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THE PLACENCIA
DECEMBER
2014
PY! O C E E FR “The Peninsula Newspaper”
Established 1999
A Placencia BTIA Publication
Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek, Belize
Mistletoe Ball Spins Magic at Belize Ocean Club! Every year organizers of the Placencia Mistletoe Ball strive to make it the “best one yet”, but word around the Peninsula is that this year’s glam party blew all its predecessors out of the water! On December 13, the stars aligned over the Belize Ocean Club where the Placencia Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (PBTIA) hosted the 2014 Mistletoe Ball, the organization’s final fundraiser of the year. The ever popular Gilharry 7 Band played what many are calling their best performance ever, while the signature dinner is being heralded as the most perfectly executed in the Ball’s 15year history. Cindy Weller, the new Business Manager at the Placencia Tourism Center, headquarters for Continued on page 14
Left to Right: Aaron Krohn brings live classical guitar music to a widely praised dinner. Dancing feet get kickin’ in the Belize Ocean Club ballroom to the Gilharry 7 Band. (MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGRAPHY)
Polish Running Coach Wins End of the World Marathon Record Number of Volunteers Credited for Marathon’s Success
Wojciech Kopec breezes through finish line. The professional runner completed the full 26.2 mile marathon in 2 hours, 50 minutes and 30 seconds. (JOLIE POLLARD) SEE STORY ON PAGE 20
Kim Carpenter of the Maya Beach Hotel and Bistro Superman themed water station helps full marathon runner, Keira Eiley of Placencia Village to a Crystal water pouch. (BILL TAYLOR) SEE STORY ON PAGE 20
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The Placencia Breeze ‖ December 2014 ‖ Page 2
INSIDE DECEMBER 2014 Page 3: Christmas Boat Parade to Brighten the Season Page 3: Candy Cane Breeze by Greta Leslie Page 3: Krismus Roundup from Placencia Businesses Page 5: Peninsula Shopping for Perfect Christmas Present Page 11: Belize Ocean Club Celebrates First Anniversary Page 11: The Vision, a Poem by Poet Bob Page 13: Coconut Vendor Promotes Healthy Lifestyle Page 19: Peninsula Women Shine at Ladies’ Night
Editor’s Corrections (Oops!): In our November issue, we incorrectly identified Darrel Leslie as Blake Leslie in our coverage of the Placencia Yamaha Saltwater Fishing Tournament. (Thanks, Kuzu!) Design the January Breeze Flag! E-mail your concept to pollard.jolie@gmail.com. We’ll give you a shout on page 3!
Page 21: Placencia End of the World Marathon in Pictures Page 23: Young Pupils Demonstrate Smarts at PIA Grand Opening Page 24: More News from the Rotary Club of Placencia Page 25: Student of the Month (PIA and St. John’s -- St. Alphonsus to be featured in January issue.) Pages 26: Liquor License Applications Page 27: 2014 Marks Year of Progress for St. John’s Primary Page 29: Thank You to 2014 Mistletoe Ball Sponsors
Advertise at the start of the new year! JANUARY 2015 ADVERTISING DEADLINE: ►MONDAY, JAN. 5, 2015 Contact 523-4045 or accounts@placencia.com
PENINSULA HAPPENINGS FESTIVALS • LOCAL MUSIC & ENTERTAINTMENT • GAMES • FOOD/DRINK
Courtesy of the Placencia BTIA
WHEN SATURDAY & SUNDAY, Feb. 14 & 15 MONDAYS
LOCATION PLACENCIA SIDEWALK (Placencia)
EVENT Placencia Sidewalk Arts Festival. Contact the Placencia Tourism Center at info@placencia.com or 523-4045 for more information.
Tipsy Tuna (Placencia)
TUESDAYS
Habanero’s Mexican Café & Bar (Seine Bight) Yoli’s Bar (Placencia) Barefoot Bar
MARTINI MONDAY! Martini specials and live music with Karl Lovell, 6-10 p.m.! P. 523-3089 All you can eat Mexican Buffet! Come try our Tequila Lime Pie. 7 to 9 p.m. Dinner Pick-ups available. P. 523-3565 Rotary Club of Placencia meets at 12:30 p.m. P. 625-2763. TRAVELLER’S TUESDAY! Specials on Traveller’s rum drinks. Live Reggae Starts! 5pm-close. P. 523-3515 MOJITO MANIA! Mojito specials ALL DAY! P. 523-3089 WET WEDNESDAY! Specials on featured beer & $1 off all other beers! Fun & Funky Jam Session at 5 p.m.. Open Mic -- Visiting musicians welcome! WINGS WEDNESDAY! $1 Wings ALL DAY! Get ‘em Naked, Hot, Sweet-N-Spicy, Buffalo, Honey BBQ or Ginger Sesame! Drink specials. P. 523-3089. GARIFUNA DRUMMING 7-9 p.m. P. 523-3089 DIRTY THURSDAY! 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tell a dirty joke and get the shot of the day for free! P. 523-3515 TIPSY THURSDAY! Karaoke with Karl Lovell, FREE Jello Shots and Dancing in the Aquarium with DJ Swagg in our sports bar, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.! P. 523-3089 BITTER ABOUT YOUR WEEK? $1 Local Bitters ALL DAY LONG! “They good fi dih back!” P. 523-3515 Margarita Madness! Margarita Specials ALL DAY! P. 523-3089
WEDNESDAYS
Tipsy Tuna (Placencia) Barefoot Bar (Placencia) Tipsy Tuna (Placencia)
THURSDAYS
Barefoot Bar (Placencia) Tipsy Tuna (Placencia)
FRIDAYS
Barefoot Bar (Placencia) Tipsy Tuna (Placencia)
SATURDAYS
SUNDAYS
EVERYDAY
Quarter Deck Restaurant at Laru Beya Resort (Seine Bight) Barefoot Bar (Placencia) Barefoot Bar (Placencia)
Happy hour from 4 to 6 pm. Free bar snacks. Live music from 6 to 9 pm. International Fine Dining with Belizean flair. P. 523-3476
Tipsy Tuna (Placencia)
STRESS FREE SATURDAY! $2 off Tipsy Signature Drinks ALL DAY! Live music and/or DJ 6-10 p.m. P. 523-3089 Karaoke 8 p.m. to midnight. P. 503-3351
J-Dee’s Restaurant & Bar (Placencia) Robert’s Grove (Seine Bight) Habanero’s Mexican Café and Bar (Seine Bight) Yoli’s Bar (Placencia) Barefoot Bar (Placencia) Tipsy Tuna (Placencia)
Barefoot Horseshoe Tournament at 4 p.m. Cash + Bar Tab Prizes. P. 523-3515; Live Rock + Alternative + Reggae music, 5-9 p.m. P. 523-3515
Poolside Beach BBQ Buffet, 7-9 p.m. Live entertainment. P. 523-3565 for dinner pickups.
Paella Night. Complimentary glass of House Sangria for each diner. 6 to 9 p.m. Pick-ups available. P. 523-3565 4 p.m. Placencia’s Famous Ring Game. P. 625-2763. Tropical Vibes Reggae Jazz Infusion, 2-8 p.m. Beach BBQ. P. 523-3515 SEASIDE SUNDAY! Buckets of Beer specials ‘til 10 p.m.! Live music and/or DJ 6-10 p.m.! P. 523-3089. Belize Ocean Club (Maya Sunday Pool Parties! Party DJ, great food and drinks! Beach) Habanero’s Mexican Café & Sunset Happy Hour. 5 to 7 p.m. $10 Margaritas. $4 Beers. $4 Local Rum drinks. Cocktails on Bar the lagoon after a hard week’s work. P. 523-3565 (Seine Bight) Robert’s Grove (Seine Bight) Seaside Happy Hour and bar snacks. 4 to 6 p.m. $5 Local Beer and Rum Drinks.P. 523-3565 Quarter Deck Restaurant at International Fine Dining with Belizean flair. Breakfast served from 7 to 11 am. Lunch served Laru Beya Resort (Seine from 12 to 2 pm. Happy hour from 4 to 6 pm. Dinner served from 6 to 9 pm. P. 523-3476 Bight) Tipsy Tuna (Placencia) Tipsy Happy Hour 5-7 p.m.! Rush Hour, 10-11 pm with 2-for-1 Local Rum! Kitchen open until 11:30 pm! P: 523-3089 Barefoot Bar (Placencia) Happy Hour 5-6 p.m. $2 OFF Local Rum Drinks including Coladas and Daiquiris. P. 523-3515
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PVC Christmas Boat Parade to Brighten the Season The Placencia Village Council has been busy preparing for their Christmas Boat Parade to take place on Saturday, Dec. 20 starting at 6 p.m. While last year’s event gathered a huge crowd and impressed with just just a handful of participating boats, the PVC is hoping that a long list of fantastic cash prizes will attract more boaters to the new annual event.
Tropic Air – One Round trip ticket from Placencia to Belize Municipal Airport.
“We have over 30 fantastic prizes! And, prizes are still coming in,” said PVC executive assistant Jenria Lozano.
The Shak: Dinner for two
Like last year, the boat parade will be led by the Placencia Princess and will begin at Sunset Point passing through the channel by the Placencia Municipal Pier and continuing up to Chabil Mar where it will loop around, return through the channel to the entrance of the lagoon then ending back at the Municipal Pier.
Treasure Box: $100 Gift Certificate Tuttifrutti: $50 Gift Certificate Rumfish y Vino: Bottle of Wine Omar’s Creole Grub: Dinner for two Paradise Resort: Dinner for two Wendy’s Creole and Spanish Cuisine Restaurant: Dinner for two
Participating boat preparing to depart from dock in 2013 parade. The Placencia Village Council is hoping to attract more boats this year. Visit the PVC Office to register or call 523-3396. (MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGRAPHY)
works presentation, sponsored by Coldwell Banker, at the pier at 11 p.m.
feet is $25.00 and boats 26 to 48 CPC Real Estate: $100 feet is $40.00 D’TOURZ: $100 DJ Pappy will be entertaining at the Municipal Pier where the PVC Maya Beach Hotel: $100 will be hosting a dance until 2 a.m. Barefoot Beach Bar: $100 Don’t miss another fantastic fireCANDY CANE BREEZE! Shout out to the artist behind the December 2014 Flag! This issue’s holiday candy cane art was designed by Greta Leslie. She is a well known and respected artist in Belize and resides on the Placencia Village sidewalk where she operates Art n Soul Gallery, which boasts creations from artists all over the country, as well as her own beautiful paintings of nostalgic Placencia scenes and more. Want to contribute your talents to our January flag? Contact the editor at pollard.jolie@gmail.com!
Glen and Martha Eiley: $100 cash prize Mariposa Restaurant and Beach Suites: Dinner for two
Tipsy Tuna Beach Side Bar: $100 Ranguana Lodge: $50
Mojo Restaurant: $50 Gift Certificate
There will be two categories for Prizes as of press time are as fol- Cozy Corner Hotel: $50 prizes: lows: Yoli’s Bar: $50 Category I: Boats measuring up to Robert’s Grove: $500 25 feet Vision Properties: $300 Category II: Boats from 26 to 48 Yearwood Properties: $200 feet. Registration fees for boats up to 25 A Belizean Nirvana: $150
Placencia Office Supply: $20 phone credit
Secret Garden Massage & Day Spa: 60 minute massage by Lee Nyhus
Heaven’s Gate: $50 Rainbow Pieces: $50 Fantoni’s Kitchen: $50
De’Tatch Restaurant: Dinner for two
Rick’s Café: $50
Major sponsors include:
Wallen’s Market: $50 One World: $30 MNM Hardware: Voucher valued at $100 for fuel from MNM Placencia Service Station.
The Krismus Roundup from Peninsula businesses: The following businesses responded to a Facebook survey. For businesses not listed here, just find their contact info in our centerfold directory and give them a ring!
Crab Beach House is available for short or long stay. Taste Belize Tours will NOT be open on Christmas day or Boxing Day.
Secret Garden will be open throughPickled Parrot is having a buffet dinner out the holidays. on Christmas Day. Mary’s Kitchen will be open throughDoran’s Services will be available for out the holidays and in the late hours emergency cases only -- no dirty filter on clubbing nights. requests! Continued on page 23 Goss Chocolate will be selling and Blue
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Shop in Placencia for the Perfect Christmas Present! Whether it’s for a special Christmas gift or just the ultimate souvenir, visitors and locals alike will find incredible treasures in the Peninsula shopping scene. We’ve sifted through the imported junk and compiled a list of our editor’s top 10 locally-made favorites. 1. Soaps, Healing Balms and Natural Repellants: Nothing will strike up sweet Placencia nostalgia like lovely scents. Belize offers some of the most luxurious handmade soaps using ingredients such as chocolate, coconut oil and lemon grass. Support a good cause and buy Raquel Battle’s Belize in You soaps, which uses seaweed produced by Placencia farmers. Visit gift shops like Sunova Beach, Placencia Beach Bazaar, One World and the gift shop at Turtle Inn for great finds. Best of all, they’re organic and provide many benefits to your skin health. Some smell so good you’ll be tempted to eat them. But, don’t do that.
Visit Denyse’s Originals located along the Placencia Village sidewalk. Veteran jeweler Denyse Rosa has been creating fascinating pieces for 17 years in the village. Using only handmade materials and rare coral and other natural treasures, her prices can range from BZ$20 to BZ$1,000! You’re talking about pieces of coral on a necklace Denyse will only come across once in a decade. Denyse is also offering hand-painted Christmas tree ornaments to her customers. Her shop opens from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit her Facebook page to contact her personally.
Capture striking pieces of precious corals and other natural elements for a really special person at Denyse Originals on the sidewalk. This necklace sells for BZ$1,000. Items start at BZ$20.
Find more great jewelry on the PenTested and approved! Sand Fly Bye- insula at Kaj Expressions (Her lionBye all organic repellant is a must fish creations start at just BZ$30.), have for anyone living on the cayes Art Affair Gallery, the jewelry or on the Peninsula. Ditch the Off! shop below Mojo’s for great silver and Orlando August’s beautiful conch shell work station along the sidewalk. Also, check out offerings from roaming vendors throughout the village for something that strikes your fancy at a great bargain!
of coconut shells and painting them with beautiful designs and patterns. These ornaments are also great for hanging anywhere else where they can be seen and admired. Find Sonny’s creations at Placencia Beach Bazaar. Find other great ornaments at wood sculpting shops, Orlando August’s work station and in collections from traveling vendors like engraved slates and woven baskets.
4. Special Ornaments: Be the envy of your friends by decorating your Christmas tree with Sonny Vernon’s painted coconut fish masterpieces. Sonny and his wife Annette work at their house cutting fish shapes out
5. Paintings: The Placencia Peninsula is a treasure trove of art. Find beautiful work at Lola’s Art Gallery in Seine Bight Village and at The
Forget OFF! Placencia’s brilliant repellant alchemist Rand Taylor of the Maya Beach community in north Seine Bight Village has perfected a blend of organic oils to ward off mosquitoes and sand flies. They may seem pricey starting at BZ$20 a bottle at some places, but a little goes a long way on exposed skin and the scent is fabulous! If you’ve already been bitten, treat yourself to effective natural healing balms and ointments created with herbs extracted from the Belize rainforest. Find these concoctions at Nina’s Pharmacy above Wallen’s Market Leaving Belize without locally produced chocolate is simply criminal. and One World gift shop. 2. Chocolate: No need to visit specialty international stores for high grade chocolate. Find the highest quality chocolates on the Peninsula made with cacao beans grown and roasted right here in the southern region of Belize. Many stores carry Goss Chocolates - the milk, white, dark and special dark selections. These bars wrapped up in a shiny gold wrapper are produced right on the Peninsula in Seine Bight Village. This season the Goss chocolatiers are also offering a tasty truffle selection.
3. Jewelry: There are plenty of jewelry options on the Peninsula and nearby island resorts, but when seeking that perfect gift, look for pieces that use special materials that will forever say Placencia and Belize.
Continued on page 9
Find the Peninsula’s very own Goss Chocolate bars or special holiday truffles and look out for Punta Gorda’s Cotton Tree varieties.
For even more variety, try Cotton Tree chocolates available in the gift shop located just behind the Tutti Frutti gelateria. Cotton Tree from Punta Gorda in the Toledo District, offers delicious chocolate blends with black pepper, mint and nutty cacao nibs. Each bar comes with a 10 percent off coupon for purchases Find expertly sculpted conch shell jewelry and ornaments like this piece by Orlando August who can be seen busy at his workstation just across made in the USA! from Omar’s Guesthouse south of Rick’s Cafe on the sidewalk.
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THANK YOU FOR PICKING UP THE PLACENCIA BREEZE! FIND US ONLINE: URL: http://issuu.com/theplacenciabreeze www.placencia.com PUBLISHER: The Placencia Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (Placencia BTIA) DISTRIBUTION: The Placencia Breeze is available free of charge at the Placencia Tourism Center, the Philip Goldson International Airport, nationwide airstrips and resorts, guesthouses, restaurants and bars, gift shops, banks and other businesses on the Placencia Peninsula. The Placencia Breeze has a print circulation of 2,000, as well as a large online web audience. EDITOR IN CHIEF: Jolie Pollard ADVERTISING OFFICERS: Cindy Weller and Jonnell Augustine VOLUNTEER PHOTOGRAPHER: Muzamanzie Photography PLACENCIA BTIA BOARD: Evan Hall, Co-Chairman Steve Christensen, Co-Chairman David Vernon, Treasurer Salva Zabaneh, Councilor lsa Villanueva, Councilor Kristine Small, Councilor Cleeve Westby, Councilor PRINTER: The Reporter Press, Belize City, Belize The Placencia Breeze The Placencia Tourism Center, Placencia Village, Stann Creek, Belize. Phone: 523- 4045; E-mail: accounts@placencia.com
Debbie (Little Bit) Gabor has the solution to your Real Estate needs!
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The Placencia Breeze ‖ December 2014 ‖ Page 8
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Shop in Placencia for the Perfect Christmas Present! Continued from page 5. Art Affair Gallery, Omar’s Creole Grub and Jaguar Tattoos along the Placencia Main Street in Placencia Village and at A Piece of Belize Wood Carvings and Art n Soul Gallery along the sidewalk. With a range of prices available, you’re bound to find something special within any budget starting with prints and specially painted crafts like Lola’s key holders.
Grill n Go) along the main street in Placencia Village for some of Dawn’s own hot habanero pepper sauce. She has the lids secured with tape already for travel, but be sure not to place them in your carry-on for they are over the 3.4 ounces limit. Your friends who love spicy food will thank you for sharing, so take extra home. For the sweet tooth selections, stop at Greg’s Vegetable Shop for Cleeve Westby’s baked 6. Wood Sculptures: If there’s ex- goods like his scrumptious banana tra space in your luggage, consider bread or at John the Bakerman for purchasing a gorgeous zericote wooden bowl from Tyrone at A Piece of Belize Wood Carvings on the sidewalk or an eye-catching home décor abstract piece just a few yards north of Tyrone at Leo’s wood carving shop near Cozy Corner hotel.
The Placencia Breeze ‖ December 2014 ‖ Page 9 some honey bun or cinnamon rolls. Center across from Scotiabank on the Main Street in Placencia 8. Music: Visit the gift shops for Village. Find cute water bottles, great Belizean music. Some stores sport bags and t-shirts. Speaking of like One World are equipped with t-shirts, check at your favorite bar headphones that allow you to pre- for very cool t-shirts. Tipsy Tuna, view compilations. Go for Andy Barefoot Bar, The Flying Pig and Palacio’s “Watina” and other Stone the Pickled Parrot could have some Tree records for top audio quality. funny stuff for you to take home. You may also find some homemade CD compilations being sold by 10. Books: Most giftshops, as well walking vendors and guys parked as Placencia Office Supply, are along the sidewalk. Give them a try. stocked with cool informational You might be pleasantly surprised. books on Belize and some fiction. Be on the lookout for “Way Bak 9. Events and Bar Memorabilia: Den” and the recently published Score some great event merchan- “Placencia and Its Environs,” which dise at the Placencia Tourism Center would make great presents for hislocated just behind ReMax Property tory buffs.▪
7. Jellies, Hot Sauces and Baked Goods: If you’ve enjoyed a Creole breakfast with fried jacks on the Peninsula, chances are you were served a side of sweet guava jelly. Several women in the village make their special batch at home, and you can find a great selection at Wallen’s Market, the natural foods shop on the Municipal Pier or at Omar’s Creole Grub The Placencia Village sidewalk offers some of the best shopping on the or at Miss Cunchie’s house. Also Dawn’s Habanero Pepper Sauce is sold Peninsula. Two wood carving stations offer beautifully sculpted ornaments stop at Dawn’s Grill (formerly ready and secured for checked baggage. and functional wooden bowls like this turtle by Tyrone Lockwood.
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The Placencia Breeze ‖ December 2014 ‖ Page 10
http://issuu.com/theplacenciabreeze “The Vision” Penned by Bob the Poet She closed her satin curtains; And told me she could look into my future – Then she traced the outline of my hand And told me that my love had never ended, But was just suspended, And that time would heal my many wounds …
The Placencia Breeze ‖ December 2014 ‖ Page 11
Belize Ocean Club Celebrates First Anniversary! The team at the Belize Ocean Club have proven to the Peninsula community this year that they know how to throw a good party! In grand style, the crew celebrated their first anniversary and the birthday of resort executive Ben Mason at a sizzling White Party. The resort has become a favorite spot for Sunday pool parties and according to new Event Manager Anna Perigo, more
She said that life is all I can make of it now; Let my upcoming dreams just show me how … Then she spoke a little about how I might best Fit myself in and ended the reading with a wink and a grin … The message that she gave to me was to live my life happily – Become the character I was born to be – Then set the stage and let my mind run free People were ready to hear what I see … So I lived my life in the focus of that direction— With an eye open always for those magically ensuing reflections – Of connections Not to ignore, but to inquire into Because I’ve learned in this life, that dreams come true Yes, dreams will come true with the right follow through – Worked on me. Why don’t ‘tcha try it on you? More from Chino coming in January! Share your poetry with the Breeze! E-mail pollard.jolie@gmail.com
(LEONARDO MELENDEZ PHOTOGRAPHY)
excitement is to come in the new year with the first Belize Electronic Music Festival to be hosted at the resort on Jan. 31. The event is expected to have an impressive lineup of club DJs and attract electronic music lovers from all over to the Peninsula. Find Sisimito Records or Belize Ocean Club on Facebook for more details! ▪
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The Placencia Breeze ‖ December 2014 ‖ Page 12
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The Placencia Breeze ‖ December 2014 ‖ Page 13
Coconut Vendor Promotes Healthy Lifestyle When visiting the Placencia Peninsula, your trip is not complete without tasting fresh coconut water. Unlike some packaged coconut water that can be laced with preservatives, flavourings and sweeteners, all natural coconut water drunk directly from the gourd itself is a most pleasurable and guilt-free experience. Marlon “Michael” Wright stands next to a large wheel barrow parked along the Placencia Village sidewalk. It is brimming with freshly cut young green coconuts that he has collected from trees scattered in people’s backyards and along the beach front. He chips away at one of the coconuts with a machete until he creates a hole. He passes it over to a tourist along with a straw who pays him BZ$6.00 for the rejuvenating drink. I buy one too and after I finish enjoying the delicious water from the young coconut, I ask Michael to chop it in half, so I can devour the tasty, soft white jelly inside. He carefully chops at the side of an empty coconut and hands me to use as a spoon. It works perfectly, and I’m happy I just saved the planet from an additional piece of plastic waste.
Micheal knows coconuts! The coconut expert often seen selling coconut water to tourists on the sidewalk says he has been working with the super food since he was seven years old. (JOLIE POLLARD)
white fleshy insides of the older coconuts overnight then skimming the residue settled at the top for the oil extraction process over fire. Michael was born in Belize City, It’s very hard work and only a few but his Placencia roots go far back people still make coconut oil at to his great grandparents of the home today since it has become a Vernon and Garbutt families renew local industrial product availspectively. His great aunt Emma able in grocery stores. Westby still lives in the village. She is 94 years old. Even though Then in 2006, when he was raking Michael has been living in the vil- yards in the village he observed lage for the past 10 years, he has that many people were leaving been visiting since he was a child, their coconuts to fall and go old. spending his school holidays with Well educated on the healthy propfamily. Later as he got older he erties of coconut water and aware would also work as a caretaker at of a few people in the village who nearby islands: Hunting Caye, Bu- could benefit from it, he asked gle Caye and English Caye. homeowners permission to collect the coconuts so he could help his It was at seven years old when friends who were suffering from Michael says he started chopping kidney problems. It was while colcoconuts, but it was for a far more lecting the coconut water for these difficult process than simply propeople that he caught the eye of curing coconut water. He was helpcurious visitors. ing his aunt and uncle make coconut oil, which involves soaking the “I saw a new business opportuni-
ty,” Michael recalls as he continues to chop coconuts during our brief interview session on the sidewalk. In addition to selling the coconuts to tourists at his mobile sidewalk workstation and during major festivals such as the Placencia Lobsterfest in June and the Placencia Sidewalk Arts and Music Festival in February, he also sells dry coconuts to a few local restaurants who grate the hard white flesh inside to make coconut milk for their Creole cooking.
where Michael’s coconuts are stored in an icebox.
“I just borrowed this big wheel barrow from Mr. Bill Wohl when he was building his beach house,” Michael tells me pointing south toward’s Wohl’s newly constructed home along the sidewalk. The coconut man’s other wheel barrow is currently inoperable due to a punctured tire and unavailability of a replacement in the village. But despite the little hiccups in life, Michael enjoys his gig. “It’s a nice Just as hotels offer local and tour- hustle, and I meet a lot of people ist rates, so does Michael. Locals and make a lot of friends. Plus, will spend BZ$3.00 for a young people depend on it every day,” he coconut with a straw while a tour- adds. (Story by Jolie Pollard.) ist might pay double or more deCoconut water is low in calories pending on the height of the season and is fat and cholesterol free. It or major event. Michael is moving contains more potassium than four around a lot, so if you don’t catch bananas and is a far healthier and him, check in with his wood carver more effective hydration drink friend Tyrone at A Piece of Belize than the popular sports beverages Wood Carving along the sidewalk (Web MD).▪
The Added Touch is also the distributor of Heavenly Belize and Flavors of Belize!
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The Placencia Breeze ‖ December 2014 ‖ Page 14
Mistletoe Ball Spins Magic at Belize Ocean Club! Continued from front page. the Placencia Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association, and PBTIA Membership Officer Jonnell Augustine have been receiving accolades from the Peninsula community for planning the spectacular event. “The term “cast of thousands” springs to mind when reflecting on the success of this year’s Mistletoe Ball,” said Weller. “We owe a debt of gratitude to the Belize Ocean Club management and staff for a thorough preparation that ensured our party was destined to be first class.” Furthermore, Weller said the generosity of sponsors, the dedication of volunteers, and the enormous enthusiasm of guests all worked in unison toward success. “Smiles radiated continually from nearly every face throughout the evening, making it abundantly clear that it was a special event for all,” she said. Guests raved over great service and well organized dinner at the event. (MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGRAPHY) With effective marketing for advance ticket sales beginning long before the event, PBTIA had sold out of “Dinner & Dance” tickets by 7:30 p.m. Including guests holding “Dance Party Only” tickets, PBTIA estimates that nearly 450 people attended the Ball, a record-breaker for the annual event. Beginning at six o’ clock, Mistletoe guests enjoyed a cocktail hour at the lagoon side ball room of the Belize Ocean Club, followed by dinner at 7 p.m. upstairs where they were serenaded by a stellar performance by classical guitarist Aaron Krohn of Cocoplum Vacation Rentals. Continued on page 22 Chef Mateo adds more chicken to food warmer. The Placencia BTIA solicited donations from several food companies to maximise their fundraiser. Thanks to generous sponsors, Chef Mateo’s menu featured an array of delectable dishes including a hearty vegetable salad and delicious options for the main course including Roasted Rosemary Chicken, Sauteed Sesame Orange Shrimp and the much talked about Slow Braised Pulled Pork along with a tasty variety of sides. Mateo also impressed diners with his Crème Patisserie Profiteroles with Organic Chocolate Sauce and brownies topped with whipped cream. (MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGRAPHY)
Quality Products At a Quality Job For a Quality Price! Good News!! We are carrying Intex Pools & Toys! Remember Pool business is our only business! Ph: 652-0891 Fx: 523-3371 plislandpoolsupply@yahoo.com Mon-Fri 8-4; Sat 8-12 nn; Open during lunch! Placencia Village Road. Managers: Carlos and Sue
The Placencia Breeze ‖ December 2014 ‖ Page 15
PLACENCIA PENINSULA MAPS http://issuu.com/theplacenciabreeze
Continues on page 18. Visit the Placencia Tourism Center in Placencia Village for a brochure copy of our Peninsula map! We’re located on the main street, across from Scotia bank just behind Re/Max.
From North of Placencia Airstrip to Riversdale
From Placencia Water Tower to Airstrip Barefoot Services
Bunches of Fun Banana Farm Tours Lost Reef
Platinum Designs
Tropic Air & Maya Island Air Placencia Airstrip
Beachfront Suites The Placencia Hotel Placencia Tennis
Distance from Maya Beach to the Placencia Hotel area measures approx. 2.5 miles.
RFG Insurance Avadon Divers
Ocean’s Edge Maya Beach Hotel & Bistro
Los Porticos
Green Parrot Beach Houses Joyce & Frank’s Bed & Breakfast Barnacle Bill’s Beach Bungalows
Turtle Inn
Singing Sands Inn
Splash Dive Center Chabil Mar
Cocoplum Vacation Rentals Cocoplum Resort Community The Villas at Cocoplum Mission Bay Christian Retreat
Blue Crab Beach House The Maine Stay Goss Cordy’s Beach Cottages Chocolate Palmtree Designs
Bahia Laguna Beach Suites Nautical Inn
Lola’s Art
Seine Bight Village
Robert’s Grove Beach Resort Laru Beya Villas Miller’s Landing Wild Orchid Properties
The Flying Pig Casa Nettuno
Visit the Placencia Tourism Center located behind Re/Max Property Center across the street from Scotia Bank in Placencia Village for great souvenirs including our official festival merchandise! Open Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
http://issuu.com/theplacenciabreeze
The Placencia Breeze ‖ December 2014 ‖ Page 16 PLACENCIA CHAPTER OF THE BELIZE TOURISM INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION 2014 MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY
Don’t see your listing? It is time to renew your membership or become a new member! Join the largest BTIA Chapter in Belize! Contact Placencia BTIA Membership Officer Jonnell Augustine at 523-4045 or accounts@placencia.com.
ACCOMMODATIONS A Belizean Nirvana: belizeanirvana@gmail.com; 5233331 or 625-3301; Evan Hall Arches /The:gin7373@aol.com; 479-841-7970 or 623-3286; Ginny Clayton Barnacle Bill’s Beach Bungalows:taylors@btl.net; 533-8110 or 602-7768 Bill & Adriane Taylor Belize Ocean Club: reservations@belizeoceanclub. com; 533-4500 or 601-5602; West Tucker Blue Crab Beach Resort: linnbluecrabbeach@gmail.com; 523-3544 or 523-3543; Kerry Goss & Linn Wilson Blue Garden House: info@belizecottagerentals.com 207-326-9099; Costas & Sally Christ Capp’s Inn: jbsmfowler@gmail.com 208-437-5740 Captain Jak’s Cabanas: theluckyerin22@yahoo.com; 523-3561 or 622-7104; Erin Ivy Caribbean Travel & Tours **: info@ctbelize.com; 523-3481 or 523-3081;Veronique & Lance McKenzie Casa Beya/Sea Grape Escape: info@casabeyabelize.com 970-963-1099; Midge & Aaron Dallas Casa Del Sol: info@casadelsolbelize.com; 5233481 or 523-3081;Veronique McKenzie Casa Nettuno: framdani.office@gmail.com; 605-1648 Mariuccia Levoni Casa Palma: info@casapalmaplacencia.com 678-1089; Simone de Angelis Casa Placencia: casaplacencia@live.com; 5033143 or 630-7811; Jacki Tipton Chabil Mar Villas*: information@chabilmarvillas. com; 523-3606 or 523-3611; Synescio Coh Coconut Cottage: kwplacencia@yahoo.com; 5233234 or 609-4267; Kay Westby Cocoplum Vacation Rentals: rentals@cocoplumbelize.net; 623-7774; Aaron Krohn Colibri House: colibrihouse@gmail.com; 6050586; Stefano Ragagnin & Nicoletta Sala
Eloise’s Travel Lodge: 503-3299; Sonia Leslie Flamboyant /The: flamboyantplacencia@gmail. com;628-1143; Angie Markham Finca: info@ctbelize.com; 5233481 or 523-3081; Veronique McKenzie French Louie Caye: info@frenchlouiebelize.com Terry & Mary Tao. Toll Free (844) 2French / 237-3624 or Brice Dial at +501-620-6712 George Cowdrey’s Guesthouse:gcgeorge@rcn.com; George Cowdrey Green Parrot Beach Houses*: greenparrot@mail.com; 5338188; David Allardice & Leo Ramirez Harbour Hideaway of Placencia: jimandcindy@wellerbelize. com; 623-3286; Jim & Cindy Weller Harry’s Cozy Cabanas: cozycabanas@yahoo.com; 5233155 Harry Eiley Hatchet Caye Resort*: contact@hatchetcaye.com; 5334446 or 523-3337; Dasha Shivers Heaven’s Gate Beach Bungalow:info@seasprayhotel.com; 523-3148; Jodie Leslie Hideaway Caye: hideawaycaye@yahoo.com; 665-4069; Kimberly & Dustin Ingersoll Jewel of Placencia: info@jewelplacenciarental.com 523-3481 or 523-3081; Veronique McKenzie & Joe Garipoli Joyce and Frank’s Beach House: h2odanzer@aol.com; 629-4285 or 561-389-2550; Joyce Danz Laru Beya Villas*: info@larubeya.com; 523-3476 or 523-3483; Ian McField Lydia’s Guest House: lydias@btl.net; 523-3117 or 5233354; Lydia Villanueva Los Porticos Villas: reservations@losporticosvillas. com; 523-3227 or 607-4448; Barry and Valerie Snowden Lost Reef Resort*: lostreef@xplornet.com; 610-0816; Lisa D’Amore Maine Stay /The: drewtravers@gmail.com; 523-3507; Drew Travers Manatee Inn: manateeinn@btl.net; 523-4083; Slavek Machacka
Dolce Cabana: nharvalik@gmail.com;523-3095 or 605-0586; Nicole Harvalik/ Stefano Ragagnin
Mariposa Beach Resort: maddentine@gmail.com 610-4473
Easy Living Apartments: info@easylivingplacencia.com; 523-3481 or 523-3081 Veronique McKenzie
Maya Beach Hotel & Bistro*: info@mayabeachhotel.com; 533-8040 or 627-4718; Ellen & John Lee
Maya Lodge: maya-lodge@hotmail.com; 6050586; Stefano Ragagnin & Lou McLeod Michelo Flats: harbour21@gmail.com; 523-3519 or 626-2518; Michel Ardoullie
Tradewinds: trdewndpla@btl.net; 523-3122; Janice Leslie Villas at Cocoplum /The: BMannsfeld@yahoo.com; 610-0294 or 628-6447; Boris Mannsfield or Erin Ivy
Whipray Caye Lodge: Miller’s Landing*: whipraycaye@yahoo.com; 610millersplacencia@yahoo.com 1068; Julian & Beverly Cabral 523-3010 or 523-3011 Gary & Ann Miller White Sand Villa: eagleray33@gmail.com; 661Miramar Apartments: 9516 or 602-9315; info@miramarbelize.com; 523- Tricia Hernandez 3658 or 523-3117 or 503-3095; Ilsa Villanueva Yellow Bella: yellowbella@alice.it; Mirasol Villa: 605-0586; Stefano Ragagnin info@mirasolbelize.com; 523-3481 or 523-3081;Veronique Yellow House /The: McKenzie info@ctbelize.com; 523-3481or 523-3081;Veronique McKenzie North Beach/ The: ATTORNEYS-AT-LAW debanddave@btl.net; 523-3207 Deborah & Dave Vernon Courtenay Coye LLP: ccplacencia@courtneycoye.com; Ocean’s Edge: 523-328; Tiphany Gongora oceanedge@vl.videotron.ca; 514-606-5582 or 514-697-9435 AUTO RENTALS Francine Martel Barefoot Services: One World Rentals: info@barefootservicesbelize. oneworldplacencia@yahoo.com com; 523-3066 or 629-9602 523-3103 or 620-9975 Ian & Megs Yearwood Claudia Hardegger Paradise Vacation Hotel*/**: info@belize123.com; 523-3179 or 523-3256; Alan & Deloris Stamm Pearl Beach House: vb53@centurytel.net; 523-3409 or 605-0586; Bud & Betsy Valian/ Stefano Ragagnin Robert’s Grove Beach Resort */**: info@robertsgrove.com; 523-3565 or 523-4367 Jean-Marc Tassé Sea Glass Inn*: brad_schofield@yahoo.com; 523-3098; Brad & Christine Schofield Seaspray Hotel: info@seasprayhotel.com; 523-3148 or 615-2925; Jodie & Norman Leslie
Car Rental of Placencia: powerscandy@hotmail.com; 523-3284 or 662-7611 Candy Power CONSULTANTS Guild & Guild Consulting: guildandguild@hotmail.com 523-3251 or 523-3291; Yvette Guild Barefoot Executive, Ltd. barefootexecutiveltd@gmail. com; 523-3291; Yvette Guild HEALTH, FITNESS, SPAS & SALONS BB Yoga Flow: info@bbyogaflow.com; 6317726; Agnes Balawejder-Busch
NON-PROFIT ORGS Placencia Humane Society: 523-3185 or 604-8676 David Kafka, President REAL ESTATE AGENTS Boris Mannsfeld & Associates: info@RealBelizeEstate.com; 523-3063 Boris Mannsfeld & Frik DeMeyere Cocoplum: stewart@cocoplumbelize.net 610-1009; Stewart Krohn CPC Real Estate Solution: info@belizeproperty.com; 672-9000 Dan Dunbar & Michael Young Palmetto Bay Resort: info@palmettobayresort.com; 610-1911; Carlton Watson Placencia Yacht Club: lee@getdusa.com ; 653-0569 or 663-9087; Lee and Gail Dusa Re/Max 1st Choice: david@belizepropertycenter. com;631-9622 or 523-3666; David Kafka Waterfront Real Estate: waterfrontbelize@aol.com; 6103264;Patrick & Denise Callahan Wild Orchid Properties: sales@wildorchidbelize.com; 523-3392; Tom Hitchcock RESTAURANTS, BARS CAFÉS & ENTERTAINMENT Above Grounds Coffee: keithgmorrison@gmail.com; 634-3212; Keith Morrison Barefoot Bar: barefootbarbz@gmail.com ; 523-3515; Cassie & Brice Dial Brewed Awakenings: brewedawakeningsbelize@gmai l.com; 635-5312; Ryan & Natalie Dixon Dawn’s Grill ‘n’ Go: grillngo@yahoo.com; 523-4079 or 602-9302; Dawn Pollard De’Tatch Seafood Grill & Barjodiejjyearwood@gmail.com, 503-3385 or 523-4035, Jodie Yearwood
Placencia Tennis: bobbelize21@gmail.com; 626-4015; Bob & Lida Rodgers
Dragon Fly Moon: rongdi.chen@yahoo.com 523-3662; Amy Chen
Seaview Suites: placenciaseaview@gmail.com; 523-3777; John & Marian Chan
Siripohn Thai Massage: jenjira01@yahoo.com; 620-8718 or 600-0375; Siriporn Thakham
Fantoni’s Kitchen: fantoniskitchen@gmail.com, 630-4752 Cleeve Westby
Silver Leaf: yoliebrown@hotmail.com; 970-944-2550 or 970-944-0552 William & Jolanda Brown; Stefano/agent
Secret Garden Day Spa: lee@secretgardenplacencia.com 523-3420/624-6096; Lee Nyhus
Flying Pig/ The: theflyingpig.belize@gmail.com; 602-6391; Patrick Gonzalve
Tooth Fairy Dental Clinic: toothfairyclinic@gmail.com; 503-3736 or 633-0678; Dr. Dalila Vanzie-Krohn
Jaguar Lanes: jaguarlanes@yahoo.com; Scott May
Singing Sands Inn*: info@singingsands.com; 533-3022 or 520-8022; Jean-Marc Tasse Sunset Pointe Condos: ewinche713@aol.com; 523-3314; Eric & Janis Winchester Three Iguanas Villa: colibrihouse@gmail.com or 605-0586; Stefano Ragagnin & Joe Stark Turtle Inn */**: frontdesk@turtleinn.com; 523-3244; Martin Krediet
Tony’s Gym: tony@belizefit.com 631-7427; Tony Pinder Tree of Life: smallkristine@yahoo.com; 624-5408; Kristine Small INSURANCE AGENTS RF&G Insurance, Ltd. kitty@frenchlouiecayebelize. com; 523-3228 or 610-3228; Kitty Fox
J-Dee’s Restaurant & Bar: info@jdeesplacencia.com; 5 0 3 3351; Daisy & Jeremy Leslie Mango’s on Maya Beach: mangosmayabeachplacencia@ yahoo.com; 533-8102 Frank DaSalva Pickled Parrot/ The: adriana37@aol.com; 636-7068; Lynn and Eugene Upham Placencia Supper Club: info@marcusperigo.com 636-5015; Marcus Perigo
http://issuu.com/theplacenciabreeze RESTAURANTS, BARS TOUR OPERATORS & CAFÉS & ENTERTAINMENT
Rumfish y Vino: rumfish@ btl.net; 523-3293 or 666-6934 Pamela & John Solomon
Daytripper Catamaran: daytrippercatamaran@gmail.com; 666-3117
Tipsy Tuna Sports Bar: tipsytuna@hotmail.com; 5233089; Salva & Gillian Zabaneh Tuttifrutti Ice Cream Parlor: tizy.lory@virgilio.it; Tiziana Del Col Yoli’s Bar: regantrethewey@hotmail.com 625-2763; Yolanda Trethewey
Destinations Belize: mtoy@destinationsbelize.com 523-4018 or 610-4718; Mary Toy Belize Tradewinds Cruise Club:belize@tradewindscruiseclub.com; 523-3303; Melissa Rea Joy Tours: joytour@btl.net; 523-3325; Hubert & Karen Young
SCHOOLS (PIA) Peninsula International Moorings/The: Academy: peninsulaacademy.org; mooringsbelize@btl.net 631-7648; Selena Lucas 523-3351 or 604-2861 SHOPPING & GENERAL Renee Brown PRODUCT & REPAIR PlacenciaAdventures by Land or Sea: Added Touch /The: placenciaadventures@yahoo. rrobin@btl.net;223-0054 or com; 523-3307 or 622-1886; 223-1461; Robin McCutheon Ainsworth “Cubby” Leslie Art Affair Gallery/The: jenari_13@yahoo.com 604-1906 ot 503-3206 Ernest Garcia & Jeanna Casey
Placencia Eagle Ray Tours: eagleray33@gmail.com 661-9516 or 602-9315 Tricia Hernandez & Rene Leslie
Artful Dodger Sail & Canvas: wmertensbelize@gmail.com; Quest for Adventure in Belize w/ Splash Ltd.: 523-3625 ralph@splashbelize.com Wini Mertens & Steve Lobban 610-1278; Ralph Capeling Cardelli (Shrimp) Farms Ltd.: lact57@yahoo.com; 610-0480; Linda Thornton Doran’s Services: takunchances@yahoo.com; 670-4130; Doran Yount Goss Chocolate: linnbluecrabbeach@gmail.com 523-3544 or 523-3542 Kerry Goss & Linn Wilson Lola’s Art Gallery: lolasartgallery@yahoo.com 523-3342/601-1913 Master Plumbing: fredwalton53@yahoo.com; 669-1014; Dick Walton MnM Hardware Placencia: duncker@btl.net; 523-3517 or 523-3537; Dora Duncker
Splash Dive Center: patricia@splashbelize.com ; 523-3058 or 610-0235 Patricia Ramirez Trip N Travel: lgodfrey@btl.net; 523-3205 or 523-3205;Laura Godfrey INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS Celeste, Donna: bodie1949@yahoo.com Cohen, Howard & Karen: howard.cohen@sunnybrook.ca; 622-6695 Coston, Debbie: debcoston@yahoo.com; 523-8001 Edwards, Dan & Kim: thislldo.dan@gmail.com; 622-1656
Mosquito Coast Trading Co. Ltd.: rjay@btl.net; 523-8141 or Dial, Mary Ann: 610-1441;Ray Twanow madialinbze@yahoo.com; 523-3209 Palmtree Designs: muzamanzie@btl.net; 523-3563 Dusa, Lee & Gail: or 603-5143; Marion & Ed Carr gail@getdusa.com; 5233500 Placencia Mini Storage: Fairs, Rick & Brigitte: celeste1001@live.com; ridgwood@telusplanet.net; 628665-0800 6533 Paul & Celeste Smith Platinum Designs: hannah@sbplatinum.com; 610-0327; Hannah Cowell
Feldman, Babe & Karen: cabf@jasarinc.com; 610-0356
Ford, David: dfordassociates@gmail.com; 621Robert Nicolait & Assc. Ltd.:in7587 fo@watertreatmentbelize.com 523-3149; Lou Nicolait Ferris, Ken: kenneth.ferris@asu.edu; Sunova Beach Gift Shop: 636-8675 zabeyles@btl.net; 523-4060 Gillian Zabaneh Friedeck, Maureen & Mike: TOUR OPERATORS & mnm4664@msn.com TRAVEL AGENTS 604-0796 Belize Trips: info@belize-trips. com; 610-1923; Katie Valk Fuller, Fred & Jacque: jacquecfuller@yahoo.com; Bunches of Fun Banana Farm 628-0992 or 629-6429 Tours: bunchesoffuntours@ Please note some gmail.com; 624-4297; members offer additional Evin Zabaneh Cayequest Tours: cayequest@gmail.com; Mark Leslie; 633-6330 or 664-8699
The Placencia Breeze ‖ December 2014 ‖ Page 17
TRAVEL AGENTS
services: KEY: * Restaurant **Tour Operator ***Property Rentals
PLACENCIA PENINSULA ANNUAL EVENTS JANUARY: New Year’s Eve Parties are held at most bars & resorts. Take advantage of dinner & drink specials, party favors & great music! Look out for fireworks! Rotary Club Winter Beach Olympics.Register your team for fun & competitive games on the beach while supporting the Rotary Club of Placencia. FEBRUARY: Rotary Auction. Support the organization’s biggest fundraiser & bid on impressive donated items. TBA Placencia Sidewalk Arts & Music Festival. Pick up the ultimate souvenir from Belize’s best artists & check out the local music scene. Organized by the Placencia BTIA. Feb. 14-15, 2015 MARCH: Flaming Heart Ball Featuring The Taste of the Peninsula Sample a wide range of cuisine contributed by participating Peninsula restaurants & home cooks. Get down on the dance floor & participate in fun raffles. Proceeds benefit the Placencia Volunteer Fire Department. TBA APRIL: Easter Break Join the crowds & go wild! Beach hotspots like the Tipsy Tuna holds bikini & physique competitions, eating contests and more throughout the raucous Easter holidays! Squeeze into packed bars and clubs & party all night long to popular DJs. APRIL 2015 Placencia Humane Society’s Furball: A big party usually held at a local bar. Expect live music and great prizes! Proceeds benefit the Placencia Humane Society. JUNE: Placencia Lobsterfest A mega beach party like no other in Belize organized by the Placencia BTIA & Placencia Village Council. Celebrate Placencia & its bounty of good food and people. Enjoy live musical performances, kids & family games and take a chance in the legendary Placencia Lobsterfest Raffle. JUNE 19-20-21, 2015 JULY: Rotary Club Summer Beach Olympics. Register your team for fun & competitive games on the beach while supporting the Rotary Club of Placencia. SEPTEMBER: The Battle of St. George’s Caye Day. SEPT. 10, 2015 Saltwater Fishing Tournament. SEPT. 19 & 20, 2015 Independence Day Carnival. SEPT. 21, 2015 Celebrations are held throughout September leading up to Sept. 10 celebrating the Battle of St. George’s Caye Day & Sept. 21, Independence Day. Enjoy small patriotic pageants and parades to large celebrations like the Independence Day Carnival Parade. Fishing enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Placencia BTIA’s Saltwater Fishing Tournament where anglers can win large cash prizes totalling up $10,000! OCTOBER: Barefoot Bar’s Halloween Party: Held the weekend closest to Halloween. Join Halloween enthusiasts from Placencia & all over Belize at the biggest Halloween party in the area. Costume prizes, drink specials & visiting DJ. Rotary Spooktacular Haunted House Held on Halloween, this is sure to scare your kids! Expertly set up by the Rotary Club. NOVEMBER: Garifuna Settlement Day. NOV. 19, 2015 Celebrations are held early November leading up to Garifuna Settlement Day. Enjoy cultural pageants conducted in the Garifuna language in Seine Bight & watch reenactments of the Garifuna people arriving into Belizean shores followed by parades, punta dancing, live drumming in both Seine Bight & Placencia. DECEMBER: Placencia Mistletoe Ball. Fine dining & BIG party band! DEC. 13, 2014 @ BELIZE OCEAN CLUB, MAYA BEACH End of the World Placencia Marathon and Half Marathon. Enjoy the pituresque Placencia Peninsula while running on a flat route w/ many water stations. Hailed as one of the most organized marathons in Belize. DEC. 7, 2014
INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS Gabor, Deborah: gringainbelize@gmail.com; 628-7004
Hess, Tina Koster, Liliana: lilianakoster@yahoo.com; Glessner, Virginia & Fox, Jay:- 663-8680; 665-5779 vivij@earthlink.com Smith, Stan & Mary: Hall, Susan McMillan-Hunter: stanmary@btl.net; 523-4306 sebelize@yahoo.com
Taylor, Winston: wftaylorii@yahoo.com; 623-7971 Witter, Madalon: 622-3853
The Belize Tourism Industry was formed in 1985 to bring together tourism and tourism related interests to meet the challenges of a dynamic and growing industry in Belize. BTIA was intended and continues to develop as the accepted and recognized voice of the tourism industry in Belize and provides an important link between public and private sectors. The Placencia BTIA holds the largest membership in Belize.
HANNUAL BUSINESS MEMBERSHIPS Small 0-10 employees
Medium 11-50 employees
Large 51+ employees
$200.00
$500.00
$1,500.00
HANNUAL PERSONAL MEMBERSHIPS Student Membership Associate Membership Individual Membership Currently enrolled students of a Current fulltime employees of Open to anyone else wishing Belizean high school or university member businesses to support our mission! $100.00 $50.00 $25.00
http://issuu.com/theplacenciabreeze
A Belizean Nirvana 55-D4 Above Ground Coffee 18-C4 Artful Dodger Sail & Canvas 92-A2 Barefoot Bar 39-D3 Barefoot Services 9-D3 Belize Tradewinds Cruise Club 98-A2 Blue Garden House 88-E2 Boris Mannsfeld & Associates 97-C4 Brewed Awakenings 47-D2 Captain Jak’s Cabanas 52-D2 Caribbean Travel & Tours 8-D3 Casa Del Sol 76-F3 Casa Palma 56-E3 Casa Placencia 81-F2 Century21 BTAL 93-B4 Coconut Cottage 54-D4 Colibri House 55-E3 CPC Reality 43-C3 Destinations Belize 42-C4 Dolce Cabana 64-E2 Easy Living Apartments 57-C4 Eloise’s Guesthouse 58-C3 French Louie Caye 33-D3 George Cowdrey’s Guesthouse 89-E3 Grill & Go 17-C3 Guild & Guild Consulting 10-F2 Harbor Hideaway 88-E1 Harry’s Cozy Cabanas 61-B3 Hatchet Caye 35-E5 Hatchet Caye Office 35-C1 J-Dees Restaurant & Bar 20-D3 Jewel of Placencia 27-C4 Joy Tours 44-C3 Julia’s Cabanas 62-E3 Leslie Tech Service 46-D3 Lydia’s Guesthouse 64-E3 Manatee Inn 65-F3 Maya Lodge 66-E2 Michelo Flats 67-F2 Miramar Apartments 68-E3 Mirasol Villa 69-C4 MnM Hardware Placencia 96-D3 One World Rental 70-C4 Paradise Vacation Resort 71-B3 Pickled Parrot Rest. & Bar 26-C3 Placencia Bazaar 7-D3 Placencia Yacht Club 34-A5 Property Pro Belize 43-C3 Quest for Adventures 47-F2 Ranguana Lodge 30-E3 Re/Max Property Center 39-D3 Rumfish y Vino 43-C3 Sea Glass Inn 56-B3 Seaspray Hotel 79-E3 Sea View Suites 63-C4 Secret Garden Day Spa 4-C3 Secret Garden Restaurant & Bar 24-C3 Silver Leaf 90-E2 Siripohn Thai Massage 8-D3 Southern Environmental Ass. 95-D3 Sunset Pointe Condos 40-A1 Splash Dive Center (Sales Office) 49-D2 Splash Main Office 19-C3 Sunova Boutique 46-D3 Tarpon Caye Lodge 45-E3 Tarpon Caye Main Office 46-D3.5 The Arches 86-E5 The Flamboyant 28-C4 The North Beach 73-E3 The Purple Space Monkey 41-C3 The Shak Beach Café 16-C4 The Yellow House 74-D3 The Village Inn 31-F3 Three Iguanas Villa 86-E2 Tipsy Tuna 40-D3 Tony’s Gym/Belize Fit 17-E3 Toucan Lulu 75-F3 Tree of Life 8-D3 Trip N Travel 51-C4 Tuttifrutti Ice Cream Parlor 43-C3 Whipray Caye Lodge 32-E5 White Sand Villa 82-C3 Yello Bella 29-F2 Yoli’s Bar 21-B3
The Placencia Breeze ‖ December 2014 ‖ Page 18
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The Placencia Breeze ‖ December 2014 ‖ Page 19
Peninsula Women Shine at Inaugural Ladies’ Night By Beverley Brooks Contributing Writer bevbrooks@hotmail.com
The Rotary Club of Placencia hosted their first Winter Wonderland “Ladies Night Gala” on Nov. 15 inside the Placencia Community Center. The community center was decorated in a “winter wonderland” blue and silver theme and decorated with lots of lights and sparkles. It was a special event specifically designed around the wonderful women in this village and surrounding areas. The men of Rotary also dressed up and did a wonderful job serving and assisting the ladies who all looked beautiful. The evening consisted of a fashion show, guest speakers Women celebrate their beauty and diversity in the night’s fashion show. (MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGRAPHY) Judy Lutz and Kathy Anglin-Wade, vendor tables, a yoga demonstration by BB Yoga Flow, fire dancing by Stephanie Wandke, door prizes and refreshments. Reina Eiley was chosen as Queen of the Ladies Night Gala. Jim Weller waltzed with Reina to “A Whole New World” performed exceptionally by Karl Lovell, Jr. and Vanya Ferrell. There were many “aha” momens”, some tears & lots of laughter. Thanks to Lynne O’Brien and Stephanie Wandke for their great job as Masters of Ceremonies. Many thanks to all our Instructor and student from BB Yoga Flow showcase yoga poses beautiful models who did a fantas- on stage. (MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGRAPHY) tic job.
Kathy Anglin-Wade of the Peninsula Vounter Fire Department gives speech.
Reina Eiley’s face lights up as she learns she is being crowned queen for the evening.
And many, many thanks to the following for their generous donations: Placencia Village Council, Old Masters Rum, Anna’s Fash- (MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGions, Kathy Johnston, Strike a Pose RAPHY) Boutique, Bev Brooks, Sea Glass Inn, Lindsay Moore, Maz Carr Photography, Jeff Parker Photography, Greg’s Fruit & Veggie Stand, Goss Chocolate, Mosquito Coast Ice, Placencia Office Supply, Antonette Westby, Splash Dive Shop, Ocean Motion and all table presenters and business card donors. All proceeds from this event will go towards a worthy cause to benefit women. We are already planning a bigger, better red and gold theme for next year. ▪ Find the Placencia Breeze in color online! Visit issuu.com/theplacenciabreeze or visit our Facebook page for a link to an easy-to-browse Gdrive PDF file.
Principal Stephen Whyte of St. John’s Anglican Memorial Primary School was one of several men attending to the ladies at the event. (MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGRAPHY)
Karl Lovell and Vanya Ferrell serenade audience during the queen’s dance with their rendition of “A Whole New World.” (MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGRAPHY)
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The Placencia Breeze ‖ December 2014 ‖ Page 20
Record Number of Volunteers Credited for Marathon’s Success Thanks to 120 volunteers participating in the 2014 Placencia End of the World Marathon along with the leadership of expert organizers and generous sponsors, many are placing this year’s marathon on par with similar world class sporting events. As more people learn about the significant impact the marathon has made on education for young people living in the villages of Placencia and Seine Bight, people have been eagerly signing up to help what is quickly becoming one of the largest fundraisers on the Peninsula. Along with the assistance of many sponsors and a growing interest from runners in Belize and abroad, the 2014 End of the World Marathon raised an estimated total of BZ$25,000 towards the Rotary Club of Placencia scholarship program, which assists deserving high school bound students. Many runners also ran to support their own charitable causes like the Figueroa family who got much attention for raising money for the Belize Cancer Society. According to one chief volunteer coordinator, Dan Edwards, the logistics for the 2014 marathon were “mind boggling.” Volunteers coordinated activities over 13.1 miles of the Placencia Peninsula with the start lines positioned at both ends. Three busses were chartered to pick up over 150 runners from their hotels, transporting half marathon runners to the start line near Riversdale and full marathon runners to the start line in Placencia Village. “We had to have the entire course set up with water and aid stations, support and safety and be ready to go at 5:30 a.m. SHARP!” Edwards said. “Volunteers were also up early coordinating the start/finish line activities and awards ceremony setup … totally unbelievable, especially in Belize where we are usually pretty laid
back about most things.” Of the 120 plus volunteers, 60 manned 14 water and aid stations, six were volunteer medical staff including one doctor and five nurses in addition to the BERT ambulance from Belize City. Serving on the judgin team were the two village chair persons, Rene Villanueva of Love FM, one driver and one photographer. Fifteen volunteers decked out in vests and flags coordinated course safety and traffic control. A total of 40 volunteers participated in general event coordination, tents and finish line construction, bar, DJ, general logistics, porta potties, massages, traffic control, race timing and photography. Additionally, there were eight police runner escorts assisting with traffic control and security. Volunteers also assisted as golf cart drivers. One important aspect of the event was the water stations. For many international runners who are not used to the humidity and heat of Belize’s tropical setting, this was crucial. Organizers set up a competition for best water station to encourage more community participation and also some fun. “With a flat terrain, I thought it would be boring,” said 41-yearold Suzanne Krediet who placed six out of all full marathon finishers and second place overall in the women’s division. (First place went to PhD archaeology candidate Robin Dodge who won first place in 2012 and missed last year’s event due to a flight delay, which had greatly upset her.) “But I really, really liked it. The curves of the road create a challenge and make it interesting and the water stations were so funny and encouraging. They put a smile on my face while running,” she said. This was
Runners passing the Placencia airstrip water station enjoy a cool spray of water. (MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGRAPHY)
Suzanne’s first marathon in Belize. She also happens to be the sister of Turtle Inn General Manager Martin Krediet. Suzanne wasn’t the only competitor to make a long international trip for a family visiting and running combo. Frik De Meyere of local real estate company Boris Mannsfeld and Associates ran with his father and brother who had travelled all the way from Belgium for the event. Travelling from Nebraska in the United States, 55-year-old Trudy Merritt joined her twin brother Tim in her first marathon in 10 years. According to Chip Lovett, founder of the End of the World Marathon, volunteer support and additional sponsors was the most notable difference in this year’s marathon compared to the previous two years. “It was a huge relief for me, especially at the finish line, and the runners all gave our volunteers the
absolute highest praise,” Chip said. Chip’s only disappointment was the international turnout. He had partnered with a company that had promised to add 200 to 300 international runners in the event; however just under 50 runners journeyed to Belize from other countries. International runners represented USA, France, Mexico, Canada, Guatemala, Poland, the United Kingdom, Belgium and Japan. Belizeans continue to show great interest in the marathon with about 100 runners representing various districts. Overall, however, Chip was very pleased with this year’s results and he says he’s already devising a strategy to attract more international runners in 2015. Visit www.runbelize.org to view complete 2014 results and for more information on the event.▪
The 2014 Placencia End of the World Marathon was made possible by:
Polish Running Coach Wins End of the World Marathon Twenty-eight-year-old Wojciech Kopec from Poland was the overall champion in the End of the World Marathon and has set the record for the overall full marathon finisher in the event’s three-year history. Previous champions, Vladimir Gonzales, a Belizean-Mexican (2013) and Marvin Hope, a Belizean from Texas (2012) had both clocked in at the finish after three hours. It wasn’t a very challenging course for the young runner who says he had actually been considering two other marathons in San Jose, Costa Rica and Panama City respectively, but had decided to choose Belize for its flat course and it because it was beautiful. “I was not in the best shape, and I came to travel and rest from running.” And so it was that during his “rest” just a day after arriving in Belize after a long 10-day bus trek from Panama, City with stops in Nicaragua and Guatemala City to visit with friends, that Kopec became the 2014 End of the World Marathon
Champion. The Placencia End of the World Marathon was Kopec’s 16th full marathon and 20th marathon overall. He has won championship titles befoe in Cyprus, Greece and in Knoxville, Tennessee and Greenville, Missouri in the United States. Kopec began running at 17 in his Poland high school. He had dabbled in boxing and judo, but later decided running was his sport of choice. Today he is a running coach managing a team of 45 people and also carries other executive responsibilities. Placencia’s marathon impressed Kopec. “The organization was good. It was perfect,” he said. He also praised the water stations and said he especially enjoyed the Turtle Inn shower stop, which was helpful on a hot and humid day. Kopec stayed at Robert’s Grove during his brief three-day stay in Belize after which he made another round to see friends in Central America before returning to Poland.▪
BELIZE ESTATE COMPANY LIMITED
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The Placencia Breeze ‖ December 2014 ‖ Page 21
2014 End of the World Marathon in Pictures
Volunteers on traffic patrol. (MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGRAPHY)
Maya Beach Bistro holds the “Best Water Station” honor with an iron fist winning their third consecutive title in 2014. (MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGRAPHY)
A volunteer adjusts the hand painted sign at the finish line under a large arch made of woven palm leaves. (MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGRAPHY)
Turtle Inn’s run through shower was the overall winner’s favorite water station. (MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGRAPHY)
Dora Duncker of Silver Level sponsor MnMs Hardware Store, ran her first half marathon this year. Duncker organized an entire eight-member team of employees from her company, many of whom were also first-timers. (MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGRAPHY)
Left: Robyn Dodge and Suzanne Krediet collect awards for placing in top three in the full marathon. Right: Family power. Wendy Lemus and her niece Sucely Corado completed their first half marathon ever. (MUZAMANZIE)
PIA Physical Education teacher Kirwin Ramirez organized a team of runners from Seine Bight Village just before the event to compete in the half marathon and fun run. Fourteen-year-old Paul Vincent who has a mental disability also ran with the boys who impressed organizers. (MUZAMANZIE)
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Mistletoe Ball Spins Magic at Belize Ocean Club! Continued from front page 14 “Aaron is just fantastic,” said Martha Eiley of Placencia Village while enjoying dinner with her husband and friends. “And this is the best dinner we’ve had. The pork is incredible!” For both first-timers and long time Mistletoe Ball guests like Eiley, the event was very impressive. “I’m certainly looking forward to returning to next year’s party,” said one Dutch woman who recently moved from Canada to the Maya Beach community. “This has been a wonderful experience for me on the Peninsula, and I’m so glad I decided to come.” As soon dinner was wrapping up, the Gilharry 7 Band wasted no time starting the dance party in the ball room. “Take off your heels, ladies,” warned the lead singer, “We don’t want any accidents tonight!” A great blend of visitors, locals and Mistletoe Ball newbies danced the People of all ages enjoyed the Gilharry 7 Band dance party. (MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGRAPHY) night away while a few shy specThe Placencia Chapter of the BTIA tators couldn’t help but watch with thanks all sponsors who made this spectacular event possible! gleaming smiles as they caught the See page 29 for our generous donors! party fever. “For the price we paid, this is a great bargain,” said Robyne Tejani, a figure skating coach who recently moved with her family to Placencia from Canada. “The band is awesome and for the food we got earlier, I’m definitely coming back next year.”
Left: Volunteers worked around the clock to ensure a smooth sailing event. Bottom left: Women kick off their dancing shoes on the ballroom floor. Bottom Right: The Gilharry 7 Band poses for a group shot before starting the party. (MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGRAPHY)
Some guests lucked out with an extra special night thanks to incredible raffle prizes donated by generous sponsors of the event. The raffle was drawn at midnight. Winners can contact the Placencia Tourism Center at 523-4045 or info@placencia.com for more on redeeming prizes.
th Announcing the Winners of the 15 Annual Placencia Mistletoe Ball Raffle! United Airlines One round trip ticket to US or Canada Bevan Brown The Lodge at Big Falls (PG) 2 night B&B for 2 & use of all facilities Robert Raymond Victoria House (San Pedro) 2 night stay with full bfast & 1 dinner for 2 Samuel Itch Ramon’s Village (San Pedro) 2 night stay including room and breakfast Gail Dusa Hatchet Caye 2 night stay with breakfast for 2 Doug Kane Maya Beach Bistro Dinner for 2 Ed Carr Hamanasi (Hopkins) Dinner for 2 Alex Kachur Fuego Bar & Grill (San Ignacio) $50 Gift Certificate Jay Armstrong Habanero’s (Caye Caulker) $150 Gift Certificate Wende Bryan Rumfish y Vino Dinner for 2 Dan Edwards The Quarterdeck Romantic dinner for 2 Marsha Trent Mojo $150 Gift Certificate Michael Lupoletti La Dolci Vita Dinner for 2 with appetizer to share Daliana Vasquez Tutti Frutti $50 Gift Certificate Heidy Nunez The Lodge at Chaa Creek 2 night stay w/ meals & all onsite activities Gene Newton Whipray Caye 2 night stay with dinner for 2 Mr. / Ms. Wood Turtle Inn Rigsttafel dinner for 2 & bottle of Rosso Yvette Guild Belizean Nirvana 2 night stay The Felkers Barefoot Bar $75 Bar tab Aravinda Street Feet Admission for 2 + 2 specialty rum drinks Cheryl Roucher Secret Garden Massage 60-minute massage with Lee Nyhus Angelita Henry The Spa at Los Porticos One pedicure Michael Lupoletti Millers Landing Pool day with a complimentary pizza Yvette Guild Goss Chocolate 1 box each light & dark chocolate Juan Caducio Tipsy Tuna $100 bar tab Jeff Smith Casa Placencia 1 nite in garden room, bikes, pool & Jeff Smith $25 pre-ordered sweets Manatee Inn 4 bottles Luis Felipe Edwards Merlot Yvette Guild
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The Placencia Breeze ‖ December 2014 ‖ Page 23
Young Pupils Demonstrate Smarts at PIA Grand Opening As a novice school soon to approach two years old, the Peninsula International Academy had much to prove to the Peninsula community at its grand opening on its new campus in Placencia Village. Boasting a small student to teacher ratio offering individualized attention for students and advanced teaching methods, guests at the event quickly learned that PIA students were undoubtedly privileged recipients of a high quality education. Between speeches by board members and staff, students from all levels currently ranging from preschool through standard five entertained and impressed parents, guardians and invited guests. Through fun skits and songs, they showcased their acquired knowledge of science, language, mathematics and social studies. While the adults delivered their speeches, all students were on their best behaviour creating an almost eerie silence that was unusual especially for preschoolers. But there is more to prove in black and white at PIA. On Dec. 9, the school received a score of “Competent” equivalent to a B on the Belize Junior Achievement Test. Along with another private school in Dangriga Town, PIA was just one of two schools to have passed the exam in the southern region of Belize.
ecutive Director Selena Lucas, plans are underway to start a high school in three to four years. First-year cost to attend the school is BZ$7,000 and several students are currently receiving financial assistance through scholarships made possible by individual donations and sponsorships funded by businesses. “Assisting a child to Presentation on multiplication tables impressed and intimidated some adults in attendance. attend PIA is a (MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGRAPHY) perfect way for employers to cas told guests that she sees educa- BAPS, the Belize Association of have complete staff loyalty,” Lu- tion as the best preparation for the Private Schools. BAPS include cas said. current state of affairs. “We want Hummingbird Elementary and Ca-
As globalization has continued to bring Belize head on with the educational demands of developed nations through foreign investment and technology, the need for a globally competitive education was part of the catalyst which led to the birth of PIA. It is a similar trend in other communites in Belize where parents typically of higher income households prefer more progressive teaching methFifty-one students are currently ods for their children without the enrolled at the private and inde- need for homeschooling. pendent secular school. Students For Lucas, sharing her school’s are a blend of first and multi-genteaching strategies and philosophy erational Belizeans, as well as reof learning to as many children cent migrants reflecting current as possible regardless of financial population demographics on the means is a top priority, which is Placencia Peninsula. The staff is why she is adamant about encouralso diverse and includes three aging businesses to sponsor an edAmericans, one French national ucation for their employees. Cogand five Belizeans. nizant of the rapid state of change According to PIA Founder and Ex- on the Peninsula and in Belize, Lu-
our students to engage with what sey Community School of Belize they do not know and find the solu- City, QSI International School of tion,” she said. Belize in Belmopan, Kids First in Dangriga, Island Academy in Head Teacher April Brown furSan Pedro and Kaina on-line High ther elaborated on the school’s school, which are all non-denomteaching philosophy as a Growth inational private schools. PIA has Mindset School in her presentaalready coordinated two worktion to guests explaining that PIA shops with BAPS, which has creis striving to create problem solvated an opportunity for leaders ers and encourage students to ask and staff of the different schools questions rather than trying to to work through issues of common memorize facts. “Education is not concern. a race. One size does not fit all.” Brown acknowledged; however, Both Lucas and Brown were forthat the staff at PIA cannot do their mer hands-on volunteers at St. job alone. “Guardians and parents John’s Memorial Anglican Primamust light the spark … Encourage ry School. According to Lucas, your children to read. Please never PIA has been making an effort to underestimate the power of a child work together with St. John’s on with a book.” various initiatives. Students from both schools recently collaboratSince founding PIA with the assised on a beach cleanup led by the tance of many individuals and the Southern Environmental Associacooperation from the Ministry of tion. ▪ Education, Lucas has also formed
The Krismus Roundup from Peninsula businesses: Mojo will be open Christmas Eve all
Continued from page 3
BB Yoga Flow will be closed for the holiday season from 15 December 2014 to 2 January 2015 Tipsy will be closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day & Boxing Day. They always close so their staff can go home to be with their families. They will, however, be doing their big New Year’s Eve Bash again! Maya Beach Bistro will be having Holiday dinner specials on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. They’ll be having nightly fish specials throughout the holiday period. Brewed Awakenings will be open throughout the Christmas holidays. Mariposa Restaurant and Beach Suites will be open for Christmas.
evening! Free festive shooters! That night Mojo will donate $5 from every main dish ordered to go into a find to help Dwayne and Cindy Flowers return to Placencia! They just want to come home and get their lives going again so this will help:) Barefoot Bar’s Full Lineup!
Xmas Eve: Dec 24th - Open ALL DAY. Live Music w/ Tropical Vibes Alongside DJ Boneyfide starts @ 8 PM Party Continues @ Street Feet Lounge & Night Club w/ Linda Blease til 4 am! Barefoot Bar - Xmas Day - Dec 25th - Open 5 - Close Barefoot Bar Boxing Day - Dec 26th - Open 5 - Close. Boxing Day Bash @ Street Feet Lounge & Night Club w/ Champion Squad & DJ Reem til
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The Placencia Breeze ‖ December 2014 ‖ Page 24
More News from the Rotary Club of Placencia Rotary Holds Fifth Summer high school students and the little ones. Our club is so proud of these Reading Program: This was the 5th year that the Rotary Club of Placencia ran a Summer Reading Program. The program started off as the brain child of Rotarian Linda Cazin five years ago and is designed to assist students entering Standard I that may be a bit behind in their reading skills. We started with about 12 students and 3 adult volunteers and 3 high school student volunteers. That first year the program was only in Seine Bight and only ran one week. Every day started off with a nutritious snack and then we tried to help the students who were about to enter Standard I how to read. Cathie Evans, the wife of Edmonton West, Canada Rotarian Duane Evans heard about our program and expressed interest. Cathie is a teacher in Canada and works with students who are struggling with reading. She approached fellow teacher Wendy Mitchell, who also has Special Education training, and asked if they could come help us out. The second year the program ran two weeks, had about 20 students and all of our Scholarship students participated (they are required to do 20 hours of Community Service every year). We continue with the two week program and we also feed the students a morning snack and milk every day. Last year we added Placencia to the program and we had 2 more teachers and 3 graduate students that came to help us in addition to our students and Cathie and Wendy. This year, Darcy, one of the additional teachers, added a day of education and fun for the scholarship students before the start of the Reading Program. All but one of our scholarship students (one student is in the US for medical reasons) attended the day and they had a great time. The high school student day started with a snack followed by ice breaking games and then some games designed to teach the students skills that they need in high school and life. This was followed by a lunch and then a very aggressive volleyball game. This day was so popular it will be repeated next year. Many thanks for Mr. Darcy for adding this. The Summer Reading Program in Placencia this year was run by 4th year high school students Tiana Felix and Andrea Chirinos. Both young ladies did an outstanding job making sure the volunteers were organized, the littleones there and that everyone was fed delicious food. They managed a budget and did a great job. 4th year high school student Damone Martinez in Seine Bight stepped up to the plate and provided a great example and inspiration to the younger
young adults. All told, we had 35 Primary School students, 20 high school students, 10 adults from Canada and 5 adults from here for a total of 70 people participate in the program this year!!!
The high school students that were back for a second or third year or fourth year all did a great job. The incoming 1st year students got with the program on day one and did a fantastic job following the example of the returning veterans. Many thanks to the contingent from Edmonton West CanadaDarcy, Wendy, Cathie, Crystal, Tira, Filip Al, Karen, Duane and Kyle. Thanks to the schools and principals for helping us organize this and letting us use their space. December Flea Market shoppers enjoy new benches on the Placencia Kudos to all of our fantastic high Village basketball court that were constructed by Rotarians. school students. The communi- (MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGRAPHY) ties of SeineBight and Placencia should be so proud of these young adults. And, of course, thanks to the students going into Standard I in both villages for attending. We are already planning next year!
Governor›s Dinner Held at Paradise Resort Paradise Resort hosted the Rotary Club of Placencia’s annual Governor’s Dinner on October 17th. Governor Jose Mauricio “Chepe” Rodriguez Wever & Assistant Governor Judith Williams addressed our club with information regarding the direction of Rotary in Belize. Maretha Mccullock, president elect, was the emcee Rotarians gather at Governor’s Dinner. for the evening. Wanda Stakutis, president 2014-2015, presented Got time on your hands? the President’s Address. It was a Consider joining the Rotary Club of Placencia! very informative evening for all Rotarians and their guests. Thank Rotarians meet every Tuesday at 12:30 you to Paradise Resort for providat Yoli’s Bar. Call 625-2763. ing a wonderful meal.
Haunted House a Hit at the Community Center The Placencia Rotary Club hosted the annual “Haunted House” on October 31st at the Community Center. The theme this year was “Enter the Forbidden World.” It was really scary and fun for all the children & adults who attended. Thank you to all the volunteers who worked for days setting up this event. Special thank you to the volunteers who dressed in costumes & those who brought Halloween decorations. Your continued support makes every year more special. All the funds raised go to the Christmas Toy Drive for the children in the village of Placencia. -- Contributions to this Rotary update were made by Beverly Brooks and Wanda Stakutis of the Rotary Club of Placencia.
Buy lunch for BZ$10 at Yoli’s.
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The Placencia Breeze ‖ December 2014 ‖ Page 25
STUDENT OF THE
MONTH The Placencia BTIA started the Student of the Month program to celebrate hard work among primary school students on the Placencia Peninsula. The program recognizes one child from each classroom of the respective participating primary school/s. The students’ names are compiled by the teachers of each class. A child may be recognized by the following: Academic Achievement, Good Behavior, Being Helpful to Others, Improved Grades or Behavior, Standing out Among Their Peers or any other reason the teacher may deem worthy. The Placencia BTIA produces a Certificate of Recognition for each student. The certificate is signed by the principal of the school, teacher of the classroom and the Placencia BTIA’s Business Manager. During presentations of these awards, students are called up one by one in front of the entire school to receive their certificate. Teachers often make it a bit of a mystery, giving clues at the assembly. It makes it exciting for students to guess the name of their classmate being awarded. The student recognition program brings awareness within the classroom and in the entire school to motivate other students to work hard and receive such recognition. November 2014 Awardees at St. John’s Primary: Preschool A.M. Jinnie Salazar Preschool P.M. Kaylee Cal Inf I Chloe Ramirez Inf II Gisele Burgess Std. I Luke Vellos Std. II Keely Faux Std. III W/S Charles Westby and Myles Godfrey Std. IV Larissa Marroquin Std. V Shamiquea Tucker Std. VI Josue Reinaldo December 2014 Awardees at Peninsula International Academy: Stds. 3-4: Keanna Leslie Stds. 1-2: James Rinehart Lower Primary: Vinn Wildman Ed. Note: The Placencia BTIA welcomes the Peninsula International Academy (PIA) into the Student of the Month Program! PIA classrooms are multi-level, which is why there is not one student designated for each standard. PIA has selected their awardees by seeking “intelligent learners who are eager to explore new topics, display kindness and empathy for others while showing great determination to put forth their best effort.”
The Placencia BTIA congratulates all winners and wishes all students on the Peninsula a safe and happy holiday season! Look out for the January issue of the Placencia Breeze to find school updates on St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Primary School in Seine Bight Village!
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Rotary Club of Placencia Scholarship Applications FOR HIGH SCHOOLBOUND STUDENTS The applications for High School Scholarships will be available in March 2014 at both St. John’s Anglican Memorial Primary School and St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Primary School. For a student to qualify, they must have good grades, good standing in the community and a financial need. The scholarships will be for four years (provided the student meets all the requirements each year) for tuition, fees and books. If you have any questions please contact: Wanda Stakutis at gregvwands@gmail.com
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The Placencia Breeze ‖ December 2014 ‖ Page 26
LIQUOR LICENSE APPLICATIONS 2015 PAID ADS. CALL 523-4045 FOR MORE INFO.
Notice is hereby given that Adriana Lynn Upham is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License for the year 2015 to be operated at Pickled Parrot in Placencia Village, Placencia Peninsula Stann Creek District, under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.
Notice is hereby given that Roger Blair is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License for the year 2015 to be operated at Nautical Inn Resort in Seine Bight Village, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District, under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.
Notice is hereby given that Richard “Charo” Westby is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License for the year 2015 to be operated at Charo’s at Placencia Village, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District, under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.
Notice is hereby given that Erin Park is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License for the year 2015 to be operated at Mojo Lounge in Placencia Village, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District, under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.
Notice is hereby given that Dasha Shivers is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License for the year 2015 to be operated at Lion Fish Grill at Hatchet Caye, Stann Creek District, under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.
Notice is hereby given that John and Betty Rhoads are applying for a Restaurant Liquor License for the year 2015 to be operated at Friends Near the Pier in Placencia Village, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District, under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.
Notice is hereby given that Rongdi Chen is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License for the year 2015 to be operated at Dragonfly Moon Restaurant in Placencia Village, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District, under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.
Notice is hereby given that Sabrina Kelly is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License for the year 2015 to be operated at The Secret Garden Restaurant in PlacenciaVillage, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District, under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.
Notice is hereby given that Frankie Gagliano is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License for the year 2015 to be operated at Tiger Beach Club on Surfside Placencia Road, North Seine Bight Village, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District, under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Rongcang Chen is applying for a Store Liquor License for the year 2015 to be operated at Tommy’s Store in Placencia Viillage, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District, under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.
Notice is hereby given that Dove Lynn Clancy is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License for the year 2015 to be operated at Chix Fried Chicken in Maya Beach, North Seine Bight Village, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District, under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Scott May, on behalf of Casa At Last LLC, is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License for the year 2015 to be operated at Jaguar Lanes in Maya Beach, North Seine Bight Village, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District, under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.
Notice is hereby given that Sandra Steele is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License for the year 2015 to be operated at UN Wine’d in Placencia Village, Placencia Peninsula Stann Creek District, under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.
FIND OFFICIAL PLACENCIA BTIA EVENT MERCHANDISE AND MORE AT THE PLACENCIA TOURISM CENTER! LOCATED ON MAIN STREET, PLACENCIA VILLAGE BEHIND
RE/MAX PROPERTY CENTER ACROSS FROM SCOTIABANK.
Placencia BTIA is the proud organizer of the following annual events: Placencia Sidewalk Arts & Music Festival Placencia Lobsterfest (co-organizer) Placencia Saltwater Fishing Tournament Placencia Mistletoe Ball
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The Placencia Breeze ‖ December 2014 ‖ Page 27
2014 Marks Year of Progress for St. John’s Primary Like many government-subsidized, church-run primary schools in rural Belize, it is no secret that St. John’s Memorial Anglican Primary School has its share of challenges. With limited resources and a tough 30:1 student to teacher ratio on average, educating children for excellence can be difficult. However, recent developments show that St. John’s is glimmering with hope and moving forward. Since taking the helm in 2012, Principal Stephen Whyte and his team of teachers have been making great strides to improve the quality of learning at the school. Under Whyte’s leadership, the Placencia Village primary school’s ranking, which is measured by its results in the Primary School Examinations (PSE) and the Belize Junior Achievement Test (BJAT), has soared from 28 of 33 schools in the Stann Creek and Toledo districts to seven of 36 in 2014. “Our standards have risen,” explained Whyte. “We require more from our children, and we’ve definitely had more parental involvement.” This year the school performed its best in four years in the national Primary School Examinations (PSE), which standard six students (equivalent of grade eight in the United States) must pass in order to move on to the high school level. Of the 21 students who sat the exam at St. John’s, 19 passed. Even though the highest passing mark in this year’s PSE at St. John’s was an 82.1 percent, which still fell within the “Excellent” range of 80-100 percent, the results have greatly motivated Whyte who says he is determined to lead the school to number one in the south. Management of Anglican schools in Belize has commended St. John’s for their quality and child friendly classrooms in 2014. The school also gained national recognition in the 2014 Festival of Arts when Standard four student Jamal Hartnett brought home a gold medal for his vocal performance, accompanied by his teacher Mr. Torres on keyboard, at the Bliss Institute of Creative Arts in Belize City. Whyte says with regular training, teachers are meeting higher expectations and that children are aware that going to school means they are getting ready to work and learn. Teachers at St. John’s must either possess an associate degree in primary education or have completed a certificate in primary education. They also receive periodic inhouse training from senior staff as well as training by professionals working with the Anglican Church in partnership with the Ministry of Education and by visiting and resident volunteers. In fact, Principal Whyte was recently in Japan at a training sponsored by the Japan
International Cooperation Agency (JICA) specially designed for educators in rural areas. “At St. John’s we try to move as a family,” said Whyte. “This includes the parents, the students, the teachers and the manager – we think we can accomplish our mission which is to empower young minds through education.” Whyte says local business support has been crucial in supporting the school’s operations. Turtle Inn Resort donates school supplies and Boris Mannsfeld and Associates pays part of the salary for the school’s physical education teacher. Students gather during Monday morning assembly. St. John’s Anglican
The school also receives food Memorial Primary School has jumped from number 28 of 33 schools in donations from Barefoot Bar and the Stann Creek and Toledo districts in 2012 to number seven of 36 in Wallen’s Grocery Store for its 2014. (JOLIE POLLARD) feeding program, as well as regular support from Robert’s Grove Resort. Volunteer support from individuals and community organizations has also provided key assistance to the school. St. John’s is one of the Placencia Rotary Clubs’s primary benefi- In the summer Principal Stephen Whyte joined two other Belizeans and 17 educators working at schools in rural communities around the world at a special training session held in Okinawa ciaries. and sponsored by the Japan International Cooperation Agency. (JOLIE POLLARD)
Recent Rotary projects at the school have included a complete renovation and paint job of the building, the installation of new hurricane shutter windows and a rehabilitation of the school’s library, which now houses a variety of books donated by the Rotary Club.
Earlier this year, a group of students and teachers from Aldergrove Community Secondary School in Canada gave the school a creative facelift completing five murals with recycled materials on the building’s exterior. Aldergrove Vice Principal Michael Carlyle said his team was proud to be part of the school’s transformation saying the once “barely noticeable” school had changed to one “where tourists were stopping to take pictures.” Students are highly anticipating the completion of the school’s first computer lab, which Whyte hopes to open in the second semester months of 2015. In February 2014, the family of the deceased Michael Potoker, a former Placencia developer, presented a check of US$10,000 to the school, which the benefactor had left for St. John’s in his will. In addition to physical and financial support, St. John’s has also been receiving volunteer help for improved learning and teaching practices. This year, a group of nine students
and six teachers from Upper St. Clair High School in Pittsburgh, PA, USA travelling as the 2014 Leadership Academy Belize, provided five days of leadership training to students from standard two through six. According to Whyte, students learned leadership values such as commitment, integrity, productivity, openness and reflection from the training. Furthermore, individuals like village resident, Anna Muslar who formerly taught at a private school in Atlanta, Georgia, USA has dedicated her time to incorporating progressive teaching strategies to the current standard one class, and retired mathematics teacher Farrel Brody of New York has been visiting the school twice a year to assist Standard three and standard six students with the preparation of the math sections in the PSE and BJAT examinations. Muslar has also used her connections with family in the United States and with the Atlanta-based private school, Imhotep Academy, to donate school supplies to her adopted classroom and the rest of the school. Two hundred and thirty-seven students are currently enrolled at St. John’s Anglican Memorial Primary School which starts at the preschool level. Students reflect a range of cultures and ethnicities
in southern Belize and come from diverse families spanning an array of socio-economic levels. According to Whyte, the student body which represents Placencia, Seine Bight, Independence and Bella Vista Villages is growing quickly. Tuition and registration totals BZ$50 per child for a full school year and the Belize Government provides textbooks to the children. The 10-classroom school currently employs 14 teachers. Most graduates move on to high school in Independence Village. Whyte admits that there is still much room for improvement in classroom instruction and parental involvement at St. John’s, as well as with other infrastructural needs. His next improvement project includes revamping the school’s cafeteria, which caters to 30 to 40 children per day. Some children are on the school’s feeding programme, which accommodates those who cannot afford to pay for lunch.▪ Don’t miss the 10th Annual Children’s Christmas Show! The entertainment starts at 7 p.m. on Dec. 21 at the Placencia Village Community Center! Then, on Dec. 23, it’s the 8th Annual Children’s Toy Giveaway at the Placencia Village Basketball Court. All children are welcome! Call Tracy at 620-8003 or e-mail placenciapirates@yahoo.com!
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PLACENCIA PENINSULA GUIDE
PAID LISTINGS. TO ADVERTISE CALL 523-4045 OR E-MAIL INFO@PLACENCIA.COM
ACCOMMODATIONS South of Airstrip
One World Rentals: Eight beautiful, comfortable and immaculate studios and apartments around an attractive courtyard . Cable TV, free wireless internet access, air-conditioning, fully equipped kitchen, private bathroom, fully screened, hammocks. Located in the heart of Placencia (behind the “Rumfish” restaurant) close to the beach, shopping and restaurants. www.oneworldplacencia.com. Contact Swiss owner Claudia Hardegger at 523.3103 or 620.9975. Email: oneworldplacencia@yahoo.com. MC, VISA accepted. Rates from US$49 plus tax. Paradise Resort: Has most of the amenities & all the luxury of a large hotel. We
are located on the ocean front. 12 A/C rooms. On site full service restaurant & bar, spa by the sea, all eco tours, diving, snorkeling, fishing, roof top Jacuzzi, Wi-Fi, dive shop, gift shop, kayak and golf cart rental. Maya & Tropic Air agent. Email:info@belize123. com or give us a call at 523-3179/503-3479 Website:www.belize123.com
Ranguana Lodge: Five private ocean view cabins located right on the beach in the heart of Placencia Village: We have 3 private air-conditioned beach cabins each w/ 2 Double beds, fans, large refrigerator, coffee makers, private bath w/ hot/cold shower, private balcony w/ a hammock. We also have two other cabins with full kitchens, 2 double beds, fans, private bath with hot & cold shower & tub, private balcony with a hammock. Beach Palapas, beach chairs. Tropic Air agent, Gift shop. Phone/fax at 011501-523-3112, E-mail: Ranguana@btl.net website: www.ranguanabelize.com Tradewinds: Overlooking the Caribbean Sea & the Mountains of Belize! 9 Cabanas
DINING South of Airstrip De’Tatch Seafood Beach Grill & Bar: Serving the very best in Seafood and Local Cuisines. Open Mon-Sunday (Closed... on Wed)7am until 10pm for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (daily and nightly lunch & seafood dinner special). Come Enjoy the Perfect View (beach front), Great food, Great drink and Music to sooth the soul. Internet & Wireless also available. For Info or Take out orders please call: 503-3385
Wendy’s Creole Restaurant & Bar: Fine dining in A/C comfort or outdoor on
the Patio. Specializing in Spanish & Creole. Open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch & dinner 7am - 10pm. Located on the Main Road. Visa & MC accepted. Ph: 523-3335 Email: wendylemus02@hotmail.com
North of Airstrip: Green Parrot Restaurant: On the beach at Maya Beach. Our chef changes the menu daily and features a wide variety of local and international cuisine. We feature seafood and tropical dishes. For reservations call 523-2488. Email: greenparot@btl.net Habanero Mexican Restaurant & Bar @ Robert’s Grove: Lagoon side Fiesta time! Casual and fun Habanero serves up Mexican food w/ a Belizean flair. Now open from 12 noon – 10 p.m. Dinner Pick-ups available 523-3565!
w/ private bath, hot/cold, 2 double beds, fans, coffee maker (coffee provided), refrigerator & veranda w/ hammock. Tel: 523-3122; Email: trdewndpla@btl.net
Jaguar Lanes Bowling and Café: Casual Dining in cool AC, 2 big TVs, Pizza, Burgers, Pulled Pork, Crunchy Tacos, Nachos, Homemade Desserts, Daily Drink Specials, and more!!! Credit Cards accepted.
North of Airstrip:
Quarterdeck Restaurant & Bar @ Laru Beya Resort: International Fine
Barnacle Bill’s Beach Bungalows: Two bungalows in Maya Beach. Full kitchen,
queen bed, sleeper sofa, h/w, fans, Wi-Fi, comp. kayaks and bikes. Contact: taylors@btl.net. 533-8110. www.barnaclebills-belize.com.
Green Parrot Beach Houses: Maya Beach: 6 mahogany beach houses, loft bedrooms, fold out sofa, kitchenette & bath on main floor. 2 bay leaf thatch cabanas w/ garden showers & private beach. Tel/FAX: 523-2488; E-mail: greenparrot@btl.net; Website: www.greenparrot-belize.com
Miller’s Landing: Natural Belizean cabanas, lush tropical gardens, clean secluded beach, pool & thatch bar, P. 523-3010 or millersplacencia@yahoo.com
Laru Beya Resort: Paradise has an address... Luxurious beachfront accommodation
with a top-rated restaurant on site. All bedrooms have A/C, ceiling fans, fridges, coffee & tea making facilities. Suites (1 to 3 bedrooms) have fully fitted kitchens. Ocean-facing infinity pool. Free Wi-Fi throughout the resort. Free use of Hobi-cat, sea kayaks and bicycles. Miniature golf course located on the landscaped grounds. Daily tours, snorkeling & diving trips and other excursions arranged. www.larubeya.com. info@larubeya.com. Tel: 523-3476 & Fax: 523-3483
Singing Sands Inn: Located on a beautiful stretch of Maya Beach featuring 6 private, thatched cabanas with own bath and patio as well as 2 garden view flats. Bonefish Grille full service restaurant and bar on-site serving breakfast, lunch and dinner along with daily specials and Happy Hour 4 – 6 pm. Gorgeous landscaping. Swimming pool with relaxing deck area. Free Wi-Fi available. Bicycles complimentary for guests. Kayaks, pedal boats and golf cart available for rent. Tel: 533-302. Email: info@singingsands. com Website: www.singingsands.com
Robert’s Grove Beach Resort: Placencia’s most complete resort. Beachfront accommodations w/3 restaurants: Seaside, Habanero & Sweet Mama’s & French bakery & deli; 3 Pools, Conference Center, Tennis Court, Gym, FREE Wifi, Gift Shop, Full Service Dive Center, Marina, Gas and butane station. Kayaks, Windsurfers, Hobie Cats and bikes. Kayak, Paddle Boat and golf cart rentals and sales. www.robertsgrove.com, info@robertsgrove.com. For more info cal us @ 523-3565! At The Cayes Ranguana Caye: Ranguana Caye is a 2 acre island located right on the reef with 3 rustic cabanas and a view that will blow your mind! Food, drinks, Moorings and all the Caribbean Breeze you can handle are available. Prime Diving and Fishing location. Come for a day, a night or more. Reservation day trips or lodging call 523-3565. Robert’s Caye: Robert’s Caye is just 10 miles from Placencia (1/2 hour by boat) a one acre island with 4 charming cabanas built partially over the water. Each cabana is outfitted w/ a king bed, full bathroom, hot and cold running showers, and a private terrace with hammocks. A small restaurant and bar, also built over the water, serves three meals daily. An deal setting for honeymooners and sportsmen alike, this “swept away” island paradise is surrounded by crystal clear water. The nearby flats are renowned for fishing as well. Kayaks and snorkeling gear are complimentary to is island guests. Come for a day, a night or more. Reservation for day trips or lodging call 523-3565. Whipray Caye Lodge: Whipray Caye is a magical private island in the heart of some of the best fly fishing flats in the world. This caye has room to roam, with two spacious 2-room guest cabanas, private bath in each room, and verandas facing a glorious Belizean sunrise. Hearty family-style meals are served in our thatched roof restaurant and “Sea Urchin Bar”. Enjoy the natural unspoiled beauty of the coral reef surrounding the caye, chock full of beautiful tropical fish of all shapes and sizes, rays, sharks, turtles, crab, and even the occasional manatee, all nurtured by the abundant mangroves on the southern half of the caye. Owner and renowned fly fishing guide Julian Cabral and his wife Beverly will make your stay a memorable one. PHONE: 501-608-8130, CELL: 501-610-1068, EMAIL: whipraycaye@yahoo.com, WEB: www. whipraycayelodge.com
Dining with Belizean flair. Experience delicious meals, fabulous cocktails and fantastic service combined with spectacular ocean views. Breakfast served from 7 to 11 am. Lunch served from 12 to 2 pm. Happy hour from 4 to 6 pm. Dinner served from 6 to 9 pm. For reservations call 523-3476.
Singing Sands Inn: Enjoy the delicious cuisine and ambiance of the Bonefish Grille. Our open-air, full service restaurant located on the beach, specializes in traditional Asian, as well as Italian and French influenced dishes. Daily Lunch and Dinner Specials as well as Happy Hour Menu. Open 7 days a week. For reservations or more information call 533-3022 or email info@singingsands.com. Seaside Restaurant @ Robert’s Grove: Romantic Fine Dining with a world
class menu and wine cellar. One of Belize’s most consistent restaurants quoted Fodor’s 2010 edition. The Seaside Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Open 7 days a week, 365 days a year from 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. Dinner Pick-ups available 523-3565!
Sweet Mama’s @ Robert’s Grove: Belizean restaurant serving breakfast ($8), lunch ($10) and dinner ($12). Open Monday - Sunday, 7 AM to 8 PM.
Whipray Caye Lodge: See accommodation for info about our restaurant and bar.
CHEERS - Peninsula Bars Barefoot Bar: Open every day 11:30 am - midnight! Located on the Beach - the party never stops! Live music Thurs - Sun nights. Happy hour, lunch hour beer specials, largest drink menu around, full moon parties & more! Creative lunch/dinner specials. Barefoot Bar is all about Stiff Drinks - Tasty Food - Good Times! Tel: 523-3515. Follow us on Facebook! J-Byrd’s: Local Bar by the Seaside docks. Open daily from 10am to 12pm. And live music every Friday’s. Tel :523-3412
COFFEE Above Grounds Coffee: Tel: 634 3212. Shaded Cool Spot. Supporting Small Independent Producers. Shade Grown Organic Guatemalan Coffees & Tea (Hot or Iced) Fresh Juices, Bagels, Banana Bread, Bulk Coffee. High speed Wi-Fi. Main Road, Past football field, South end of the Village. Open Daily, 7am- 4pm, Monday thru Saturday. Sundays, 8am-Noon.
SHOPPING Art n Soul Gallery: Original artwork from Belize’s BEST artists! OPEN 9 a.m. - 6
p.m. every day. On the world famous sidewalk just steps from the new pier! P. 503-3088
Goss Chocolate: Goss Chocolate and cocoa powder made and sold only in Belize. 100% organically grown Belizean cacao, Belizean cane sugar, whole vanilla bean. Sold in grocery stores, gift shops, hotels and restaurants on the Peninsula and throughout Belize. Sorry, no factory tours! P. 523-3544, www.Goss-Chocolate.com, BTL 2013 Yellow Pages, Facebook winner 2013 World Chocolate Awards for Goss White with Vanilla Bean.
Green Parrot Gift Shop: The in-place to shop on the Peninsula. Featuring a wide variety of Belizean, Guatemalan, & Central American crafts.
Lola’s Art Gallery: Located in Seine Bight Village 1 ½ miles north of the Placencia Airstrip. Look for our sign near the football field south of the village. The peninsula’s first art gallery with original Belizean art by Lola. 8am-6pm. 523-3342 & 601-1913
Wallen’s Market: Serving Placencia with fresh produce, dry goods, & specialty
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A Huge Thanks to Mistletoe Ball 2014 Sponsors
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PLACENCIA PENINSULA GUIDE
PAID LISTINGS. TO ADVERTISE CALL 523-4045 OR E-MAIL INFO@PLACENCIA.COM
items. Wholesale/retail. Tel: 523-3128; Hardware Tel: 503-3316 or 523-3523; Pharmacy Tel. 523-3346. email wallensmarket@yahoo.com Serving the Peninsula for over 25 years!! Located across from the sport field.
TOUR PROVIDERS: Robert’s Grove Dive Center: Feeling adventurous?? Our PADI 5 star Dive Center offers daily snorkeling, diving and certification courses and boasts some of the tastiest lunches, best tour guides in the country, and ‘The Dorado’ our 48 ft. Pro Dive Boat! Nitrox and specialty Dive Courses available. Inland, Fishing, private charters, Whale Shark, Manatee, Monkey River and Inland tours also on the Tour Menu for more info call 523-3565!
COMMUNITY LISTINGS: Churches: Calvary Chapel of the Placencia Peninsula: Meeting in Seine Bight Village. Sunday Services: 10:30 A.M. and 6:30 P.M. (Sunday School provided). Wednesday: Men’s and Women’s Bible Study - 6:30 P.M. Friday: Youth Group - 5:30 P.M. Non denominational Church - Call Pastor Jim Mensie for more information: 523-3362 Ministries of the Son of God Church, Seine Bight Village: Wednes-
day Bible Studies -6:30 pm, Thursday Youth Choir Practice - 6:30 pm, Friday Youth Night - 6:00 pm, Saturday Adult Choir Practice - 6:30 pm, Sunday Service - 8:30 am & Sunday Night Service - 6:30 pm. Reverend Don Palmer. Phone 523-3301 or email cbelize@btl.net
Singing Sands Inn: Offers inshore or offshore fishing excursions right off of our dock! Join us on our 31’ Cape Horn for a fantastic day of angling action. We can arrange any tour whether inland or water including Monkey River, Mayan Ruins, snorkelling, diving, and much more. Call 533-3022 or email info@singingsands.com
7 p.m. on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Splash Dive Center: Selected Tour Operator of the Year by the Belize Tourism
Seine Bight Catholic Church: Services Sundays 8:00 a.m. Seine Bight Village.
Board. Fully equipped scuba retail store and 5 Star PADI Dive Center. Our 5 dive boats visit several dive and snorkel destinations daily. We teach scuba diving from beginner to pro level. Our air conditioned vans and licensed guides will take you to Maya sites, Cockscomb Jaguar Preserve, ziplining, cave or river tubing, or the Monkey River jungle. Call 523-3080/3058 or e-mail Patty at patricia@splashbelize.com. See www. splashbelize.com for more info.
Trip N Travel: Saltwater & Jungle Adventures. P. 523-3205 Email: lgodfrey@btl. net. Located on Main Street & Bruk Pat in Placencia Office Supply.
SERVICES Tony’s Gym/Belize Fit: We have a small CrossFit Gym. By appointment only.
www.belizefit.com Phone: 631-7427
Placencia Office Supply: INTERNET, Printing, Stationary, SMART – GimmeDalla, Sales, Collections. P. 523-3205 or plaofficesupply@gmail.com Muzamanzie Photography: Contact us for wedding photographs, portraits, web & brochure images. P. 523-3563 or 603-5143 email: muzamanzie@yahoo.com
REAL ESTATE: CPC Real Estate Solutions: Your trusted real estate broker in Belize. We have over 20 years experience helping clients with their real estate transactions and take pride in assisting you with your property purchase. Please visit our office next to Tuttifrutti or call us at 672-9000 or visit: www.belizeproperty.com Sandhill Ltd.: Property and vacation rental management services customized to fit homeowners requirements. Rental homes available for short and long term lease. Telephone 523-3061 or 533-4017 for more information. Email info@silbelize.com. Website www.silbelize.com
Placencia Lighthouse Worship Center: Sunday School at 9 a.m. Services at
Lay ministers. Catholic (lay) - Mrs Dora. Williams Tel# 523 3527 or 523 3564 Worship Center: Bible Study – Wednesday 7:00 p.m. – until. Services: Sunday 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Sunday School: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Non Denominational - Pst. Moore - Tel# 523 3333
Seventh Day Adventists: Services Fridays at sunset; Saturdays 9:00 a.m. Lay ministers. U. Torres - Tel# 503 2270 St. John’s Memorial: Placencia Anglican (Episcopal) Church: Sunday services at 8:00 a.m. .
Transport Services: De Express Boat: P. 626-8835. Departs Placencia Shell Dock- 9:30 a.m. Arrives Big Creek 10 a.m. Departs - 11:00 am. Arrives Puerto Cortez, Honduras, 2 pm. at Laguna. Return trip – Monday: Departs Puerto Cortez, Honduras 10 am. Arrives Big Creek 12 noon. Departs - 1:30 p.m. Arrives Placencia 2 pm. Tel: 523-4045. Tickets available at the Placencia Tourism Center for BZ$120. Hokey Pokey Boat: P. 523-2376. Placencia (MnM Dock) → Independence/Mango Creek: 6:45a.m, 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4 p.m, 5 p.m and 6 p.m. (except on Sundays). Independence/Mango Creek → Placencia: 6:30 a.m., 7:30a.m., 8a.m., 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 2:30 p.m, & 4:30 p.m.
Ritchie’s Bus: 523-3806. Regular Bus: Placencia → Dangriga: Monday thru Sat-
urday: 6 a.m.; 7 a.m.; 12:45 p.m.; 2:30 p.m. Sundays: 7 a .m.; 2:30 p.m. Dangriga → Placencia : Monday thru Saturday: 11 a.m.; 2 p.m.; 4:30 p.m.; 6 p.m. Sundays: 11 a.m.; 6 p.m. Express Bus: Placencia—> Belmopan —> Belize City: Monday thru Saturday: 6:15 a.m. Express Bus: Belize City—> Belmopan —> Placencia: Monday thru Saturday: 3:30 p.m,Visit: www.ritchiesbusservice.com for more info!
ADO: Leaves from Belize City at 7:30 p.m. to Tulum, Playa Del Carmen and Cancun, Mexico. Tickets must be purchased at bus terminal in Belize City.
GETTING AROUND:
Tropic Air: P. 523-3410 Maya Island Air: P. 523-3472
Car Rental of Placencia: 1 mile north of the Placencia Airstrip. Largest car rental on the Peninsula. SUVs and Golf Carts. Call: 523-3284 or 625-9573 or 662-7611. A drop location for donations for the Placencia Humane Society.
Taxis/Delivery Services:
Singing Sands Inn: Rentals of reliable golf carts, bicycles, kayaks (including clear bottom), two person catamarans, snorkel gear and pedal boats by the hour, half day, full day or weekly. Located in Maya beach. Call 533-3022 or email info@singingsands. com.
Mr. Clark: 621-1031 Noel: 600-6047 Christon: 629-4307 Walter: 622-3194 Bailey: 636-7863 Keylone: 668-9395 Mr. Linarez: 607-2518 Liria: 623-4836 Choko: 632-0980 Rain or Shine Delivery: 666-1555 Brittney Gibson Delivery: 651-8393
SPA & MASSAGE:
Addiction Support:
Sandhill Ltd.: Sales and rentals of kayaks, pedal boats, golf carts. Rentals by hour, daily or weekly. Telephone 523-3061 or 533-4017 for more information. Email info@silbelize.com. Website www.silbelize.com
Sea Spa @ Robert’s Grove: Now offering Thai Massage, our Sea Spa is manned
by professional therapists each w/ their own unique style. Treatments include; Several massage styles, Facials, Body Wraps, Body Scrubs/Polish, Reiki Energy, Sunburn Special, Coconut Hair Rinse and of course Manis & Pedis for Barefoot perfect feet! All treatments offered in our newly appointed oceanfront spa, at the end of our 250 ft pier or in a rooftop setting w/ panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea! For more info call 523-3565!
Siripohn’s Thai Massage: Therapist from Thailand - Thai Massage, Essential Oil, Swedish, Jet Lag, Back & Shoulders, Foot Massage, Body Treatments, & Facial Treatments. Open 10 am to 6 pm. Call 620-8718 or 600-0375, email: jenjira01@yahoo. com - Kob Khun Ka.
WEDDING PLANNING:
Robert’s Grove Beach Resort: Located on the Placencia Peninsula, a romantic off-the-beaten-path destination on the southern coast. Robert’s Grove is an intimate fivestar resort that is ideal for Belize Beach Weddings, whether you want private ceremony for just you and your partner or if you want to bring family and friends. Contact our wedding planner Ms. Lea Itzab: lea@robertsgrove.com or call us at 523-3565
ALCOHOLIC ANOYMOUS/Placencia Rule 62 Group:
Friday, 5:30 p.m. & Sunday at 9:30 a.m. at Placencia Village Health Center; P. Jackie @ 620-2848; Wednesday @ 12:30 p.m. @ yellow house in Seine Bight. P. Steve @ 610-1399. $10 Lunch.
PLACENCIA NAR-ANON/Narcotics Anon Family Groups:
For those affected by someone else’s addiction. Placencia Health Ctr. Saturday at 5:45 p.m. P. Lyra @ 664-8699
Community Numbers:
Placencia Village Council: 523-3396 Placencia Water Board: 523-4036 Placencia Sanitation: 523-3273 Placencia Post Office: 523-3104 Seine Bight Village Council: 523-3660 Seine Bight Water Board: 523-3554 U.S. Warden, Stann Creek Rural: Deborah Coston, 624-6483
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PLACENCIA PENINSULA GUIDE
PAID LISTINGS. TO ADVERTISE CALL 523-4045 OR E-MAIL INFO@PLACENCIA.COM
HEALTH EMERGENCIES: Belize Emergency Response Team: 223-3292 Placencia Medical Center: 503-3326
Seine Bight Medical Center: 523-3328
POLICE: Placencia Police Station: 503-3142
Placencia Tourism Police: 503-3181 FIRE EMERGENCIES: 626-0667
Independence Medical Seine Bight Police Center: Station: 523-2167 503-3148 Maya Beach Police Station: 634-7051
EMERGENCY TIP! Bw sure you have your emergency contact numbers stored in your phone!
SUFFERING FROM STRESS? ANGER? GRIEF? ANXIETY? DEPRESSION? PLACENCIA WELLNESS CONNECTION CAN HELP! The Placencia Wellness Connection was designed to improve the Health and Wellbeing of individuals and families struggling with mental health issues (extreme stress, anger, unresolved grief, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia). Through free structured workshops and organized support groups, the Placencia Wellness Connection will provide: • An opportunity for sharing techniques and tools that improve wellbeing, as well as building social support. • It will be a confidential, safe place for you to be honest about your condition and its impact on your life. It will keep you from feeling isolated, and help you to feel cared about. • It will empower you to face your situation and help validate that you are OK as a person despite your illness or problem. The maximum group size will be 12. Meetings will be held twice monthly for a period of 4 months starting in January 2015. Date/ Place TBA If you are interested in learning more about the groups, or would like to join a group, please call: Diane Robateau at 621-9912 or e-mail robateau5@aol.com
PLACENCIA TOUR GUIDE ASSOCIATION MEMBERS Ainsworth Leslie Alex Small Alrin Muschamp Amin Neal Andrea Villanueva Apolo Caliz Aretha Paleyo Arthur Vernon, Jr. Arthur Westby, Jr. Arthur Westby Sr. Bernard Leslie, Sr Bertrand Cuevas Brian Young Sr. Bruce Godfrey Bruce Leslie Bryan P. Benguche Carlton Young, Jr Celso Mora Cirilio Chun Claude Vernon Clint Villanueva Conrad Villanueva Dale Godfrey Dan Santos Daniel Cabral David Ortiz David Vernon Denbeigh Arzu Devin Lozano Diego Coc Doren Leslie Dorianny Perez Doyen Gardiner
651-0584 662-0738 669-5831 635-7000 602-2148 634-0950 667-8755 669-0387 604-5564 523-3321 667-8356 634-3225 631-5971 625-4478 627-8820 663-5818 634-3493 668-6702 669-0387 634-8476 630-2795 669-1412 622-0998 632-9104 620-6755 600-6044 602-9825 669-9872 625-0191 622-4011 605-4061
Doyle Gardiner Dwayne Young Earl Godfrey Eddie Usher Edlin Leslie, Jr Edwin Carr Egbert Cabral Egbert Popper Jr. Elroy Burgess Eloy Cuevas Elroy Burgess Elroy Tucker Emelly Miralda Emmanual Villanueva Eric Forman Ernest Garcia Eusebio Bonell Eworth Garbutt Eyanick Pop Faygan Villanueva Florencio Shal Fransisco Alvarado Francisco Linarez Gareth Longsworth George Eiley Gilbert Garbutt Jr. Glenford Eiley Godfrey Arzu Grayson Sierra Hank Rhamdas Harold Neal Hubert Young Ian Cuevas
600-2318 631-1953 660-1574 670-1485 626-0003 626-6810 620-5974 626-6138 632-4580 661-2363 622-2811 667-4200 627-4816 664-8121 625-3110 667-4708 610-1018 631-3601 635-0120 668-4298 660-4613 670-3781 605-9845 604-0488 669-8745 630-2843 605-7631 630-7995 635-9262 601-0273
Ian Vernon Ivan Leslie Jr. James Leslie Jason Westby Jeremy Garcia Jes Bech Jonathon Gabourel Julian Cabral Kenley Williams Kenroy Eiley Keon Leslie Kevin Modera Kimani Leslie Kirk Mayen Lennox Palacio Leopold Garcia Leopold Leslie Leslie Faux Leonel Tucker, Jr. Linda Garcia Lincoln Garbutt, Jr. Lisa Carne Louis Godfrey Lowell Godfrey Luis Galdmez Lyra Spang Malcolm Young Mariko Wallen Mario Sanchez Marisha Betancourt Mark Leslie Maxwell Canelo Melissa Cabral
666-1469 661-5014 632-4291 631-9349 635-3938 670-0498 608-7871 610-1068 630-5672 629-3602 628-8817 660-1561 604-6337 665-2247 623-0575 604-4466 604-3477 627-2136 631-5807 665-8383 623-6122 635-0126 668-6474 664-8699 607-7029 652-0605 666-2797 635-0770 633-6330 631-9614 632-9662
Melvin Arevalo Monique Lamb Nick Pollard Omar Sierra Orlando Betancourt Orlin Ipina Pablo Mendoza Patricia Ramirez Patrick Parks Prince Gongora Rafael Villanueva Randolph Faux Randolph Villanueva Rebecca L. Cabral Rene Leslie Rhawn Godfrey Sean Faux Shaun Young Shawn Young Sydney Lopez Sr. Sydney Lopez Jr. Stephen Faux Stephen Lopez Vance Cabral Walter Garbutt Warren Garbutt Winston Garbutt Zane Westby Zeferino Mes
621-4254 631-7790 624-7168 604-0882 631-5661 623-5645 610-0235 601-7459 630-3064 635-5107 667-6208 635-0017 604-4087 602-9315 625-4478 637-4420 631-9347 632-8399 653-2196 667-3503 653-2311 632-9127 622-7339 623-1789 610-1040 601-8172 623-7966 635-9256
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