| NEW
BONAIRE AMBASSADORS
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AWARDED GOLD: |
Stewart
Kaslow, New Jersey, USA |
 This
is the story of Stewart, who has been coming
to Bonaire for 25 years, usually twice each
year:
"In 1979 I started to learn about
a sport called scuba diving. After becoming
certified and diving in New Jersey where
I lived, I met Al Catalfumo. Who had a dive
shop in Lawrence Harbor NJ and now lives
in Bonaire owning Black Durgeon. In October
1979, I joined a group of people with Al
and went on my first Caribbean diving vacation
to Bonaire. I fell in love with this island.
I have been coming here every year since.
I the 80's I used to come once a year, in
the 90's I came twice a year and now I'm
here most of the year. The diving is always
great. I have made many friends over the
years, here on Bonaire. My first Bonairean
friend was my first and best dive guide,
Ebo Domacasse. I still count him as a friend.
He shared with me his love of the island,
nature and people. I respect him and honor
him. Ebo to me is a Real Bonaire Ambassador." |
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AWARDED GOLD: |
Yoeke
Mulder, The Netherlands |
 Yoeke
Mulder has been coming to Bonaire for
24 consecutive years, of which she has
spent 20 years staying at Sorobon, and
therefore, has earned her "gold"
medal. She is proud of being an Ambassador
and is especially devoted to all animals
on Bonaire, as for years now she has sponsored
the Animal Shelter. Joeke is particularly
delighted to know that Sorobon
Beach Resort will make donations throughout
the year to the Donkey's Help. Yoeke hopes
that a lot of people will adopt a donkey
or give a donation, like she has.
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AWARDED BRONZE: |
Judy
and Jack Haslinger, Ohio, USA |
 Judy
and Jack reached their bronze after completing
ten years of visits to Bonaire in 2004!
"Before we came to Bonaire, we vacationed
in Florida. We met a friend by the name
of Millie. She told us how great the snorkeling
was in Bonaire. Every year we vacationed
with my brother and his wife, Jim and
Mary Ann on snorkeling trips. In 1992
it was Judy's turn to plan the trip and
she suggested to Jim about visiting Bonaire.
On arrival to Bonaire we found the island
easy to find new snorkeling spots. The
people here were very friendly and made
you feel at home. All of the visitors
we meet enjoyed snorkeling, diving, windsurfing
and even bird watching in the National
Park. Not forgetting the donkeys and beautiful
pink flamingos. We have now visited the
island more than 10 times in the 10 years
we have been coming to Bonaire. We dove
more times in Bonaire--some 300 dives--
than any of our other visits in the Caribbean.
We have many friends on the island which
we cherish, we love our friends and hope
to be coming back each year."
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AWARDED BRONZE: |
Stephan
and Lothar Brendal, Berlin, Germany |
 Lothar
& Stephan Brendel from Berlin, Germany
were awarded Bronze Bonaire Ambassadors.
The father and son team have been coming
to Bonaire for 11 consecutive years. For
the last 5 years they are staying at Yacht
Club Apartments, and before that,
at various places.
"Yacht Club is the best place you
can get for this price and we simply like
the ambiance there," according to
Lothar. Both are avid windsurfers and
they windsurf at Jibe
City.
They love Bonaire so much that Stephan
developed his own Bonaire website www.bonaire-info.de,
a website that gives travel information
and suggestions in the German language
to Bonaire travelers.
Here you see Lothar and Stephan being
congratulated by Hilde and Elly from Yacht
Club Apartments, and by Delno Tromp from
Tourist Corporation Bonaire.
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AWARDED BRONZE: |
Peter
and Hennie Franschimon, The Hague, The
Netherlands |
 After
coming to Bonaire for 14 consecutive years,
Peter and Hennie are honored with their
Bronze Ambassador medals. Each year they
bring groups up to 16 divers for 3 weeks
and they stay at "Centro Oubaas Carlos
A. Nicolaas" located at Playa Pabou.
They are from "Haagse-Vrijwillige
Redding Brigade-Life Guard."
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AWARDED BRONZE: |
Peter
& Annelies, The Netherlands |
 The
couple, Peter and Annelies, are from Holland
and have been coming for eleven years
to Sorobon and to Bonaire, so this visit
made them "bronze" Ambassadors.
Peter pointed out in his thank you speech
that the motto of Sorobon "unhurried,
unspoiled, unclothed, unforgettable"
should have one more "un" word--
and that should be "unchanged"
because he and his wife tell us that this
is the biggest attraction of Sorobon
Beach Resort and, of course, also
for Bonaire. The friendliness and simplicity
of Bonaire should be unchanged forever
so they can keep on coming back forever!
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SPECIAL
RECOGNITION FOR TIMESHARE OWNERS
Tourist Corporation Bonaire (TCB)
would also like to recognize and thank the many
people who own timeshares or apartments on Bonaire,
and who have supported the island for at least
ten years. Although these owners are not eligible
for Ambassador Awards, TCB thanks and acknowledges
them for their support with these Special Recognition
Awards.
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AWARDED: |
Pat
& Peter Lareau, California, USA |
Pat
and Peter have been coming to Bonaire for
13 consecutive years. They own a timeshare
at Lions
Dive Resort and dive with Bon
Bini Divers. |
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AWARDED: |
Pat
& Ron Cooke, Oklahoma, USA |
2004 brings Ron and Pat's 10th annual visit
to Lions
Dive. |
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AWARDED: |
Nancy
& Leo Grace, Wisconsin, USA |
2004 brings Leo's and Nancy's 13th annual
visit to Lions
Dive and Bon
Bini Divers. |
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AWARDED: |
Ralph
& Margarette Loschialpo, Virginia,
USA |
2004 brings Ralph & Margarette 18th
annual visit to Lions
Dive. |
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AWARDED: |
Vivian
& Joseph Michaels, Arkansas, USA |
2004 brings Viv and Joe's 13th annual visit
to Lions
Dive and Bon
Bini Divers. |
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To see more of Bonaire's Special Recognition
Recipients, visit http://www.bonaireambassador.com
!
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| BONAIRE
'HOT' AT DUIKVAKER 2004
DuikVaker is the annual dive show in the
Netherlands and is very important for direct
contact and bookings. Dutch divers now really
know Bonaire and come to the booth to be
informed on the specials or just to chit-chat
with their friends in the Dutch Caribbean.
This year the Bonaire booth was very well
attended--not only by visitors, but also
by representatives of Bonaire's private
sector. Both BHG and Bonhata flew in their
reps to visit DuikVaker. With this kind
of activity, Bonaire needs a larger booth
next year.
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TV SHOW
HENNY HUISMAN TO BONAIRE
Henny Huisman, one of Holland's
most popular TV-personalities is, as most
people know, quite a Bonaire fan. Presently
Henny is hosting the TV-show 'Henny zoekt
God'. Henny and his team will come over
to Bonaire to shoot the Easter special.
The entire show will be dedicated to Bonaire
and broadcast on Dutch public television.
TCB Europe is delighted Henny could manage
to arrange this free publicity for his
and our beloved island. Henny Huisman
once again proves to be a wonderful ambassador!
.
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WINNER
DIVE SHOP BAG CONTEST
 DuikVaker
2004 was not only the most important dive
event in the Netherlands, but also the
stage where Marieke Raaff crowned Jack
Vijgen of Esko the winner of the Dive
Shop Bag Contest. The picture shows a
proud Jack with his unique bag. Now all
major parties in the Netherlands joined
prize contests and the winners were handed
over their bags. This spring European
parties are to follow, starting at the
next ITB in Berlin.
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DUTCH
PRESS JUMPS ON BONAIRE CASE
The stunning results of
European marketing combined with the increase
in flights and the integral plans of the
Bonairean Government really hit the professionals
in the Netherlands. In short, the Dutch
press will come to Bonaire to see for
themselves how Bonaire manages to grow
in tourism and take care of local culture
and nature at the same time. In the coming
months, more press trips are planned,
as not only the Dutch press, but also
other European magazines, are quite interested
in our island. This promises a lot of
exposure in the year to come.
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TRAVEL
TRADE PROMOTIONS UPCOMING
Just after ITB Berlin TCB
Europe will start a sequel of travel trade
promotions concentrating on Bonaire's
largest market: the Netherlands. Not only
will TCB Europe participate in a travel
trade educational of Indigo/Maduro, the
European PR-team will also kick off a
larger promotion using direct mail and
e-mail aimed at travel agents. This promotion
will not only educate them on the latest
happenings regarding our island, but will
also enable them to win a trip. More news
on this promotion is to be published in
next edition of Entre Nous.
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| After a four year hiatus,
the annual marketing meeting was resumed in January
of this year. Interested parties from the public
and private sectors were invited to attend to
hear the plans for the overseas offices for the
upcoming year.
2004
NORTH AMERICAN MARKETING PLAN PRESENTED
 Candice
Kimmel, President of Adams Unlimited, Bonaire’s
Marketing firm in the US, traveled to Bonaire
to join the other overseas offices in presenting
a re-cap of 2003 activities and the Marketing
Plans for 2004. Ms. Kimmel’s remarks centered
on the strength and integrity of the Bonaire brand
in the US, but the subsequent difficulty in getting
to Bonaire. Recognizing that the airlift problems
will not be resolved overnight, the key to the
North American plan for 2004 is a strong focus
on visitors who have a passion for Bonaire (past
visitors and our key dive and adventure market)
and are willing to do whatever it takes to get
there.
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NORTH AMERICAN OFFICE
HOSTS COMMISSIONER OF TOURISM FOR AIRLINE MEETINGS
Following closely on the Marketing
Meetings in Bonaire, Commissioner of Tourism,
Burney el Hage traveled to New York to join
the US office in meetings with executives of
American Eagle and Air Jamaica, Feb. 4 and Feb.
5. Topics of the meetings with American Eagle
centered on the possibility of re-instating
the mid week service and maintaining the load
factors to support a daily service. Arrival
and departure times were also discussed in the
context of protecting the connection with key
fights from the very important interior US feeder
cities. Meetings with Air Jamaica covered joint
sales and marketing efforts to support the new
Thursday rotation.
NORTH
AMERICAN OFFICE ATTENDS AIRLIFT MEETINGS IN BONAIRE
On Feb. 18, Candice Kimmel traveled
to Bonaire to attend an airlift meeting with
the representatives from BonairExel. Convened
by Mr. Ramonsito Booi and chaired by Commissioner
of Tourism Burney el Hage, private and public
sector representatives explored the various
means that BonairExel could be utilized to provide
more airlift from the US market. Both short-
and long-range possibilities were discussed,
including interline agreements with the US majors,
securing an 800 number for US reservations and
ticketing, and promoting the connections over
Aruba and Curacao using BonairExel.
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CARIBBEAN
TRAVEL & LIFE ON-LINE CONTEST ANNOUNCEDd
Bonaire will be the featured destination
in a six-month Caribbean Travel & Life on-line
contest set to begin in April 2004. The contest
is being launched in a bonus 2/3 page ad in
the April issue of Caribbean Travel & Life,
and will remain on the CT&L contest area
of the website for a total of six months. Readers
will be asked to respond to a short survey and
will then be entered to win one of six trips
to Bonaire. The survey is designed to provide
information on how their readers make their
vacation choices, and includes a ranking of
destination attributes as motivators of travel.
The prize of a one week stay (land only) will
be given away each month of the contest.
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DIVE NEWSWIRE FOR
FEBRUARY
During February two press releases
were distributed on Dive Newswire (www.divenewswire.com).
The first release was posted on Feb.11 and announced
the addition of the Thursday Air Jamaica service
to Bonaire on an Airbus A 321. The February
25th issue of Dive Newswire featured a press
release announcing the Eighth Annual Bonaire
Dive Festival schedule. Dive Newswire is distributed
electronically to more than 5,000 dive shop
owners, manufacturers as well as media outlets.
Using the archive feature of DiveNewswire, you
can see all releases about Bonaire, including
those posted by hotels and tour operators going
back to Feb. 15, 2003.
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BONAIRE EZ NEWS FOR
FEBRUARY
 During
February two issues of Bonaire EZ News were
written and distributed to a database of more
than 25,000 consumers. The February 12th issue
announced the start of Thursday Air Jamaica
service to Bonaire and featured land/air packages
from US tour operators supporting the launch.
The February 27th issue of EZ News focused on
seeing Bonaire from the water and highlighted
activities and excursions offered by boat operators.
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SEMI-ANNUAL BONAIRE
BRIEFS IS IN THE WORKS
To update the media on all the
latest news from Bonaire a press release called
Bonaire Briefs is being drafted. To gather information,
a request was sent to TCB in mid-February which
in turn was distributed to BONHATA and BHG requesting
information from their members on new hotel
packages, programs, etc. Additionally the request
was sent to US representatives of Bonaire's
hotels. The release is currently being drafted
and will be sent out to 200+ media outlets in
early March. This release is updated with new
information and distributed to the media twice
a year.
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EDITORAL
PLACEMENTS: HIGHLIGHTS
American Way (circulation
352,083)
The January 15 issue of American
Way, American Airlines In-flight Magazine, included
information on the new dive site, Our Confidence,
in the listing of news around the world. A brief
history was given about the ship and how it
found its way to Bonaire
Caribbean Travel & Life
(circulation 166,620)
The February 2004 issue of Caribbean
Travel & Life highlights Bonaire in its
"Affordable" section. David Swanson,
long time friend of Bonaire, describes Bonaire
as "the quiet Caribbean", devoid of
cruise crowds and glitzy resorts. He offers
tips on places to stay like the Friar’s Inn,
Lions Dive & Beach Resort Bonaire, Hotel
Rocheline, The Great Escape, and Bellafonte
Chateau de la Mer, as good value for your vacation
dollars. Topside attractions are not forgotten
as Discover Bonaire is listed as a tour company
that offers a variety of eco-adventure tours.
Rodale’s Scuba Diving (circulation
196,370)
In the January/February 2004 issue
of Rodale’s Scuba Diving, the "Dive Guide"
is just all about Bonaire. Bonaire’s own naturalist
Jerry Ligon, reveals the secrets of Bonaire’s
waters, its history and the drama that goes
on beneath the sea at some of Bonaire’s dive
sites. The story also highlights why Bonaire
has been the model for Caribbean underwater
conservation.
Sport Diver (circulation 100,000)
In the February 2004 issue of
Sport Diver, Bonaire is referred to as the "Land
of Divers" and is described as an island
dedicated to the idea that all divers need a
place to call home. Washington Slagbaai National
Park is listed as "must do" activity,
while five dive sites are noted as "must
dive". (Town Pier or Salt Pier, Forest,
Klein Bonaire, Hilma Hooker, 1,000 Steps, and
Red Slave).
About.com (online)
On January 19, About.com covered
Caribbean Web Cams and Bonaire’s four web cams
were listed; Bonaire Reef Cam, Bonaire South
Beach Cam, Bonaire North Beach Cam and Bonaire’s
Streetcam on Kaya Rotterdam. Reported by Media
Metrix, About.com is the 5th largest web property
which earns more than 36 million page views.
Deeperblue.net (online)
On January 16, 2004, Deeperblue.net
highlights the Eighth Annual Bonaire Dive Festival.
Details of the newly-organized dive festival
from the extension to two weeks to available
packages, activities, and contact information
and dive festival website are listed
About.com (online)
On January 19, About.com covered
Hot Travel Deals in the Caribbean and the following
hotel packages were listed; Divi Flamingo Beach
Resort & Casino, Lagoen Hill Bonaire, Lions
Dive & Beach Resort, The Plaza Resort Bonaire,
Plaza Villas/Port Bonaire and Sand Dollar Condominium
Resort. Reported by Media Metrix, About.com
is the 5th largest web property which earns
more than 36 million page views.
Travel World News (circulation
39,376)
In the January 2004 issue of Travel
World News, Bonaire is the destination highlighted
in the "Adventure Section." Packages
for Portofino Hotel and Yacht Club, Sand Dollar,
Captain Don’s Habitat, and the Plaza Resort
Bonaire are listed. The Eight Annual Bonaire
Dive Festival is listed along with contact information
and websites.
Dallas Morning News (circulation
786,594)
On December 21 in the Dallas Morning
News, in a line up of Caribbean properties offering
good deals, the Deep Blue View B&B’s dive
package was listed including their website www.deepblueview.com,
prices and contact number.
Anchorage News (circulation
85,944)
On December 14 in the Anchorage
News travel section, Bonaire was listed among
two other destinations as a welcome respite
from high-pressure pleasures of other Caribbean
holiday spots. Described as a premier dive and
snorkel destination, with no buildings taller
than the trees, the article offers general information
about the island, website and 800 number.
New Haven Connecticut Register
(circulation 100,273)
On December 28 in the New Haven
Connecticut Register, in a line up of Caribbean
properties offering good deals, the Deep Blue
View B&B’s dive package was listed including
their website www.deepblueview.com,
prices and contact number.
Memphis Commercial Appeal
(circulation 236,625)
The January 4 Memphis Commercial
Appeal travel section is about Caribbean islands
that are laid back with little or no crowds.
The focus is about "getaways that really
get away." Bonaire is listed and described
as the premier dive and snorkel destination
and known for its rainbow-colored beaches and
wide range of accommodations. Also highlighted
were Anguilla, the Grenadines, and Tobago.
Dive Training (circulation
65,000)
In the January 2004 issue of Dive
Training, the Yacht Club Apartments and Bon
Bini Divers are highlighted in the "Dive
Exploration" section. Information is offered
about the apartments and dive operations and
the dive package being offered.
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NEWS
FROM THE TOURISM SECTOR
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JUMP-INTO-SPRING
SPECIAL AT OCEAN VIEW VILLAS
 Very
private, and newly decorated,
Ocean View Villas is just steps
from Bachelor's Beach. Offering
Studios and Two Bedroom Apartments
in a private and intimate setting,
their attention to detail and
personal service is unmatched.
From April 3, 2004, through
July 10, 2004, a special discount
package is available. Seven
nights lodging, six days of
unlimited shore diving with
six boat dives, and all local
taxes, is just US$ 416,00 per
person, based on quad occupancy.
For double occupancy, this package
is US$ 476,00 per person.
For more information, visit
Ocean View Villas at http://www.oceanviewvillas.com.
Or, telephone +(599) 717-6105.
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CARIBBEAN
DESIGN & MARKETING PREMIERS
NEW WEBSITE FOR KRISTIN'S BEACH
VILLA
 Caribbean
Design & Marketing is
pleased to announce the premier
of a new Bonaire website for
Kristin's Beach Villa.
The Villa is located north
of town, and offers several
types of studio apartments.
The villa is directly oceanfront,
so you can dive or snorkel right
from your front patio!
For more information, or to
make an online reservation,
visit their new website at
http://www.kristinsbeachvilla.com.
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LIONS
RENTAL OFFERS SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY
RATES AT NEW LIONS VILLAGE
 Lions
Rental is delighted to announce
the opening of the new Lions
Village on March 1st, 2004.
Lions Village is an intimate
setting of one- or two-bedroom
apartments, just a few steps
from the beach and only minutes
from Kralendijk, diving, windsurfing,
or restaurants.
Special introductory rates
are available: Book now through
June 30th, 2004 for travel anytime
between March 1st and October
31, 2004 (some blackout dates
do apply). Rates begin as low
as $60.00 per night plus tax
for two persons in a one-bedroom
apartment.
At Lions Rental, you can also
book vehicles, cell phones,
dive packages, or make arrangements
for long-term rentals.
For more information, visit
Lions Rental's website at http://www.lionsrental.com.
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THE
TOUCH DAY SPA OFFERS SPA-PACKAGES
AT GREAT RATES--LIMITED TIME ONLY
 The
Touch Day Spa, located at the
Divi Flamingo Beach Resort &
Casino, is offering new spa
packages now through June 30,
2004.
You can choose any of the three
packages noted below for only
$99.00 plus tax. Pamper your
body with one of these great
spa packages and resist the
damaging effects of sun, wind,
and salt water.
-
Bath Treatment,
Massage, & Pedicure
- Pedicure with Mask, 1/2 Massage,
1/2 Facial
- Infra-Red Sauna, Massage, Pedicure,
& Manicure
For more information or to make
a reservation, visit http://www.thetouchbonaire.com.
What a wonderful idea for Mother's
Day!
CALENDAR
OF EVENTS
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Carnival Adult
Parade Dates:
2004
- 2011 |
|
2005
- Feb 6
2006 - Feb 27
2007 - Feb 18
2008 - Feb 3
2009 - Feb 22
2010 - Feb 14
2011 - Mar 6 |
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March 2004
TBA - 5km Fun Run time
Mar 6 - Rincon Market Day
Mar 13 - Underwater Cleanup at
Bonaire Yellow Submarine at 1pm
followed by potluck BBQ 717-2929
April 2004
Apr 1 - Simadan (Harvest) Festival
in Rincon
Apr 3 - Rincon Market Day
Apr 4 - Palm Sunday
Apr 9 - Good Friday. Banks and
shops closed.
TBA - 15th Karels Beach Bar Sailing
Competition
Apr 11 - Easter Sunday
Apr 12 - Easter Monday. Banks
and shops closed.
Apr 15 - 22 Dive into Earth Week
(Day) - check with your hotel
or dive shop for activities including
beach and underwater cleanups
Apr 17 - Underwater Cleanup at
Bonaire Yellow Submarine at 1pm
followed by potluck BBQ 717-2929
Apr 30 - Rincon Day
Apr 30 - Queen Birthday
Apr 30 - Windsurfing Race
Apr 30 - 5 km / 17 km MCB Run
Apr 30 - Road Race 70km Bonaire
Cycle Club
May 2004
May 1 - Labor Day
May 1 - Dutch Antilles Windsurfing
Challenge
May 8 - Underwater Cleanup at
Bonaire Yellow Submarine at 1pm
followed by potluck BBQ 717-2929
May 9 - Mother's Day
TBA - 7th Bonaire Mountain Bike
Challenge Race
May 20 - Ascension Day
Every Tuesday Night
@ 6:30pm -
BonaireTalker Dinner/Gathering at
Gibi's Terrace, call Jake at 717-6773
or email jake@bonairetalk.com
Click here for a detailed CALENDAR
OF EVENTS
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