Events

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

CIEE Bonaire Announces Next Public Lecture

CIEE Bonaire will hold its next public presentation on Thursday, September 2nd, 2010 when Dr. Aileen N. C. Morse discusses, “Larval ‘Flypapers’:  Universal Tools for Coral Recruitment Projects First Developed on Bonaire.”

Dr. Morse is from the Marine Biotechnology Center at the University of California Santa Barbara.  The presentation will take place at 7:00 PM at the CIEE Research Station located at Kaya Gobernador N. Debrot #26.  Everyone is invited and admission is free.  (Source:  CIEE Bonaire)

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Enjoy a Taste of Bonaire on Friday, August 27, 2010

To officially close the end of Celebrate Our Planet week, the island will be hosting a food festival, Taste of Bonaire, on Friday, August 27, 2010.

The event will take place in Wilhelmina Park in Kralendijk from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM.  This is a popular cultural event focusing on food, music, handicrafts, and a lot of fun.  All are invited to attend the evening’s event, when everyone can enjoy small plates of signature dishes from some of Bonaire’s eateries.  For visitors, it’s a time to rub elbows with the locals, as people mix and mingle enjoying their food and looking at the various items available for sale.  (Source:  TCB-Bonaire)

Friday, August 20, 2010

Bonaire Welcomes Dr. Eugenie Clark during Celebrate Our Planet Week

Dr. Eugenie Clark will be on Bonaire next week for events during Celebrate Our Planet Week.  She’ll be kept busy with a book-signing and also two presentations, but will, in addition, be the second recipient of the North American Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to her from the island of Bonaire.

There are several events throughout the week, where those on island can meet Dr. Clark:

Monday, August 23rd, at Captain Don’s Habitat, 5:30 PM:  Dr. Clark will be doing a book-signing featuring the latest edition of her book, “The Lady with the Sharks.”

On Tuesday, August 24th, at Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino, 6:00 PM, she will give a presentation entitled “Sea Monsters I Have Known” combined with “Shark Lady.” This presentation will be repeated on Thursday, August 26th at Buddy Dive Resort at 6:00 PM.

All are invited to get to know Dr. Clark during these events.

To end the week with a sweet taste, enjoy another Taste of Bonaire, organized by the Bonaire Restaurant Association.  Enjoy great dishes, local music, and handicrafts during this popular event on Friday, August 27th at Wilhelmina Park from 6:00 to 9:00 PM.

Enjoy the week’s festivities!  (Source:  TCB-Bonaire)

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Bonaire Bids Farewell to the Wounded Warriors

Yesterday, Bonaire bid a fond farewell to the 2010 participants of the 5th Be A Diver-Wounded Warrior Scuba Certification trip.  The men and their families have had a very busy week, but all have certainly enjoyed the island and all it has to offer.

When we last checked in with the Warriors, they had just completed their dive certifications.  They have spent much of their rest of their days diving, both by shore and by boat.  On Tuesday afternoon, they enjoyed lunch in Kralendijk, compliments of the Bonaire Talk Community, as well as a private shopping spree with gift certificates provided by Jewel of Bonaire.  Tuesday night they dined at Patagonia Argentinean Restaurant, compliments of the Palacios Family.

Wednesday evening was certainly special as the men and their families were guests of honor at a reception held at the home of Lt. Governor Glenn Thode and sponsored by Caradonna Caribbean Tours.  Everyone enjoyed their motorcycle escort provided by the Bikers Bonaire.  During the evening, the men were named Bonaire Ambassadors by the Tourism Corporation Bonaire.  After, a dance group from Rincon performed traditional dances for the group.  View images from Wednesday evening by clicking here.

Thursday brought more diving and then in the evening, everyone gathered at the Deco Stop Bar at Captain Don’s Habitat to watch the Week in Review with dinner following courtesy of Dive Training Magazine (images available by clicking here)

It was a little rainy (well, very rainy) on Friday morning during their Bonaire Tours island tour, but everyone ended at a complimentary lunch at KFC.  In the afternoon, more touring, this time provided by Bonaire Quad Tours, with finally a Texas-styled BBQ sponsored by Jack Chalk and his family and Adams Unlimited.

Saturday morning, it was an early morning transfer to the airport for their check-in, but, even then, these heros were given paid departure tax tickets, once again sponsored by the Bonaire Talk Community.  For five years now, the island has always come together for these annual events to show these men and their families who have given so much exactly what it means to be grateful for their sacrifices.  This week could not have been possible without the sponsors and those donating funds and/or services.  We’d like to thank everyone:  9Line LLC, Adams Unlimited Public Relations & Marketing, AERIS, Bikers Bonaire, Bonaire KFC, BonaireTalk.com, Bonaire Quad Tours, Bonaire Guided Motorcycle Tours, Bonaire Tours & Vacations, Budget Rent A Car, Captain Don’s Habitat, Caradonna Dive Adventures, Inc., Care Coalition, Caribbean Travel & Life Magazine, Chat & Browse Bonaire, DEMA/Be a Diver, Destination Weddings & Honeymoons Magazine, Dive Training Magazine, Henderson, H.S.A. International Training Center of New Jersey, Islands Magazine, Jack Chalk & Family, Jewel Of Bonaire, Net, N.V., OCEANIC, PADI, Paradise Moon Bar & Restaurant, Patagonia Restaurant, Princeton Tec, Rum Runners, Sport Diver Magazine, Tourism Corporation Bonaire, and Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project, as well as the anonymous donors.

We look forward to seeing you again in 2011!  Te aworo (until next time)! (Source:  Bonaire Insider reporter)

Monday, August 09, 2010

The Wounded Warriors Are Certified Divers Now

As was reported earlier, the Bonaire Insider will be chronicling some of the activities this week on Bonaire while the island hosts the Wounded Warriors--severely wounded U.S. military men and their families--as they complete the dive certifications and enjoy Bonaire.

The group arrived in the early hours on Saturday morning, and they were then transported to their host hotel, Captain Don’s Habitat.  After a hearty breakfast at Rum Runners, the group received their Marine Park orientation, received their dive tags (sponsored by an anonymous donor), and immediately began their first open water training dives.  It was a full day, especially after traveling overnight, but the group kept their energy up to enjoy a pizza dinner sponsored by Caribbean Travel & Life/Destination Weddings & Honeymoons, Islands, and Sport Diver magazines.

Sunday morning broke bright and early and the group was back in the water to complete their training dives.  After a lunch, sponsored by the Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project, the group, now certified divers, jumped on a boat to head off for the first boat dive of the week, to Forest at Klein Bonaire.  View images of the men and their families as they prepared for diving by visiting the Bonaire Insider Photo Gallery by clicking here.

Back at the resort, everyone showered and changed for the evening’s dinner at Paradise Moon Bar & Restaurant, sponsored by AERIS and Oceanic.  It was one very long table that nearly filled the restaurant, but everyone enjoyed their dinners, including the restaurant’s famous Walking Sticks appetizer, a variety of entrees, and a plethora of desserts, including Grandma’s Sizzling Apple Pie, Gooey Peanut Butter Pie, fried cheesecake, home-made ice-cream or sorbet, chocolate cake, and tiramisu.  Throughout the evening, one warrior or another would pop up to give plaques of appreciation to many of the sponsors present--Dan, from AERIS and Oceanic, Michael and Diana from Chat ‘n’ Browse, and Pam and Carl from Paradise Moon.  Dan, who sponsored the evening’s dinner, also raffled off several dive computers, and it seems like luck was with the ladies last night, as two of warriors’ families won.  View images of the evening’s events by clicking here.

I had the opportunity to chat with two of the couples at dinner, and they have surprising stories to tell.  One couple grew up together, but, as happens many times, went their different ways as they grew older.  Their lives became intertwined again when the the warrior was in the hospital, scheduled for twelve surgeries over two years, and one of his nurses just happened to be his childhood acquaintance!  One thing led to another, and the two were married earlier this year.

A second couple has a similar story; both were acquainted when the lady sent a message to the warrior............who never answered.  Not realizing the warrior was in a coma, she was understandably upset with not receiving a reply.  However, three-and-a-half weeks later, suddenly he responded, and the couple began seeing each other.  They, too, are newlyweds, having married last December.

Today, the group is doing additional boat dives around Bonaire and Klein Bonaire.  This evening, they will meet Bonaire’s legendary Captain Don Stewart at Habitat’s “Meet the Captain” cocktail party, before enjoying a BBQ dinner, compliments of the BonaireTalk.com community.  The Insider will be checking in with the group again later this week.  (Source:  Bonaire Insider reporter)

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Antillean Wine Company Holds Wine Tasting on Saturday, June 12, 2010

Antillean Wine Company will once again host its monthly wine-tasting event this coming Saturday, June 12, 2010 from 7:00 PM through 9:00 PM.

There will be a hand-picked selection of six wines highlighted at this month’s event, along with snacks and a convivial ambiance.  The wine-tasting will be held at their store located at Kaya Industria #23, and the entry fee is FL 17.50 (about USD $10.00).  All are invited to attend! (Source:  Antillean Wine Company)

Tuesday, June 08, 2010

June Cycling Events Offer Challenges and the Opportunity to Help a Good Cause

Bonaire Wellness Connexions will hold two cycling events in June, the first being their National Park Mountain Park Ride, and the second being a fund-raising event for the Bonaire Cancer Foundation, the “Ride for Roses.”

The National Park Maintain Bike Ride will take place on Sunday, June 20 from 8:00 AM through 11:00 AM, and it is for riders of all levels of experience to enjoy Bonaire beautiful Washington Slagbaai National Park. There will be three three different routes and levels, so that anyone, regardless of experience or level of fitness, can enjoy the event. 

Please register in advance at Bonaire Wellness Connexions (open from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM through 5:00 PM).  Participation costs FL 25.00 per person (about USD $14.04) and includes a sandwich, drink, and fruit.

On Sunday, June 27, the Ride For Roses is a fund-raising event for the Bonaire Cancer Foundation.  All are invited to come and ride for a good cause. This bicycle tour is for cyclists of all levels of experience including kids, parents, and the whole family. The total ride will take about two hours of riding on paved roads in the surroundings of Kralendijk.  This ride begins at 7:00 AM, and those interested in participating should meet at Bonaire Wellness Connexions location (parking lot of Les Galleries shopping mall).  Entry fee is FL 20.00 per adult (about USD $11.25) or FL 10.00 per child (about USD $5.60), and includes an event t-shirt, fruit, and drinks.  (Source:  Bonaire Wellness Connexions)

Wednesday, June 02, 2010

Ramon de Leon, Manager of the Bonaire National Marine Park, to Speak at Next CIEE Presentation

CIEE Bonaire’s next public lecture will be held on Tuesday, June 8, 2010 at 7:00 PM, when Ramon de Leon, the manager of the Bonaire National Marine Park, will speak.

Ramon’s presentation is entitled, “Divers’ Behavioral Study--Who Dives in Bonaire and What Do They Do?” The lecture will be held at the CIEE Research Station, located at Kaya Gobernador N. Debrot #26 in Kralendijk.  All are invited and admission is free.  (Source:  CIEE Bonaire)

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Bonaire’s Sea Turtle Club Hosts Underwater Cleanup at Lac Cai

As previously reported, this Saturday, May 22, 2010, will be a day of activities at Lac Cai in celebration of the world Day of Biodiversity.  Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire (STCB) will also host an underwater cleanup of Lac Cai to help Bonaire’s turtle population.

In the past four months, STCB has received reports of four dead turtles in Bonaire’s waters.  With two of these turtles, it was easily seen that the cause of death was drowning, due to entanglement in fishing lines and nets.  Another live turtle was found with a fishing hook embedded in its mouth; the hook was removed, and the turtle was tagged and released, as otherwise it was healthy.

These high numbers of turtles found alive or dead with entanglements in nets, lines, or with hooks creates a valid concern.  Since the Lac habitat is feeding ground for some of Bonaire’s turtles, it’s an area which needs to be kept clean of these dangers and this will be the focus on Saturday’s cleanup efforts. Those interested should meet at the first pile of conch shells at Lac Cai at 9:00 AM this Saturday for the briefing.  The cleanup can be conducted by either diving or by snorkeling, but it is recommended that divers be experienced, as the channel can have difficult currents.  Those participating will be asked to concentrate on removing fishing lines or nets, or other obstructions underwater.  There will be complimentary tanks for the first fifteen divers who check in, courtesy of Dive Friends Bonaire.

All are welcome to come and clean this area for the betterment of Bonaire’s turtles! (Source:  STCB)

Monday, May 17, 2010

Bonaire Celebrates the Day of Biodiversity This Saturday, May 22, 2010

The United Nations designated 2010 as the international year of biodiversity and May 22nd, 2010 is the Day of Biodiversity.  Bonaire will celebrate this international day of biodiversity with family activities and events at the island’s Lac Cai location. 

This location was chosen as it is considered to be the area with the highest biodiversity on the island. The area is a protected area of the Bonaire National Marine Park and home to two threatened species, the green turtle and the queen conch. Furthermore, it is an area where fish and other animals build their nests and where juvenile animals can live protected by the roots of Bonaire’s mangroves, hiding from predators until they can mature. Lac is home to oysters, crabs, sea-stars, insects, and many other animals that together make up the immense biodiversity of Lac.

The ecosystem of an island is more vulnerable than that of a continent, and the species are more limited, thus making it obligatory for them to adapt to their environment.  In doing so, they actually become endemic and separate species. Because many of Bonaire’s fauna are endemic, there is even a greater degree of importance to protect them, as well as to create an awareness among everyone to help protect these plants and animals. It is this reason that STINAPA and Tourism Corporation Bonaire have joined together to host this Day of Biodiversity.  May 22nd, 2010 will be a day of activities and celebration from as early as 9 AM through to 4 PM. Family events will be the main focus, including guided tours, kayaking, boat tours, snorkeling tours, a kids’ painting area, a kids’ play area, and more.  There will be booths selling local foods, beverages, and local music will accompany the day’s festivities.

CIEE also will be on hand starting at 11:00 AM to launch their “Adopt a Rock” program. Since Bonaire’s mangroves do face several threats--coastal development. the input of pollutants, the impact of invasive species, damage from changes in environmental conditions, as well as increased vehicular and foot traffic--CIEE and STINAPA wish to diminish the threat of anthropogenic disturbance in the protected area of the mangrove forests of Lac Cai by coordinating volunteers to place yellow stones, symbolic of the Bonaire National Marine Park, which would advise visitors to stay clear.  Accordingly, this Saturday, everyone is invited to adopt a rock (these rocks have already been washed and painted with 2 coats of yellow paint by CIEE volunteers).  Then write “NO ENTRY” on the rock in Papiamentu, Dutch, or English, along with your name, initials, or a positive message on the back of the rock (if desired).  Then place the rock in the designated area, with the NO ENTRY facing the road.  Tables with the rocks will be set up, paints and brushes will be provided as well as refreshments.

(Source:  TCB-NY and CIEE Bonaire)