New focus on Ometepe coffee
After many years of work, coffee grown on Ometepe is now recognized as a distinct type because of the environment where it is grown. The "denomination of origin" — similar to the way wine and cheese marketing is restricted to specific geographic areas — is intended to boost marketing efforts.
Congratulations, Francisco!
Francisco Antonio Hernández, who coordinates all of the Sister Islands Association's programs for the special needs community on Ometepe, is shown as he prepared to defended his master's thesis about the Sister Islands' work with the deaf community on Ometepe. He scored 90% — a reason to celebrate.
Girl Scouts sell Café Oro
Barbara Saur had the honor of being the first customer at the Bainbridge Farmer's market to buy Café Oro from Girl Scout Troop 44331. Selling coffee made more sense than selling Girl Scout cookies, the troop decided.
New office assistant
Alexa Sinclair will be the Sister Islands Association's new Volunteer Office Assistant on Ometepe beginning in December.
The 2021 annual meeting, via Zoom
Even though we missed the usual hugs, catching up with amigos and shared meals, the second online BOSIA Annual Meeting , on Nov. 9, was a success. We heard reports from all of the committees, including the Library Committee, Projects Committee and Scholarship Committee. Things are still a little slower than normal due to the unusual year, but we are still working to foster friendships and connections between our two islands.
Adios to Amigos of Si a la Vida
Political instability in Nicaragua, combined with Covid difficulties and travel restrictions, led to the emotionally difficult yet rational decision to close the last international funding source for the Si a la Vida program, which began as a program to help homeless boys in Nicaragua and had close ties to the Sister Islands Association.