Thursday, December 20, 2018

Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events Thursday, December 20


This is the live webcam at North Beach / Playa Norte. 
Follow Isla Mujeres News & Events on Facebook for highlights of news & events, and more photos & videos 

MaraVilla Caribe Bed & Beach on Facebook or Website

Isla Mujeres Charities on Facebook  

 Isla Mujeres History on Facebook or Website 

CHECK OUT THE DECEMBER EVENTS SCHEDULE!  (scroll down)
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News from the Municipal Facebook site.....  (  FB page link)

Trash collection trucks & police patrol vehicles: Mayor is committed to safety and cleanliness
    The four new trash collection trucks have gone into service on the island and the mainland part of the municipality. Six new collection routes were established on the island, two in the mornings, three in the afternoons, and one at night. Six new patrol vehicles were also provided, thanks to the Mayor's commitment to work in coordination with the other two levels of government to maintain a safe and clean municipality.

Caption: In Isla Mujeres we require garbage collection trucks with features that adapt to the conditions of our island. Let's have a more tidy and clean municipality.
Three new trash collection trucks that adapt to the conditions of our island.

Payment of scholarships to Islander students today, Wed. Dec. 19 at 1p at the auditorium of the Community Center

Education is the most powerful tool we have to improve the quality of life of the islanders. For this reason, we support young people with scholarships to help them with their studies


Property tax discounts are 20% Dec. 16-31 at the Town Hall 9a-4p


CITY COUNCIL LAUNCHES "SAFE ADOLESCENCE" CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT YOUNG ISLAND
City launches "Safe Adolescence" campaign for the protection of young islanders. LINK  


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 FB News Sites about Isla Mujeres

  Tvisla Mujeres    


Fishermen expect the federal program providing assistance for the purchase of new motors will be in effect in January Video 

Pablo Moreno Povedano speaks about the benefits of the new vehicles which have been delivered to the municipality, thanks to the Mayor and the Governor Video
Video of presentation event.

 Interview with Governor Video   Governor and fisherman talk about assistance programs for the fishermen and the need for more support Video  


Isla Mujeres Al Dia    

Governor toured and reviewed the Community Hospital Video   

Photo & article about the Middle School wall being rebuilt

A driver of a motorcycle was taken to the hospital by the Red Cross ambulance after being injured in an accident caused by a golf cart driving the wrong way down Juarez, which was rented from the Gomar agency. Video

Pothole repair program thanks to assistance from the state (photos & caption)

Nonstop ultramarathon Jan. 26 & 27

(Yesterday afternoon) At this time, only the ferries over 40 feet are running, due to interactions between Cold Fronts #17 & 18. (photo)

The City of Isla Mujeres delivers turkeys to personnel working for the municipal government, to enjoy this Christmas with their families. (photos)

Noti Isla Mujeres   

Video of a VW bug after a fire in its engine had been put out, with police and Civil Protection personnel collecting information. There were no injuries, just material damage to the car. In the comments, appreciation is expressed toward the man who put the fire out with an extinguisher, who is a mechanic near Mininos restaurant.

Video of police loading a scooter into the police vehicle after an accident between it and a golf cart near the YZA pharmacy

Campaign of vaccination against influenza on Thursday,  Dec. 20 9a-12p at the Community Hospital in Isla Mujeres. There will be surprises for the children who come to be vaccinated this day!  
 
Video from a boat of the water in the Bay.

IM Noticias   
 The Governor blamed the lack of adequate staff and better services at the Community Hospital on a lack of support by the federal government. He said the current inventory of medications is at about 80 percent. When he toured the hospital, the staff spoke to him about their needs, particularly for assistance with ferry transportation, since many of them live in Cancun and this is an additional expense. (article and photos)

The ~400 high school students will be out of school for about a month with their vacation beginning on Wednesday, Dec/ 19 and school resuming on Jan. 21st. There were very few students who left this semester, except for some who had a change of address due to a parent in the Navy. Registration will be held from Jan. 7th  until school begins on the 21st.  (article and photos)

Photos from the cart and moto accident by the YZA pharmacy before the police had pulled the front wheel of the scooter from under the (Joaquin rental) cart.


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 Link to Por Esto's Isla Mujeres section
Click on Spanish headline for the original article & photos

Cold weather causes quiet streets on the island   

Calles desiertas por el frío en la isla

   A mild but persistent drizzle affected tourism and caused quiet streets and slow sales. There was some demand for snorkeling tours and some sports fishing boats went out. The beaches looked fairly empty and it is noted that the First Aid station set up by the Navy for the Guadalupe-Reyes security campaign was in operation. According to information provided by the Harbor Master's office, effects of another cold front could be felt in the region on Thursday morning.
  The Mayor led an event for the lighting of the Town Square, with a special Noches Magicas featuring performances by local dance troupes and a play, which was enjoyed by the audience.

Vacations begins at high school on Wednesday  

Mañana inician vacaciones los bachilleres

 See IM Noticias above.

Administrative changes at Aguakan 

Cambios en la administración de Aguakan

  Assurances are given that a new manager will be appointed in the beginning of 2019, and meanwhile, services will not be affected, following the resignation of the current manager of the Aguakan company.


Patrol vehicles, trash collection trucks & services  

Patrullas, camiones y servicios

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News Briefs & Events:
Eyes are on the sky (currently blue) & the forecasts (predicting rain) because the second Artist Fair of the season is scheduled this afternoon and tomorrow is the annual "Elmo's Christmas Caravan", when dozens of decorated carts, led by costumed characters, wind around the island tossing treats & toys. Both foreign & Mexican residents participate, as well as visitors, and everyone's invited. BYOCart, Candy & Toys, meeting in front of MaraVilla Caribe B&B at 5:30, by the Bachilleres dome.

On Monday, there were special "Noches Magicas" performances by dance troupes and a Nativity play on the Town Square for the lighting of the Christmas & New Year's decorations. The regular Noches Magicas performances have resumed on Sundays at 8p, featuring entertainment by local and invited dance troupes and singers on the Town Square. The dramatic "tree" made of lights atop the Town Hall is absent this year, but there's one atop the ferry terminal, which is looking very festive.
On Christmas Eve, many businesses may close early so employees can celebrate with their families, but most tourist oriented businesses will be open until evening, and open on Christmas. On New Years, some may open late, since the NYE party goes all night long, but the island is at its busiest & this is an important season economically, when hotel occupancy nears 100% and ferry lines can get ridiculous. On NYE, the last ferry may be cancelled, as well as the first one on New Year's Day. Occupancy is currently at 80-90 percent.

There's still time to contribute to the Ruben's toy collection for the big giveaway on King's Day, Jan. 6th, when they also provide snacks for the kids & hampers for low income families. On Saturday mornings, the plogging crew will provide gloves, equipment, & interesting company for volunteers willing to donate a couple hours cleaning up our beautiful island. Links for both are at the bottom. The DIF social service agency recently completed a successful collection of blankets which were donated to families who needed them in the mainland part of the municipality.

We're in the "Guadalulpe-Reyes" holiday period when security is increased while hundreds of thousands of visitors are vacationing in the region. On the island, this includes increased patrols and checkpoints to prevent drunk driving, as well as a Naval first aid station on Playa Centro. The federal Consumer Protection Agency (PROFEPA) has set up a booth in the Marine Terminal to assist tourists or residents with any complaints about fraudulent goods or services. Civil Protection is conducting inspections to ensure that businesses are complying with safety requirements. So far this season, there have been no explosions or serious fires, just a couple brush fires and an engine fire, which were promptly extinguished by residents and/or the firefighters. The City requires private rentals to register & obtain safety certifications, so if you don't see a fire extinguisher, exit signs, or a first aid kit, you're probably staying at an "irregular" rental that isn't meeting the protocols nor paying the fees that directly support infrastructure like the fire fighters, trash collection services, etc.

The Port Authority is funding construction work on the iconic downtown lighthouse, which should be completed by the end of the year according to the contract, tho workers say the situation is "complicated". It's unlikely that the structure will be opened for tourism, and it hasn't functioned as a lighthouse for more than a decade, when its signal was moved to what is now "Mia", after taller buildings were constructed on North Beach. Residents say the lighthouse has needed attention for years because it is one of the first things visitors see as they approach the island, and pieces of concrete have fallen off of it at times. It is the logo for the City government.

The Cahuameros basketball team are on break until January and were unable to play last weekend's games against the Chetumal Manatees because the Convention Center and downtown courts were both unavailable. The local team was in first place for most of the season, but dropped to second place behind the Dorados of Playa del Carmen. They typically play two games each weekend against the same team, & when they played the Dorados, they lost one and won one. The Pescadores baseball team are also on break until January, after closing the season with an exciting game that ended in a loss to the Cancun taxistas 10-8, with home runs scored by both teams.

Reviews have recently been taking place for re-certification of Playa Centro, which has been a Blue Flag beach for four years, meeting 33 criteria regarding cleanliness, access, and environmental standards, among others. The City is currently seeking this international designation for North Beach, saying they have already met 70% of the requirements. There are 53 Blue Flag beaches in Mexico, including three in Playa del Carmen.

The ~2500 City employees recently received their annual turkeys and aguinaldos, which are payments required in Mexico for all workers at the end of the year, and are the equivalent to their usual salary during a 15 day pay period. This "bonus" is also mandatory for part time employees like housekeepers, nannies, and gardeners (the turkey is optional).

There was a successful propane tank exchange on Saturday, with residents trading their rusty cylinders for tanks in better condition. Zeta gas has set up a storage facility near the Aguacan wastewater plant, to provide improved services, including for those with stationary tanks. Trash production is expected to increase by 25% during the holidays, with daily collection at about 55 tons. When the governor visited this week, three new trash trucks and six new patrol vehicles were officially presented at an event and are now in operation. The new trucks allow for separation of trash and there are plans to implement recycling.

The City Council recently passed a law regarding regulation of public transportation and the establishment of routes. The Mayor spoke about the importance of meeting this need for students, workers, and other residents, which was one of his campaign promises. Islanders have been expressing increasing frustration about waiting for long periods while available taxis pass them by seeking higher fares from tourists. (Resident fares are 50 percent lower, and students going to/from school pay less.) The Director of the new state Mobility Institute said most of the requests for increased fares from the taxi unions will be approved and should go into effect early next year, in accordance with the increased cost of gas and repairs. He also announced that March will be the deadline for taxis to comply with the new law requiring air bags and vehicles no older than 2014. Many of the taxis on Isla are the economic models which lack airbags, so this is causing concern among the vehicle owners.

The full moon will rise over the Caribbean just after sunset at 6:25 on Saturday, Dec. 22. Then it rises on Sunday at 7:28, Christmas Eve at 8:33, Christmas at 9:38, Wednesday at 10:42, & Thursday at 11:42.

Within a week, Naval personnel rescued the crews of two boats that sank while on the open seas near Isla Mujeres, after "norte" cold fronts caused increased winds and waves. One crew was evacuated from their sinking shrimp boat based out of Puerto Juarez. A helicopter was involved in the search and rescue of two men who were in a dingy 56 kilometers from Isla Mujeres after their catamaran "Dzul Taap II" sunk, which was flying a Mexican flag. All the men were in good health.

This week, local news outlets have been featuring more photos & videos of accident scenes, including an tourist on an "irregular" scooter rental who lost control and drove into an oncoming delivery truck. Red Cross paramedics reported she only had minor injuries, despite breaking the truck's windshield & denting its front fender. A golf cart going the wrong way down Juarez collided with a motorcyclist, sending him to the hospital, and another photo featured police removing a scooter from under a cart in La Gloria.

The Governor visited this week and toured the hospital, blaming the lack of staffing and equipment on the federal government. Hospital personnel complained about the Red Cross ambulance charging 800 pesos for transport to the ferry, while not providing medical support until the patient is turned over to an ambulance on the mainland. They also want stipends to help pay for their ferry costs, since many live in Cancun. Residents continue to complain about the lack of basic equipment at the emergency room, on the ambulance, and in the hospital. The Governor said the hospital now has an inventory of about 80% of the required medications.

On Jan. 26-27 the second annual Ultramarathon will be held in Isla Mujeres for 24 hours.Two girls are planning to swim between Isla Mujeres and Cancun next month to raise money for Down Syndrome.There is a heart-shaped receptacle on Playa Centro collecting bottle tops for the benefit of children and young people with cancer.

Note: The artist fair graphic (by the Cultural Center) says the event begins at 2p and its caption says it starts at 4. The first photo is the ferry terminal, the second is the Town Hall & Square, and the third is the palms of Rueda Medina, main street downtown.

Brought to you by Isla Mujeres New & Events, who'd like to thank our 8000+ followers on FB and readers of the blog which has had nearly 1.6 million international visitors. "Keeping English speakers informed about Isla Mujeres since 2011."

Sponsored by MaraVilla Caribe Bed & Beach
www.mvcisla.com
Link to for Ruben's toy donation collection: https://www.facebook.com/RubenThreeKingsDay/
Link for Saturday's Plogging clean-up meeting location: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2023592277901903/





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  This blog is brought to you by....
View from the rooms.

MaraVilla Caribe   Bed & Beach    Three rentals with large glass doors overlooking our white sand beach and the beautiful Caribbean sea, with  kitchenettes & fast WIFI. In the coastal neighborhood of  Bachilleres, among upscale villas & boutique hotelitos, convenient to downtown or the colonias, yet separate.  Quiet & Private.   
 Kitchen in a large studio. (Sur & Norte are identical)
Kitchenette in small room, Medio. There's a table & chairs across from it & a double bed.
A large slider opens from each of the 3 rooms onto the patio where each has a table & chairs, hammock & clotheslines. The BBQ is behind the pole, and the outdoor shower is outa the pic at left.
Large studio (Norte), I'm standing in the kitchen. A queen & single bed.

Free amenities such as hammocks,bikes, BBQ grills, safes, portable beach chairs & beach towels, washer & dryer, loungers. Breathtaking panoramic views from the rooftop terrace. Large sliding doors open to a patio & our backyard-beach, overlooking the Caribbean sea. Upstairs room also available. Downtown is  ~ a mile away; if you don't feel like walking,  flag a $2 taxi. 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

Large studio (Sur) with Queen & Single bed. Slider door & view are behind me.

Fine dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. Within ten minutes walk are a variety of restaurants including Mango Cafe, Brisas, Manolitos, La Chatita, Green Verde, Kash Kechen Chuc, and the large department store-grocery , Chedraui. Visit marinas, bars, & beach clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Attend 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. It takes 20-30  minutes to walk downtown.
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Full moon rising over the Caribbean 

Dec. 22   6:25
Dec. 23   7:28
Dec. 24   8:33
Dec. 25   9:38
 Dec. 26   10:42
  Dec. 27   11:42 
Painting by Pamela Haase
Sunset  ~6:04 to ~6:16p (beginning vs end of month)
Sunrise  ~7:08 to 7:24
December Events
Provided by MaraVilla Caribe & Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events

Plogging events to clean up the island are held on Saturdays LINK  and here's the Accion Isla LINK 
 
Patron saint festivities on the Town Square in front of the Church of Immaculate Conception (except the horse processions on Sat, Dec. 1st).

Saturday, Dec. 1...HORSES!
Noon: Cabalgata (probably on the runway)
1p: Horse caravan (procession around the isle)
Sunday, Dec. 2
7:30p Dance troupe & local singers perform
Monday, Dec. 3
7:30p Dance troupe & local singers perform
Tuesday, Dec. 4
7:30p Dance troupe & local singers perform
Wednesday, Dec. 5
7:30 Juanita Mendez & local singers perform
Thursday, Dec. 6
7:30p Dance troupe & local singers perform
Friday, Dec. 7
7p Large caravan in honor of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception
10p Las Mañanitas Mass
11p Mariachi
11:30 Local artists singing Las Mañanitas
Saturday, Dec. 8
3p Boat procession with the icon in the Bay
5:30p Mass for the returning of the icon to her niche
7p Juanita Mendez & dance troupes perform
8p Closing dance with band Picante Plus
The other schedule shows events by the private groups in her honor at their facilities. The confirmations are at the church on Wednesday, Dec. 5 at 7pm.

"Toro Goal" events at the "Plaza de Toros y Feria" in Amplification La Gloria are where two teams of audience members get a small bull to chase them between chairs for goals. Regarding event tonight (Saturday) at 7p,  Isla Mujeres al Dia says: Organizers have told us that they do not kill or mistreat the bulls, it will be good to go and see in what manner the event takes place. The stadium is in Amplificacion La Gloria (along the coastal road, just north of Isla 33).

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Saturday, Dec. 1 Inauguration Day
Plogging clean up 8a-10a meeting at the Mundaca palapa to clean the mangroves


Saturday, Dec. 8 Plogging clean up 8a-10a  Join the Plogging crew  behind the Casa de la Cultura, (backstreet Guerrero at the cross street Abasolo) by the Isla Mujeres photo op sign & spend a couple hours with some great folks making the isle a lil cleaner & enjoying the breezes & beauty of the Caribbean sea!

Saturday, Dec. 8  Friend's of Isla Mujeres 2nd Annual Festival of Culture & Family at the Open Air Theater in colonia La Gloria at 5:30pm featuring shows, clowns, prizes & more. Family Fun, Surprises, Free. Don't Miss it!

Sunday, Dec. 9 Noches Magicas performances on the Town Square at 8pm

Tuesday, Dec. 11 Singing of Las Mananitas outside the Chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Salina Chica)

Wednesday, Dec. 12 Dia de Guadalupe, the Patron Saint of Mexico.There is usually a run in the morning from the downtown church to Punta Sur to the Guadalupe Chapel.There is usually a procession in the afternoon with children dressed up as Juan Diego, shepherds, and shepherdesses, probably between the Chapel Guadalupana and the downtown church.

 Thursday, Dec. 13 Artist Fair at the Casa de la Cultura. On the back street Guerrero at the cross street Abasolo. The captions says it starts at 4p.

 Thursday, Dec. 13 Tonight is the peak of the Geminid meteor shower, which is considered one of the best & "most reliable", because the individual meteors are bright, and they come fast and furious. With the quarter moon setting at midnight this year, more than 100 per hour may be visible, depending on the level of light pollution. Space.com advises giving your eyes 20 minutes to adjust & to lean back and take in the whole sky, since they can appear anywhere, traveling away from that point. Some meteors may be visible as early as 9-10p, but the most can be seen around 2a.

Saturday, Dec. 15 Plogging clean up 8a-10a location TBA.

Saturday, Dec. 15 at 8p and Sunday, Dec. 16 at noon at the Convention Center the Isla Mujeres Cahuameros will play the Chetumal Manatees (basketball). 

Sunday, Dec. 16 Noches Magicas performances on the Town Square starting at 8pm will feature two dance troupes. 

Dec, 16-24 Posadas Navidenas
During the Posadas, there is usually a dance on the Town Square, featuring regional dances & costumes from different states of Mexico. The schools may have Posada plays, which are reenactments of Mary & Joseph being refused shelter. Posada means 'inn'.


Monday, Dec. 17 at 7p on the Town Square, you are invited to attend & see a performance by local dance troupes and entertainment "This isn't another dum & boring nativity play"

Thursday, Dec. 20  Artist Fair at the Casa de la Cultura. On the back street Guerrero at the cross street Abasolo.4p-8p

Dec. 21 Winter Solstice  

Friday, Dec. 21 "Elmo's" Golf Cart caravan meeting in front of the Bachilleres dome at 5:30 with decorated carts, led by Santa, Minnie & Mickey, and Elmo, tossing treats & toys to the kids. 

Saturday, Dec. 22 Plogging clean up 8a-10a location TBA.

Sunday, Dec.23 Noches Magicas performances on the Town Square at 8pm

Thursday, Dec. 27  Artist Fair at the Casa de la Cultura. On the back street Guerrero at the cross street Abasolo.4p-8p

Friday, Dec. 28   Dia de los Santos Innocentes A day of practical jokes, similar to "April Fool's Day"

Monday, Dec.31 New Year's Eve celebration on the Town Square. Tables can be purchased in advance, details TBA. The last ferry is usually cancelled.

Tuesday, Jan. 1 New Year's Day People observe the sunrise at Punta Sur The first ferries are usually suspended.

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