| The charming oxen-centered
fair in the village of Tierras Morenas starts on May 12, running to
the 15th. Tierras Morenas is a small beautifully located farming village
overlooking the Pacific lowlands from its west-slope perch on the
mountains above Lake Arenal. In addition to the usual bullriding and
displays of horsemanship, the fair features teams of matched oxen
and carts such as are still used in local agriculture. The teams haul
loads of wood before assembled spectators, who then bid on the wood.
The proceeds are donated to the pleasant local church. Among the statuary
in the church is one of Christ following a team of oxen. The boyero
or oxen-driver can lead around the powerful but patient animals simply
by touching the end of his thin staff to the yoke and walking off
in front of the team. Tierras Morenas is reached from the lake road
by taking the very good Sabalito road uphill past Mystica Lodge.
The Arenal lunch ladies have
decided there's more to life than good food. Intent on doing good
works in the communities, they have elected officers and thought
about collecting dues. The next potluck luncheon will be at noon
on May 3 at Terrillyn West's very scenic lakeside home a few miles
past Tronadora on the road to Rio Chiquito. Call her for directions
at 821-7462. The new president is Roberta Ward Smiley (383-2596),
the secretary Suzi Butterfield, and the treasurer Christina Glass
(695-5020 or 695-8569).
Fuentes Verdes, the Lake Arenal
environmental watchdog organization, is so involved in various important
projects that we will try to devote a special article to their activities.
They have had meetings scheduled with MINAE and the new
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Tilaran Municipal
Council and, taking photos of various land-use violations around the
lake, are trying to make sure that regulations will be enforced. Newly
elected officers are Ed Yurica, President; Hilma Jenkins, Vice President;
John Nicholas, Treasurer; Sandy Shaw, Secretary; Virginia Lamont,
fiscal; and Roger Eichholz, vocal. Annual dues, pegged to the US dollar,
are 7500 colones. Those wishing to join or those who have not yet
paid their dues should call John Nicholas at 694-4041.
Ed Vicary reports that he's
moderating an environmental forum on a new blog at www.arenalblog.com/forum.
There are various other forums on the blog, including real estate,
philosophy, farming, hotel and rental accommodations, and community
events.
Regarding our previous report
on the surprise death on April 4 or 5 of Joshua Segura, the four-year-old
with the huge jaw tumor who was to be examined by US surgeons in
Florida on May 17, here's a wrap-up from campaign organizer June
Griffin. "Continental and American airlines are the two that
showed an interest in helping Joshua and his parents get to the
doctors in the US. I would like the people that did donate to know
that monies donated went to help cover some of the funeral expenses
and to thank them for their kindness. The Sunday before Joshua died
he was on the back of horse looking very healthy and happy. It is
such a shame as so many things were falling in place." According
to June, Joshua's mother took him to the Tilaran clinic because
of a fever on April 4. She stayed awake tending him very late that
night before falling asleep. When she awoke, Joshua had died.
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