Over twenty years ago, a group of annual visitors to Aruba who usually winter here at the Aruba Beach Club and Casa del Mar Resorts formed a foundation called Friends of the Handicapped. Founded by Keith Jones and his wife Wilma, who are now deceased, their numbers have swelled and dwindled over the years, but a core group is back again to continue their work of “giving back” to the island that is their winter home.

Friends of the Handicapped (FOTH) began their fundraising efforts among members of the Aruba Beach Club by collecting donations at Sunday Mass conducted in the social room every week. This tradition grew to organized events that have raised over one million dollars to benefit a number of worthy foundations on Aruba. In 2007, at the end of their stay, the members of FOTH, headed by President Art Stark, donated checks to fifteen groups for specialized projects, and showed they have expanded their fundraising efforts to include not only the physically and mentally challenged, but also care for the elderly, Aruba’s Red Cross, terminal cancer patient care, and other worthwhile foundations.

Three key events contribute to the bulk of their fundraising. They include Superbowl Sunday lottery tickets, a gala Sweetheart’s Dinner Dance in the Radisson Ballroom on Valentine’s Day, and new from last year, but very successful, a bingo evening in the Marriott Ballroom organized by FOTH member Dave Ulmschneider.

A FOTH member is on duty in the Casa del Mar lobby every day from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and from 6:45 until 7:45 p.m. selling squares on the Superbowl Sunday lottery. They cost $20 and the grand prize on each of eight boards is $750 for picking the winning scores, and $250 for reverse scores. There are raffle tickets available for drawings during both the Superbowl and on Valentine’s Day, which awards valuable prizes donated by many local vendors. To purchase tickets for the Sweetheart’s Dinner Dance and raffle tickets for fine jewelry, weekend stays and dinners for two at some of Aruba’s finest restaurants, contact Art Stark or his wife Alma at telephone number  567-4102 or 586-3273 or  Dave at 568-8199. Tickets to the dance are also available from Anoushka at the Executive Office in the Casa del Mar, and from the concierge desk in the Radisson Resort. During this delightful event with music from Tico Croes and the Crystal Breeze Band, over ninety prizes are raffled, and there is a silent auction for dinners, weekend stays, and fine art which has been donated by some of Aruba’s best artists.

Saturday, February 9, is the date for this year’s charity bingo, with prizes ranging from 250 Aruban florins to a grand prize of 5,000 Aruban florins for the final full card game. Cost for a packet to play ten games with four cards to a sheet is 20 Aruban florins or $12. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. with the games beginning at 8:00 p.m. Bingo sheets and raffle tickets are available in the Marriott Ballroom lobby from 5:00 p.m.

The Friends of the Handicapped have not only added spice to the activities on Aruba with their Superbowl and Valentine’s Day events, they have enriched the lives of those less fortunate and become a part of the community during their visit. They donate their time unstintingly to assist Aruba’s foundations in their important work, and invite all visitors to join them in their efforts by enjoying the wonderful events they organize for a good cause!

Source: The News

Santosa just opened on a yet unpaved road in town, between Fantastic Gardens and Banjolux. You may sign up for a full year or a month at the time, also for a series of classes.

Super-woman Corinne, the owner, handles much of the instruction including a Sunday morning Power Step class which is described as a high paced explosive session with a series of killer abdominals at the end.

Santosa is beautiful. Corinne's husband, co-owner Pim Janse-Voermans reports he thought about retirement but then decided that islands' residents need a helping hand as far as fitness and condition are concerned and opened the club.

No, it is not a gym, and you will find no weightlifters pumping iron at Santosa. The club has two classrooms, fully air conditioned and totally equipped, one for classes the other for spinning, with high-tech new bikes.

The foyer also serves cappuccinos and cold drinks in a social setting.

The dressing rooms are fully equipped and nicely laid out with lockers and hair dryers.

The official opening catered by a Taste of Belgium, was a great success with a considerable number of people in attendance.

Santosa offers classes for kids and teens and in the very near future will also start a beauty salon and massage therapy center.

The boutique displays trendy sportswear from Argentina, Brazil and the USA. Join for Aerobics, Pilates, Spinning, four kinds of Yoga, besides Step, Zumba and Group Fitness. http://www.santosa-aruba.com

De Palm Island just opened a new day spa, right on the beach against the relaxing backdrop of blue waves and white sand.

Eduardo Diaz, De Palm Island's manager reports that the professional therapists, guided by Jacqueline Jimeno developed a special menu of treatments for the spa, designed to further pamper locals and visitors who come for some fun in the sun on the beautiful reef island off the island of Aruba.

Jacqueline's special menu of treatments includes a Honeymoon Swedish Massage for two, which consists of a full-body treatment, for 40 minutes.

The Deluxe Message features a bit more pressure, for those in need of a deep-tissue workout, and also includes a full body treatment, for 40 minutes.

For those who just wish to refresh, the spa suggests a 25-minute Deluxe Massage which treats the entire back, leg and shoulder area with another 25-minute option of head, arms and back treatment.

A very special exclusive feature has been added to the spa's menu, the unique and tempting Bamboo massage, a full body treatment or just the back option.

The Bamboo treatment, explains Jacqueline is a truly extraordinary method of muscle relaxation, and is only offered on De Palm Island.

Spa services are available as extra features and are not included in the all-inclusive De Palm Island day pass.

For a relaxing and pampering outdoor experience under a shaded cabana, Jacqueline, with 14 years of experience, is expecting your visit on De Palm Island.

Charlie Ratcliff is a special Aruba visitor. In his own words he explains it the following: Friday, November 17th was my 50th birthday. On this date in 1956, I was born in the Lago Community Hospital in Seroe Colorado. I lived here on Aruba until 1972, when my father retired from Lago. I have not been back to Aruba since then until now.

I wanted to come back many times over but there was always a reason why I couldn’t. Mostly it was because I couldn’t afford the trip. But now things have worked out and I am here to celebrate my birthday on the island of my birth.

I guess I should talk about how much things have changed. To say Aruba is all grown up would be an understatement. The west end of the island is hard to recognize. The last time I was here, the airport terminal was on the south side of the runway and the bridge over Spanish Lagoon that replace the low bridge has just opened. And I miss the banana boats on the Oranjestad waterfront. But I am proud of the progress. The island looks great! And I walked around Oranjestad yesterday (after the rain quit and the water in the streets went down) and I knew exactly where I was; I was home! I can’t tell you how good it is to hear Papiamento being spoken after all these years. I was never fluent in the language but I used to be able to understand it a bit. If it’s true what they say about use it or lose it, well, I lost it. I couldn’t make out a word of it but it was still music to my ears. I recognized stores as I walked down Caya Betico Croes (which was Nassaustraat during my first go-round) and Wilhelminastraat looked very familiar. No doubt about it, I am home.

Yesterday I was lazy and did nothing at all. But today or maybe Tuesday, I’m going to San Nicolas and Seroe Colorado and spend the day. That is going to be a very emotional day for me. I have talked to some friends who tell me that the house I used to live in is still there. And of course Rodgers Beach is still there.

So if you see a middle aged man with a big smile on his face wandering aimlessly around San Nicolas and Seroe Colorado (away from the tourist sites) over the next few days, come say hello, it’s probably me.

I return to the States on Wednesday. I presently live in (of all places) Birmingham, Alabama. But I’ll be back. In the meantime, you can know that Aruba has an outspoken ambassador in Alabama. Until my next trip home, Aruba, dushi tera!

Charlie is seen here with his internet bulletin board friends, at the Waterfront Crabhouse in town where he experienced some Aruban hospitality and deliciously fresh coconut crusted mahi mahi, chased by a to-live-for key lime pie.

Charlie whose internet BB handle is Charlie Rat, is active on ww.visitaruba.com and www.aruba.com answering questions about the island and being helpful in general. His patriotism was sparked, he admits last year when Aruba’s name was smeared in the international media. He was one of the island’s loudest and most-active defenders.

Have fun on your native island! We can’t wait to read your trip report.

Aruba’s Monument Bureau celebrated ten years of existence this past week, and thanks to its Director, Yvonne Webb-Kock, Aruba’s history and landmark buildings are being restored to their original glory for many generations to enjoy. This was truly a cause for celebration, and Sunday was a memorable day for those that partook of the “Paseo Monumental,” a walking tour of the island’s historic buildings, accompanied by a number of interesting entertainments and presentations.

The day began at the Plaza Henriquez, named for the landmark house located there, which is also the headquarters of the Monument Bureau. The Minister of Labor, Culture, and Sport, Ramon Lee, opened the “Paseo Monumental” with the raising of the flag along with Mrs. Webb-Kock after the opening speeches. Minister Lee paraphrased architect Frank Lloyd Wright in expressing that “without the characteristic architecture of their culture a people have no soul.” Mrs. Webb Kock gave a brief history of the Monument Bureau, which originally consisted of two people, but has grown to include many staff members that are devoted to their task of preserving Aruba’s architectural heritage.

Adjacent to the Henriquez home is the Ecury complex, which is being renovated to house Aruba’s National Museum and Archeological Museum. On the other side of the Monument Bureau stands the “Huisje Wild,” home of merchant Victor Wild and an example of what is called a “Town Cunucu House,” with characteristic dormers.

Maps and guides were provided for sightseers to take in the many landmark buildings of Oranjestad at their own pace. They total twenty-four restored buildings, a number of which also conducted programs that highlighted Aruba’s history and culture, with folkloric music and dancing. The Plaza Alameda featured the Aruba Steel Showband and at the courthouse there was a reenactment of a notorious case from 1903. Music could be heard throughout town the entire day, as shows were conducted at the Instituto di Cultura, and the Stadhuis (Cityhall), which was the first building restored by the Monument Bureau. The Historical Museum at Fort Zoutman was open all day, and performances and activities were held in the courtyard, as they were in the courtyard of the Numismatic Museum, considered one of the bureau’s greatest triumphs, it was originally Aruba’s first bank, and the ancestral home of the Eman family.

Each landmark building had an informative history hung at the entrance in Dutch, English and Papiamento. A beautiful full color complementary book describing each building with photographs made a very nice souvenir of the day, as did various items that showcase Aruban culture and were offered for sale from various organizations such as “Mi Cutisa” foundation.

The “Paseo Monumental” and tenth anniversary celebration provided an exciting and unforgettable day for all those that attended, and an opportunity for islanders and island visitors alike to gain a greater understanding and appreciation for Aruban culture and history.

The Aruba International Arts Foundation and the International Child Arts Foundation present the opening of the "III Arts Olympiad Aruba First National Exhibition of Children's Art" at Cas di Cultura on Monday, June 5, 2006 at 6PM.

Click the link below to view the poster of the event:
http://www.aruba.com/images/childrensart2006.jpg

The Aruba Archeological Museum is preparing to finally receive Aruba’s archeological collection. During 1983, “Rijksmuseum voor Volkenkunde” in Leiden, Holland, returned the archeological material to the Antilles, to Curacao more exactly. Recently, the team of Aruba archeological museum, did a complete inventory, registered and packed the corresponding part of the collection for Aruba. With the help of the National Anthropology & Archeology Museum based in Curacao and the Board of Ministers of the Antilles, the artifacts were returned to Aruba where they will be on display in the new Aruba Archeology Museum, the Ecury Building located in Schelpstraat, which is now currently being renovated. No definite date has been given for reopening, however renovation is scheduled to take about year and half to complete.

The Historical Buildings Bureau celebrates ten years in 2006 and has been proclaimed as Sunday, September 10th 2006, Aruba Monuments Day, same as Holland. The planned celebrations include an opening ceremony at the Historical Buildings Bureau where after invited guests will walk a chosen trail with monuments they can admire and learn from. Along the way, there will be several cultural activities, such as displays, exhibitions, souvenir stands etc. More information to follow.

The International School of Aruba Parent Teacher Association celebrates it's first ever Family and Alumni Reunion Day at the school's Wayaca campus. On Sunday, May 21 from 3 pm to 6 pm, the ISA will have an afternoon of fun for all ISA families, as well as an “All Call to Alumni” to include all past students, parents, teachers and associates of the school.

In an effort to develop an Alumni Association, there will be a registration/welcome table, especially for this group. Alumni are urged to stop by and add their names to a database, the goal of which is to strengthen the bonds between former students and associates and the current ISA community.

Headmaster, Bob Werner, welcomes ISA families to this special day, dedicated to our children, their parents and all alumni. The day will begin with games planned for every age level, allowing children to team up with their parents for a chance to win at anything from an egg toss to a softball game. Teachers, students and the PTA are working together to make sure each game is child and parent friendly.

Following games, Joey's Restaurant, located in Bubali, will serve up a fabulous BBQ fit for the hardworking game players. Included in the BBQ is dessert and soft drinks to quench the thirsts and keep the blood sugars elevated for the competing families.

During the dinner break, Judy Carvalhal, Owner and CEO of Ecuador based Enchanted Expeditions, will inform the group of the wonders of the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. As a parent in the ISA community, Judy has graciously donated two tickets for a 7 day cruise around the Galapagos. These tickets will be live auctioned and monies collected will be spent on school projects. Information on the cruises and other tours by Enchanted Expeditions can be found at http://www.enchantedexpeditions.com

A further treat to our families is a one of a kind painting by local artist and ISA parent, Bettina Hagenah. Bettina has exhibited at Access Art Gallery. The PTA is most appreciative of her unique donation. Her work, entitled “Orange” will be silent auctioned during the course of the event. Bettina has donated all funds raised from her artwork to the PTA for expenditure on the students and staff.

Cost for Family and Alumni Reunion Day is AFL 15 per adult and AFL 10 per child and includes BBQ, drinks, dessert and all games and festivities (children under age 4 are free). ISA kindly requests that reservation be made and paid in advance as payment at the door will not be possible. Reservation and payment can be made to the ISA office in Wayaca Residence or to Kris Werner ( kbrownwerner@yahoo.com ) in San Nicolaas area or to Mashelle Zeolla ( mashellezeolla@gmail.com ) in Palm Beach area. For a reservation form and more information visit our website at http://www.isaruba.com or call the ISA office at 583 5040.

Story submitted by Rona Coster

Recently TEAM Workers Union, affiliated with the Aruba Resort Spa & Casino made a generous donation to the Clown Doctors, a not-for-profit organization entertaining children in the Dr. Horacio Oduber Hospital here.

The funds were raised during the annual Walk it off, walkathon organized by TEAM in honor of Labor Day.

The event included a great number of hotel employees and their family members and was a great success.

The amount of money collected is earmarked to the production of an informative, reassuring booklet, designed by the Clown Doctors and directed at hospitalized children, describing what to expect of their hospital stay, and how to deal with the stress related.

TEAM Workers Union, was pleased to hand over the check to the Clown Doctors, who bring a smile to kids in need. TEAM also thanked their sponsors and especially the hotel management for making the event so successful and for contributing generously.

940/941- Last minute surprise, the Aruba Beach Resort Spa & Casino, matched the amount collected by TEAM.

Pictured here General Manager and Vice President Rob Smith, delivering the additional surprise check to TEAM representatives and the clowns.

942/943- Funds raised by Walk It Off were presented by TEAM Workers Union, true to the spirit of the organization, Together We Achieve More.

Story submitted by Rona Coster

The joke specialists from the Children’s Ward at the Horacio Oduber hospital have expanded their range of activities. They decided to also start clowning around with the mental handicapped children at Bibito Pin, in collaboration with SVGA, Stichting voor Verstandelijk Gehandicapten Aruba,

Every Friday morning, the clowns will be there working with Down Syndrome kids ages 2 to 6, also with children with serious multiple handicaps to try and relax them, even escort them to therapy, thus creating a positive, entertaining contact with the outside world.

The clowns report they love going to physiotherapy, and take the minds of patients off pains and difficulties.

The teachers at Bibito Pin are equally enthusiastic about the clown visits and support the interaction wholeheartedly.

In the future the clowns will continue expanding their activities. They are also in conversations with the director of Casa Cuna, and are planning to visit the kids there once a week.

They have also expressed interest in entertaining elderly people with psycho geriatric disorders. Aruba is now home to a clown who was a clown in the Netherlands, in an institution for the elderly, so her knowledge will come in handy, while she lives here. Hardworking coordinator Ellen Kemper, reports the clowns have struck an agreement with Stichting Papiamenta, dedicated to writing children books in Papiamento.

The literary foundation promised to help provide books and stories for the clowns which will be naturally acted out when read aloud.

When you see a box with the Clown Doctor’s logo on it, at the airport for example, please contribute, they are doing a great job for the community and deserve support.