 
Esteban
Member
Username: Esteban
Post Number: 65
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, February 01, 2009 - 6:26 pm: |    |
Moral is high, lots of volunteers - Thanks everyone!
Here are some pictures:
http://www.belleisleaquarium.c om/events/2009/aquarium_013109 /index.htm |
Busterwmu
Member
Username: Busterwmu
Post Number: 493
Registered: 09-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, February 01, 2009 - 7:36 pm: | |
Wow, great to hear the volunteer day was a success. Glad to see all the photos of the work being done, wish I could have helped out had I been in the city that day. What's the deal with the wildlife? I see the building is scheduled to be open on February 7th, but will there be any fish in the tanks? Where will they be coming from? Can't wait to visit - I hope they're open this summer! |
Stromberg2
Member
Username: Stromberg2
Post Number: 167
Registered: 10-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, February 01, 2009 - 7:55 pm: | |
I'm wondering the same thing, Busterwmu.
Stromberg2 |
Ltdave
Member
Username: Ltdave
Post Number: 327
Registered: 09-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, February 01, 2009 - 8:44 pm: | |
update us with the fishesess already...
will they be swimming?
what is shiver on the river anyway? i cant find anything...
(Message edited by ltdave on February 01, 2009) |
Bearinabox
Member
Username: Bearinabox
Post Number: 1170
Registered: 04-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, February 01, 2009 - 9:41 pm: | |
quote:what is shiver on the river anyway? i cant find anything... quote:"SHIVER ON THE RIVER" – Saturday, 2/7/2009
The 10th Annual, "Shiver on the River" will be held on Belle Isle Saturday, February 7th, 2009, from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. This event is free to the public and fun exhibits will be located around the island park – At the historic Belle Isle Casino (the main location for events).
Our winter ecological family fair is a 'one-of-a-kind' event. Many exhibitors will be available to answer questions at their organization's displays. This is an annual co-sponsored event presented by: The Friends of the Detroit River, Friends of Belle Isle, Detroit Recreation Department, and Wayne County Department of Environment – Watershed Management Division.
For additional information contact The Friends of Belle Isle Office at 313-331-7760. Office hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. http://www.fobi.org/new.htm |
Rugbyman
Member
Username: Rugbyman
Post Number: 345
Registered: 06-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, February 01, 2009 - 10:43 pm: | |
What's the scoop with the raffle? I didn't see a drawing date on the website. Is there still time to buy tickets? |
Rondinjp
Member
Username: Rondinjp
Post Number: 5
Registered: 12-2008
| | Posted on Sunday, February 01, 2009 - 11:05 pm: | |
Here's a rhetorical question I even asked my wife this morning that fits in perfectly with this post. Does anyone notice that the newspapers (freep, detnews, etc) and the Local TV and Radio news only cover stories if it points out the absolute worst that is going on in MI or the absolute most pointless stories? I say this b/c modeldmedia, metromode, and this forum are the only places I can find quality news that actually informs me of local news that is of quality and not just another killing, that it snowed again last night (which is obvious if you look out your window), or that KK is being released from jail. I wish we the papers would actually "report" stories like this that would be more informative for the readers. |
Johnberk
Member
Username: Johnberk
Post Number: 74
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, February 01, 2009 - 11:41 pm: | |
According to this the drawing will be held on February 7th. |
Smogboy
Member
Username: Smogboy
Post Number: 6598
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Monday, February 02, 2009 - 8:40 am: | |
Bravo to all of the souls that went out and put forth a valiant effort in cleaning up the Aquarium. I sincerely hope that this current City Council & mayor will be much more responsive to opening it to the public once more. |
Rugbyman
Member
Username: Rugbyman
Post Number: 346
Registered: 06-2005
| | Posted on Monday, February 02, 2009 - 9:25 am: | |
Thanks, John. Not sure how I missed that, but regardless, tickets bought  Here's hoping for the night at the Book! |
Esteban
Member
Username: Esteban
Post Number: 66
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Monday, February 02, 2009 - 1:22 pm: | |
Sorry for not posting sooner with more info.
During "Shiver on the River" there will be ONLY ONE fish on public exhibit - and that will be in a gold-fish bowl.
It is a symbol of things to come. There is still a long way to go.
Roof needs fixing, finalizing with the City, certification - not to mention money.
However, this will be a cake-walk compared to the four years of of desperation bordering on hopelessness we have had to endure.
Hang with us, folks - we'll get that puppy up and running! |
Chuckjav
Member
Username: Chuckjav
Post Number: 1495
Registered: 09-2007
| | Posted on Monday, February 02, 2009 - 1:33 pm: | |
Esteban.....
I received an email response from Doug Sweet, regarding my offer of livestock for the BIA.
He does not seem to share your optimism and/or enthusiasm; told me: "the BIA has been closed since May, 2005....the facility is not in a position to accept fish".
Oh Well. |
Esteban
Member
Username: Esteban
Post Number: 68
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Monday, February 02, 2009 - 3:45 pm: | |
Hi Chuckjav,
Thanks for your comment.
Doug Sweet is of course correct.
To reiterate, "...Roof needs fixing, finalizing with the City, certification - not to mention money...."
That said, the Detroit Council has earmarked a sizable sum to get the Aquarium up and running. I am cognizant of that fact that earmarked money can become vapor-ware; it can disappear as fast as it is granted.
However, if the Friends of Belle Isle Aquarium had followed the "half-empty" philosophy, I doubt we would have gotten this far.
Personally, I think there is a long way to go - but the new city administration makes me hopeful that, as John Lennon said, "There are no problems, only solutions." |
Chuckjav
Member
Username: Chuckjav
Post Number: 1496
Registered: 09-2007
| | Posted on Monday, February 02, 2009 - 6:04 pm: | |
Esteban...I share your optimism & enthusiasm; will be telling Chuck (the catfish) to hang-in for now. |
Digitalvision
Member
Username: Digitalvision
Post Number: 1341
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Monday, February 02, 2009 - 6:48 pm: | |
As Henry Ford said, if you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right.
I like that this town is getting more "think you can" people. |
Alfie1a
Member
Username: Alfie1a
Post Number: 149
Registered: 10-2007
| | Posted on Monday, February 02, 2009 - 6:48 pm: | |
The energy and enthusiasm you folks show is very admirable. BRAVO |
Kathinozarks
Member
Username: Kathinozarks
Post Number: 1859
Registered: 11-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 03, 2009 - 10:39 am: | |
Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of you who cherish the aquarium as I do.
This may sound crazy, but it always seemed to be alive to me. |
Bibs
Member
Username: Bibs
Post Number: 316
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 03, 2009 - 8:40 pm: | |
Boy! Do those Glass fish look spectacular in the aquarium! |
Rugbyman
Member
Username: Rugbyman
Post Number: 347
Registered: 06-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 04, 2009 - 9:23 am: | |
Do you have to be present at Shiver on the River to accept your prize if you win the raffle, or will you be notified? |
French777
Member
Username: French777
Post Number: 673
Registered: 10-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 04, 2009 - 7:32 pm: | |
Wait!
Are you serious about the one fish on display?
What's the point of going?
Is there tortoises there? |
Esteban
Member
Username: Esteban
Post Number: 69
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, February 07, 2009 - 9:03 am: | |
Detroit Free Press:
"Shiver on River to aid the Belle Isle Aquarium"
http://www.freep.com/article/2 0090207/NEWS01/902070363 |
Rickinatlanta
Member
Username: Rickinatlanta
Post Number: 252
Registered: 07-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, February 07, 2009 - 10:51 am: | |
"Are you serious about the one fish on display?
What's the point of going?"
Maybe to see the beauty of this incredible asset from the inside and the definite possibilities of it re-opening???? |
Johnnie_sue_bridges
Member
Username: Johnnie_sue_bridges
Post Number: 36
Registered: 08-2007
| | Posted on Saturday, February 07, 2009 - 11:40 am: | |
May God restore Detroit and its beautiful places that remain. Thank you, Friends of the Aquarium for your part in keeping our heritage alive for future generations! I am very proud of that aquarium. This was one of the places my mother took us children when we first arrived in Detroit back in 1968.
My grandchildren and I were there to protest the closing of this precious aquarium, and we were there last weekend to clean the aquarium for the re opening. However, when we arrived with our cleaning rags and buckets, it was already sparkling. There had been some mighty fine hard working Detroiters that beat us to the punch. We were bummed, especially the grandbabies, they wanted to be a part of the restoration; but all at the same time, we were excited to see so many folks that felt as strongly as we do. I am sad that we cannot be there today. Please schedule more events. We want to be a part of the restoration of Detroit.
Blessings
Johnnie sue Bridges |
Gralr
Member
Username: Gralr
Post Number: 66
Registered: 12-2008
| | Posted on Saturday, February 07, 2009 - 12:31 pm: | |
I was very emotional while reading this. GREAT WORK! Don't stop, get this and Detroit back on track. |
Stromberg2
Member
Username: Stromberg2
Post Number: 170
Registered: 10-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, February 07, 2009 - 2:13 pm: | |
What are the hours of the event today?
Stromberg2 |
Leland_palmer
Member
Username: Leland_palmer
Post Number: 516
Registered: 08-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, February 07, 2009 - 2:20 pm: | |
It still wasn't open at 11:15 am today. Also there in no longer any mention of the Aquarium being open listed on the FOBIA event page for "Shiver on the River." It's still worth a trip down to go inside the Boat Club though. |
Rhymeswithrawk
Member
Username: Rhymeswithrawk
Post Number: 1671
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, February 07, 2009 - 5:32 pm: | |
It was open today when I went, Leland. I got there about noon. Spent some time in the Aquarium, ASW Conservatory, Casino and the Boat Club. Wow. I had no idea it was so rundown inside. I mean, I shoulda known from looking at the outside, but there were some areas that were like being inside an abandoned building. The Aquarium is looking good, though there's not much to see without any fish. Still neat to see it alive and well. |
French777
Member
Username: French777
Post Number: 677
Registered: 10-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, February 07, 2009 - 5:59 pm: | |
I went!
It was soooo Cool!
The Conservatory was Really Cool!!
Beautiful |
Esteban
Member
Username: Esteban
Post Number: 70
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, February 07, 2009 - 6:32 pm: | |
I am told that in regards to Raffle drawing to benefit the BIA, the draw was 2pm 02/07/09 (Today) Results pending informing the winners.
http://belleisleaquarium.com/g allery/2009/home_page_items_20 09.html |
Raj313
Member
Username: Raj313
Post Number: 14
Registered: 01-2009
| | Posted on Saturday, February 07, 2009 - 7:37 pm: | |
|
Esteban
Member
Username: Esteban
Post Number: 71
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, February 07, 2009 - 9:32 pm: | |
More BIA Shiver on the River pictures:
http://belleisleaquarium.com/e vents/2009/shiver_020709/index .htm |
Rhymeswithrawk
Member
Username: Rhymeswithrawk
Post Number: 1673
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, February 07, 2009 - 10:27 pm: | |
Ha. The guy with the British accent took a photo of me and my girlfriend and then cropped me out! Guess I can't blame him. Ha! |
Gistok
Member
Username: Gistok
Post Number: 6120
Registered: 08-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, February 07, 2009 - 11:46 pm: | |
I had heard before that the ceiling tiles of the aquarium are Pewabic Pottery tiles? Is that true?
I know that Mary Chase Perry Stratton had founded Pewabic in 1903... and that the Aquarium opened in 1904... so that seems rather early for such a large commission, which is why I never really believed them to be Pewabic.
(Message edited by Gistok on February 07, 2009) |
Miss_d_meanor
Member
Username: Miss_d_meanor
Post Number: 2
Registered: 02-2009
| | Posted on Sunday, February 08, 2009 - 1:32 am: | |
Hopeful news indeed.
I can forgive KK for the perjury and possibly killing that girl but I will never forgive him for closing the Aquarium. |
Sjmes
Member
Username: Sjmes
Post Number: 10
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, February 08, 2009 - 2:16 am: | |
The tiles which use to go all the way to the floor are not Pewabic Pottery Tiles. |
Ltdave
Member
Username: Ltdave
Post Number: 331
Registered: 09-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, February 08, 2009 - 4:49 pm: | |
quote:Results pending informing the winners.
so why havent they called me yet? lol... |
Rhymeswithrawk
Member
Username: Rhymeswithrawk
Post Number: 1674
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, February 08, 2009 - 6:27 pm: | |
"I had heard before that the ceiling tiles of the aquarium are Pewabic Pottery tiles? Is that true? "
Sjmes is correct, they are NOT Pewabic. They are glass. |
Kathinozarks
Member
Username: Kathinozarks
Post Number: 1870
Registered: 11-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, February 08, 2009 - 6:46 pm: | |
How wonderful to see so many happy people in the aquarium! Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of those who helped and to those of you who attended! |
Deandub11
Member
Username: Deandub11
Post Number: 303
Registered: 05-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, February 08, 2009 - 11:42 pm: | |
For someone who had never seen the aquarium when it was open, inside access was really a treat. With so much to fix in this city, it's hard to envision the aquarium open to public any time soon. I sincerely hope to see that day. Meanwhile, it was very funny/sad to hear a kid run back to his mother and say, "we searched the entire place and we can't find any fish."
Wrote a relevant little piece about the aquarium being open to the public which includes photographs taken inside and out. See http://www.detroitarmy.com/200 9/02/belle-isle-aquarium.html
www.DetroitArmy.com |
Gistok
Member
Username: Gistok
Post Number: 6123
Registered: 08-2004
| | Posted on Monday, February 09, 2009 - 1:29 am: | |
I should have reminded those that went down to the aquarium to go next door to visit the Conservatory. Those tall 80 ft. Palms underneath the dome are going to be cut down shortly (not sure when) because they've run out of room to grow.
I'm gonna miss those Palms...  |
Barebain
Member
Username: Barebain
Post Number: 23
Registered: 02-2006
| | Posted on Monday, February 09, 2009 - 12:42 pm: | |
I'd also heard rumors that the aquarium interior was done in Pewabic tiles, but close inspection this weekend convinced me they were not. Still a fantastic room.
One question: Who did all that furniture belong to?! |
Ypsi_len
Member
Username: Ypsi_len
Post Number: 3
Registered: 01-2009
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 10, 2009 - 3:54 pm: | |
When we helped out with the cleanup last weekend they said the furniture is the summer patio furniture from the Manoogian Mansion. Most of the extra space in the basement is full of city Christmas decorations too, most of it just tossed in there. Guess the city just views it as storage space now.
One of the perks of cleaning the place up was the awesome backstage tour. There are still some fish in the basement, that's where the koi from the island's koi pond spend the winter. Too bad they couldn't have shown those off during the Shiver by the River but I guess the aquarium basement isn't really set up for visitors.
Man I love the aquarium, I'll do whatever I can to help it reopen. |
Barebain
Member
Username: Barebain
Post Number: 24
Registered: 02-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 10, 2009 - 6:58 pm: | |
Ha! So, Kilpatrick closes the aquarium, then proceeds to use it as winter storage for all his (I mean the city's) patio furniture. Pretty sweet garage, if you ask me.
And I agree... open aquarium by any means necessary. It is easily one of the coolest spaces in the city, and then to add fish tanks to the mix?! Priceless.
It was a bit sad though. On Saturday, my 2 year old kept asking where the fish were. All I could point to were the old educational placards. I guess it'll have to do for now... |
Lodgedodger
Member
Username: Lodgedodger
Post Number: 1421
Registered: 05-2008
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 10, 2009 - 7:20 pm: | |
Gistok, the palms will be removed because there is a danger of their toppling. The conditions in the greenhouse are such that the trunks never had the chance to strengthen. The top of the trees weigh as much as a car. Put the two together and there is the potential for disaster.
It also breaks my heart to see them go. |
Fishtoes2000
Member
Username: Fishtoes2000
Post Number: 708
Registered: 06-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 10, 2009 - 7:50 pm: | |
I'd love to see the speakeasy re-opened in the basement. That would raise some cash for the aquarium. The slogan could be "Get tanked at the aquarium!" :P |
Lodgedodger
Member
Username: Lodgedodger
Post Number: 1422
Registered: 05-2008
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 10, 2009 - 8:28 pm: | |
Oh that is too funny! |
Busterwmu
Member
Username: Busterwmu
Post Number: 504
Registered: 09-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, February 14, 2009 - 4:28 pm: | |
Are any more clean up days in the planning stages for the future? I'd like to help out if there are! |
Rhymeswithrawk
Member
Username: Rhymeswithrawk
Post Number: 1714
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, February 14, 2009 - 4:34 pm: | |
I posted some of the photos I took inside the aquarium here: www.buildingsofdetroit.com/pla ces/aqua (click on Photos). I took a bunch more, but the lighting in there is deceptive. I had at least a dozen shots that didn't turn out, even though they looked good on my camera. :P |
Rhymeswithrawk
Member
Username: Rhymeswithrawk
Post Number: 1715
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, February 14, 2009 - 4:36 pm: | |
... and I just realized I had a typo, should be Anna sted Ann. Oops. I'll fix when I get home from work. |
Guideboat
Member
Username: Guideboat
Post Number: 44
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Sunday, February 15, 2009 - 12:16 am: | |
The historical photos are amazing! Were there many more images in the Burton Collection?
Nice site, Rawk. |
Esteban
Member
Username: Esteban
Post Number: 72
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 - 4:37 pm: | |
Hot off the press:
Greetings Aquarium friends,
This from Jennifer Boardman:
The Executive Committee is invited to a first meeting with the city this Thursday, 2/19. This is an exploratory meeting to begin fleshing out a possible agreement for the future operation of the Belle Isle Aquarium.
If you have any questions you would like the EC to present to the city, please email them to the board.
The EC has a list of items they plan to explore. They include:
- Term of any contract, termination clauses and notice period.
- Type of contract model (when compared to operational agreements between the city and other non-profits)
- Operational support from the city; how long, how much, what does it include in cash and services (H2O, utilities, grass cutting, security)
- ADA compliance
- OSHA compliance
- Sanitary facilities
- HVAC status
- Any pre-existing environmental concerns
- Any pre-existing building concerns ("hot" electrical wires)
- Rules and regulations governing building usage for events/parking
- Insurance and indemnification
- Ability to apply for grants
- Ability to repair/improve the building (roof and windows, etc.)
At our last meeting of the board in January (I will try to get the minutes out soon) we decided to try moving our board meeting from the 4th Tuesday of the month to the 4th Thursday of the month in the hopes of better accommodating members' schedules. Therefore, our next board meeting will be Thursday, February 26th, location to be announced (the DYC is closed in February). We will meet at the DYC in March, on 3/26 at 6:30 p.m. By then we will have an understanding if changing the meeting date is helpful to our members.
Shiver on the River went extremely well. The raffle reverted to a 50/50. A special thanks to Brian for arranging this fundraiser and to all those who volunteered including Diane Stiller, Vance, Brian & Spencer Patrick, Peter, Joe and me. Harriet, Stephen and Deborah Goldstein also were present and took photographs.
Of interest is that the city allowed us to open the aquarium to the public for the first time since April 3, 2005. Island Manager, Keith Flournoy was present and was surprised at the large turn out. We estimate between 200 and 300 people came through. Many that came through were volunteers at the aquarium clean up on 1/31.
Things are progressing along.
Jennifer Boardman
Boardmember, BelleIsleAquarium.com |
Esteban
Member
Username: Esteban
Post Number: 73
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 - 4:40 pm: | |
Rhymeswithrawk,
I didn't crop you out:
http://belleisleaquarium.com/e vents/2009/shiver_020709/pages /P1020216.htm
- You're just as fine a specimen as your girlfriend :-) |
Sister
Member
Username: Sister
Post Number: 9
Registered: 01-2005
| | Posted on Friday, February 20, 2009 - 2:05 am: | |
The Conservatory counted over 500 visitors the day the Aquarium was open. The Palms are not in danger of toppling as their trunks are strong. There are no immediate plans to remove any palms. They have a few years to go before that happens. The reason palms would have to be removed is that they get too tall and compromise the integrity of the dome. In other words, they reach the top of the glass and get rapped around the girders and glass. The palms are currently being pruned to take out the dead fronds and to let in more light. Palms cannot be topped so when they outgrow their space they have to be removed. Everyone should check out the Conservatory. This time of year it is like a mini-vacation to the tropics. |
Dan_the_man
Member
Username: Dan_the_man
Post Number: 76
Registered: 07-2006
| | Posted on Friday, February 20, 2009 - 12:29 pm: | |
Didn't MGM donate the palms that they had out in front of the casino last summer to the conservatory for the purpose of replacing the too-tall palms that are currently there? |
New threads cannot be started on this page. The threads above are previous posts made to this thread.