Vieques Events

The latest Vieques Events is online at
www.viequesevents.net

-jts

Gallery Galleon's 2011 - 2012 Season

Great New Restaurant In Vieques

Restaurante Al Fogón

Just over the bridge from Isabel II in Santa Maria before the High School where Topacio used to be. Great local cuisine, seafood, rice & Beans, tostones y mucho mas!

Lunch: Tuesday through Saturday
(almuerzo...martes a sábado)
until 3 PM

Dinner: Friday and Saturday nights
(cena...viernes y sabado)
after 5 PM

~kg

Restaurant News

Coconuts opens this Friday, the 4th for dinner with the regular Friday through Tuesday schedule.  Lunch will begin later in the month and Beverly (Taverna To Go) has promised to let me know a week or two ahead of time.  Also coming this week is Paella Night at Belly Buttons.  Waldo will offering his famous paella every Wednesday  for the month of November.  Be sure to put that on your list.

Orquid Restaurant is re-opening as a deli this Friday as well.  Mikey has re-opened at Duffy's and the two new restaurants, Tin Shack and Noche, are getting some landscaping work this week.  Hot Sauce Jimmy is cooking C Fire every Tuesday at the Mar A beginning at 5pm.  Those of you who thought you had your last Big Kahuna Burrito last year when Jimmy moved are getting a reprieve.

The Humane Society Garage Sale has moved to main street.  The sale is open on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 9-2.  If you have items to donate, please bring to the sale area during operating hours.  If your donation is large furniture and the like, call Karen at 787-741-1256.  She is asking that no donations be left at the shelter. 

Chris and Beth at Buen Provecho are open Thursday through Saturday 12-5.  They are also available other days by special request.  If you wish to purchase or order something call Chris at 787529-7316.  Buen Provecho is currently in the same location, however, they will be moving to the Carmen Hotel later in November. 

Those of you that have been following the Enchanted Isle website and the What's Happening Column/Blog  might remember that I mentioned, more than once, the food truck near Sun Bay that offered a great shrimp and broccoli dish.  Unfortunately, they are no longer there.  The owner decided it was time to retire.  Hector's  Pincho Stand is up and running in it's former location.  Irene (the storm) took out Hector's area and he just got everything cleaned up.  He's sporting a new tent and styling black pickup truck.  You will know it when you see it, it's a riot. 

More Later.

JC

Answer about the Ferries

Ferries question-

It appears that we have ferries for both islands. However, the times have
been a bit off and as I mentioned, often times the middle of the day runs
are done with a cargo boat as the only boat. The suggestions I have are to
not dawdle getting to Fajardo when coming to Vieques and to not make
connections too tight if relying on the boat to get back to the big island
and or airport. Supposedly, the management of the boat system has been
given to private company. The boats and the employees still belong to PR
but the daily operations is now overseen by a private concern. I guess they
are supposed to maintain maintenance schedules, employee training, etc. We
will see if it helps.

Janie

To the question, is this a final schedule? Probably not, but it's probably good for now. Whatever that means. -jts

Sacred Circle Dance 10-28-11

Sacred Circle Dance at the Fort ~ This Friday ~ October 28, 2011 at 4:30 PM

This is an opportunity to come together and connect, via an ancient
tradition called Sacred Circle Dance. The dance we will do is called "The
Source" and it is done to the music of Loreena McKennitt.
No RSVP needed - bring any and all you wish - the more the merrier.

Quick update on Marauder Sailing Charters

Quick update: Nate, the new owner of Marauder Sailing Charters will be
opening for the season around Thanksgiving and will be running trips similar
to Kris and Barbara's. They'll continue the half and full day charters and
will also be adding in sunset cruises, customized and private charters.
~jts-Vieques Island Blog
More at http://www.enchanted-isle.com

Sailing Adventures

Sailing around Vieques is a super fun activity.  We have some beautiful coastline and some great snorkeling spots.  Captain Jay Skidmore has come to the island offering both bareboat charters and full service ones.  The charters are not limited just to Vieques, but can encompass other islands as well.  (we are only about 33 miles from St. Thomas).  Captain Jay's wife is the ER doctor at the hospital. 787-918-1882.  Kris and Barbara have sold their boat, Marauder.  I haven't yet run into the new owner so information on that will come later.   Captain Bill is still on deck with his boat, Willo. 

With the excitement of the opening of the middle road I forgot to mention one important item.  At the intersection, where Mikey Duffy's new restaurants are located, the stop sign is missing.  If you are heading toward town or Esperanza from Puerto Real or Pilon, you have to stop at the intersection.  Well, you don't have to but if a fender bender occurs, the guy coming from Pu Real will get the ticket and the repair bills.  Oddly, it does make sense, sort of.  When you head toward Esperanza from the Crow's Next/Next Course road, the intersection is a sight line nightmare.  You can't see the traffic on your right until you are completely in the middle of the intersection. 

Speaking of Next Course, Buddy has found a supplier for top quality prime rib.  He will be offering it up as a special throughout the season.  You will need to call to find out when.  Don't bother asking for the end cuts.  The patrons at Lazy Jack's already called dibs on them.

For a great lunch, stop at the Biekes Bistro next to El Patio.  Sondra makes super panini sandwiches for a great price.  A ham and cheese is $5.50.  The Bistro and the Patio are connected so you are offered both menus.  This is one of those places where you can get something Puerto Rican, something South American, something huge if you are hungry and something small if you are not.  They have a huge coffee machine and full bar. 

Someone asked about the filming of "The Bachelor", and yes they did.  Most of the filming was done at the W, with one scene at Sun Bay.  We watched a few van loads of people go to the far end of Sun Bay.  They off loaded about five gazillion dollars worth af cameras and lights.  Armando from the machine shop was there with his flatbed truck and large generator.  A helicopter with a big camera on its nose flew over a few times.  There was a single dining table and chairs set up.  It will be interesting to see the final version on TV.  It sure took a long time to set up.

The ferry's are still in a state of flux, although yesterday the 4:30 boat left around 4:30 and came straight here.  As mentioned previously, don't assume anything.  Bring a book with you.

More Later,

JC

Be aware-Don't litter!!

~jts and Surfrider foundation

October is Breast Cancer Prevention Month

Activities of the American Cancer Society sponsored by Vieques Women’s Alliance and the Municipality of Vieques:
Friday October 14 2011:
6:00 pm Fort Conde de Mirasol: Presentation of book “The Impact of Breast Cancer Diagnosis in Puerto Rican Women” presented by Professor Ana M. Fabian Maldonado.
Saturday 15:
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 pm Public Square: Clinics for Hypertension, Diabetes and Podiatry.
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Nuestra Escuela (Old School Gautier Benítez): Breast Clinic - Before, During and After a Diagnosis of Breast Cancer.
5:00 pm The March: Leaving Jardines de Vieques: Making Strides Against Cancer.

Peace and Light,

Jim

Growth is a product of reaching into the unknown in spite of myself, smiling.

~ me

Preparate para ser guia - Train to be a guide

Preparate para ser guia en la Bahia Bioluminiscente
Train to be a guide in the Bioluminescent Bay
Octubre 31 al ll de noviembre . 2:30 pm
Bioluminiscencia • Reglamentos • Servicio al cliente • Seguridad
October 31 to 10 November 11 • 2:30 pm
Blolulminescence • Regulations • Customer service • Security
Matricula en el Fideicomiso 10am - 4pm • Registration at the Trust 10am -
4pm
Solo 24 espacios disponibles. Only 24 spaces available
Subvencionado por al Agencia Federal de Protetcion Ambienta1 (EPA)
Financed by a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
THE VIEQUES CONSERVATION & HISTORICAL TRUST
FIDEICOMISO DE CONSERVACION E HISTORIA DE VIEQUES
Flamboyan 138. Esperanza. Vieques  787-741-8850
~jts

activities at the fort- actividades próximas en el fuerte Oct-Dec 2011

(Activities at the Fort Count Mirasol Museum and the Vieques Historic
Archives)

Sujeto a cambios; confirmar vía 787 741-1717  rrabin@icp.gobierno.pr

(Subject to changes please call to confirm)

Octubre

14       
6pm presentación libro:  impacto del diagnóstico de cáncer  de seno en la
mujer puertorriqueña, por Annie Fabián Maldonado  (auspician: alianza de
mujeres viequenses; gobierno municipal de Vieques; asoc. americana de
cáncer)
Book presentation:  impact of breast cáncer diagnosis on PR women

15       
7pm apertura exhibición, Ilustraciones (acuarelas) botánicas – plantas
nativas de Vieques.  Artista botánico, Donald Davidson; música de la Banda
Municipal de Vieques
Opennin exhibit:  watercolor prints of native Vieques flora, by Donald
Davidson

21       
8am – 3pm Las humanidades en el currículo escolar... panel para maestros y
la comunidad en general, sobre temas viequenses en el currículo;  Proyecto
DIASPORA, UPR/Río Piedras y el MMHV
Workshop for Vieques teachers:  the humanities in the school curriculum
 

Diciembre

6
8am – 5pm    en el Fuerte :  reunión comunitaria sobre proyecto nuevo en
Vieques de Servicios de Salud Mental y Contra la Adicción, (ASSMCA).
Community meeting on new mental health project for Vieques at Fort

7         
taller para maestros sobre recursos que ofrece la Fundación Puertorriqueña
de las Humanidades
workshop for Vieques teachers on available resources at  PR Foundation for
the Humanities

10
Actividad navideña en el Fortín:   Concierto con la Banda Municipal de
Vieques; Feria de Artesanía y Libros Viequenses; lectura poesía viequense;
cine viequense en pantalla grande.... y más
XMAS activity at Fort... Municipal Band; Vieques artesans and books fair;
poetry Reading; Vieques film ... and more

----------------------------
MMHV/AHV trabaja con la digitalización de más de 400 negativos originals de
fotos tomadas en Vieques en 1942; auspicial:  Guilllermo Calzadilla y
Jennifer Allora
Digitalization of over 400 original negatives, photos of Vieques from 1942

MMHV prepara Guía de Turismo Cultural de Vieques, con auspicio de la
Fundación Puertorriqueña de las Humanidades
Preparing Guide to Vieques Cultural Tourism, with support from PR Humanities
Foundation

MMHV colabora con Gob. Municipal, Fideicomiso Conservación e Historia de
Vieques; Cámara de Comercio Vieques; DRNA; Liga Atlética Policiaca Vieques;
Nuestra Escuela/Vieques; SIFE; ICP; y ciudadanos particulares en proyecto
conservación sitios culturales:  Sitio Arqueológico Hombre de Puerto Ferro;
Ruinas y Trenes de la Central Esperanza; Tumbas de Le Guillou; ruinas de la
Central Playa Grande
Collaborative effort for conservation:  Puerto Ferro Man Archaeological
Site; Ruins/Trains at Esperanza Sugar Mill; Le Guillou Tombs; ruins Playa
Grande Sugar Mill

MMHV working with Municipal Govt., Conservation and Historical Trust
Vieques, Vieques Chamber of Commerce, DNER, Vieques Police Athletic League;
Our School / Vieques, SIFE, ICP, and private citizens in cultural sites
conservation project: Archaeological Site of Puerto Ferro man, Ruins and
Trains Hope Central; Tombs of Le Guillou, ruins of Central Playa Grande
Collaborative effort for conservation: Puerto Ferro Man Archaeological Site,
Ruins / Trains at Esperanza Sugar Mill, Le Guillou Tombs, Playa Grande Sugar
Mill ruins
~kg-br

The Bachelor

Rumor has it ABC’s “The Bachelor” is filming in Vieques and is at the “W”. Anyone know or care?

~jts

Ferry Schedule

Just read an email from Karen, who got a new ferry schedule from Wanda's blog.  The schedule covers today, tomorrow and Thursday. (Maybe)  Here it is in case you are heading this way or are heading home.  The boats that are going to on those runs are listed as well, but don't panic if you don't see it.  Well, panic a little maybe.  Just remember that when the cargo ferry is used, they load through a door opposite the normal Vieques gate.  Keep asking which door and ask when you get on.  It doesn't appear that you will go to Culebra first based on the schedule, but, then again....

Vieques to Fajardo

    6:30am  Vieques II

    12 noon  Cayo Largo (cargo)

    4pm Vieques  II

    8pm  Vieques II

Fajardo to Vieques

    10am Cayo Largo (cargo)

    2pm Vieques II

    6pm Vieques II

    8pm  Cayo Largo (cargo)

There was a note that there will be an 11:30 pm cargo boat carrying gasoline.  It would follow then that there will be gas on Wednesday. 

The ferry system is a mess and certainly does need to be overhauled, but, even through these times, our local suppliers have been able to keep the shelves pretty well stocked, the restaurants have food and drink, vegetables and concrete block are available.  It is just more of a challenge.  You cannot rely on the old schedule of meats being available Wedneday and vegetables on Thursday at Morales, you just have to keep checking.  It's island life and we chose it.

Bananas has added an old favorite to their menu.  If you remember when Rick and Honor had the Blue McCaw restaurant, you will remember the hot cheese dip.  Well, you can get it at the Banana now and it is good!  Mikey Duffy's new restaurants are getting closer and closer.  Since the bridge is open you can drive by easily and see.

Coconuts has postponed reopening until early November, but the Mar Azul is offering Coqui Fire night every Tuesday and daily specials.  Jimmy is also going to do a theme night once a month. 

More Later.

JC

Donald Davidson Show at Fort

Saturday, October 15th, 7-9 PM at the Fort Count Mirasol Museum for an opening of my solo exhibition of botanical art of Vieques 2010-2011.
The show runs Oct 15- December 30.

Octoberfest

Saturday, the 15th at Lazy Jack's, bring your lederhosen!  Bar Manager Igor will have special beers available, including some on tap.  Speaking of tap beer, I often get questioned by the lack of it on Vieques.  Many have tried.  The very nature of tap beer and our transportation system are almost mutually exclusive. 

The CO2 gas used to move the beer through the tap system is considered a hazardous material.   On the days the cargo boat carries hazardous material, the passengers are limited to the drivers of the vehicles only.  Therefore, the transit authority limits the number of ferry runs with hazardous material on board.  You either have to have space to store several months worth of CO2 or risk having a full keg of beer with no way to get it out.  Since tap beer, once tapped has a shelf life, you can imagine the rivers of beer that have gone down the drain here. 

Trade Winds is reopening on Friday the 7th.  They will be open for dinner only right now.  Conuco is reopening on the 11th.  Bananas is also opening this week with a couple of menu changes.  Next Course is open with Rick Gallup (Blue MaCaw) guest cheffing every Tuesday.  That's a yum.

For those looking for Sunday Brunch (or Saturday Brunch), the Inn on the Blue Horizon is beautiful spot.  They offer the brunch menu from 8am to 3pm.  The Mar Azul has great drunk food served all day.  Jimmy (coqui fire) whips up a special every day.  Of course, Duffy's is open every day with lunch and dinner specials and about a billion specialty beers.  Belly Buttons is an everyday affair for breakfast and lunch.  Sunday's Craig offers ribs and football, and every Thursday is Mexican night featuring Margaret's specials...BLT tacos anyone?  For a really special occasion, the W is also open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  The food is now very good and of course the ambiance is really cool. 

One sad note, Dot Gordon passed away.  Dot was the mother of Al Gordon, of Al's Mar Azul fame.  We assume they are now reunited and she is giving him a good scolding.  Dot was a lovely lady and a mean domino player.     

More later.

JC