya hopes that businesses and resort communities will join in our efforts by donating materials still needed for the no-cost programs. Books, paper, audio visual aids, long folding tables, stools, and other teaching supplies are still needed. Please contact La Maya for details, or come visit us!

La Maya’s new 500 square meter Arts Center is located near San Carlos on forty scenic acres just over an hour from Panama City. The spacious and light-filled structure is versatile and provides numerous areas for meetings, art courses, yoga, or group activities.

The facility is also available for instructors or leaders of any kind to bring their groups for deeper investigation of whatever disciplines they teach: writing, painting, photography, yoga, business meetings, holistic medicine, or other types of retreats. La Maya welcomes session proposals from private groups. A minimum of ten participants is required and group rates are available.

The hacienda style lodge provides spacious accommodations for up to eighteen individuals, with air conditioned rooms, gourmet meals prepared with local ingredients, beautifully landscaped gardens, a pool with hot tub, and many other attractive amenities. A two-minute garden walk leads from the residence to the Arts Center.

La Maya welcomes press and media visits or inquiries. For details and directions to the finca, visit: www.fincalamaya.com

Contact: Starr McCamant
(507) 240-8281 (within Panama)
(901) 414-2844 (from USA or Europe)

Finca La Maya, a Cultural Arts & Events Center near San Carlos, is able to continue building a new community library. Construction was started last year, but lack of funds forced all work to stop last February. Since then, many efforts have been made to persuade local residents and businesses to contribute to the library in the form of grants or donations. The challenge for investment had a frustrating lack of results, until just recently.

Individual donations and contributions from several local business sponsors has put the dream of a community library back into the realm of possibilities. Members of the American Society of Panama also voted to invest their support.

Chef Pascal Finet of Terrazzas del Mar restaurant in Vista Mar, and the Bay View Restaurant in El Palmar have both become sponsors for Community Programs at La Maya. “Social and educational programs are in the best interest of everyone in our community. We are happy to contribute” said Hector Golcher manager of the Bay View. (Golcher is a candidate for mayor in the district of San Carlos.) Local residents, including Michael Poirier of “Mailboxes Etc.” in Coronado donate personal time and labor to community activities at La Maya. Several donations have also been received from private individuals who have asked to remain anonymous.

Finca La Maya is hopeful for approval of grants from other well-respected charity organizations in Panama. Funds from their investment will be used to purchase building materials and labor to complete walls, install windows, doors, light fixtures, tile, shelving for books, and tables and chairs. The library will provide an important learning and reference resource for the entire community, with the addition of computer equipment and classes also planned for the future.

The new library will be located next to the classroom facility completed last year at La Maya, where free community programs take place on Saturdays. An English language and an “Art for Kids” class are offered weekly. Several months ago “Family Movie Night” was added, offering free family entertainment on the first Saturday evenings of every month.

Up to one hundred participants have attended the weekly community programs at La Maya, coming from Panama’s Pacific coast interior communities as far away as Chorrera and Rio Hato. One student’s application was finally accepted
to the university in Penenome because of his progress in La Maya’s English classes.
Finca La Maya’s goal is to enhance education and cultural opportunities for local Panamanians. For more information or to make a donation, please visit our website at www.fincalamaya.com, and the Community Programs link.

For those who live in Panama City, contributions can also be with the “BUY A BOOK, BUILD A LIBRARY” program. Books purchased Exedra Books can be donated to the library in San Carlos. La Maya will pick up donated books.

~ End ~
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Finca La Maya is located on fifteen scenic hectares an hour from Panama City and minutes from spectacular Pacific coast beaches.
The 500 square meter light-filled Arts Center is versatile - providing numerous areas for meetings, workshops, art courses, yoga, or group activities. Outdoor studios are suitable for construction, ceramic, or sculpture projects. The facilities are available for instructors of any kind to bring small groups for deeper investigation of whatever disciplines they teach: painting, photography, yoga, holistic medicine, or other types of activities. La Maya welcomes course or session proposals from private groups and professionals. Please inquire for details. For more information and directions to Finca La Maya, visit: www.fincalamaya.com. Locals in Panama call: (507) 240-8281. From the USA call: (901) 414-2844

Finca La Maya, a Cultural Arts & Events Center near San Carlos, is able to continue building a new community library. Construction was started last year, but lack of funds forced all work to stop last February. Since then, many efforts have been made to persuade local residents and businesses to contribute to the library in the form of grants or donations. The challenge for investment had a frustrating lack of results, until just recently.

Individual donations and contributions from several local business sponsors has put the dream of a community library back into the realm of possibilities.  Members of the American Society of Panama also voted to invest their support.

Chef Pascal Finet of Terrazzas del Mar restaurant in Vista Mar, and the Bay View Restaurant in El Palmar have both become sponsors for Community Programs at La Maya.  “Social and educational programs are in the best interest of everyone in our community. We are happy to contribute” said Hector Golcher manager of the Bay View. (Golcher is a candidate for mayor in the district of San Carlos.) Local residents, including Michael Poirier of “Mailboxes Etc.” in Coronado donate personal time and labor to community activities at La Maya. Several donations have also been received from private individuals who have asked to remain anonymous.

Finca La Maya is hopeful for approval of grants from other well-respected charity organizations in Panama. Funds from their investment will be used to purchase building materials and labor to complete walls, install windows, doors, light fixtures, tile, shelving for books, and tables and chairs. The library will provide an important learning and reference resource for the entire community, with the addition of computer equipment and classes also planned for the future.

The new library will be located next to the classroom facility completed last year at La Maya, where free community programs take place on Saturdays. An English language and an “Art for Kids” class are offered weekly. Several months ago “Family Movie Night” was added, offering free family entertainment on the first Saturday evenings of every month.

Up to one hundred participants have attended the weekly community programs at La Maya, coming from Panama’s Pacific coast interior communities as far away as Chorrera and Rio Hato.  One student’s application was finally accepted
to the university in Penenome because of his progress in La Maya’s English classes.
Finca La Maya’s goal is to enhance education and cultural opportunities for local Panamanians. For more information or to make a donation, please visit our website at www.fincalamaya.com, and the Community Programs link.

For those who live in Panama City, contributions can also be with the “BUY A BOOK, BUILD A LIBRARY” program. Books purchased Exedra Books can be donated to the library in San Carlos. La Maya will pick up donated books.

~ End ~
————————————————————————-
Finca La Maya is located on fifteen scenic hectares an hour from Panama City and minutes from spectacular Pacific coast beaches.
The 500 square meter light-filled Arts Center is versatile - providing numerous areas for meetings, workshops, art courses, yoga, or group activities. Outdoor studios are suitable for construction, ceramic, or sculpture projects. The facilities are available for instructors of any kind to bring small groups for deeper investigation of whatever disciplines they teach: painting, photography, yoga, holistic medicine, or other types of activities. La Maya welcomes course or session proposals from private groups and professionals.  Please inquire for details. For more information and directions to Finca La Maya, visit: www.fincalamaya.com.  Locals in Panama call: (507) 240-8281. From the USA call: (901) 414-2844

The film to be shown will be the popular “March of the Penguins” – a feature film celebrated for its educational, social, geographical, and humorous content, in a beautiful story easily appreciated by both children and adults.  Award-winning photographer Luc Jacquet takes his documentary film to new heights -and depths- with this film, a stunning insider’s look at the life of the emperor penguin. The film will be projected in Spanish with English subtitles.

Films for the future monthly events will also be selected for their similar family-oriented content. Popcorn and lemonade will be for sale and donations accepted. Proceeds will help purchase of materials and supplies for the free courses offered at Finca La Maya every Saturday throughout the year.

There will be a very special guest on Family Movie Night, a young hostess for the evening “Natyzoo Wabaloo”(her stage name). Natyzoo’s real name is Natasha Hinojosa, she is 13 years old, attends the Cologio Isaac Rabin, and her favorite subject is Science. Natasha’s career ambition is to be a marine biologist and conservationist. Her ambition for the world is that everyone notices how much our Beautiful Planet is at stake and that everyone must try to save it. Natasha will give a short presentation to the audience before the film begins.

The film projection will take place next to the site of a new community library, currently under construction. The library is partially completed, but donations for purchase of materials are now being sought to complete installation of windows, light fixtures, and shelving for books. The library will be located next to the new classroom facility built last year at La Maya, where free English language and Art for Kids classes are offered weekly. Finca La Maya’s goal is to enhance education and cultural opportunities for local Panamanians. Visit the website at www.fincalamaya.com for more information on cultural activities and Community Programs.

For those interested in helping the library, “Buy a Book, Build a Library” is a program where anyone can buy a book from Exedra Bookstore and donate it to the new library in San Carlos. Purchase a book to donate at their bookstore in Panama City or visit www.exedrabooks.com. All purchases over $25 on the web receive automatic discounts.  La Maya will pick up donated books at Exedra Books.

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Finca La Maya is located on forty scenic acres an hour from Panama City and minutes from spectacular Pacific coast beaches.
The 500 square meter light-filled Arts Center is a comfortable and versatile place, providing numerous areas for meetings, workshops, art courses, yoga, or group activities. Outdoor studios are suitable for construction, ceramic, or sculpture projects. The facilities are available for instructors of any kind to bring small groups for deeper investigation of whatever disciplines they teach: painting, photography, yoga, holistic medicine, or other types of activities. La Maya welcomes course or session proposals from private groups and professionals.

The hacienda style lodge at La Maya provides spacious accommodations for up to eighteen individuals comfortably, with air conditioned rooms, delicious gourmet meals prepared with locally grown ingredients, beautifully landscaped gardens, swimming pool, a golf green and driving range, horses, and many other attractive amenities. A two-minute garden walk leads from the residence to the Arts Center.  The entire property can be available on a weekly or weekend basis for private parties. Please inquire for details.

For more information and directions to the finca, visit: www.fincalamaya.com.  Locals in Panama call Finca La Maya: (507) 240-8281. From the USA or Canada please call: (901) 414-2844