In Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events Wednesday, July 23 The Afternoon Edition

The second issue of The Isla Mujeres Magazine to benefit Isla charities will be published in July!, featuring  a variety of talented writers and photographers! Thank-you to everyone who has visited & shared it! 
Check out the Charity document, patronize the supportive businesses & visit the blogs of the talented contributors! Contact me at westofcuba@gmail.com if you'd like to donate $15 to your fav charity, for an ad. Good causes, good exposure. 100% is contributed. Donations will be totaled, published & turned over to the charities in July.
Update...The content & layout are finished, and awaiting publication, while I am now creating & posting the new ads. It is going slowly because I am busy with other things, your patience is appreciated.     Feel free to copy & share the Charity document! Telling your friends about the Magazine & sharing links helps Isla Charities, too. Your support is appreciated & small efforts add up to big differences. Thanks! 

  Here's a link to the Magazine

This is the live webcam at North Beach / Playa Norte 

   Noticias de Diario de Quintana Roo ....

Zumba for everyone: Saturday in the town square

Zumba para todos

Martes, 22 de Julio de 2014 23:12

El próximo sábado, en la explanada municipal

Lanrry PARRA

ISLA MUJERES, 22 de julio.- 

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  On Saturday at 6pm in the Town Square there will be a class-demonstration of Zumba, which has been organized and sponsored by the municipal government. The public is invited to this fee event which is for the whole family. The objective is that those who are already practicing Zumba will learn new techniques, and those who are unfamiliar with it may become interested and continue with their own physical exercise.
   A Columbian Zumba instructor will be the star of this event, demonstrating this exercise method that combines various dance routines with aerobic exercise. Teachers and instructors of various nationalities will be at the Town Square to share their knowledge and experience with anyone who is interested, including Carlos Izquierdo Moreno de Cuba, Margarita García of Colombia, Elyseu Araujo from Brazil, Sylwia Nartowicz of Poland, Octavio Escalante from the state of Yucatán, Kryztal Sánchez from Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Quintana Roo, and Adrián Velásquez of Isla Mujeres,
   Zumba combines rhythms from music such as salsa, merengue, flamenco, bachata, reggaeton, and samba with exercise movements that tone muscles and help with weight loss, and it is noted that you can burn 800 calories in one session.

The ferry terminal is almost ready

 To be inaugurated in late August

Casi lista, la terminal maritíma

Martes, 22 de Julio de 2014 22:53

Se entregaría a finales de agosto

Lanrry PARRA

ISLA MUJERES, 22 de julio.-

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The facilities of the new marine terminal are expected to be opened in late August according to the Director General of the state port authority,  Administración Portuaria Integral de Quintana Roo (Apiqroo), Ercé Barrón Barrera, during his visit to the island. He said it has not been opened because they have not completed electrical and hydraulic installations for the building. He acknowledged that the work has not been completed according to the original schedule, and was delayed by the inclusion of the construction of the parking lot, which is now nearly finished.
      Delays were also attributed to the introduction of underground wiring downtown, which required making adjustments to the terminal's electrical connections, which are also underground. With respect to water, all permits are in order and it is ready to be connected. Once they have obtained these services, they must test that there are no leaks in the hydraulic systems and no shorts in the electrical systems. The inauguration must also fit the schedule of the Governor. 

 

"Pirates" detected in the whale shark watching area

Detectan a “piratas”

Martes, 22 de Julio de 2014 21:13

En zona de avistamiento del tiburón ballena

Lanrry PARRA

ISLA MUJERES, 22 de julio.-

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There is an increasing presence of ships known as "pirates" in the whale shark watching area, which arrive disguised as private boats with various people on board almost every day of the week. The licensed providers of whale shark tours from Isla Mujeres say there are large yachts that are offering this service regularly, because there is limited surveillance in the whale shark area. To avoid detection by the staff of PROFEPA, the Federal Environmental Protection agency, the boats arrive after 2pm, which is when most of the boats with permits have already left the whale shark area. 
     This means these luxury yachts, which are mostly from Cancun, are carrying out this activity without permits. It is noted that they do not respect the guidelines, which require that only two people per boat may enter the water at the same time. These boats allow 10 or 12 people to swim with the whale sharks at once, and sometimes without the company of a guide. 

   The legal providers of whale shark tours say the crews of the yachts have not taken the courses given by official agencies such as the Department of Wildlife, so they don't understand the issues related to the management of tourists around the whale sharks. At the same time, some of them admitted that one reason there is not better surveillance might be that some licensees have not honored their commitment to provide fuel for the federal agency's boat to travel to the area where the whale sharks feed.

Cleaner beaches guaranteed by Agapito's government

For the enjoyment of vacationers

Más playas limpias

Martes, 22 de Julio de 2014 21:13

Garantiza gobierno de Agapito para disfrute de vacacionistas

Lanrry PARRA

ISLA MUJERES, 22 de julio.- 

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Four vehicles and 36 employees are working over seven routes, in three shifts, to clean and to collect trash in the urban areas, downtown, and at the beaches. The Municipal Director of Public Services, Manuel Figueroa Celina, said  that normally 28 to 30 tonnes of trash are generated daily, and transported to the mainland. This amount is increased during this vacation season when there is a massive influx of visitors. Because of this they will be using another vehicle known as a "Gondola" to meet the commitment of maintaining an image of cleanliness and order. Routes and schedules have been set for trash collection, and the current administration asks citizens to respect these times, which allows the city to provide better and more efficient services.
   After an analysis, the city initiated a pilot plan to collect trash at night, between dusk and dawn, with the aim of improving usage of human and material resources. The Public Services department is also addressing other problems, including the ongoing deterioration of the streetlights, including their ballasts, bulbs, and photocells. Recently they have  been servicing and expanding the network of streetlights in Rancho Viejo, on the mainland area of Isla Mujeres.

 Tvisla Mujeres

There is space for 25 more sixth grade students in summer English camp, only in the afternoon shift. (In the comments it notes that there is space for middle school students also). Interested people should go to Julio Sauri Espinosa school.

Noticias de  Quequi......

Planning the removal of 300 tonnes of trash

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  Servicios

  Prevé comuna desalojar 300 toneladas de basura

  0 23 de julio de 2014

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  Por Carlos Gasca > Quequi.-
  0 comentarios Leer toda la noticia  
  The City government is considering leasing more trucks to assist in the transport of trash during the summer holidays, which are just beginning. There is currently over 300 tonnes of accumulated trash waiting to be transferred to the mainland. The amount of trash that is collected daily is increasing from its normal average of ~30 tonnes.
• Residents complain about noisy loudspeakers on vehicles

  Social

  Se quejan vecinos del perifoneo

  0 23 de julio de 2014

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  Por Carlos Gasca > Quequi.-.
  0 comentarios Leer toda la noticia
  Residents in the colonias are collecting signatures to present to the City Council to request that they regulate the noise in the streets from loudspeakers. Residents say no regulation exists and many of the companies do not limit the volume, and therefore they end up annoying people, rather than providing a service. 
     There are several companies that use loudspeakers on vehicles to offer their products, including four different businesses that offer purified water.  Doña Mercedes Coral said, "Everyone seems to be competing, and they believe that the earliest one who passes by will get the most customers." Residents say at least on weekends these noisy ads should be banned in the streets, because many working families need to get as much rest as they can on the weekend, which is impossible when these vehicles with speakers are out at an early hour. There have also been complaints about the volume of the speakers of the ZGas company, which goes all around the island.
     Last year,  Gerardo Magaña Barragán spoke about the need to regulate the noise that comes from the public roads, which has caused many guests to choose to leave their hotel rooms. He said, "They are looking for tranquility and come here to rest, and they are annoyed by these types of vehicles, as well as by cars that have noisy mufflers (autos con el escape perforados), which interrupt their sleep.

Noticias de Diario Respuesta...

Awaiting tourist #1 million

Esperán turista número1 millón

• Tuesday, 22 July 2014 08:36
• Written by Diario Respuesta  Jesus Molina
• Category: Isla Mujeres 

During this summer vacation period an average of 6200 visitors are arriving daily. According to the latest data, there were 974, 940 arrivals, which means that only 25,060 tourists are lacking until the one millionth visitor arrives. This is four percent more than last year and is attributed to the work of governor Roberto Borge. 
   The Mayor, Agapito Magana Sanchez announced that a special reception is planned for the lucky millionth visitor, who is expected to arrive on Friday, July 25th.

Read more: Esperán turista número1 millón 

 

Agapito visits the children

Comparte Agapito con niños

• Tuesday, 22 July 2014 08:36
• Written by Diario Respuesta  Jesus Molina
• Category: Isla Mujeres

 This has been translated & is about his visit to the summer camps: Baaxlo´ob Palalo´ob & Mis Vacaciones en la Biblioteca,
Read more: Comparte Agapito con niños

 
 por esto

Delay in the inauguration of the terminal
Enésimo retraso de inauguración de la terminal[+] Ver mas

This article contains the same information as the one above that was translated, noting that the ferry terminal will not be ready until after the summer vacation period. It  reports that Sr. Erce Barron explained that the second reason for his visit is directly related to summer high season. He said, "We have now had an increase of 20% in passenger arrivals, and we expect to break records in July and August, which is why we are checking on the necessities and giving more attention to the planning of the logistics of operations, so that passengers do not have a long wait from the time they arrive at the terminal until they board the ferry."

Pilot plan for trash removal
Plan piloto de recoja de basura[+] Ver mas

Occupancy begins to improve
Empieza a despuntar la ocupación. [+] Ver mas

 Hotel occupancy has begun to increase overall on the island, and now stands at ~45 percent, although some of the smaller hotels and houses that offer apartments are displaying "No Vacancy" signs. Every day, hundreds of tourists begin arriving around 10am aboard the ferry, and on boats of the businesses that transport tourists from the Hotel Zone, who often  offer inclusive  packages that  include food, drinks, shopping, and sometimes a tour. The leasing of golf carts is at about 100 percent capacity, due to demand by both overnight visitors and people who visit for the day.
   Many tourists who arrive on their own, walk directly to North Beach, which magazines have said is one of the best ten beaches in the world, and they put their towels on the sand, enjoying the sun or the shade of a palm tree.
      On Tuesday, there were many visitors at the beaches, both tourists and locals, taking advantage of the school break. Some families brought tables and chairs for their food and drinks, while others hung their hammocks between the palms. Children and adults enjoyed the calm, warm water, and the patrols of the Navy and Harbor Master on land and sea offered security and inhibited any disturbances to peace and safety.
   According to the information provided by the Tourism Department, occupancy has increased gradually over the weekend, and is expected to reach at least 80% by the last week of July. The statistics offered by the  Asociación de Pequeños Hoteles Mágicos indicate their occupancy rates are between 40 and 45 percent. Some mini hotels and hostels are reporting an occupancy rate of 100 percent.
        The hoteliers say their clients include tourists from various parts of Mexico, as well as foreigners. Many Mexicans are visiting from the states of Yucatán, Campeche, Tabasco, Veracruz and Puebla.
   Regarding prices, there are options for all budgets and tastes, from hostels that offer a bunk for 120 pesos or a private room for 250 pesos, to small hotels with rates from 350 to 750 pesos, depending on the number of people occupying the room. At the other extreme are hotels that cost $350 dollars per night, and include a choice of breakfast or lunch. There are locations that cost $65 dollars plus 19% in taxes, based on double occupancy, and up to 1056 pesos with taxes included with a pool view, and 1272 pesos with an ocean view, both with continental breakfast included.
 

Pieces fell from a electrical post that CFE has not removed

Se cae a pedazos poste de luz y la CFE se niega a retirarlo[+] Ver mas

In colonia La Gloria, on Pámpano street there is a deteriorating concrete electric pole which has been reported by concerned residents to the CFE on five occasions, with the response that it is not sufficiently impaired to require replacement. A neighbor said a piece of the pole fell into his yard, and said that pets and children play in this yard. It is noted that the pole includes a transformer, and there are concerns that the pole could collapse.

Everything is ready for the arrival of the millionth passenger
Todo listo para recibir al pasajero un millón[+] Ver mas

It is estimated that the millionth passenger this year will arrive between Friday and Saturday, and will be greeted with gifts of all kinds, as a way of promoting this destination, said  Ricardo Ancona Argáez, a representative for the Northern Zone of APIQRoo.  He said as of noon on Tuesday, the number of arrivals had reached 980,683, with an average of 6500 to 7000 passengers arriving daily.
   The gifts will include dinner for two with a bottle of wine at the following restaurants: Faynes, Brisa Mexicana, and Due Torri, as well as swimming with the dolphins for the winner and a companion, and entrance fees to the following attractions: Garrafon Park (including food), Tortugranja (Turtle Farm), Mundaca, and Puntas Sur. The prizes also include swimming with the whale sharks and silver jewelry which was donated by various businesses.
    The Director of Tourism, Gustavo Rodríguez Orozco, clarified, "By the millionth passenger, we mean a tourist, and  are not including the people who live on the island and cross regularly to Cancun, because the intention is to promote this destination by offering its activities to be enjoyed by the millionth visitor, although it would be ideal if that lucky tourist came from southeastern Mexico."

  This blog is brought to you by....
MaraVilla Caribe   Bed & Beach    Three rentals with large glass doors overlooking our white sand beach and the beautiful Caribbean sea, with  kitchenettes & free WIFI. In the coastal neighborhood of  Bachilleres, among upscale villas & boutique hotelitos, convenient to downtown or the colonias, yet separate.  Quiet & Private.   
Free amenities such as hammocks, bikes, outdoor shower, portable beach chairs & beach towels, washer, loungers & BBQ. Breathtaking panoramic views from the rooftop terrace. Upstairs room also available.   Downtown is  ~ a mile away; if you don't feel like walking or biking, flag a $2 taxi or hop on the bus. We also have room for parking,You can enjoy the music & crowds downtown, then come home our quiet neighborhood of Bachilleres where you'll  sleep to the sounds of the sea..  $275/$325/$425 wk   $40/50/$65nt  Monthly Discounts

View from rooms

Small room

Large room

Fine dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the traditional neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. Stroll five minutes down the coastal sidewalk to Mango Cafe or Monchi's,shop at Chedraui or visit restaurants, bars, & beach clubs; minutes away by bike or on foot. Our guests recommend the Yoga classes a couple villas away at hotelito Casa Ixchel. Fresh juice, produce & tortillas a few blocks away in the village, as well as a variety of other stores and small local restaurants

 Charity Info
See tab at top of page!

Donation Drop offs:
Red Cross:  Social Justicia Restaurant (south of ferry terminal, north of car ferry)

 Books for Grade School Reading Program, Items for Isla Animals, Diabetes Supplies, Shoes for the Kids, Items for Little Yellow School House...Barlitos @ Marina Paraiso

Karen Rosenberg's

NEED DIABETES SUPPLIES FOR OCTOBER DIABETES CLINIC: We have been doing Diabetes Clinics on Isla Mujeres for five years, with more local residents participating annually. This is a joint project of bilingual social workers, nurses, and other health care professionals originally from the USA, working with Isleno community partners. Diabetes is now the primary cause of death in Mexico.

We are in great need of donations of glucometers and strips, specifically these brands: Contour, Contour Next and OneTouch. Many doctor's offices, clinics and hospitals discard strips that are almost expired. Strips are actually still effective for at least a year after expiration dates so often those are the ones that are most often donated. If you have any contact with medical professionals or pharmaceutical reps, you can often get current supplies. We can also use lancets, lancet devices, alcohol pads, and syringes.

The next clinic will be in October 2014. Contact Karen Rosenberg at kfrlisw@gmail.com or Kathy Ennis at kathy@kathyandkeith.mx or FB either of us. We accept monetary donations too and will buy strips to bring down.

Follow up...The Go Fund Me campaign by Sally Margolis to assist with the HIV testing events by Brazos Abiertos was successful, & BA have also coordinated with the City to provide education about sexually transmitted diseases and teen pregnancy in the schools, monthly.
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Music

 John Cain's schedule   

Tuesday, Cafe Del Mar, solo, 8 to 10 pm
Thurs, Marina Paraiso 7-9 pm 
Friday, July 4 El Patio 8-10:30

Saturday, The Sunset Grill, solo, 630 to 830 pm

Sunday, Bahia Tortuga, The Sol Rockers, 630 to 900 pm  (Currently on hold while SeBlues is off the isle)

Ken Wanovich
Wed 7/23 - Mamacita's, 7:00pm.
 Fri 7/25 - Chi Chi & Charlie's, 4:00pm. 
Mon 7/28 - Villavento Beach Hotel - Noon 
Wed 7/30 - Mamacita's, 7:00pm. 
Fri 8/01 - Chi Chi & Charlie's, 4:00pm.
 Sat 8/02 - Marina Paraiso, 6:30pm.
 Mon 8/04 - Villavento Beach Hotel - Noon 
Tue 8/05 - Mamacita's, 7:00pm. 
( Keys 4 Life is also bringing school supplies and 3 new LCD projectors for the elementary schools, and doing some minor construction projects to repair/improve several homes in Guadalupana.)

Comono 
 Ryan Rickman Friday - Tuesday at 8 - 11 pm (Fridays 9 pm - 12)
 Fabio Thursdays and Sundays 6:30 - 8 pm 
 John Cain 6:30-8:30 Fridays 
Wednesdays & Thursdays live music with a band that rotates starting at 8:30-11 pm.
 

Banda Sin Nombre at Chuuk Kay 3:30p Sat & Sun


 
Fenix 
 Sat ~2p Frequencia

       Sun ~2p  Salsa 
Weekday's ~2p.. Various artists including
Chucho (Jesus Campezino) & SeBlues..tho he's off isle right now.



You may find live music after 9 or 10 on Hidalgo at Fayne's, La Terraza, or  Comono, and at Poc Na Hostel.

Saturday afternoon 3-5 Cuban music at Veradara's Cuban restaurant



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July Events....

Thursday 5:30-9:30pm  Artist Fair on Town Square  (Note new hours)
Rain date...rescheduled to Friday
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Friday, Fourth of July US Independence Day

At Casa de los Suenos....



From Christy Dix....For those who are in Isla Mujeres and want to practice your Spanish, come join us!! Spend an hour at Barlito's at Marina Paraiso this Friday 7/4 (3-4pm) and practice your Spanish skills while helping those who are studying English. It's a win win!!

July 5 Saturday 7p  Abuelito & Abuelita contest La Gloria open air theatre

July 6 Sunday  PRI Barracuda Fishing Tournament 8am start, 4pm weigh in, awards to follow on Posada Beach. 2pm Son 3 performing on Posada beach..dance!
July 7 Town Square ~7p "Michael Jackson Extravaganza" 

July 11 Friday Full Moon Rise: ~6:50    Sunset is ~7:30
 Careful of the migrating crabs crossing the road to get to the sea to spawn, especially down at the south and south east part of the isle.
July 12 Saturday  Full Moon Rise: ~7:45  
July 13 Sunday  Moonrise  8:41pm
July 14 Monday  Moonrise  9:31pm
July 15 Tuesday Moonrise  10:17pm  and ~50 minutes later nightly

July 20th...Start of Whale Shark Festival

PangeaSeed's photo.

PangeaSeed in collaboration with 1xRUN, Residencia Gorila, @World Artist Destination & Juxtapoz Latin America present Sea Walls: Murals for Oceans - Mexico Expedition: Isla Mujeres 2014 !Here's a selection of 6 of the 15 large walls that will be painted by 15 renowned international contemporary artists on the island of Isla Mujeres, Mexico.

Together via art and activism, we are helping to celebrate, educate and inspire both local and tourist communities on the importance of preserving oceans and marine wild life.
Stay tuned, as the festival runs July 20-28, for some incredible works created by an incredibly talented international team.  Together, we can help save our seas!
‪#‎pangeaseed‬ ‪#‎seawalls‬ ‪#‎saveourseas‬ ‪#‎staywild‬ ‪#‎mexico‬ ‪#‎islamujeres‬ ‪#‎sharklove‬

The artists are also planning a beach clean up.

Nice article about the mural project LINK  (In English...Huffington Post)

**July 20 or 24th -27 : Whale Shark Festival.  Includes a parade with floats, sand sculpture contest, recreational activities, and more.
**Some sources indicate the plans (again) are for the festival to last for a week, and that it will begin on July 20th, others say it starts on the 24th.

The seventh edition of the Whale Shark Festival will take place July 24-27 and will include an agenda of activities that are: cultural, artistic, touristic, and environmental; with participation by artists, musicians, speakers, and environmental experts. There will be contests of:  decorated golf carts, costumes, and sand sculptures; as well as parades, plays, lectures, performances by dance & music groups, photographic exhibitions, and other artistic activities.
       A group of international artists plan to paint murals focused on the themes of conservation and protection of whale sharks, in a project titled "SEA WALLS". All events will be completely free and will take place at venues including the Town Square, the Posada Beach, and Rueda Medina Avenue (main street). Municipal gencies who are coordinating this event include the departments of Culture, Tourism, Public Relations, Ecology, and Social Communication.

July 24-26 Miss Caribe de Mexico beauty pageant
Ten beautiful young women from the ten municipalities of the state will compete for the title of Miss Caribe de Mexico 2014 on July 24-26 in Isla Mujeres, and the winner will represent Quintana Roo in the national contest. The activities will take place on Hidalgo Avenue, and will begin on Thursday with the reception of the contestants and their official presentation. On Friday they will model swimwear, of the brand of the official sponsor, as well as jewelry and accessories. On Saturday the grand finale will be held, and the winner will be chosen. As part of the final competition, they will each present a topic about the place they represent, and the press will be in attendance.


July 25, Friday Whale Shark Parade (time/place TBA)
Jul 26 Saturday 6pm Town Square  Zumba event

 July 26, Saturday:  There will be 600 Mexican athletes competing on the island for the “Copa Isla Mujeres de Tae Kwon Do”, including about 40 athletes from Isla Mujeres.

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 On August 31, about 500 athletes, both Mexican and international, are expected to participated in an open water swimming competition, Competencia de Nado de Aguas Abiertas, at Playa Norte/North Beach. The swimmers will travel distances between 250 meters and five kilometers, with the course being defined by a rectangle of buoys off Playa Norte. Dozens of foreigners are expected to participate, especially from the United States.

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SUMMER-FALL

Whale Shark Season ...ends Sept 15
It is Sea Turtle Mating & Nesting season
Red & Blue crabs are migrating to the sea for spawning during full moons

Turtle releases August-Sept dates TBA, usually only a day or two in advance Caribbean-Mayan Cultural Festival  TBA Nov?

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