This is the lady that writes this column every month and to whom I am extremely indebted.  the webmaster
 

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to get this up ASAP, so I'll edit it and reformat the calendar tomorrow.
BTW:  The calendar id now in English and Spanish and there's a note to any Grads of the High School about the Class of 1980 reunion who might be reading this.

What’s Happenin!

Hello to all of you reading. I managed to return to Vieques for a few days in October. I was hoping to get to the Halloween Party at the Mar Azul, however, they changed the party from Saturday night to Halloween night, due to customer input. Oh well, I keep waiting for pictures and a list of winners. It is always the event of the low season, so many people that usually don’t even venture out to bars go to this party! I did get to see 2 costumes which were great. I know that one of the pictures was of Car Rental Will, dressed in a “ballerina costume” which was adorned with a few vehicles, can you guess what he was???? - the Cargo Ferry. Actually the thought of Will in a Tutu is enough to almost make me happy that I missed the event! Just kidding. The other picture that I saw I believe was Owen from Casa De Amistad (I will need confirmation on that) and the caption of the picture was “White Trash” so you can imagine he was outfitted in something that looked like a silver garbage can with some nasty things stuck to the costume! When I get pictures and a list of winners I will update this edition of WH!

The island was absolutely gorgeous while I was there. I managed to miss rainy, cold weather in PA, and got 5 days of glorious sunshine in Vieques. The island is a lovely shade of green as they have had large amounts of rainfall this hurricane season. As the season ends the end of this month I keep my fingers crossed that no storms will cross the island. A few years back I went to Florida in the middle of November, thinking it was a safe time to go, and upon my return ended up stuck on the main island for 3 days due to “Wrong Way Lenny.” Lenny was a storm that tracked from West to East, highly unlikely, but it made me realize that we can not get complacent until the very end of the hurricane season. So soon is the end of another hurricane season and all of us realize how fortunate we were to not have to deal with a storm. For those (in Vieques) that remember Hugo and Georges, we understand how Katrina, Wilma and all the other storms have wreaked havoc to those in their path. Once you experience a major storm it lives with you forever.

So you would think that I would get to the beach at least once this trip, right? I had to satisfy myself with my brief visit to Red Beach in September! Once I got to the island I ended up working on Vieques Events for 2 days! It felt great to really participate in the November issue. I am sure I made a nuisance of myself at the Curry’s lovely home! I had emailed them to hold the issue until I had a chance to proof it – well I got to do more than just proof. I am so grateful to Elí Belendez (Crow’s Nest and Co-owner of Vieques Events) and Glenn Curry who have kept it going in my absence. Also thanks to everyone, Scott included. at Crow’s Nest who not only have to deal with their regular business but are now intercepting phone calls for VE as well. Thanks too to the all the staff at Banana’s and especially Wynne Curry, for allowing Glenn to spend so much time producing Vieques Events while I am away. They really have no idea how much I appreciate all they are doing. With luck I will return around Thanksgiving and will again be able to participate in the layout of the December issue. Keep your fingers crossed that my bloodwork is in the safe range to allow me a visit home. I really never expected to feel so tied to Vieques, but each day that I was there, it was overwhelming at how many people stopped me on the street to ask how I am, how many beeped their car horns, yelled, cheered, etc. when they passed me on the street. Just thinking about it makes me homesick. So hopefully I will get back in a few short weeks.

Restaurants and guest houses are gearing up for a busy season. I am sure that it will be an unbelievable season this year with all the damage that was done in the Yucatan and parts of Central America with storms. People will be looking for a new place to go and with all the press that Vieques continues to get it should be a record season. Remember that if you are planning a visit do not wait to book a room or rent a car. There is always a shortage of cars for the winter and unfortunately the island does not do enough business for the other 8 months of to have hundreds more cars on the island. For those of you that are traveling down over Christmas and New Year’s, keep in mind that restaurants close by 10pm in most cases and that if you are late for your reservation it will be given away. Keep in mind too that you must have reservations at many of the restaurants at that time of year so you may want to call a week or so before hand to guarantee a spot in your favorite restaurant. If you are going to be on island for Thanksgiving, be sure to call and find out what hours restaurants are open and book your table. For those renting a house remember to shop early for food as supplies of many items are scarce at holiday time. Fresh vegetable usually arrive on Wed. at the grocery stores so if you want the pick of the produce get there early. For those that want organic produce call Johanna at the Z Store, other organic and natural foods are available from Victoria at Vieques Health Foods, she also has a selection of some ethnic foods. Some people do send care packages of food to themselves if there are things that they just have to have. I know people that bring coolers of meats down or order from Omaha Steaks. Should you decide to order perishables keep in mind that when I last checked UPS and Fed-Ex only came 2 days a week, I think it was Tuesdays and Thursdays so be careful if you decide to do next day air. The safest bet for sending things is through the US Mail system. If you are dealing with a rental property ask if there is someone who can receive packages for you should you decide to send things.

As far as restaurant updates, I know that Café Media Luna has opened for the season. They usually are closed for Thanksgiving though. Their building is for sale so many of us were sad that we might miss out on another season with Monica in the kitchen. Who knows how long the business will remain in their hands so be sure to get there for a fabulous meal this winter. Coconuts now has Mr. Sushi working out of the shed kitchen, they have a very extensive menu and it should be a popular spot for outdoor, casual dining. I believe Ali will be offering up another menu from the kitchen. Lyman remains behind the bar at Coconuts and it was great to see him recovered from his injuries. Ute is manning the kitchen and dining room at Café Mamasongas, she said that Michael will continue to help her on Saturdays for sure and maybe other busy days. They were the comedy routine on the island but Michael is taking some time to concentrate on his writing so who knows, we could get the great Vieques Novel yet! Tropical Baby reopens this month, and I believe will be doing dinner one night a week to start. She does a lot of healthy, natural foods and does offer some vegetarian courses. I was sorry that she was not open while I was home as I am now doing vegetarian. I believe everything in Esperanza is open back up for business, Bananas, Bilí, Tiki Hut, and Trade Winds, some are open for breakfast, lunch and or dinner so be sure to check before heading out. Esperanza is the meeting place for any meal, it is hard not to find a familiar face along the strip! Bananas continues to rule for the casual lunch. Trade Winds has the most upscale breakfast, and a great lunch menu, and dinner is always special there. Tiki Hut has a large breakfast and lunch menu, something for everyone. I believe Bilí is still just specializing in dinner, with an elegant Puerto Rican menu. This is a very popular spot for authentic criollo cooking on the strip. For local flavor at lunch time try El Quenepo, located next to Bilí, Mario is always friendly if he is at the restaurant Not sure what is happening at La Sirena, heard rumors that someone was trying to lease it but not sure if the deal has gone through. When I saw Chef Juan from MBar, he was not sure how long he would remain at the Martineau location, looked like he might be there a few more weeks but who knows. If he is closed at the Martineau location, look for him to be open in town next to Uva. Uva continues to be one of the more elegant restaurants on the island and I still love doing Sushi there on Saturday night. It was great to go for sushi while I was home and that is where I had my one celebratory cocktail, a Grey Goose martini! Carlos always greets me so warmly that it is hard not to continue the Saturday night tradition of Sushi there then Karaoke at Mar Azul. I know that Chef Paul is still doing some special evenings at Martineau Bay Resort. I did not get out there to see him this trip but hopefully will the next trip. He did tell me in September that with some notice he could certainly prepare something special (due to my dietary restrictions these days) so I need to take him up on that! I had a fabulous lunch at bbh, located at Bravo Beach Hotel. Lauren (doing lunch) uses organic greens and wonderful ingredients to make awesome salads and sandwiches. I regret that I did not get there for the evening Tapas menu that Chef Chris is doing. I have heard that it continues to be awesome so I need to make time next trip to get there. Also watch for Margarita nights at the Palms, pool bar at Bravo I really appreciate the fact that bbh loaned me their “juicer” for my last 2 trips down so that I could make my fresh “dirt juice” and keep my nutritionist happy!

Another great business that recently opened on the island is Island Time which is located behind Panaderia Lydia. Wendy has a great selection of outdoor furniture and things that will keep you comfortable in the islands! Should you need a beach chair or towel you will find some of excellent quality there. She is also getting into some artwork as well. Need to entertain the children? She has some great beach toys and inflatable beach gear. This is such a welcome addition to the island and I am sure that they will be highly successful! Diva’s Closet is expanding their space in Esperanza and is moving next door in the same building. They have really added a wonderful wardrobe opportunity to those of us living in and visiting the island. Peter continues running Kim’s Cabin and has some wonderful things in there. He does have the best silver jewelry available on the island, some great clothing (especially mens shirts) and gifts and is the place to buy Teva sandals on the island. Not that any of us want him to but I wonder if Peter will ever retire! For other souvenirs from Vieques, while you are in Esperanza be sure to stop in to the gift shop at Trade Winds, they have the best t-shirts and great clothes. They are also the best place for baseball caps and sunglasses. And I imagine that Val is starting to get the gift shop ready at the Mar Azul, one of my favorite items is the ice scraper from Vieques! Check out some of the artwork too. Speaking of art, a visit to Luna Loca is always fun, Nancy’s art is wonderful and there are lots of great gift items there too. I spend lots of time shopping for candle holders and tea lights there! She also has some fun clothing items. One of my other favorite spots is Siddhia Hutchison’s Gallery. This is the place for some special pottery items, textiles and of course her prints and original art. I know that she will be opening for the season this month and is located just up from the ferry dock. You can find fabulous things here; I always want to walk out with a few things!

Well for those of you that are curious about my health, the last CT Scan showed that much of my cancer has diminished significantly! The doctor said that one of the larger tumors has shrunk 75%! So all the diet changes and lifestyle changes are doing me good. I also thank Starr Fuentes, a healer that has worked on me two times and told me after the first time not to worry about the 2 spots in my abdomen that showed up on one of the scans. Well there was no evidence of them in the last CT Scan! I will always be grateful to all the people who write and send prayers and energy my way. It really does make a difference. I get another CT scan before Christmas and the results of that scan will determine my future treatment. The doctors have told me to anticipate another 4 months of chemo and perhaps radiation. I will keep you all posted. So keep your fingers crossed that I can return home for Thanksgiving. I will not attempt to go home for Christmas, too many germs/people on the island at that time and I imagine that my immune system will be somewhat compromised by then as well.

Okay here is the calendar of events. Enjoy your time on the island and all the activities. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you.

Judy

November 2005

Tuesday, 1st
Coral Reefs, new exhibit at the Trust, in Esperanza; call 741-8850 for information and scheduling of group visits

Thursday, 3rd
Happy Hour at Bili: Buy one rum punch and get one free; 6pm-8pm, 741-1382

Saturday, 5th
Art Exhibit, “Desde Vieques”, works by Myrna Pagán opens at the Fort, 7pm
A Parisian in Vieques: Chef Extraordinaire Henri Seguin from Au Pressoir Restaurant in Paris joins Chefs Carlos Alzogaray of Uva and Juan Camacho of M Bar, for a five course dinner at Uva with wines by V. Suárez, one seating at 7:30pm, $150 pp; 741-2050
Dance to Myrna and her Yambu Sextet, and Jorge A. Flynn, at Brisas del Mar (previously, Sube y Baja); call 314-9254 for information

Tuesday, 8th
Reopening of Tropical Baby in Isabel II, call 741-7888 for reservations

Wednesday, 9th
Municipal Chess Tournament at the Coliseum, 5pm, all ages

Thursday, 10th
Happy Hour at Bili: Buy one rum punch and get one free; 6pm-8pm, 741-1382

Friday, 11th
Veteran’s Day (Bank and Post Office closed)
Remembrance acts for Angel Rodríguez Cristóbal, civil disobedient who was murdered while jailed in 1979, Esperanza beach, 11am

Saturday, 12th
Island Steakhouse reopens to the public; call 741-0011 for reservations

Sunday, 13th
Special Radio Broadcast, Mothers Against The War, WALO Radio, 1240AM, 10-11am
Book presentation of “The Girl Who Wanted to Live in a Tree”, by Myriam Cruz, Viequense drama teacher at the Playa Grande School, at the Fort, 1pm
BBQ with a Puerto Rican flare and Live Music at Bili, 6pm-11pm, 741-1382
Prime Rib Night at the Island Steakhouse, 741-0011
Vieques Athletic Club will participate in track and field events in Juncos

Tuesday, 15th
Happy Hour at Island Steakhouse @ The Crow’s Nest from 5-7pm; free appetizers and chance to win bar tab

Thursday, 17th
Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) meeting, at the Multiple Use Center, 6pm
Happy Hour at Bili: Buy one rum punch and get one free; 6pm-8pm, 741-1382

Friday, 18th
Novo Latino special menu at Island Steakhouse; reservations recommended, 741-0011
“Heavens”, art exhibit of photographs by Luis Carle opens to the public at Tropical Baby

Saturday, 19th and Sunday 20th
Beach Circuit hosted by Sports and Recreation Department and Swimming Crossing, at Sun Bay, 7am

Saturday, 19th
Discovery of Puerto Rico – Post Office closed
Lecture and workshop on the importance of the Puerto Ferro Man and other archeological findings and sites in Vieques, by Luis Chanlatte Baik, Director, Archeological Research Center of the University of Puerto Rico; 1pm, Puerto Ferro Archeological Site; hosted by the Rescue and Development Committee

Sunday, 20th
Special Radio Broadcast, Mothers Against The War, WALO Radio, 1240AM, 10-11am
Community Talk with members of Irak Veterans Against the War at the Peace and Justice Camp, 1pm
Concert by the Vieques Municipal Band, Book and Crafts Fair, at the Fort, 5pm
BBQ with a Puerto Rican flare and Live Music at Bili, 6pm-11pm. 741-1382
Prime Rib Night at the Island Steakhouse, 741-0011

Tuesday, 22nd
Trunk Show, featuring Myrna Renkert’s sea glass jewelry, 5-7pm, at the Crow’s Nest
Happy Hour at Island Steakhouse @ The Crow’s Nest from 5-7pm; free appetizers and chance to win bar tab
Thanksgiving Marathon at the Coliseum, 4pm, all ages

Wednesday, 23rd
Chez Shack reopens to the public, 741-2175

Thursday, 24th
Thanksgiving Day – Post office and bank closed
Special Thanksgiving menu, regular menu also, at Bili; call 741-1382 for reservations
Traditional Thanksgiving menu at Trade Winds, call 741-8666 for reservations
Thanksgiving Tapas at bbh Restaurant, 5-10pm; reservations only at 741-0490
Thanksgiving buffet, $38 per person, 3-9pm, at Paso Fino, Martineau Bay, call 741-4100 for reservations

Friday, 25th and Saturday, 26th
Christmas shopping at the VCHT’s Gift Shop in Esperanza: 20% off all merchandise except items on consignment

Sunday, 27th
BBQ with a Puerto Rican flare and Live Music at Bili, 6pm-11pm, 741-1382
Prime Rib Night at the Island Steakhouse, 741-0011

Monday, 28th
Grill night at Chez Shack, 6:30-9:30pm, live music, call 741-2175 for reservations

Tuesday, 29th
Happy Hour at Island Steakhouse @ The Crow’s Nest from 5-7pm; free appetizers and chance to win bar tab

Wednesday, 30th
A Taste of France, wine tasting hosted by V Suarez and bbh Restaurant; $25 pp, 741-0490


By Day of the Week:

Sundays
Radio Vieques, 10-11am on WALO radio, 1240 AM, by the Rescue and Development Committee; participate by telephone by calling 741-0716
Brunch at Café Violeta, 8am-2pm
Paella specials at the Trade Winds, call 741-8666 for reservations

Mondays
Spinning classes at Utopia Fitness, 6pm – 7pm, call 741-2805 for information
Medalla Night at $1, from 4pm, at Bananas

Tuesdays
Dinner at Café Violeta, 7-10pm, call 741-7890

Wednesdays
Spinning classes at Utopia Fitness, 6pm – 7pm, call 741-2805 for information
Science of Mind, interfaith meditation, 7-8pm; call 741-0321 for information

Fridays
Spinning classes at Utopia Fitness, 6pm – 7pm, call 741-2805 for information
Margarita Madness: Free margaritas from 7-8 @ The Palms at Villa Bravo
Pasta at Martineau Bay Resorts, includes soups, salads and deserts, 6-10pm
Lobster specials at Trade Winds, call 741-8666 for reservations
Karaoke at Bananas!, 9pm

Saturdays
Sushi Night at Uva, reservations suggested, 741-2050
Prime Rib Night at Pasafo Fino restaurant, at Martineay Bay, 6-10pm
Karaoke at Mar Azul, 9pm

All Month
Exhibit on Coral Reefs, at the Vieques Conservation Trust in Esperanza; call 741-8850 for information and scheduling of group visits



Martes, 1
Corales, nueva exposición en el Fideicomiso de Conservación en Esperanza; llame al 741-8850 para información y programar visitas de grupos

Jueves, 3
Happy Hour en Bili: compre un rum punch y reciba otro gratis; 6pm-8pm, 741-1382

Sábado, 5
Apertura de Exposición de Arte: “Desde Vieques”, obras de Myrna Pagán en el Fuerte, 7pm
Un Parisino en Vieques: Chef Extraordinaire Henri Seguin del Restaurant Au Pressoir Restaurant de París une esfuerzos con los Chef Carlos Alzogaray de Uva y Juan Camacho de M Bar, para una cena de cinco cursos; vinos de V. Suárez, se servirá una sola vez a a las 7:30pm, $150 pp; 741-2050
Baile al compás de Myrna y su Sexteto Yambu y Jorge Flynn, en Brisas del Mar (antes, Sube y Baja); llame al 314-9254 para información

Jueves, 8
Reapertura de Tropical Baby en Isabel II, llame al 741-7888 para reservaciones

Miércoles, 9
Torneo de Ajedrez Municipal, en el Coliseo, 5pm, todas las edades

Jueves, 10
Happy Hour en Bili: compre un rum punch y reciba otro gratis; 6pm-8pm, 741-1382

Viernes, 11
Día del Veterano (bancos y correos cerrados)
Actos de conmemoración de Angel Rodríguez Cristóbal, desobediente civil asesinado mientras servía cárcel en 1979, en Esperanza, 11am

Sábado, 12
Reapertura del Island Steakhouse; llame al 741-0011 para reservaciones

Domingo, 13
Programa especial de Radio Vieques, con la participación de Madres Contra la Guerra, Radio WALO, 1240 AM, 10-11am
Presentación del libro La niña que quiso vivir en un árbol, de Myriam Cruz, viequense y maestra de teatro de la Escuela Playa Grande, Fuerte Conde de Mirasol, 1pm
BBQ al estilo puertorriqueño con música en vivo, en Bili, 6pm-11pm, 741-1382
Noche de Prime Rib en el Island Steakhouse, 741-0011
Club Atlético de Vieques participará en eventos de pista y campo en Juncos

Martes, 15
Happy Hour en el Island Steakhouse @ The Crow’s Nest de 5-7pm; aperitivos gratis y posibilidad de beber de gratis

Jueves, 17
Reunión de la Junta de Consejo de la Restauración (RAB), en el Centro de Usos Múltiples,
Happy Hour en Bili: compre un rum punch y reciba otro gratis; 6pm-8pm, 741-1382

Viernes, 18
Menú especial Novo Latino en el Island Steakhouse; llamar al 741-0011 para reservaciones
“Heavens”, exhibición de fotografías de Luis Carle abre al público en Tropical Baby

Sábado, 19 y Domingo, 20
Circuito Playero auspiciado por el Departamento de Recreación y Deporte, y Cruce a Nado, en Sun Bay, 7am

Sábado, 19
Descubrimiento de Puerto Rico – Correo cerrado al público
Charla/Taller sobre la importancia del Hombre de Puerto Ferro y otros hallazgos arqueológicos de Vieques, por Luis Chanlatte Baik, Director, Centro de Investigaciones Arqueológicas de la Universidad de Puerto Rico; 1PM en Sitio Arqueológico Puerto Ferro; auspicia Comité Pro Rescate y Desarrollo

Domingo, 20
Programa especial de Radio Vieques, con la participación de Madres Contra la Guerra, Radio WALO, 1240 AM, 10-11am
Conversatorio comunitario con miembros de Veteranos de Irak Contra La Guerra, Campamento de Justicia y Paz, 1pm
Concierto de la Banda Municipal de Vieques, Feria de Artesanías y Libros, en el Fuerte, 5pm
BBQ al estilo puertorriqueño con música en vivo, en Bili, 6pm-11pm, 741-1382
Noche de Prime Rib en el Island Steakhouse, 741-0011

Martes, 22
Exhibición y venta de joyería de cristal de playa de Myrna Renkert, en el Crow’s Nest; 5– 7pm
Happy Hour en el Island Steakhouse @ The Crow’s Nest de 5-7pm; aperitivos gratis y posibilidad de beber de gratis
Maratón del Pavo en el Coliseo, 4pm, todas las edades

Miércoles, 23
Chez Shack reabre al público, 741-2175

Jueves, 24
Día de Acción de Gracias – bancos y Correo cerrados al p►3blico
Menú especial de Acción de Gracias, además del menu regular, en Bili, llame al 741-1382 para reservaciones
Menú tradicional de Acción de Gracias en Trade Winds, llame al 741-8666 para reservaciones
Tapas de Acción de Gracias, en Restaurant bbh, 5-10pm; reservaciones solamente, 741-0490
Bufet de Acción de Gracias, $38 por persona, 3-9pm, en Paso Fino, Martineau Bay, llame al 741-4100 para reservaciones

Viernes, 25 y Sábado, 26
Compras de Navidad en la Tienda del Fideicomiso en Esperanza, con 20% de descuento en toda la mercancía excepto los artículos en consignación

Domingo, 27
BBQ al estilo puertorriqueño con música en vivo, en Bili, 6pm-11pm, 741-1382
Noche de Prime Rib en el Island Steakhouse, 741-0011

Lunes, 28
Noche de Parrillada en Chez Shack, 6:30-9:30pm, música en vivo, llame al 741-2175 para reservaciones

Martes, 29
Happy Hour en el Island Steakhouse @ The Crow’s Nest de 5-7pm; aperitivos gratis y posibilidad de beber de gratis

Miércoles, 30
El Sabor de Francia, cata de vinos auspiciada por V Suarez y Restaurant bbh Restaurant; $25 pp, 741-0490


Por Día de la Semana

Domingos
Radio Vieques, 10-11am en Radio WALO radio, 1240 AM, del Comité Pro Rescate y Desarrollo de Vieques, participe telefónicamente llamando al 741-0716
Brunch en Café Violeta, 8am-2pm
Especiales de Paella en el Trade Winds, llame al 741-8666 para reservaciones

Lunes
Clases de “spinning” en Utopia Fitness, 6pm – 7pm, llame al 741-2805 para información
Noches de Medalla a $1, de 4pm, en Bananas

Martes
Cena en Café Violeta, 7-10pm, llame al 741-7890

Miércoles
Clases de “spinning” en Utopia Fitness, 6pm – 7pm, llame al 741-2805 para información
Ciencia de la Mente: meditación sin denominación, 7-8pm; llame al 741-0321 para información

Viernes
Clases de “spinning” en Utopia Fitness, 6pm – 7pm, llame al 741-2805 para información
Locura de Margaritas; margaritas gratis de 7-8 @ The Palms en Villa Bravo
Pasta en Martineau Bay Resort, incluye variedad de sopas, ensaladas y postres, 6-10pm
Especiales de langosta en Trade Winds, llame al 741-8666 para reservaciones
Karaoke en Bananas, 9pm

Sábados
Noche de Sushi en Uva, se sugieren reservaciones, 741-2050
Noche de Prime Rib en Restaurante Paso Fino, en el Martineay Bay, 6-10pm
Karaoke en Mar Azul, 9pm

Todo el Mes
Exhibición de Corales, en el Fideicomiso de Conservación e Historia de Vieques; llame al 741-8859 para información y coordinar visitas de grupos

 

Judy
 

PS: If there is anything you would like to see in the newsletter or have any feedback please email Ask Judy. Thanks.  askjudy@enchanted-isle.com 

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