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Sea
Saba's Diver Speaks To
SABA—Professor Donna Wilt, from the Florida Institute of Technology (FIT), spent time last Friday at Child Focus telling members of the local “Be a Pilot Club” how to go about pursuing an aviation career and what strategies they might use to obtain financial assistance. Donna Wilt was one of 16 Scuba Board members diving with Sea Saba in early June. Read the first trip report posted. Wilt said that there are many organizations that offer direct scholarships to worthy students regardless of their nationality. “There is definitely money out there,” she reassured. Wilt said that she is a member of several women-in-aviation organizations and would be glad to share information with the club on these opportunities, which are open to both boys and girls. Many club members are interested in getting their first pilot’s license, which takes about 40 hours of work, but Wilt pointed out that if the young people are truly interested in a career, they should plan on a university degree. She said that many FIT students who come from the Caribbean first attend a local community collage for two years, since the curriculum is very general, but will meet prerequisites. This allows students to start their studies at a less expensive institute close to home. Many universities will work with students who plan to graduate from them, but start elsewhere, in order to assure that all prerequisites are in fact met. The club exchanged addresses with Wilt, who will see to it that the youngsters receive the information they need. FIT has about 3,000 students, with 400 of these in aviation. The Caribbean Group is the largest student group at the University. Club members were also interested in Wilt’s own career and the fact that she has had her own SESNA 177 since 1993 and often “commutes” to her job in her private plane. She is also an avid SCUBA diver and enjoyed exemplary weather during the week she and her husband were on island. She was looking forward to flying out of Saba, since the couple had to take the Edge to arrive, and she was disappointed to miss the famous Saba landing. Saba's Cistene Chapel
Saba artist Heleen Cornet is high in the scaffolding again to repair damage to her magnificent fresco in the apse of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in The Bottom. Cornet said that the cloud formations immediately above the altar had simply peeled off, possible due to moisture coming from behind. Salt water was possibly used to mix the mortar, and it continues to attract moisture. The repairs will be complete by the end of the week. Saba moves towards terrestrial management plan
SABA—Environmental consultant Yvonne Hosker from Manchester, G.B., spent over a week on Saba getting acquainted with issues concerning environmental management of the island. Her research and interview data will be incorporated into a Land Management Plan that will be presented to the Saba Conservation Foundation (SCS). The study is an initiative of the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA), who sent Dutch National Forestry Services staffer Jan Block to the Netherlands Antilles in a quick introductory trip to the Netherlands Antilles earlier this year. Hosker said her task was to speak to the nature “stakeholders,” which on such a small space meant a cross section of the population. Hosker has been an environmental consultant for over a dozen years and said that she was ready to take a break when the assignment came up. She jumped at the opportunity, even though she is strictly a volunteer, and only her expenses are covered. Hosker is particularly interested in adding value to nature sites by improving access and adding “interpretation,” which means to clarify the significance of the site In addition to her many community contacts, Hosker made time to hike some of the trails, such as Sandy Cruz, Spring Bay, and Mary’s Point. On the Mary’s Point expedition, she accompanied SCS staffers Sue Hurrell and Greg van Laake who were taking a group of young Sea Scouts to the old village ruin, which is being investigated by two Canadian archaeologists. Read the full story on The Latest News page of this site. he not only had a chance to speak to Saba youth, but also listened to the observations of the scientists. She said that Sabans have voiced that they would like to see more cultural, historical context for their environment made available. Hosker said that she had already sent part of her Saba material to Environmental expert Duncan MacRae of the British company Coastal Zone Management. MacRae, who has worked for DCNA before, will include suggestions and recommendations in his final plan. The report is expected mid-year.
El Momo Cottages
Changes Ownership
SABA—After a decade running El Momo’s Cottages, the Hartleib family is leaving and returning to Germany, with many fond memories of Saba. Oliver and Angelika and their two children born on St. Maarten – along with their Saba dog – are leaving this weekend and will resettle in Kiel in northern Germany. The young couple arrived on Saba in May 1997 ready to fulfil a local assignment as dive instructors. They stayed at El Momo’s Cottages, then run by Els and Gied Mommers. They fell in love with Saba and the boutique hotel and were soon asked to fill in as managers when the Mommers went on an extended vacation. When the Mommers decided to sell, the Hartleibs took the opportunity to purchase the business and settle down on Saba and eventually start a family. Although not specifically trained in running a hotel, the Hartleibs loved their new career. “All it takes is social competence,” said Angelika. She added that a welcome smile covers most of it. This formula for a successful business worked for the young entrepreneurs: most of their advertising is by word of mouth. Satisfied guests further recommended this Saba destination. Their marketing approach has not been to spend money on extensive advertising, other than informational brochures and a website. They have found it very useful to host travel journalists and get exposure through their reports in travel magazines and guides, such as the Lonely Planet. Ollie, who is a very versatile “handy man,” added kitchens to two rooms, added baths, and installed European energy-conserving hot shower devices. Internet is now available and the desk around the pool was expanded. The couple is very committed to being environmentally responsible and this is very appreciated by their guests, who also join in. The hotel became “smoke free” at the beginning of the year. The clientele is very mixed in nationality and in age—despite that long stairway climb to the reservations desk! Angelika said that all guests realize how the hotel is placed on the hillside, with a rewarding panoramic view. Ollie said that once the family had decided that young Laura (8) and Luca (5) needed to be closer to their cousins and more schooling possibilities, they advertised on their website that the hotel was for sale. This brought in a very satisfying response; still it took about two years for the right deal to come along. The new owner is Andries Bonnema from the Netherlands. After a bit of travel to destinations as diverse as the United States and India, the young family will settle in Kiel and will take over the management of the Tea Shop run by Ollie’s mother in Kiel. The young family is looking forward to getting settled in their new project, but will miss the friendliness and warm smiles from their Saba friends.
The Saba University School of Medicine ("SUSOM")created a new banner to use at trade fairs and university visits to attract prospective students. The new banner was created by SUSOM with the focus being the aerial photograph taken by John Magor of Sea Saba Dive Center. This eye-catching image shows the unique shape of Saba's 5-square miles and the famed 'smallest international runway' in the world. The popular aerial image was purchased from Magor for this specific use, as it has been for a number of other companies: regional cell phone provider, Chippie, uses the image on its $10 phone card; Juliana's Hotel uses the image on its trade show banner, a local artist showcases the image on his c.d. The image has also been featured in Newsweek magazine as well as a German aviation magazine. Sea Saba Dive Center has the image available for sale in a convenient and attractive matted and framed for $30.
Upgrades for Orchid
For years, Orchid Cottage has been the #1 place to book. This lovely 2-bedroom home not only has outstanding ocean and mountain views, great privacy and the famous semi-outdoor bathroom...but it has all the conveniences of a hotel. As part of Juliana's Hotel, you can enjoy the amenities of Saba's most popular Windwardside hotel: daily maid service, wireless internet access, and the convenience of Tropics Cafe, Juliana's pool and hot tub just steps away. This fall, owners Johanna and Wim Schutten made improvements to the cottage with a revamped more open kitchen, new furnishings, barbeque grill and more fabulous gardening. So upgrade to Orchid; but plan ahead to be assured of availability. Another reason to come to
Saba...
Join John Gindick and other enthusiastic musicians for an incredible week on Saba. Whether you're a musician or just want to be entertained with great live music, mark your calendar for this fun event. Jon Gindick is a long time musical harp/guitar vocal blues and country musician. Since 1977, has authored the world's best-selling harmonica instruction books/ cds / videos. (Over a million sold.) Jon is founder and main instructor of “Harmonica Jam Camp". Jon
will be bringing world class player/teachers with him to Saba, along with
a professional blues band from The
enrollment is limited, sign up at website www.gindick.com,
or www.harmonicajamcamp.com For more information, call Jon at 310-457-8278 Saba's Peanut Gallery Hosts Sunday, May 28th, 2006, is the day The Peanut Gallery is set to unveil a special exhibit. "Gems of the Rainforest" is a photographic presentation of John Magor's newest frog photographs. Armed with a top notch Nikon digital camera rig, John and Lynn (of Sea Saba Dive Center) ventured to Costa Rica, specifically to photograph the grand variety of colorful and rare frogs. They met with biologists and scientists from steamy coastal jungles to montane private reserves. The results, only tropical fish compare in the variety of color, shapes and sizes. Link to the Saba Images and Beyond page of this site to learn more about Saba's frog and why it and all frogs are an important indicator species for our planet.
For something different this summer, try a romantic stay at The Gate House; explore Saba's Marine park together with Sea Saba. Sea Saba makes the getting wet part easy with daily transfers for diving included in this special package. Enjoy the 4-island view and outstanding cuisine while staying at this quietly elegant property that's just a little bit away from it all. The Summer Special begins with champagne and delicacies in your room upon arrival. Add to that a free night, daily full American breakfast, a lobster lunch and if you can tear yourself away from the serenity of the hotel, an island tour is also included. Price is just $745 per person for 6 nights, 3 days diving (6 dives). Contact Larry of World Dive Adventures for all inclusive packages with airfare. This special package is available April 15-November 30, 2006. El
Momo's
Always a favorite of El Momo's clients, the Iguana Cottage has now been upgraded with a new bathroom. Like all the cottages at El Momo, Iguana has special touches and is built to maximize the view and serenity of this unique eco-style property. Iguana's upgrades aspire to El Momo Cottages premise of creative simplicity designed to enhance your appreciation of the surrounding nature. Actual iguana encounters and photo ops are a given!
Photo
Journalist for
October 2003--Photo journalist Dan Holden-Bailey and his wife Ann came to Saba to write on behalf of Diver magazine, a Canadian publication. Holden spent 4 days diving Saba's waters with Sea Saba Dive Center and Saba Divers. Queen's Gardens Resort and Scout's Place Hotel hosted their stay. Watch for the Saba article in a Spring 2004 issue. Animal Rights Foundation
All dogs and creatures should be as loved and looked after as Seneca...but unfortunately, that's not the case...
SABA—A citizen’s group has established a new Foundation for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Its purpose is “to protect and further the well being of animals.” The founding trio, Evette Peterson, Juliet Johnson and Susan ten Holt, met on Thursday with the notary and handed in their paper work. Peterson, who is often called up to shelter stray animals, said it was the only Foundation of its kind on Saba. “Every community needs an animal rights organization,” Peterson explained. The group intends to work with the government to put the appropriate ordinances in place to protect both domestic and wild animals. “It is above all a case of education,” Peterson said. The group will meet with schoolchildren and other groups to explain what animals need to stay healthy and happy. They also intend to sponsor fundraisers so that they can eventually support an animal shelter and adoption agency. They may also offer animal training courses. They will be calling on volunteers to help in their activities, especially serving as “foster families” for homeless animals. Plans will eventually include an inspector who will make house calls to follow up on complaints about valid concerns. The Foundation wants to make sure that all pets have identifying tags so that they can be returned to their rightful owners when lost. As soon as the Foundation has is papers, it will hold a public information session.
Anthropologist Visit
SABA—Anthropologist Amy Sullivan of the University of
North Carolina has spent the last two weeks buried in the dusty files of
the Registrar’s office in The Bottom, completing information started 40
years ago by Dr. Julia Crane of the same university. Saba's Harbor
(click to enlarge photo)
INTRO: The NAf 9.6
million Saba harbor project had a rough start with a delay of several
months. Contracts were signed April 8th, but equipment did not arrive
until August 2, after the official start of the hurricane season. To read more details about the harbor project, simply click here.
click on the photos to enlarge... SABA-“Demand exceeds production,” says Andy Hassell (37) of his egg farm located in lower Hell’s Gate. The young farmer is busy growing his business to meet the island’s demand for fresh eggs. There's plenty more to read more about one of Saba's only remaining true farmers, click here.
Dutch Family to Receive Saba's Lt. Governor Antoinne Soligner meets with Diana Maduro, creator of the Saba Lace christening dress for Holland's Royal Couple. Saba's First Baby Delivery on Winair Flight
Saba's Pier Project
SABA—Child Focus lent a
helping hand to the
Fort Bay project by
putting up “excuse our dust” signs to alert Edge visitors and other
tourists that the pier is under construction. Dutch film crew to feature Saba SABA—A four-member Dutch film crew spent a week filming, photographing, and interviewing Sabans. The material they gathered in more than 30 hours of work will result in a book on the Windward Islands, an hour documentary “Eye on Bonaire/Saba” produced for Radio Netherlands World Service, and additional collateral films for other markets. Dos Winkel, team leader and photographer, is no stranger to Saba. He met Tom van’t Hof and Heleen Cornet about 15 years ago, and collaborated with them and his own wife Bertie Winkel-de Rook to produce “The Nature of Saba,” a photo essay of the island published in 1997. He also worked with Tom van’t Hof on a Guide to the Bonaire Marine Park. Winkel first came to the island 20 years ago and claims it as his favorite. The current project was born several years ago, and the organization of such a large undertaking took time. Now, the team has almost concluded the project, with only one more photo shoot in Bonaire and interviews in Leiden with Dutch Caribbean archeologists Menno Hoogland and Corrine Hofman. The work will then go into postproduction, with the documentary to be presented at a French television documentary film festival in Cannes in late March. Producer Ton Okkerse remarked that Saba was unique in its lack of a plantation history, its famous sea captains, the predominance of the English language, and its long isolation. The crew was impressed with the pristine quality of the marine environment observed during their five dives in the Saba National Marine Park. They noted that the “cloud forest” showed storm damage, with the decimation of the Mountain Mahogany, but it still gave that special feeling unique to this area of the island. The book on Saba and St. Eustatius has generated interest on the island as business have been asked to support the publication by $1,000 donations which will result in an acknowledgement in the book and 10 copies, with an accompanying logo and 30 books for a contribution of $3,000. Winkel said that the book will sell for $50 and will be available in English, Dutch, and German. The book will be presented to the Lt. Governors of the three Windward Islands in September 2004.
May 21: Stuart is back on Saba so watch for a next orchid update!
Orchid specialist Stewart Chipka of Naples, Florida, spent two weeks on
Saba in January creating a scientific map of the location of wild orchids
on the island. He located nine species representing three genera and
expects to track down many more when he returns in May for a follow-up
study.
Chipka came by his interest in orchids at a young
age. His Czech grandfather, who immigrated to the US with the family in
1917, was a renaissance man. A machinist by day and a pastry chef by
night, his spare-time passion was orchids. As a boy, Chipka accompanied
Gramps on trips through the Florida Everglades to gather various
specimens.
Cat's Eye Cottage in Windwardside
From the moment you step across the threshold, you will be enchanted with this labor of love. If you have been lucky enough to have already rented Cat's Eye Cottage, you know it's hard to title this article as "improvements" as it was quite sweet already. At only $630/week, this cottage boasts an ideal location, loads of privacy and the charm of an old cottage but with every modern amenity. But it just got better... This summer, owners Lee and Lea Fulmer (who winter in Taos as ski patrollers) just couldn't help themselves. Other house owners smirk when they say "Lee and Lea accomplish more work on their house by lunch time than I have in a year!"
click on the photos to enlarge... The Fulmers once owned a huge landscaping company in Texas so their muscle, know how and creativity are evident in many directions. They've added an arbor in the rear of the house which forms a shaded sitting area by day. At night time, the soft lighting within the boulders puts the perfect glow on a romantic dinner. For that last day of diving, a dedicated area has been set up to rinse and hang all your diving equipment. And when you thought it couldn't get better, the sweetest gingerbread adorns the roofline, what a great final touch--until next summer at least!
Read more about Lee and Lea, and their valued contributions to Sea Saba on the "Meet the Sea Saba Crew" page of this website. You can also link to our dedicated webpage about the cottage in our "Romantic Saba" section. For a full listing of have and have nots, link to the Saba Cottages and Villas page of the Dive Saba ~ Statia Travel website. and
now more about real Cats
SABA—Friday evening’s wine tasting fundraiser brought
Spokesperson Sally Myers said that the event went very
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December 2008
2008 Headlines Restauarnt Rumors for 2008-9 High Season
Scuba Board Members visit Saba; Terrestial Managment Plan in the Works Chizzilala Releases Tourism DVD
Upgrades Galore:
Even more news on this site: Surface
Intervals
Nature
News: In 2007... Upgrades @ Orchid, our clients' favorite Captain's Quarters: The End of an Era El Momo is First Non-Smoking Hotel Link to 2006 stories and beyond... Chizzilala Productions
SABA—Director of Tourism Glenn Holm gave advance copies of the new tourism materials to Lt. Governor Syndey Sorton on Friday afternoon. The materials include a new poster, brochures in English, Dutch, French, and German, post cards, and a six-minute CD of island scenes including underwater videos. The materials had debuted on Monday at the luncheon with Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende, which focused on tourism and the environment. download and send to your friends! Holm said that the bulk of the materials are being shipped to Saba, but the CD should be available for download this weekend on the website, http://www.sabatourism.com. Holm said this high-tech solution to distribution would made it easy for local tourism businesses, agents abroad, or just interested parties to create their own CD. Holm said that he had instructed the local professional videographers Adam and Sabine Watkins to focus on the island’s unique charm and give a fair depiction of the tourism offering. All dive shops are included, for example. The CD has only a musical background, which makes it usable in any market, regardless of language. Holm said that he is often called upon speak about the island, The video will help him illustrate his talk. Since no text is on the video, he can then customize his remarks to his specific audience. Holm said that Saba had also taken out a full-page ad in two issues of the American magazine “Weddings and Honeymoons,” which is published quarterly. Holm said that interest in unique marriage ceremonies had picked up and he would continue to develop this opportunity for Saba. Holm announced that he had made arrangements for the video to be aired on Saba cable TV channel 7 at 7pm, Monday, February 18th. “We hope the entire island will tune in to see this new production,” Holm said.
The project to upgrade all tourism promotional materials was financed through a USONA “quick wins” grant. Captain's
Quarters Comes Down The Tearing Down of Saba's
Icon Hotel
SABA—Captain’s Quarters, was demolished on Saturday morning (early July 2007). The old wooden house, one of Saba’s most beloved and historic buildings was located in a Windwardside area known as Under the Hill. It was built by Captain Henry Hassell in 1832 and was the only classic Saban cottage with a second floor widow’s walk. It later was used as a school and then a hospital. In the mid 1960s, it became the signature Guest House in Windwardside and many Sabans got their first tourism training there.
Captain’s Quarters was destroyed by Georges in 1998, and subsequently declared bankruptcy. Since then, there have been numerous attempts to sell the property, which is privately owned by the Bodine family (see story below). Part of the hotel buildings are on leased government property, which created problems and a deal could never be struck. The property continued to deteriorate, and adjacent property owners have undertaken several cleanups of the property and carted away loose rafters, boards and Galvalume to keep them from flying loose and causing damage to neighbouring buildings. The Bodine family finally decided to pull it down and commissioned Ernest Hassell to undertake the job. On Saturday, Egon Linzey brought over his excavator, and in short order the house was down and the wood debris transported to the landfill. Hassell said that it was his understanding that members of the Bodine family would be coming to Saba sometime this summer, and would undoubtedly meet with government on the disposition of the property.
©Photo and article courtesy Suzanne Nielsen SABA—Members of the Bodine family gathered Sunday afternoon on the grounds of the Harry L. Johnson Museum for a memorial service for the family matriarch, Midge Bodine-Rossini, who created the island’s signature hotel, Captain’s Quarters. Bodine-Rossini died in 2005 in Chicago at the age of 82. She was born Mildred J. Bain in Northbrook, Illinois, October 21, 1923. With first husband Earl “Bud” Bodine, Jr., the couple bought Captain’s Quarters in 1964 and turned the property into Saba’s first tourist resort. The couple had “discovered” Saba as they toured the Lesser Antilles archipelago. Many Sabans trained there as the island’s incipient tourism business grew. The hotel became the island’s “hot” property, with an international reputation. The hotel was badly damaged in hurricanes in the late 1990s and was just recently torn down. The family will be meeting with interested parties mid-week to discuss what might be done with the property. Daughter Sue Bodine-Bolea said that five of Midge’s children and nine grandchildren had scattered Midge’s ashes in the waters between St. Maarten and Saba and had come on to Saba for the final memorial of Midge, “who had found her Bali-Hi on Saba.” Family and friends gathered at 4pm at the Museum Gazebo as the local “Occassionals” band played a few hymns. Acting Lt. Governor Roy Smith welcomed the family on behalf of the island. Will Johnson spoke of the build up of the hotel in the early 1960s, at a time when the island welcomed the work that the construction project provided. He recalled that Midge had the foresight to include a souvenir tourist gift shop, which gave a showcase to the handicrafts of Saba ladies who produce the island’s renowned fine lace work. Bodine-Bolea then spoke on behalf of the family, and said that Saba suited her mother “to a T” with its strong character strengths and tenacity. She said her mother streamlined her life to the essentials in her original Saba cottage in Hell’s Gate. “Saba was her passion,” Bodine-Bolea said. Midge was an accomplished artist and the family will be giving one of her paintings to the Johnson Museum in memory of their mother. The memorial ended with the planting of a tree next to the gazebo and overlooking Captain’s Quarters. Guests then socialized with refreshments.
Bodine family donates $1k SABA—Christopher Bodine made a donation Monday of $1,000 to the Harry Luke Johnson Museum in Windwardside. On Sunday, 14 members of the Bodine family had met with Saba officials and friends to conduct a memorial service on the Museum grounds for their mother Midge Bodine-Rossini, who had started Captains Quarter’s Hotel in the mid 1960s. Bodine said that the family had many fond memories of the island during their many visits as children. He said that the family had wanted to make a gesture to show their appreciate of island hospitality over the years. The donation is to be used at the discretion of the Museum Board. Museum President Glenn Holm accepted the donation with the thanks of the Board and said that it was very welcome and the Museum would put the money to good use.
Ecolodge Upgrades
Sea Saba Sponsors Saba'sYouth SABA—The local youth club “Be a Pilot” will sponsor a bingo on Sunday night, to help pay for the costs of their school career/job shadowing trip to St. Maarten and St. Croix. Club President Shaigan Marten said that he and club member Garey Yu will travel to St. Maarten on February 26 and 27. They will visit the offices of Winair, the St. Juliana Airport Tower, and grounds. Winair Pilot Gavin Peterson, who is from Saba, will be helping with the arrangements. Winair has provided the club with seven free round trip tickets from Saba to St. Maarten. Three more club members, Chesney Thielman, Omar Hassell, and Shanoine Marten, will join up for a subsequent three-day trip to St. Croix. There the boys plan to work with members of the United States Coast Guard Service, who will arrive on a HH-65 Dolphin Helicopter to discuss careers in aviation with the Service. St. Croix pilot John Ballard, whom club members met on last year’s excursion, has helped organize their activities which will include a visit to the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport tower, a visit to the Bohlke pilot training school, and a helicopter ride around the island. The Sunday evening fundraiser will start with take-out food available at 5pm, and bingo starts at 6:30pm. The club is also selling raffle tickets at 5 guilders each for a DVD player, a round trip ticket on the Dawn II, and a snorkel trip for six donated by Sea Saba. Donations may be made directly to the Club account at the Postspaarbank, Account number 1048. Older Stories... In 2006... "Gems of the Rainforest" Exhibition Gate House Lovev2Dive Summer Special Hperbaric
Program House
on the Path-- Even older... Mango Apt Ripe with Renovations
Medicinal Plant Hike
Church Windows
Restored Caroline's Latest
Foray
Sea & Learn in
full Swing while Canadian DIVER Journalist Visits The Cat's Meow of Windwardside Saba New
Airport
Saba Team
Returns Gate House Wins
Prestigious Saba's New Airport Nears Completion Saba's Harbor Project Approved Hyperbaric Medicine attracts students to Saba Med School
SABA—Saba
University School of Medicine (SUSOM) now has its own hyperbaric chamber
and a revamped Hyperbaric Medicine Masters Degree Program that is
attracting students to SUSOM. It is the only such program in the
Caribbean. At the
most recent White Coat Ceremony, eight students, the highest number ever,
received Hyperbaric Medicine degrees. Program Director Dr. Jim Stewart
said that over 25 students are currently enrolled in the program—again
the highest number-- and he expects this to expand. The
program includes two semesters of academic work and one semester of
research, which replaces the traditional Master’s Thesis. “The
research is a team approach, which teaches analytic skills as well as
working together in a scientific community,” Stewart said. Hyperbaric
oxygen therapy (HBOT) is the medical use of oxygen at a higher than
atmospheric pressure. Current SUSOM research topics are changes in blood
clotting time in the chamber, nerve conduction, lactic acid clearance, and
the release of hormones in pain and depression. Stewart’s
own background is in general physiology and environmental physiology,
which includes reactions to altitude and pressure. He holds a masters
degree in exercise physiology and hyperbaric medicine. The
chamber was purchased last year from Barbados, where it was the primary
treatment chamber for 20 years. Local Saba contractor HESCON put up a new
building to house the chamber on the edge of the campus parking lot in The
Bottom. Stewart
said that the chamber is to be used for research, using volunteer
subjects, and is not intended to treat divers suffering from suspected
decompression problems. The Saba National Marine Park facility continues
to serve the dive community. The
two entities continue to work closely together, with many of SOSOM
students volunteering to assist at the Fort Bay facility as needed. Stewart said that HBOT recognition as a valuable treatment has grown so that most hospitals have a resident chamber and need doctors specializing in its medical use.
The Politically Correct Solution
SABA—“This is Saba’s highest pool,” says owner/operator Tom van t’Hof of the latest addition to the Eco-lodge property, located around 500 meters up the slope of Mt. Scenery. Van t’Hof said that the Ecolodge had decided to put in the pool in response to guest requests. All of the digging for the deep, 8”x12” pool was done by hand. It is located on the hillside just below the Indian sweat lodge installed several years ago. The pool is named after nearby turtle cottage. An ample wooden deck with a view to the sea surrounds it. Heleen Cornet, Tom’s wife, and an artist known throughout the region, designed the tile work. The bottom of the pool is a mosaic of three turtles, some starfish, and wave action in a blue, white, and yellow design. One end of the pool is a step down so that one can sit comfortable in varying depths and to allow children a graduated entry into the water. Coronet said that it was the first time she had worked in the medium, and the final product of the two-month project was the result from a lot of trial and error. One of the most difficult aspects was transferring the design from paper to the actually situation, but “I am really pleased with the result,” said Cornet. In keeping with its ecological friendliness, a new Australian system for sanitizing pools is in use, called Nature 2 Express. Nature 2 uses minerals to destroy bacteria and algae so that only a minimum amount of chlorine is used to keep the pool sparkling. A solar pump completes the low-impact arrangement, with water circulating from the hot tub to the pool, and back again, so that no energy is lost. This also makes it possible to warm the pool water after the hot tub has been heated. Van t’Hof said that the pool, which was first available to guests over the holiday period, had met with rave response and was definitely a welcome addition to the amenities at the Lodge.
Hey that's Suzanne! now a regular diver on Sea Saba's boats. A newer diver at the time, Suzanne first visited Saba in 1999 with a group from Weaver's Dive Center out of Boulder Colorado. Scoping out a place to retire, Garvis showed her a cottage that needed a bit of work,,,,when she found out it was called Susanna's Cottage, well, the rest is history. Her most recent job was working as a publications manager for a cable tv R&D group. Her wide ranging career took her from Cologne Germany to Ghana West Africa and many spots in between. Suzanne is now accomplished divemaster and nitrox diver but also offers yoga classes twice weekly.
In case you've ever wondered what a Saba Marine Park retired staff member does after years at the Fort Bay (ok, maybe you need more to think about!), know that there is life after the Fort Bay on Saba. Percy Tenholt is known to most as the famous blue-eyed Saban who provides the daily wake up call to Windwardside with his blowing of the conch shell at 6:00 a.m. sharp. When asked at his retirement party what he intended to do with his spare time he proudly announced he will go back to farming. Well, if the above photo is any evidence of his nature green thumb, look out! Percy won a prize for his pumpkins though seemingly no other participants were present at the competition. Saba Day Triathalon Preparing Begins
Organizers of the 2nd Annual Saba Day Triathalon are busy preparing for the event. They are hoping to double the number of participants over last year's 33 who came from St. Maarten to add to the mix of a few Saba athletes. Event organizer Heleen Cornet and Johnanna van t'Hof are encouraged by the number of Saba residents who are now seen running and biking, neither easy feats on Saba's mountainous terrain. The event takes place on Saba Day weekend, the first weekend in December. Stay tuned for more details and race results. To find out about attending Saba Day activities, visit the Saba Tourist Office's website or contact The Ecolodge: info@ecolodge-saba.com
Saba's Treasure:
SABA—Downtown Windwardside now boasts Saba’s first sidewalk café, “Saba’s Treasure.” Owned by Commissioner Will Johnson’s wife, Lynn, the establishment opened mid-February. Son Chris Johnson and Marvi, his bride of only eight months, run the establishment with the help of Xiomara Noboa-Campo. The well-coordinated team previously managed Rumors Bar and Restaurant. Guests are greeted by a large outdoor wooden deck with six tables. There, in the shade of umbrellas, they can watch busy street traffic and shoppers on their errands. When entering the pub, the darker interior is soothing to the eyes and guests are immediately plunged into the seafaring lore of the island. Johnson said that the owner of the two-story building, who was living abroad, was located through the internet, and he was willing to sell. Renovations started in late September. Local artist Robbie Lynn carried out the interior design, the first time he has undertaken such a task. Although most recently used as a student apartment, the room had maintained its rock-faced bar, a testimony to its first existence as a rum shop under “Brother,” a sibling of Lambert “Lambee” Hassell, who engineered The Road. Picking up on the rustic rock theme of the bar, Lynn fabricated large floor tiles, which look like real stone, until you look closer. The tiles at the pub entry are imprinted with the footprints, handprints, and names of various members of the Johnson family, pressed into the concrete when the tiles were still wet. Lynn tore down one dividing wall and added another to enclose the kitchen. The walls are covered with nautical maps, old timbers, hawsers, blocks and tackle, staying pins, and boat fixtures. There are many framed historical documents and photos from the Johnson collection, some dating from the 18th century. Guests walk around admiring, reading, and absorbing the history of the island. The 25 inside tables were crafted from discarded wooden cable spools, stained, with edges finished with rope. The old bar is surfaced in copper plate, ending in a cushioned leather elbow rest. The ceiling is covered with embossed wallpaper that Lynn painted and antiqued to give the affect of the carved mahogany of a ship’s stateroom. He fashioned a false fireplace, with artificial flame, as a cozy focal point. Above the mantel is an oil painting of Saban Sea Captain John Simmons, lost at sea in 1918. The only thing left to come is an outdoor shingle, which will be designed in keeping with the theme of the restaurant. Lynn said that his vision was to create a space that “even if brand new, had to look like it had always been here, like an old local pub.” The crowds who gather in the space are proof of his success. Johnson said that he is very pleased with the response to the restaurant. Pub fare is served, with a stone-fired Pizza a stable and available at any time. Take out is welcome. There are also deli sandwiches, salads, hamburgers, and a dessert selection that includes a mouth watering “Saba Spice Walnut Cake.” The evening menu is varied, but always includes the “catch of the day.” Saba’s Treasure is open from 10am to 10pm, Monday through Saturday. Reservations may be made to 416 2819.
The H. L. Johnson Museum
will sponsor a fundraising
garden gala “Taste of Saba” at 5:30pm this Sunday
evening on the museum grounds. Entrance to the gala is
through the museum building, dress is casual elegant. More Restaurant Choices New
Managers @
Queen's Gardens Resort welcomes new managers Alieke and Sebastian Couturier. Alieke and Sebastian's varied backgrounds will bring the unique combination of market, hospitality and accounting skills to the resort located in Troy Hill. Both Alieke and Sebastian are from Holland. Alieke's experiences range from large hotel chains to her own consulting business while Sebastian is a certified accountant who promises to keep marketing plans, maintenance projects and employee training on track. The coupled arrived on Saba in May, just after celebrating their wedding. They are excited to bring their background and enthusiasm to Saba's luxury property. In celebration of their arrival, present rates remain unchanged.
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Carolina Cottage
El Momo will become the first 100% smoke-free hotel on Saba. El Momo is dedicated to provide a clean, comfortable and relaxing environment for its guests. The hotel's new policy is a result from guests expressing a clear demand for a healthy, smoke-free hotel experience. Introducing a smoke-free policy is a natural evolution for the hotel which also follows an eco-friendly philosophy. Our goal is to provide a place where guests can relax and restore their mind, body and spirit in a healthy way. At El Momo we strive that our guests walk out feeling better than they did when they arrived.
Industry research, as well as our own experience, confirmed a clear consumer demand for a clean, smoke free hotel environment. El Momo’s staff will benefit enormously from this effort to improve the quality of life rather than being required to enter smoke-filled rooms, experiencing holey sheets, burned matresses, stinky ashtrays, smelly rooms, curtains and walls. No employees should be required to risk their good health for the sake of their jobs. Secondhand smoke toxins and residue can stay in fabrics anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of months after initial exposure, even after they have been washed.
Like the airlines, we hope it will one day be possible for all hotels to be smoke-free. We felt it was not enough to simply limit the number of smoking rooms, or designate smoking areas. We believe the best experience for our guests is a hotel that is completely smoke-free.
The new policy will be active from January 1st 2008.
Local Artist Completes Historical Mural
©Photo & story courtesy
Suzanne Nielsen, St. Maarten Daily Herald
SABA—Stacey Simmons, who has just completed a Bachelor’s Degree of Fine Arts, continues to show her talents on Saba and is completing a large wall mural in Windwardside.
When Stacey returned from finishing her degree at the University of South Florida, Wolfgang Tooten, owner/operator of Scout’s Place, commissioned her to create a mural on a new 5.5 × 40 foot concrete wall which had just replaced an old wooden fence at the back of the hotel swimming pool. The wall is on very public display in a major traffic area immediately adjacent to the Windwardside Post Office.
“We did not want the wall to be commercial,” Tooten said. He proposed a cultural/historical approach to the subject matter, and Stacey was very enthusiastic about this idea. She first sketched her ideas and discussed them with patron Tooten. The paint is simple house latex paint, but the artistry comes in with expert mixing because Stacey only uses red, yellow, and blue…she even mixes her black color.
She integrated several cultural items against a scenic background showing Saba’s historic cottages and volcanic peaks. Center to the piece is the Saba Coat of Arms. To the left, is an example of Saba’s famous lace work. She wanted to portray Gertrude Hassell, who brought the delicate handicraft to Saba from South America in the late 1800s. Stacey said that is was difficult to find a good likeness of Hassell, so she decided to use the image of the 1996 Netherlands Antilles postage stamp that honored this Saba heroine.
To the right, another image was taken from Hartog’s “History of Saba.” It is a 50-year old photograph of Saba fishermen pulling a rowboat from shore. Although all the men have their backs to the camera, one of them is John Gomez, who was brought up to the mural and confirmed that it was he in the white singlet near the boat’s bow.
Stacey has also shown Saba’s links to the present, with a Twin Otter heading towards the island. “This was an opportunity to send a message to the public not to forget where we came from and how we got here,” she explained.
Stacey still has a few small touches and a protective coat of shellac, but Tooten said that tourists have already commented on the mural in a very positive way.
Diamond Rock gets Maritime Signal
©Photo & story courtesy
Suzanne Nielsen,
St. Maarten Daily Herald
SABA--A flashing solar-powered light was recently installed by Public Works and the Saba Conservation Foundation(SCF) on top of Diamond Rock, a pinnacle off the north side coast of the island.
Public Works employee Byron Hassell was dropped off by a dingy, since the Marine Park boat could not approach any closer. The boat was then tied off from a dive-site buoy and Diamond Rock itself. Hassell played man-on-the mountain as he scurried unaided to the top of the 80-foot pinnacle with a rope over his shoulder. “People made it harder than it was,” he commented. It was his first time up the landmark and it was the first time that a light has been mounted at the summit.
SCF Manager Jan den Dulk and Public Works supervisor Ambrose Hassell feed Hassell the equipment from the boat. Hassell then used the rope to pull up a backpack with the light and then the drill, which was operated form a generator on the Marine Park boat.
Hassell said that he had no problem getting to the summit, although pulling up about 50 pounds of equipment was a bit of a chore. At one point the Marine Park boat pulled loose, and the generator was part way over the side, pulled by the extension cord before everything was resecured. It took about three hours to complete the job.
The light is a single sealed rectangular unit with a solar panel on each side, and rods to prevent birds from roosting. The first evening after installation the panels had not stored enough daylight to work the light, but when the Dawn II came in the next evening, the crew congratulated Public Works for a job well done. The flashing beacon is white and is intended to warn mariners to stay to the outside, since there is a shallow shoal between the Rock and the shoreline.
Hassell said that St. Maarten Port Authorities had donated the light to Saba. Two similar beacons, red and green, have been mounted at the end of the Leo Chance Pier.
Many of the articles on this page brought
to you courtesy of Suzanne Nielsen, Saba's correspondent for The
Daily Herald, St. Maarten's main newspaper.
