Cayo Scoop! The Ecology of Cayo Culture

Benque will be having their Noche Cultural tomorrow night.  Orquidea Negra will be performing, and the Seniorita Flor de la Feria contestants will also be there.  The event will be at the Cancha Marshalleck, and will start at 7:00pm.

In related news, the Benque Fiesta is next week, and Thursday night will be the Seniorita Flor de la Feria pageant.

"Book it on your Calendar and Don't miss out on Orquidea Negra's Special Performance in Benque Viejo (our hometown) on JULY 5 2013!"

http://bestofcayo.com/calendar

The Play for Peace basketball tournament, which the Department of Youth Services of Benque is coordinating, starts tomorrow night at 7:00pm.  There are 5 teams, and they all get to play against each other.  The games will be held at Deacon's Court this weekend and next weekend, and the semi-finals are July 6th, with the finals on July 11th.

"The Department of Youth Services Benque Viejo Branch in collaboration with the Benque Viejo Youth Sports Club invites you all to come and support the team of your choice in the 'Play for Peace' basketball tournament scheduled to commence tomorrow June 27, 2013.  All games are scheduled to take place at Deacon's Basketball Court in Benque Viejo Del Carmen....  For more information feel free to contact Jimmy Leslie at 633-5050 or Mark Rosado at 631-5877.  May the best team win!"

The Department of Youth Services is offering youth leaders an opportunity to attend their International Leadership Camp, which will be from July 21st through the 31st.  Here in Cayo, you can contact Jimmy Leslie at 803-3027.

"The Department of Youth Services is now accepting applications for its upcoming International Leadership Camp 2013. 

This is a 10 day residential camp full of fun and activities which caters for 150 youth leaders and will take place in the month of July from the 21st -31st at George Town Technical High School in the Stann Creek District...

If you are an executive member in a student council or community based groups...apply today.

Applications are available through any of the DYS district offices nation wide.

VISIT OUR OFFICES TODAY. Get to know the service we provide and all about the National Youth Development Policy and the National Youth Development Council. 

In Benque Viejo contact Jimmy Leslie, Youth Empowerment Coordinator at 803-3027 or 633-5050."

The Bullet Tree Corn Fest is this weekend.  The Queen of the Corn beauty pageant is tonight, along with a dance afterwards with DJ Diamond.  Tomorrow, it's an all day festival, that starts with a canoe race, and ends with a dance.

https://www.facebook.com/events/510547222338445/

"Once again the beautiful village of Bullet Tree Falls comes alive.  This time better than ever.  It's Corn Fest Day.  Come and enjoy yourselves on Friday 31st May and Saturday 1st of June.  On Friday come and witness the selection of Mrs. Bullet Tree Corn Fest.  four beautiful, gorgeous ladies are vying for this prestigious title.  It all starts at 6:00p.m.  After the pageant you can dance with D.J Diamond.  On Saturday 1st of May, the day starts at 9:00a.m with a canoe race from Benque Viejo Del Carmen to the Salvador Fernandez Bridge in Bullet Tree Falls followed by a whole day Football Quadrangular...  You are all welcome with open arms to the scenic village of Bullet Tree Falls."

Would you like to make a difference and gain some valuable experience at the same time?  The Department of Youth Services in Benque is asking for volunteers between the ages of 14 and 29 to help with upcoming community events.  They are planning sporting events, clean up campaigns, and a singing competition at this point, and could really use some help.  Call 803-3027 for more information.

"This is call to all youths who wish to become an agent of change in Benque Viejo and help make a difference for the youth in our community.  Become a volunteer with the Department of Youth Services and aid in organizing activities or events that will allow our beloved youth in this jewel of ours grow positively and actively."

The Costless Mart Wine House is doing their Valentine's Wine Tasting all this week, and if you're looking for the perfect gift for your wife, mom, or girlfriend, they have Valentine's Wine Baskets at a great price.  Pictures to come tonight.  They are located at 57 Benque Viejo road, right near Joseph Andrews drive.

"There's still time to get your bottle of wine for that special date night or break from the norm, give a basket of wine this Valentine.  Come try which pleases your taste buds and purchase your bottle.  Free tasting from February 12th to February 16th, 2013 at 2:00p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  See you there!!!!"

Maya Flats has been paved, and Tropic Air has commenced using it again.  They'll be adding all the new flights starting on November 15th.

"San Ignacio Airstrip Reopens Today After Resurfacing.  After a series of weather related delays, Tropic Air is pleased to announce that the upgrade to an all weather surface (pavement) of the runway at the San Ignacio (Maya Flats) airstrip is complete, and that flight operations have resumed from that location.  We thank the people and resorts of the Cayo District for their support and patience while we completed this important improvement. We can now look forward to providing the people of San Ignacio and Benque Viejo improved air service and a growing list of destinations.  Thank you!"

The Seniorita Flor de la Feria pageant is having their online poll for Miss Photogenic.  You can vote for your favorite of the seven contestants. The final pageant will be on July 11th, which is the opening night of the Benque Fiesta.

"Flor de la Feria Pageant, one of the most historic and traditional pageants in the town of Benque Viejo.  The pageant is part of the events of the annual Benque Fiesta, a fair made in honor of the town's patron saint: Our Lady of Mount Carmel!"

The Benque DYS is having their 'Play for Peace' basketball tournament at the end of the month.  If you are interested, you can contact Jimmy Leslie, or show up on June 18th at 7:00pm at Deacon's Court.  

"The Department of Youth Services in Benque Viejo in collaboration with the Benque Viejo Youth Sports Club present 'Play for Peace Basketball Tournament.'  This tournament is scheduled to start on June 27, 2013 and end on July 11, 2013.  Registration Deadline is June 22, 2013.  For more information visit the Department of Youth Services in Benque Viejo and contact Jimmy Leslie at 633-5050.  Or contact Mark Rosado at 631-5877 from Benque Viejo Youth Sports Club"

The Benque House of Culture got their Heritage Tour sign installed. They are stop number 4 on Benque's new Heritage Tour.  Did you know it used to be the police station?  If you want to see the brochure for the tour, along with the map, it's here: https://drive.google.com/#folders/0BxVpwCISfz8aWHppVnVEdHBSa1k ; Congratulations, Benque, HoC!

"This structure served as the Police Station from the early 1950s until 2000.  It was officially opened as the House of Culture on 6 September 2001 under the auspices of the Community of Artists for Cultural and Historical Endeavors(CACHE) and the National Institute for Culture and History(NICH).  The permanent exhibit includes a historical timeline     of Benque Viejo, archival materials such as documents and artifacts donated by Benqueños.  Among the objects stored in the HOC is a marimba, the autochthonous musical instrument.  The House of Culture organizes temporary exhibitions by local and foreign artists and promotes a range of activities and workshops in music, visual arts and crafts."

The Bullet Tree Falls Queen of the Corn Festival is coming up this weekend.  The Queen of the Corn pageant will be on Friday, May 31st, and on Saturday, the festival will continue throughout the day.  Food, fun, games, and good times for the whole family, and the proceeds will be used to build a new classroom for the Immaculate Conception primary school.

"Once again the beautiful village of Bullet Tree Falls comes alive.  This time better than ever. It's Corn Fest Day.  Come and enjoy yourselves on Friday 31st May and Saturday 1st of June.  On Friday come and witness the selection of Mrs. Bullet Tree Corn Fest.  Four beautiful, gorgeous ladies are vying for this prestigious title.  It all starts at 6:00p.m.  After the pageant you can dance with D.J Diamond.  On Saturday 1st of May, the day starts at 9:00a.m with a canoe race from Benque Viejo Del Carmen to the Salvador Fernandez Bridge in Bullet Tree Falls followed by a whole day Football Quadrangular."

The Benque House of Culture had the Ecce Homo art exhibit launch.

"In Celebration of the Centennial of the Pallotine Sisters and their service to Belize, comes the project 'Ecce Homo' an art project of 5 master pieces that depict the life of Jesus.  This exhibition will be permanently hosted at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish.  The Project was executed by local Artists Mike Mauricio, since 1992 under the vision of Father John Mc.Hugh and the Parish Committee.  It is a dream come true for the community of Benque Viejo.  Exhibition runs until April 19th, 2013 at the Benque HOC.  Re-replica's of the original art pieces are available for $10.00.  Images courtesy of Elvis Avila for Lens of Culture" 

There are a couple of birthdays at the Belize Zoo this week, and some Cayo students got to go and celebrate the occasion.

"The Belize Zoo recently celebrated two important milestones, with a fantastic “Predator Party” for Junior Buddy the Jaguar’s sixth birthday and Panama the Harpy Eagle’s tenth birthday.  To mark the occasions, zoo officials invited children from La Democracia Pre-School and the Infant Two class from the Howard Smith School in Benque Viejo del Carman to join in the celebration and learn more about the contribution of these apex predators to the health of the forest."