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 Rotary
is a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders that
provides humanitarian service, encourages high ethical standards in all
vocations, and helps build goodwill and peace in the world.
Approximately 1.2 million Rotarians belong to more than 32,000 clubs in
more than 200 countries and geographical areas.
Rotary club membership represents a cross-section of the community's
business and professional men and women. The world's Rotary clubs meet
weekly and are nonpolitical, nonreligious, and open to all cultures,
races, and creeds.
The main objective of Rotary is service — in the community, in the
workplace, and throughout the world. Rotarians develop community service
projects that address many of today's most critical issues, such as
children at risk, poverty and hunger, the environment, illiteracy, and
violence. They also support programs for youth, educational
opportunities and international exchanges for students, teachers, and
other professionals, and vocational and career development. The Rotary
motto is Service Above Self.
Although Rotary clubs develop autonomous service programs, all Rotarians
worldwide are united in a campaign for the global eradication of polio.
In the 1980s, Rotarians raised US$240 million to immunize the children
of the world; by 2005, Rotary's centenary year and the target date for
the certification of a polio-free world, the PolioPlus program will have
contributed US$500 million to this cause. In addition, Rotary has
provided an army of volunteers to promote and assist at national
immunization days in polio-endemic countries around the world.
The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International is a not-for-profit
corporation that promotes world understanding through international
humanitarian service programs and educational and cultural exchanges. It
is supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotarians and others
who share its vision of a better world. Since 1947, the Foundation has
awarded more than US$1.1 billion in humanitarian and educational grants,
which are initiated and administered by local Rotary clubs and
districts.
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 The
Rotary Club of Placencia was chartered May 2005. We are now in our
second year with a new board of directors. From July 1,2006 – June
30,2007 the Board of Directors will be Maria Cabral – President , Ted
Berry – President Elect, Jose Chan – Past President, Deborah Coston –
Treasurer, Sandi Johnson – Secretary, Lydia Villanueva – Director of
Membership, Luci Wallen – Director of Service Projects, Corol Bevier –
Director of the Rotary Foundation (international), Steve Wade – Director
of Public Relations, and Jeanie Gabourel – Director of Club
Administration.
We are looking forward to a progressive year with many projects already
on the go. Our major project is building a fire department for the
Placencia Peninsula. So when you see the Rotary Club doing fundraisers,
make sure you come out and support us. We are here for the good of the
community!
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 Once
again carnival time draws near, and Placencia’s Jumbelaya Committee is
gearing up for our 2nd Annual Independence Day road march. Last year’s
event was a success and we promise an even more spectacular parade for
2006. We want to once again thank all the business owners and community
members who played a big part of the financial stability of this
committee - we look forward to your support in 2006. We will be visiting
you guys very soon. Our Carnival Mass Camp is located at FINCA. That’s
immediately before SAKS Resort. We promise a September to remember once
more.This year’s parade inclusive of: Jumbelaya Juniors ~ Jumbelaya
Seniors
Floats for (Float Competition) ~ Decorated Bicycle
Citizen Parade ~ A Few Decorated Vehicles
The parade is scheduled for Thursday September 21st
at 10:30 am from P.B.S parking lot. If you missed it last year, then
don’t be left out this time, get registered now, we only have a few
costumes available.Business owners interested in participating in the
floats competition are advised to get in touch at contact numbers. Early
confirmation is important for Juniors. Parents are advised to get your
kids involved in Jumbelaya Juniors or in the decorated bicycle section.
Adults interested in costumes get in touch as soon as possible.We will
be conducting a series of fundraising activities we would appreciate the
support of the community in this event: a) we are looking for financial
sponsor, b) sponsors for generators and music for adults and juniors.
Our Carnival King for 2006- Bruce Mossiah
Our Carnival Queen for 2006- Arlene Ferrel
We promise at least one Junior King
and Queen, and several large costumes: Citizen who wish to tag along are
welcome to join the parade and with the support of this community we
feel it’s possible.
Our Contact Numbers:
Jumbelaya-660-1188 or 503-3019 Therese Bernard-600-6090 Arlene Ferrel-
601-8898 Alva Leslie-625-0728
GET IN THE FUN DON’T MISS THIS ONE
Remember September Time Is Jumbelaya Time
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A Look at Placencia
Lobsterfest 2006 - The Best One Yet!!! By
Tracy Eiley - PYP Coordinator
Placencia Tourism Center and the Placencia Village Council deserve
applause. The decision to relocate the festival from the dock area to
the beach was a total success - even with all the bad weather. The
relocation not only allowed more space for artists to showcase their
crafts. There was plenty of room for the food vendors to set up. The
location also allowed plenty of space for games for the children.
 I
personally have been to six of the nine Lobsterfests and the increase of
family entertainment was most refreshing to see. There were backgammon
competitions, tug of war, and limbo contests. And just good old fashion
family fun.
From the moment the skies cleared enough for folks to get around they
were out and about to see what was available. And plenty of interesting
sights were to be seen. Not only were there crafts to purchase there was
food, food and more food everywhere to be found. From Tony Eiley’s
grilled lobster and pork to Magda and Skip’s shrimp and lobster kabobs.
Also this year the French Connection offered Lobster bisque. Yummy!
Although if you tired of lobster you could chose from Barbara Andrew’s
stew chicken and rice and beans or Grill n Go’s super fajitas. And don’t
forget there were snow cones, garnaches and nachos to choose from too.
Never was there a shortage of food selections.
Progressive Youth of Placencia started each morning with games and beach
competitions for the children. The youngest and some of the not so young
had their first ever experience enjoying an obstacle course and the
older children had a limbo contest. There were sack races and three
legged races and wheel barrel races too. With prizes to win ranging from
brightly colored pinwheels spinning in the breeze to beach balls and
inflatable giraffes and monkeys. There was also available to win free
ice cream and smoothies donated by the Tutti Frutti and The Shak.
Other prizes donated were a beautiful plant from the Agricultural
Development and Services Limited, a wonderful painting created just for
Lobsterfest by Lola a very popular and longtime artist located in Seine
Bite Village, a hand painted box from Fiona of Fishy Business, gift
certificates from DeTatch, Garden Brew Coffee House, The Beach Bazaar,
Scotia Bank Limited, Barefoot Beach Bar and Grill N Go.
The obstacle course, the limbo, as well as the balance beam and the
picture board would not have been possible without Professional
Buildings Supplies’ donation, for the second year in a row, of the wood
and
 paint
needed.
The Inn at Robert’s Grove, the Tour Guide Association, Westwinds Hotel,
and Cozy Corner all donated much needed cash. Thanks to Linn and Kerry
at Blue Crab Resort for always supporting by getting information out to
the community. Julie and Rick, a couple recently relocated from
California to Maya Beach brought with them a box full of games and
prizes that their nieces wished to donate to the children of Placencia.
So they were a nice addition to the things purchased with the funds
granted from the Placencia Village Council as well as the Placencia
Tourism Center.
Also thanks go out to Mrs. Luci Wallen from Wallen’s market for her
commitment to the youth group for help with the end of summer party. And
to MNM Hardware for their commitment to items needed for craft projects.
Placencia Office Supply provided the music for our limbo contest as well
as the hokey pokey and added a couple of songs that added an extra bit
of fun for the children and adults.
And for her third year in a row Wende from the Pickled Parrot for
donating the most prized reward each year…the Pizza Party. And to Marie
Wetzel and her trusty pickup for hauling the supplies back and forth…
Thank you.
All the young people that helped to paint and build. Big thanks go out
to you. Shaneeka, Marleena, Marilyn, Jannelle, Alyssa, Esmelin, Tiffany,
Teisha, Leesha, Aaron, Arrie, Ciara, Marco, Mia, Damien, Tessa, Keneema,
Sydney, Joelle, Jenna, Shannae, Ashley, Jessica, and Kady. Dominick and
the LoveBug just happen to come into Placencia from Michigan one of the
days we were painting and offered assistance. Your help was greatly
appreciated. Forgive me to anyone whose name I missed.
Hats Off to Placencia Village Council, Algina, and Cleve, you worked
your tush off. Ellie, as always, you go girl. Dave Vernon, Sonny, Miss
Karen, Harold, Grammy and all the others I can’t seem to bring to mind
at the moment. Take a bow. You deserve it!
One of the most noticeable differences was the feeling of family that
this year offered. Even though Mother Nature showed who was in control
with the torrential rainfall throughout the days and night there was
enough clearing of the skies for everyone to find fun somewhere in
Placencia at this years celebration of the opening of lobster season.
As one approached the festival area along the sidewalk the whimsical
children’s toys so colorfully swaying in the breeze brought smiles to
the faces of everyone around. But when the very large slide came into
view and the line of excited faces waiting to take their turn you knew
this year was meant for family.
During the celebration this year the children and once again the adults
were treated to an appearance of the LoveBug who happens to have a
special talent with creating balloon
art. She kept the crowd of interested folks entertained for quite some
time numerous times throughout the weekend. Too Cool LoveBug!
On Saturday and Sunday the young men of Placencia competed in a five a
side beach football competition. And you can always count on a crowd to
gather wherever football is being played in Belize. As the crowd cheered
for their favorite team the skies remained clear. After the finals on
Sunday Rory and Michelle of Next Wave Sailing led the boat parade
carrying all the boys that played in the competition on their beautiful
50ft catamaran. Oh did I mention I was permitted to sail with the guys?
Really Cool! The victors are to be rewarded with a day of sailing
compliments of TMM Sailing.
Later in the evening offered a joyful sight seeing the children with
their parents enjoying the music as they played with their recently
acquired toys and prizes.
All through the sea of people were Lobsterfest t-shirts in a variety of
colors. Bright smiles, full bellies, great music, and good company…I
would say a total success. So any of you wishing you had been in
Placencia for Lobsterfest 2006 you can join the fun next year. But make
your plans early. Cause all the lobsters will be there next year too!
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We
are now half way into the summer holiday and the children are enjoying
the arts and craft classes being held Monday thru Wednesday 8:30 til
11:30 at Miss Tracy’s house. (Green house behind Shell gas station.) 