Cayo Scoop! The Ecology of Cayo Culture

Feelgood news of the day.  The Rotaract club of Benque delivered the first round of backpacks to the students that needed them. Looks like they had a lot of fun doing it too.  Thanks, Rotaractors, for making a difference in the lives of those students!

"Through the collaboration of the Principals and Teachers at Mount Carmel Primary School and Hills of Promise Primary School in Benque Viejo, La Inmaculada Primary School in Arenal and San Jose Succotz Primary School, a total of 40 deserving children were selected as beneficiaries of this year's program.  Selection was done based on the family's financial need.  On Sunday, August 23, 2015 school bags with supplies were given to children and parents of children from Hills of Promise Primary School and Mount Carmel Primary School in Benque Viejo.  The families were extremely grateful for the assistance as this helps them to alleviate their expenses for this coming school year 2015-2016. "

Mount Carmel primary put together a variety show in Benque to celebrate September.

"A plethora of young talents, shared their patriotic spirit and love for Belize at the Ms Independence and Mr.Independence Variety Show, organized by Mount Carmel Primary School.  Here is a peek, kudos to a splendid show, it is a true reflection of efforts and rich abundance of talents that will foster an enriched society."

Congratulations to Alberto Contreras for being awarded the Meritorious Service Award!  Once again, it's well deserved.

"Alberto Rafael Contreras was born in Benque Viejo Del Carmen on January 16, 1939.  He attended St. Joseph School, now Mount Carmel Primary School.  Always passionate about the development of his home town, Alberto entered politics under the United Democratic Party in 1978 and served as a member of the Benque Viejo Town Board and served as mayor of Benque Viejo from 1984 to 1986.  But his mark on Belizean history goes beyond politics.  He coached the Mount Carmel School football team from 1970 to 1995 and led them to many victories.  The Verdes Football Club was born in 1980 and Rafael would be known to play a significant role in its success.  Verdes represented Belize at the CONCACAF stage several times."

Feelgood news of the day.  Rotaract distributed food baskets around Benque. Great work, Rotaract!

"In commemoration of World Rotaract Week, and in collaboration with the Help Age Center and Mount Carmel Primary School in Benque Viejo, and the Rotary Club of San Ignacio, we distributed food baskets to the elderly, single mothers and other deserving families in Benque Viejo.  This is Part 1 of our project.  Part 2 will be taking taking place in Santa Elena Town in collaboration with Rotary Club of San Ignacio.  A heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported our Red Carpet Affair as we raised funds to distribute gift baskets to the deserving families.  A big thank you to Grace Kennedy Belize Limited for donating 20 boxes of baking powder, and to Loida Pinelo for donating 20 bottles of Dilmah Tea for each gift basket."

Feelgood news of the day.  The Rotaract Club of Benque Viejo visited Mount Carmel primary to celebrate Children's Day.  They even brought a clown.  Thanks, Rotaract.  

In related news, they are also doing a Christmas Food Drive.  Help them by donating food items if you can.

"On Friday, November 20, 2015 we celebrated Children's Day in partnership with Mount Carmel Primary School for over 300 children in the Infant Division."

Feelgood news of the day.  The Rotaract Club of Benque visited Mount Carmel Primary School, where they painted some of the classrooms as part of their ongoing community service project.  Looks good.  Thanks, Rotaract!

"Today, Sunday, August 16, 2015, our members painted an Infant 2 classroom at Mount Carmel Primary School.  Another classroom will be painted in the coming week.  We express our sincere gratitude to the Lincoln Woodstock Rotary Interact Club for their generous donation of three buckets of paint.  Thank you to our members and Ms. Rosita Silva, Vice Principal at Mount Carmel Primary School, for taking the time to assist us today."

The Rotaract Club of Benque worked with the local community to get school supplies and backpacks for local students.  Thanks Rotaract!

"This weekend our members embarked on our club's first major community service project.  We delivered approximately 17 school bags to underprivileged children in Benque Viejo and San Jose Succotz.  With the help of the primary schools who provided us with the names of the children, we assisted children from Mount Carmel Primary School & Howard Smith Nazarene School in Benque Viejo and San Jose Succotz RC School.  During the course of this week, we will distribute more school bags & supplies to children from the Adventist School in Benque Viejo. "

Feelgood news of the day.  The Rotaract Club of San Ignacio had a painting project at Mount Carmel primary school.  Cornerstone donated the paint.  Thanks, Rotaract and Cornerstone!

In related news, Rotaract is having a Grand Easter Raffle to raise money for a cancer patient's medical expenses.  They have some nice prizes.

"The Rotaract Club of San Ignacio embarked on a painting project at Mount Carmel Primary School in Benque Viejo Town on Saturday, March 15, 2014 in commemoration of World Rotaract Week 2014 celebrated March 10-16, 2014.  The club painted concrete benches in the Infant Division around the children's playground and other areas that they utilize.  The Cornerstone Foundation donated the paint towards this project in August 2013 but due to inclement weather late last year we had been unable to complete the project.  Kudos to finally completing this project!"

Rotaract is bringing their Bingo Sundays back.  They'll be having the next one this Sunday, at Hode's Place, starting at 6:30pm.  Good luck!

In related news, they've posted a few pictures from their Rave at the Grave fundraiser.  https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.515381478532659.1073741842.407382502665891

"We're reviving a tradition of the Rotaract Club San Ignacio. Join us for our first Bingo Sunday at Hodes Place in San Ignacio on August 18 at 6:30 p.m.

Proceeds from Bingo Sunday will be used for future community service projects like:
1. Adopt a Child Program
2. Mount Carmel Primary School: painting of benches at the Infant Division
3. Halloween Horror House (reviving another Rotaract tradition)
4. Christmas Toy Drive;
and many more.

Support our fundraising efforts. Bring out the entire family and have fun! "