  Esteban Member Username: Esteban Post Number: 57 Registered: 10-2003 |
This hot off the press... Dear Friends of the Belle Isle Aquarium, What a change a few months can make! Things have really started to shift in the Aquarium's favor. The FOBIA president and representatives recently met with the Detroit City Council who took to the proposal of reopening the Aquarium with great enthusiasm. Meetings with the administration are hoped to lead to an accord which will clear the way to re-opening the Aquarium. FOBIA President Vance Patrick has the following announcement to make to all friends of Belle Isle Aquarium: The Aquarium is scheduled to be open to the public for the Shiver on The River event February 7. In preparation for this event we are looking for volunteers to help clean the inside 1st floor public area this weekend. I will be at the Aquarium this Saturday 10:30am till 3:30 pm. If you can help please bring a bucket and a mop, paper towels, window cleaner and rags. I would really appreciate a large show for this clean up event. We need to show the City we are always up for the task. I truly look forward to seeing many of our old friends from the early days in the trenches for The Belle Isle Aquarium. Feel free to pass this on. Thank you Vance Patrick 586-663-9482 | ||
Detroitej72 Member Username: Detroitej72 Post Number: 1155 Registered: 05-2006 |
Great news, if my job permits, I'll be there to help out. Otherwise, I'll keep my donations current. DETROITERS, Lets make sure OUR Aquarium reopens!!! | ||
Ljbad89 Member Username: Ljbad89 Post Number: 95 Registered: 10-2007 |
=D | ||
Sumas Member Username: Sumas Post Number: 639 Registered: 01-2008 |
That would be great news indeed. I am forwarding your post to other area organizations. We will try very hard to be there. | ||
Mauser765 Member Username: Mauser765 Post Number: 2914 Registered: 01-2004 |
WOOT ! TO ARMS TO ARMS ! People, lets make this thing happen, and make sure it happens, and make damn sure it never needs to happen again.. WOOT ! | ||
Johnnie_sue_bridges Member Username: Johnnie_sue_bridges Post Number: 21 Registered: 08-2007 |
Esteban What fantastic news! I had no idea the reopening of the aquarium was even being considered. I will try my very best to be there to help clean. My grandchildren and I were there protesting the day it closed. I am so excited to hear this. This is a breath of fresh air, especially after seeing the front page of the Detroit News. Everyone needs to pitch in and help! God Bless Detroit! Johnnie Sue Bridges | ||
Rhymeswithrawk Member Username: Rhymeswithrawk Post Number: 1639 Registered: 11-2005 |
While I'm ecstatic about this, I'm still wondering how it's possible considering the city is $300 million in the red. | ||
Esteban Member Username: Esteban Post Number: 59 Registered: 10-2003 |
It's becoming possible, because much of the burden will be taken off the back of the City of Detroit by the Friends of Belle Isle Aquarium. Needless to say, it's a gamble which is dependent on that organization's ability to swell the ranks of its patrons and volunteers. | ||
Townonenorth Member Username: Townonenorth Post Number: 742 Registered: 10-2007 |
Did they replace the fish yet, or is that a work in progress? | ||
Esteban Member Username: Esteban Post Number: 60 Registered: 10-2003 |
Strictly speaking, fish never left the Aquarium; the Koy which are placed in the pond outside were kept in the basement tanks during the winter. Wow! It just occurred to me that - in the strictest sense - the Belle Isle Aquarium is STILL America's oldest operating Aquarium! :-) | ||
Townonenorth Member Username: Townonenorth Post Number: 743 Registered: 10-2007 |
Well, there you go. Still is! How about that? | ||
Digitalvision Member Username: Digitalvision Post Number: 1337 Registered: 11-2003 |
So, in short, if you want to help, show up THIS weekend, THIS saturday, right, between 10:30a and 3:30p? Is there anything on Facebook/etc? | ||
Sjmes Member Username: Sjmes Post Number: 8 Registered: 12-2003 |
Is there any fliers or info available or maybe ways that people can give more strength to the movement? Maybe by trying to work out donations that could become one year memberships if doors do open for good? My thanks to FOBIA and all of their unknown members for their dedication to this community!!! | ||
Sjmes Member Username: Sjmes Post Number: 9 Registered: 12-2003 |
Here is their site: http://belleisleaquarium.com/ They have a raffle going on to benefit the aquarium on their site. It looks like you could win a Saturn Sky or a Chevy Camaro. Also up for grabs are a stay at the Book Cadillac and Dinner for 4 at the Detroit Yacht Club! I might be a poor college student but I can't turn that down... | ||
Ypsi_len Member Username: Ypsi_len Post Number: 1 Registered: 01-2009 |
This is great, my wife and I will be there to help on Saturday. We also passed the info on the Detroit Derby Girl message board (my wife is a Derby Girl) so hopefully we can round up a few more moppers. | ||
Hans57 Member Username: Hans57 Post Number: 362 Registered: 05-2006 |
There were tons of other fish there, were they too in the basement? This is very exciting to me. Some good news in the bog of eternal stench, aka: 2008-2009. | ||
Rhymeswithrawk Member Username: Rhymeswithrawk Post Number: 1642 Registered: 11-2005 |
I'll be there with a mop. Just hope there's heat. Mopping in 15-degree weather doesn't sound pleasant. | ||
Detmsp Member Username: Detmsp Post Number: 62 Registered: 08-2008 |
so is it opening up just for the event? or is the aquarium actually reopening? | ||
Esteban Member Username: Esteban Post Number: 61 Registered: 10-2003 |
As best as I can discern, the Detroit Council are giving the Friends of Belle Isle Aquarium the nod and their representatives are now slated to meet with the City Administration. I suspect Aquarium supporters will find a more sympathetic ear than the previous mayor. | ||
Ltdave Member Username: Ltdave Post Number: 323 Registered: 09-2006 |
i just bought my raffle tickets... my wife will take care of getting memberships tomorrow or monday! this is GREAT news... | ||
Bobl Member Username: Bobl Post Number: 435 Registered: 07-2008 |
What a surprise. I thought it was all over. Just want to give my respect and gratitude to those who would not quit in their efforts to bring life back to the aquarium. Best of luck, good people! | ||
Warrenite84 Member Username: Warrenite84 Post Number: 489 Registered: 01-2007 |
Things are tight, but if it reopens, I'd be willing to buy some coral to help replenish their displays! Good News. Hopefully we can vote in a modest stipend to take some pressure off "Friends", and ensure continued viability. | ||
Johnnie_sue_bridges Member Username: Johnnie_sue_bridges Post Number: 25 Registered: 08-2007 |
Esteban I just bought my tickets for the drawing in support for the Belle Isle Aquarium to re-open. I want to bring my grandchildren to help clean on Saturday; will there be heat in the building? Thank you again to the Friends of Belle Isle Aquarium for all you are doing to preserve what little our city has left of it's treasures. God bless Johnnie Sue Bridges | ||
Chuckjav Member Username: Chuckjav Post Number: 1493 Registered: 09-2007 |
I have a good size Channel Cat Fish; goes by the name of Chuck. This bad boy has outgrown his 29 gallon tank - needs a new home. Who do I talk to about relocating Chuck to Belle Isle? | ||
Esteban Member Username: Esteban Post Number: 63 Registered: 10-2003 |
Yes, there will be heat in the building. A catfish? Contact the Aquarium curator: Doug Sweet sweets4@att.net | ||
Xd_brklyn Member Username: Xd_brklyn Post Number: 368 Registered: 10-2003 |
Just bought my tickets. Wish this group the best. | ||
Davemarc Member Username: Davemarc Post Number: 151 Registered: 06-2008 |
This is great!I have to explain to my kids every time we go to the conservertory how cool that aquarium was.I am unable to make it on saturday,is there another work session?thanks,Dave | ||
Chuckjav Member Username: Chuckjav Post Number: 1494 Registered: 09-2007 |
Esteban...Thanks for the information; Chuck thanks you too. | ||
Sean_of_detroit Member Username: Sean_of_detroit Post Number: 2165 Registered: 03-2008 |
Direct Link to opening and help date: http://www.belleisleaquarium.c om/events/2009/shiver_announce ment_09.html | ||
Mackinaw Member Username: Mackinaw Post Number: 4371 Registered: 02-2005 |
This is very exciting. The aquarium is the type of cultural institution that a major city ought to have, and that a city that is trying to appeal to outsiders as a destination to visit ought to have. As it stands, Belle Isle offers immense benefits to residents and locals who can use it for recreation, but to the outsider visiting for a day, its unique status as a destination is really limited to its fine views and architectural landmarks (and, I guess, the Great Lakes museum). The Aquarium would give it a destination again that people would flock to. |
