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Happy New Year!January Update
Our main issue at this point in time is obtaining our full MARENA permissions from the environmental arm of the government. Though we have been issued 5 permits from MARENA in the past for the work that has been done at Los Congos there have been unbelievable delays in their delivery of the final and most important permit. This process has been riddled with issues stemming from the new MARENA staff that was put into office after the elections in 2006. This new staff has chosen to start all over again not only with our permitting but that of at least two dozen other projects, it has been a disaster and for no apparent reason. We maintain constant (daily) contact with the MARENA officials and we are repeatedly asked to be patient. We know we will eventually get the permits in our hands but when that date will be is still yet to be seen. We follow all regulations and laws and despite the actions of MARENA we have a positive attitude that in the end all will be well. Upon receipt of these permits we will be 100% ready to progress full force with the construction of the Los Congos Resort & Spa as well as the other infrastructure yet to be installed. The contractors are in place, the materials are ready and our staff is and has been prepared to launch our project into very high gear. We are disappointed with the delays but we do not let it kill our enthusiasm or spirit and this is important. I have been asked by some other developers why we sometimes share negative information within our newsletters and they ask what the response has been and I would like to take a moment to address this point. I tell them that we have been and always will be honest with those who invest with us and that we respect our investors and clients enough to tell them the truth of every situation, good or bad. The responses have not been negative, actually it has been the opposite and investors and clients have been very supportive. Disappointed yes, but so are we and those who know our staff realize the sheer frustration of not being able to build - I personally go nuts on a weekly basis but I have to remind myself that good things come to those who wait and who are patient. I want to say that your support and positive comments really help to keep the staff and I going because some days are rough around here and it helps prevent the frustration from getting the best of us. Thanks! So for those of you who have asked how you can help I am making a request to you and all of our readers out there - go out and perform a "MARENA DANCE" in your back yard, in a forest or on a beach - maybe even in the middle of the mall parking lot. To perform this very sacred dance just take your clothes off (underwear optional), run in wide circles and scream at the top of your lungs, "MARENA, MARENA, MARENA - AARRGGHHH!" Repeat this three times and then go have a drink. If everyone does this then I think it just might work but PLEASE do not send us any pictures... and if anyone is interested, I perform this dance each night in my yard at 10PM. Best wishes from Los Congos for a safe and prosperous 2008. Next month... hopefully some good news! Take care and stay in touch. J. Finch - Laguna, SA - Developer of Los Congos
Ownership & Investment OpportunitiesLaguna Vistas - Los Congos' Latest Offering - Spectacular Views & Easy Laguna Access *Note - "I want to say personally that these lots are absolutely stunning. If you are considering purchasing land in Nicaragua you will be hard-pressed to find a better value, setting or location than these building sites. Truly and utterly spectacular!" - Jeffrey Finch, Developer of Los Congos
The Laguna Vistas section is the first phase of lots to be released in the area of Los Congos named "San Primo". This western section of the property offers great sunrises and consistent year round breezes. Several natural springs are located very close to this section of the property and this brings in all kinds of wildlife including many exotic birds, large green iguanas and everyone's favorite - Congos (Howler Monkeys). These animals can be witnessed year round. In addition a newly established organic fruit orchard sits within a 5 minute stroll from any of these incredible lots. Investing in Los Congos is an excellent value and a secure purchase. This is an early-in opportunity to buy into Phase 1 of a newly established development, which has been deemed by some government agencies as the most important tourism based project within Nicaragua. Quality property on Laguna de Apoyo is extremely rare, this is your opportunity to purchase something this is in high demand and inventory is dwindling. Contact Us to arrange a showing or to make your reservation deposit. Photos, location maps and surveys are available upon request. As an added incentive Owner Financing may be available on select lots to qualified purchasers - ask your representative about this option. Contact Us for more information, to arrange a showing or to reserve your property: Email >>> sales@loscongos.com US & Canada Dial Phone >>> 1.804.915.9630 - rings in Nicaragua US Toll Free Phone >>> 1.800.959.6422 - from US only, rings in Nicaragua International Phone >>> 011.505.552.3405 Web Site >>> www.loscongos.com * For your convenience we can now arrange Los Congos purchase closings within the USA, ask one of our representatives for more information.
Help Improve a Child's Future - Proyecto LagunaProyecto Laguna has received full 501C non-profit status from the Internal Revenue Service of the United States. Donations of any size are 100% tax deductible! THE SHOE DRIVE HAS BEEN EXTENDED! MORE CHILDREN HAVE BEEN ADDED!
Proyecto Laguna operates in a unique manner - they do not simply "hand out" these items. They teach parent groups and teachers how to generate monies to assist in these needs and Proyecto Laguna supplements the shortages through donations from organizations from around the globe but mainly from individuals like you. They "hire" women and men from Diria to oversee the processes from the beginning and they carry it out themselves with the assistance of the professional volunteers from Proyecto Laguna. This process includes every detail from identifying needs, initial local fund raising, obtaining quotes for the manufacture or purchase of the necessary items, purchasing of materials, contracting of labor, quality checks and finally the distribution of the items. This empowers the parent and teacher groups to rely on themselves in the future by obtaining the skills required to carry out the tasks to fulfill the needs on their own. Shoes are required for a child to attend school but they also can aid in the prevention of disease by protecting the feet in rural, and often unsanitary, areas. As many families within the programs can barely afford to eat, shoes are often a difficult item to justify purchasing. Proyecto Laguna hires local cobblers (yes they still exist!) to make the shoes for the children. This not only provides quality shoes for the children it also creates desperately needed jobs for residents of Diria and boosts self-esteem to the children and families involved. We are asking that you help Proyecto Laguna to achieve this goal - the children need these shoes and you can help provide them. Make your donation by visiting the Proyecto Laguna web site below or simply click on the provided "DONATE NOW" link below. You can also contact Proyecto Laguna directly to see other ways you can assist in helping to improve the conditions and lives of these great children. The smiles on their faces are priceless and their love keeps us going, even though each day is a challenge. Life is difficult enough on it's own, now imagine life on less than US $60 per month per family - let's give these children a fighting chance for a better future by keeping them healthy and in school!
Find out more details or make a donation by visiting the Proyecto Laguna web site: Web Site >>> www.proyectolaguna.com Contact Proyecto Laguna directly via email: Email >>> info@proyectolaguna.com
Flora & Fauna at Los Congos & Laguna de ApoyoJanuary Flora & Fauna Update
Many of your know and have seen the Howler Monkeys at Los Congos. The White Face Monkey is much more rare and does not have the vocal skills of our most prevalent monkey resident. The White Face Monkeys inhabit the areas around the natural springs and unlike their Howler cousins they actually will go to the ground to drink and sometimes eat and mate. They love the old mango trees near the springs and this is where they can often be seen. These wonderful creatures are a welcome sight at Los Congos and up until recently we had only seen them twice in the past year. It appears that our preservation and conservation work is paying dividends.
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Well it is 2008, can you believe it? We here at Los Congos are hoping that this new year will bring some of the much needed progress to get our project to where we hoped it would be by this time. Changes in the administration here in Nicaragua have had a greater negative impact on our project than first anticipated and this was clearly evident over the past 6 months of 2007. We feel that 2008 is going to be different and signs are already there that there will be improvements. Cross your fingers.
We have recently released a new section of laguna view properties that is called "Laguna Vistas". As the name implies these lots offer incredible, wide, sweeping views of Laguna de Apoyo and the surrounding forests. This section offers direct access off of the main all-weather road and is positioned in an area that captures nice breezes all year long. Accessing the beach and laguna from these lots is simple via road or trail system. Each building lot contains nice trees and this section in bounded on all sides by private nature preserve including several trailheads. There are only 6 of these lots available and they will be snatched up quickly so act now! These gorgeous building lots average 1/2 acre in size and begin at $89,900
Many of you are well aware of the progress Proyecto Laguna is making within the town of Diria. The team has worked diligently over the past year defining the most critical problems facing the children in regards to school attendance. The major concerns are the very basic supplies including footwear, uniforms and school supplies. Proyecto Laguna has met most of these requirements for the coming school year - all except the footwear. They need to raise an additional US $800.00 by January 31 to complete this year's footwear order because many children have been added to the list of those without shoes.
The green season has passed us and now we are in one of the nicest times of the year at Los Congos for animal and plant viewing. The cooler temperatures bring out all sorts of creatures. Recently, and due primarily to our no hunting policies, we have been seeing numerous White Face Capuchin Monkeys. Many claim that these animals were driven from the laguna years ago but we have proof that this is not the case. Our staff members have seen groups of the White Face Monkeys many times per week and I personally witnessed a family group of 5 of the beautiful creatures myself just two weeks ago.
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