Jacó Happenings

Congratulations to social activist Sonia Alvarado for winning this year’s Quality of Life Award, sponsored by the Costa Rican Ombudsman’s Office, the National Council of Rectors and state universities. The award recognizes individuals and organizations for their efforts to improve living conditions in Costa Rica. Sonia has been a leader in encouraging clean beaches and better water systems under the Blue Flag Program in Jacó.

The next Central Pacific Women’s Group meeting will be Thursday, Nov.19, from 9-11 a.m. at Balcón del Mar Restaurant. The program will feature another amazing cooking demonstration by Rocío Madrigal. She will focus on all the wonderful fruits, vegetables, etc., that we see in the stores and aren’t sure what to do with. Marlene Fallas will share the stage with Rocío and talk about her delicious candies and Cuban flan. For information, contact Norma Kahn at kahnnk@gmail.com.

The 8th annual Pura Vida No Pro surf event will be Saturday, Nov. 21, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Pelican Hotel in Playa Esterillos Este. At this event, local and visiting surfers interact with 40 children from the Hospicio de Huérfanos de San José, a 122-year-old private Costa Rican orphanage that serves 155 children. It’s an unforgettable day of philanthropy and fun at the beach.

Please sponsor a child! A cash donation of $50 will cover the basic expenses for one child to attend and help provide a vehicle to raise awareness for the cause: generating cash and food donations for orphaned children.

Volunteers are welcome! Participation fees to help cover event expenses are ¢5,000 ($8.50) per volunteer. Volunteers will receive T-shirts, lunch and BBQ dinners the day of the event. Sign up and orientation night will be Thursday, Nov. 19, at 7 p.m. at the Backyard Bar at Playa Hermosa. Or, you can sign up day of the event at 8 a.m. at the Pelican Hotel. For more information, contact John O’Toole, director of the event at puravidanopro@gmail.com.

–Christina Truitt

christinatruitt@gmail.com