Game Recap: Baseball | 5/2/2025 6:23:00 PM Thanks for visiting The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here Every summer our family of five likes to travel we wanted to venture to Paris but between the high cost of airfare and the Summer Olympics we opted to go to the Caribbean Island of St Martin on a direct flight from Boston Logan International Airport.  This unique island comprises two countries with open borders, so there are no checkpoints when crossing over into each one. Saint-Martin is an overseas collectivity of France while Sint Maarten is a constituent country of the kingdom of the Netherlands No matter which side of the island you’re on you feel like you are in Europe with a Caribbean twist We stayed at the new JW Marriott St. Maarten Beach Resort and Spa for a week on the Dutch side of the island but it was only a five-minute drive to the French side The plunge pool outside our room was our favorite feature of our stay we appreciated the ocean views of two islands reminiscent of the landscapes you’d see in Italy or Greece I could walk just a few steps to take a dip in the ocean—by far the closest my hotel room has ever been to the water While we were there, we rented a car so that we could experience both sides of the island. Driving was a bit tricky with all the speed bumps and winding roads, but it was definitely worth it. Typically we use public transportation or walk when we travel but neither was an option due to the lack of public transit We couldn’t even walk to the resort next door and a cab ride would’ve cost $50 round trip We were able to explore the entire island (both countries)—beaches historic forts and more—which wouldn’t have been possible without a car One of the most French experiences we had—and my favorite experience overall—was eating breakfast at an outdoor café located in the Saint-Martin capital Marigot. My daughter loves crepes so I researched the best crepes in Saint-Martin and found Ti Breizh warmly greeted us with a “Bonjour.” She seemed to know the other customers chatting with them in French as they read the newspaper while eating their crepes We ate our délicieux meal while people-watching the passersby On the Dutch side, Dutch is the official language but most people spoke English we heard more French than Dutch spoken mostly due to people speaking English on the Dutch side The official currency is the Netherlands Antillean guilder Next to our hotel was the Oyster Bay Beach Resort. We ate dinner there one night and then ventured over to the bar area to watch other guests perform karaoke. The whole experience—the singing, the ocean views and the cobblestone patio—reminded us of the musical theater production of Mama Mia but there was definitely a Greek vibe to our adventures that night our trip to Sint Maarten/Saint-Martin was incredible and allowed us to experience a variety of European-like countries in addition to the Caribbean so bon voyage or fijne reis—depending on which side of the island you’re on Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree Her writing has been published in The New York Times She is married and the mother of twins and a daughter 5473 Blair Road, Suite 100PMB 30053Dallas Unlock the Latest Knowledge that Can You Help You Achieve More in Life with More Confidence You’ve reached your limit of free articles for this month (plus get access to hundreds of resources designed to help you excel in life and business) Please enter your username or email address You will receive an email message to log in By signing up you are also added to SUCCESS® emails you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Get unlimited access to SUCCESS®(+ a bunch of extras) The exclusive article you’re trying to view is for subscribers only Phone: 216-696-6525 Toll Free: 1-800-869-6525 Address: 1404 East 9th Street, Cleveland, OH 44114   Share this Page Faculty, staff, students, alumni, family, friends and some members of the Indiana Pacers basketball team celebrated the achievements of Enrique Freeman during a jersey dedication ceremony at Saint Martin de Porres High School on Jan athlete and active member of the student body during his years at the school He earned a full-ride academic scholarship to the University of Akron where he continued his basketball career as a walk-on player for the Akron Zips while earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees Freman’s collegiate achievements earned him national recognition with four consecutive All-MAC Defensive Team honors two MAC Tournament MVP awards and he was named the 2022 MAC Defensive Player of the Year His success at Akron led to his selection by the Indiana Pacers in the 2024 NBA draft But it was clear his heart remains with SMDP As he and his Pacers teammates entered the gym There were plenty of hugs throughout the event Freeman’s mother Tania Torres and several relatives sat in the front rows near the stage while about 20 representatives of the Pacers sat on the other side Sprinkled among the crowd were some of his former teachers former SMDP classmates and past and present members of the SMDP Lions basketball team “We’re not at all surprised by Enrique’s success,” said Ryan Schneider “He’s the kind of student who leaves a lasting impression opened the program with a prayer and thanked the crowd for coming “I’m so glad to see so many familiar faces We are gathered to honor someone who left a lasting impression on our school and our basketball program,” she said grit and determination of Enrique and his transformation and development from an undersized freshman to a college athlete a student leader and now a professional athlete.” His mother recalled how Freeman entered SMDP as a freshman measuring 5 feet tall “He grew a foot between his junior and senior year and he’s 6-foot 8 inches now,” she added Sayre said she enjoyed doing “a deep dive to find everything Enrique” in preparation for the celebration She recalled reading his application for the National Honor Society in which he expressed his love for learning his service as a student ambassador and his leadership as student body president during his senior year at SMDP earned most improved player honors his junior year and was named MVP his senior year It was a privilege to revisit those memories,” she added Schneider praised Freeman for following the SMDP pillars of work “He was the hardest worker on the court but he also worked hard in the classroom,” he said shared an anecdote about Freeman dozing off in his class during freshman year and Freeman continued to sleep until the next class – a senior theology class – entered the room and a student woke him to say he was in his seat it was embarrassing and he never did it again Freeman made an impression at the University of Akron where he earned two degrees and was a standout on the basketball team “We’re most proud of him earning his master’s degree,” Schneider said He recalled Freeman as a humble leader who leads by action and example You’ve made us and Akron better and will do that with the Pacers Thank you for everything you’ve done for Saint Martin’s ‘We love you and there’s nothing you can do about it,’” Schneider said Attendees enjoyed a video showing highlights from Freeman’s years at SMDP Akron and now the beginning of his NBA career Highlight of the evening was when he was presented with his framed jersey His jersey number – 3 – will be presented each season to a specially chosen athlete who shares Freeman’s qualities his jersey number will be included on the floor Freeman spent time catching up and posing for photos with his former classmates The Pacers played the Cleveland Cavaliers – and won – on Jan Saint Martin de Porres, established in 2003, is Cleveland’s Cristo Rey high school. It is a coeducational, college-preparatory school that combines innovative academics with a unique work program preparing students of limited economic means to become men and women of faith, purpose and service. Click here to learn more please contact local law enforcement and: Kathleen McComb Response Services – 216-334-2999 Text “RECOVER” to 888777 for latest storm-related financial assistance info or visit recover.pinellas.gov businesses and visitors online access to permitting The tourism site Visit St. Pete-Clearwater is the county’s main resource for visitors Pinellas County is designing a new bridge to replace the existing San Martin Boulevard Bridge. The existing bridge will be replaced with a new bridge of similar design that will be shifted to the east of the existing bridge. The proposed bridge typical section includes two 11-foot travel lanes and two 7-foot buffered bike lanes A 6-foot-wide sidewalk and a 12-foot-wide shared use path is provided for pedestrian access across the bridge Since the alignment of the new bridge will be shifted the bridge will be constructed in stages to allow San Martin Boulevard to remain open during construction Replacement of the San Martin Boulevard Bridge is needed to correct the deficiencies of the existing bridge The bridge was constructed in 1962 and is nearing the end of its service life The existing bridge does not meet current design standards and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements This study was undertaken in accordance with the federal National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process Compliance with the NEPA process allows the County to remain eligible for federal funding Visit the Community Outreach page to learn more about past community engagements and current opportunities This project is supported by the Penny for Pinellas Ann Venables, AICP, ENVSPProject ManagerPublic Works / Capital Improvements14 S. Ft Harrison Ave., Clearwater, FL 33756(727) 464-3640avenables@pinellas.gov Enter your email address to stay updated on the latest county news If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request do not send electronic mail to this entity contact this office by phone or in writing Report it to Pinellas County Government using the web page below or via our mobile app Live Chat Game Recap: Women's Basketball | 3/8/2025 10:21:00 PM | Nate Sagan - Associate Media Relations Director Thanks for visiting Spring Campaign in Full Swing!Join us to reach our $60,000 goal Mass Propers for Tuesday of the Third Week of Easter: says the Lord; whoever comes to me will never hunger Preface II of Easter: It is truly right and just but in this time above all to laud you yet more gloriously when Christ our Passover has been sacrificed Through him the children of light rise to eternal life and the halls of the heavenly Kingdom are thrown open to the faithful; for his Death is our ransom from death and in his rising the life of all has risen every people exults in your praise and even the heavenly Powers sing together the unending hymn of your glory we believe that we shall also live with Christ Tuesday of the Third Week of Easter: O God who open wide the gates of the heavenly Kingdom to those reborn of water and the Holy Spirit pour out on your servants an increase of the grace you have bestowed they may lack nothing that in your kindness you have promised who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit » Enjoy our Liturgical Seasons series of e-books! After taking part in the Crusades against the Albigensians he used his inheritance to free Christian prisoners held by the Moors He later founded the Order of Our Lady of Mercy (Mercedarians) beginning in 1218 devoted to ransoming Christians John the Apostle was taken to Rome under the Emperor Domitian and plunged into a cauldron of boiling oil; by a striking miracle he came out safe and sound from this torture This disposition to forgive did not die with St but has continued to be one of the most characteristic virtues of the saint Benedict as related in the Dialogues of St that he was continuously and severely persecuted by a delinquent priest who lived in the neighborhood of the monastery in order to protect the virtue and the vocations of his disciples Benedict decided to abandon the site of his monastery and move to another location He and his monks had hardly left their monastery when word was brought that the persecutor had died suddenly Contrary to the expectation of the messenger who brought the news Benedict broke out in loud lamentations that his enemy had died suddenly and had not had an opportunity to repent The saints see so much more clearly than we the relative unimportance of the hardships and injustices we suffer in this world and the importance before all else of the sinner's being converted and repenting of his sins How long and how persistently we harbor grudges in our hearts against those who have offended us How difficult we find it to forgive freely and from our hearts Yet we proclaim ourselves to be Christians and to practice all the Christian virtues Do we forget that our Lord told us that if we expect our prayers to be heard and our sacrifices to be pleasing in the sight of God and go first and make peace with our brother Nor is the disposition to forgive our enemies peculiar only to the saints and martyrs of the ancient Church; nor should we expect it to be and if His disciples were commanded to forgive their enemies in His day Father Pro was executed in Mexico some years ago he was asked by his executioner if he had anything he wished to do or anything he wished to say before the sentence was executed Father Pro said that there was; he wished to be given an opportunity to pray for his executioners and to give them his blessing before he died During the persecutions in Spain during the late civil war one of the religious who was to be put to death by the communists was led to his death with his hands bound asked to be allowed to give his blessing to the members of the firing squad It is said that the officer in charge of the guard untied his hands and then swiftly struck off the hands of the priest with his sword raised his right arm and traced the sign of the cross over the heads of his murderers This is the true sign of the authentic martyr the characteristic mark of the true saint of the Church Who His own self bore our sins in His body upon the tree" (Epistle) The redemption of man as accomplished by Christ might have been accomplished in other ways but none of them would have been as perfect as the way Christ chose God might have forgiven man outright without requiring any satisfaction for sin This would have been a splendid manifestation of the infinite mercy of God but it would have ignored His infinite justice God might have refused redemption and forgiveness altogether and this would have been in complete conformity with His justice but it would not have satisfied His infinite mercy Perfect redemption required that both God's mercy and justice be satisfied Any act of satisfaction on his part would only have been of limited and finite value An act of reparation offered by a divine person would have been adequate since it would not have been offered by the offending party The only possibility of a perfect redemption was for the divine person to become incarnate could perform acts of infinite value; since he was a human being He could act in the name of the human race and offer an act of reparation which would be both adequate and authentic But the martyrdom of the latter Apostle called for a scene worthy of the event was not a sufficiently glorious land for such a combat whither Peter had transferred his Chair and where he died on his cross and where Paul had bowed down his venerable head beneath the sword alone deserved the honor of seeing the beloved disciple march on to martyrdom with that dignity and sweetness which are the characteristics of this veteran of the Apostolic College In the year 95 John appeared before the tribunal of pagan Rome the worship of a Jew who had been crucified under Pontius Pilate He was considered a superstitious and rebellious old man and it was time to rid Asia of his presence sentenced to an ignominious and cruel death A huge cauldron of boiling oil was prepared in front of the Latin Gate The sentence ordered that the preacher of Christ be plunged into this bath The hour had come for the second son of Salome to partake of his Master’s chalice the boiling liquid lost all its heat; the Apostle felt no scalding when they took him out again he felt all the vigor of his youthful years restored to him Game Recap: Women's Basketball | 12/8/2024 12:17:00 AM | Alex Dean - Assistant Sports Information Director © 2025 University of Alaska Fairbanks Athletics Thanks for visiting Game Recap: Men's Basketball | 1/23/2025 10:08:00 PM Thanks for visiting Best in Travel is here! Discover 2025’s destinations The 30 best countries, cities and regions to visit in 2025 Plan your trip with Elsewhere, by Lonely Planet See where a Lonely Planet Membership takes you Subscribe to our weekly newsletters to get the latest travel news, expert advice, and insider recommendations Explore the world with our detailed, insightful guidebooks Stay ahead of the curve with our guidebooks Uncover exciting new ways to explore iconic destinations Every month, we release new books into the wild Search Search Close search menu Explore Best in Travel 2024 Africa Close menu Countries Antarctica Antarctica Close menu Regions Asia Asia Close menu Countries Australia & the Pacific Australia & the Pacific Close menu Countries The Caribbean The Caribbean Close menu Countries Central America Central America Close menu Countries Europe Europe Close menu Countries Middle East Middle East Close menu Countries North America North America Close menu Countries South America South America Close menu Countries Start planning your trip now with our first-timer's guide to St-Martin Unlike its more populated and glitzy Dutch counterpart, there are no casinos or big nightclubs on St-Martin but that doesn't mean there's any shortage of delightful things to see and do the longest beaches on the whole island and a delicious French-Caribbean fusion food scene.  this French enclave’s food offerings contribute heavily to the dual-nation island being called the gastronomic capital of the Caribbean Savor the flavor and fun with our first-timer's guide to St-Martin That all depends on what you want to do and your budget The island has a pleasant average temperature of 27℃ (80.6℉) and the sea water hovers around 26-28℃ (80-82℉) year-round December to April are the most popular months to visit but those looking for good deals who don't mind high humidity should travel from May to August Hurricane season runs from June through November and many businesses close for September and October The year’s top events in St-Martin are the colorful carnival in February through to early March, and The Gastronomy Festival in November.  You can fly from most major US cities into the Dutch side’s Princess Juliana International Airport The French side’s tiny Grand Case-Espérance Airport only serves the islands of Guadeloupe and St Barthélemy St-Martin’s capital Marigot is a fairly popular cruise ship port though smaller in capacity than Philipsburg on the Dutch side Marigot also has regular boats to Anguilla and St Barthélemy.  Bus connections within St-Martin are quite unpredictable Rental prices range from €40-60 per day in the high season and the roads are generally in good condition it’s around a 20-minute car ride over to Marigot There’s no border – just a white obelisk commemorating the 1648 treaty that divided the island into two While St-Martin has several gorgeous beaches you absolutely can't miss the blindingly white sands and turquoise waters of Baie Orientale The 1.3-mile-long beach is the second longest in all of SXM – the longest is the 1.5-mile Baie Longue (Long Bay) Orient Bay is dotted with trendy open-air beach bars and their sun loungers Check out the Peruvian-influenced driftwood-themed Kkô Beach Bar & Restaurant and Kontiki Beach Topless sunbathing is allowed everywhere but Orient Bay’s Southern end is reserved for being fully au naturel.  Access to the beach is via the pastel-colored gated community of Parc de la Baie Orientale (Orient Bay Park). This maze-like neighborhood has a little town square called La Place du Village that’s perfect for dinner with eight restaurants on site.  Start your tour of the French side’s capital by taking a stroll along the town’s main street where you will see 19th-century houses with stone foundations Then walk to the waterfront’s popular open-air market where you can buy clothing Look for rainbow-colored stairs nearby to hike up to the ruins of Fort Louis While the steep 10-minute climb takes your breath away the 360-degree island views are well worth the effort.  Afterward, head to the cozy wood-walled artisanal bakery Chez Fernand for a tuna baguette Another yummy lunch option is the traditional French bistro O Plongeoir in the Marina Fort Louis.  In the afternoon, drive over to Loterie Farm This rainforest retreat is just 10 minutes away from Marigot and has a lagoon-style spring water pool that costs €25 to access House music plays in the background as guests sip champagne on the sun beds among the greenery.  a kids’ adventure park and hiking trails (the hike to SXM’s highest hill Party vibes run highest on the last Saturday of each month at Loterie Farm’s adults-only Jungle Pool Party.  A speed boat whisks passengers across the turquoise bay to this protected marine reserve islet in just five minutes A white sand beach with swaying palm trees and gin-clear water greets visitors as striped-tailed green iguanas scurry off into the bushes.   There are two restaurants on Pinel Island: Le Karibuni with gourmet seafood dishes and the more casual Yellow Beach serving thin crust pizzas Both restaurants sell lobsters fresh out of a seawater cage.   while Le Karibuni is closed from July to mid-October Both feature thatched roof wood gazebos where guests dine on wooden tables The restaurants rent out cushioned beach chairs and parasols.  You can take a short hike to the grassy island’s highest point to see Pinel’s two other beaches (rocky but with great snorkeling) and the nearby islands of Anguilla and St Barths as well as the nature reserve island of Tintamarre The cash-only boat (€10) to Pinel Island runs daily from French Cul de Sac every 30 minutes from 10am to 5pm. You can also rent a kayak from Caribbean Paddling and cross the bay in about 20 minutes.  The former fishing town of Grand Case is basically a one-street beach town but what a street that is - it features tens of restaurants ranging from French Caribbean fine dining to cheap and cheerful lolos (street stands with grilled delights).  The latter are traditional Caribbean barbecue joints specializing in smoked ribs, grilled lobster and Johnny Cakes. Cynthia’s Talk of the Town and Sky Is The Limit gather the crowds. For lighter fare, try the colorful acai and poke bowls of nearby MOOD SXM Grand Case has been dubbed the Gourmet Capital of SXM and for a good reason. Le Pressoir, Bistrot Caraibe and La Villa are only some of the must-visit high-end restaurants along Restaurant Row.  After eating make sure to cool down with a swim at the town’s long narrow beach. Better yet, make a lunch reservation at Balalou a floating solar-powered restaurant where you can eat pizza and bokits (stuffed Johnny Cakes) on U-shaped pontoons.  Those coming to Grand Case for dinner will enjoy the lively nighttime atmosphere on the boulevard and the occasional live music of Calmos Cafe and Le Temps des Cerises.  Local boutique hotels like L’Esplanade and Grand Case Beach Club are ideal places to stay for those wanting to sample area restaurants but not drive after having one Ti’ Punch too many L’Esplanade even offers a free restaurant shuttle and have enjoyed seeing the contrast between what the Dutch and the French sides have to offer While Sint Maarten has several big mid-range resorts St-Martin is all about cute boutique operations I really appreciate the versatility of the French side’s hotels.  There is the itzy-bitzy 12-room Le Petit Hotel with blue Mediterranean tiling and the ultra-luxurious Greek-village lookalike La Samanna, a Belmond Hotel The art-and sculpture-filled Hommage Hotel & Residences features a 200-meter brightly painted wall mural. La Playa Orient Bay has its chill feet-in-sand beach restaurant, and the romantic Domaine Anse Marcel Beach Resort appeals to couples. I definitely recommend giving this slice of tropical France a try and reveling in its serenity. Plus you can still easily drive over to Maho Beach to watch the planes land! St-Martin is quite an average Caribbean vacation island in terms of prices. When comparing St-Martin with Sint Maarten, the French side is a bit more expensive for accommodation but slightly cheaper for food. Tipping is not mandatory, but most patrons round up their bill. Credit cards and Apple Pay are generally well accepted (though not in taxis) but some small businesses – like the lolos – may charge a fee when paying by card. It's good to carry some cash. Euros and dollars are often used interchangeably. Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): €80-500 Fixed-price 3-course dinner: €55-180  Taxi from Maho Beach to Marigot: €25  It is helpful to know at least some basic pleasantries in French and to keep a translation app handy. However, English is quite widely spoken. St-Martin has European round-prong electric plugs. Bring an adapter and also a converter if your appliances are not designed for 220V (most phone chargers are dual-voltage). Game Recap: Softball | 4/26/2025 6:42:00 PM Thanks for visiting Game Recap: Women's Basketball | 3/1/2025 4:35:00 PM | Nate Sagan - Associate Media Relations Director Thanks for visiting Thanks for visiting Game Recap: Women's Basketball | 2/27/2025 7:27:00 PM | Alex Dean - Assistant Sports Information Director Thanks for visiting Game Recap: Softball | 4/27/2025 9:20:00 PM Thanks for visiting Thanks for visiting Game Recap: Women's Basketball | 1/18/2025 7:13:00 PM Thanks for visiting Thanks for visiting Game Recap: Men's Basketball | 12/7/2024 10:24:00 PM | Nathan Kyle Pearsall Thanks for visiting Game Recap: Men's Basketball | 2/27/2025 10:59:00 PM | Nathan Kyle Pearsall Thanks for visiting Airlines Cancel Flights to Israel After Missile Strike Near Airport Bowman’s Travel Brief: Avoid Newark Airport Mastering the Art of Group Travel Bookings Fiesta Americana Travelty Celebrates Travel Advisors The Top 24 Most Powerful Travel Agencies of 2024 The Strategic Art of Pre-Planning Luxury Vacations: A Perspective for Travel Advisors Travelers to the dual-nation island of Saint Martin entering from Sint Maarten’s Princess Juliana Airport (SXM) are now required to complete a new Embarkation/Disembarkation (ED) Entry Form The new requirement, spearheaded by the St. Martin Tourist Office went into effect on October 18th and applies to all arrivals The new ED form is available to fill out online up to seven days before their travel date A separate form is required for each traveler though one individual can fill out the forms needed for their family or group if needed The form can be updated to allow for any travel changes travelers will receive a confirmation email which must be presented at Immigration upon arrival For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter Collette - Expertly Crafted Tours for the Modern Traveler Cross Border Xpress Mexico: What Travel Advisors Need to Know Lacey Pfalz is Associate Editor at TravelPulse She's a passionate advocate of responsible travel and believes the best travel experiences happen outside of a planned itinerary She can be reached at lpfalz@ntmllc.com Sint Maarten is known for its low plane landings over Maho Beach Nestled in a row of islands in the Caribbean Sea, the half-Dutch, half-French island of Sint Maarten and St-Martin is home to countless iguanas lush green scenery and miles of beaches along turquoise waters When you arrive on the island, you will find the Dutch and French sides have two distinct personalities divided by an invisible line. While the Dutch side is home to a thumping nightlife, glimmering casinos and a flurry of restaurants, the French side has a quieter and more laid-back atmosphere where a slowcation truly flourishes. Luckily, it is easy to experience both, as well as neighboring Anguilla I recently stayed on the Dutch side of the island hopping back and forth between the territories eating wonderful meals and swimming the days away – here is my guide to a three-day adventure When to arrive: Arriving on a Thursday or Friday guarantees you will be able to take part in the nightlife on the Dutch side while still having time to explore the whole island throughout the weekend How to get from the airport: The main airport is Princess Juliana International Airport on the Dutch side Certified taxis will have a "T" on their license plates This is a surefire way to know you are getting a ride from a verified taxi service.  Getting around town: While there is no Uber or Lyft in Sint Maarten, the SXM Taxi App allows you to call a car when you need to get somewhere.  Where to stay: For an all-inclusive, family-friendly option, try Sonesta Maho Point, but if you're an adults-only group, the Sonesta Ocean Point is a quieter choice. For a secluded, design-forward stay, try Le Martin Boutique Hotel on the French side.  sunscreen and a hat are always necessary when enjoying the beaches Morning: Grab breakfast to go before heading out into the warm sun of Sint Maarten Feel the breeze in your hair while getting to know the destination with a buggy ride around the island four-seat style cars make navigating the island easy and require a valid license Due to its small size (19km/12-mile circumference) you can make the entire loop and see both the French and Dutch sides in a couple of hours There are neighborhoods dotted around the island broken up by undisturbed wildlife My personal favorite was Grand Case for its blend of European energy and beachy vibes Many companies offer guides to help you stay on track and take you to the essential sights you will come across iguanas basking in the sun while visitors marvel at their bright colors and offer lettuce; this is the perfect first stop look to the towering green hills on your left and the bright blue water of Saint-Barthélemy Channel on your right Stop at Pirate Hideout Beach Bar and Restaurant on Orient Beach for a refreshment and to watch the kitesurfers out on the water This is an excellent place for water activities due to the strong breeze and mid-sized waves Back in the buggy, continue on to the Marigot Market you could spend hours exploring this bustling collection of vendors vegetables and seafood to locally made jewelry and clothing it is easy to walk away with a few goodies to take home with you Afternoon: After the buggy ride, grab a meal (I had the grilled chicken panini) along the water at Tortuga Maho on the Dutch side Sint Maarten is famous for its heart-racing plane landings which come in low over Maho Beach before gracefully landing a few hundred feet along the runway Here you can watch the incredible landings with a meal without the plane-spotting crowds that gather along the beach.  After lunch, walk over to the We Culture Museum. This one is for lovers of Carnival and those looking to understand the history behind the beloved annual celebration. In Sint Maarten, Carnival is in February on the French side and April on the Dutch and locals and visitors put together colorful adventurous outfits and take to the streets to celebrate Originally Carnival was a celebration in the lead-up to Ash Wednesday but now it is not always tied to those dates allowing the different islands to celebrate outside a time constraint We Culture Museum was founded by Gerald Hart – a lifelong attendee of Carnival who was born into a family of major figures in the Trinidad Carnival scene – whose primary goal is to preserve the history of the Caribbean Carnival you will have the chance to try on one of the iconic headdresses and wings.  Evening: For dinner, visit the elegant and delicious Emilio’s don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy some Creole curry Emilio's also serves a fantastic short rib that I still think about.  Pro tip: If you find yourself on the French side Morning: When I am this close to a body of water I like to start my day by swimming in the ocean but it’s also the perfect time to explore around your nearby neighborhood start off slowly – it is the perfect way to savor the pace of Sint Maarten Spend your morning in the kitchen at Creole Culinary Classroom where you can learn the art of cooking some of the island’s regional favorites during which I learned to make fish fritters and rhum baba The classroom teaches a range of menus in various languages but everyone will learn recipes to recreate time and time again.  Afternoon: Enjoy your afternoon at Balaou a floating restaurant off the coast of the French side of the island With mountains in the distance and the shore filled with visitors having lunch at the beach bars the little floating barge feels separate from the rest of the world Balaou will send a dingy to pick you up from a nearby dock before driving you to a floating platform home to a full-service bar and classic food options The best time to be out at the Balaou is on a calmer day but a gentle rocking should always be expected The hardest part is getting from the moving boat to the moving platform so if you struggle for balance or motion sickness The bar has various floating devices tied to it walkways and covered floating seating (for those who prefer to stay out of the sun) You can try to walk out to the seats and have your feet in the water but I prefer swimming out to the floaties.  Spend the remaining daylight hours hopping from floaty to floaty at Balaou This was one of my favorite activities from the trip Evening: After your day on the water, stop at Captain D's Rib Shack for a casual yet fabulous barbecue but the jerk chicken also packs a delicious punch After dark: The Dutch side of Sint Maarten has an abundance of bars and nightlife options, but Nowhere Special This outdoor bar is loved for its affordable drinks and packed dance floor.  Morning: Take a 30-minute boat ride to the stunning island of Anguilla. There are options to charter your own boat, which you could use to sail around the island, or you can take the ferry and spend your time exploring the island itself.  a trip to the famous Anguilla Arch – a picture-perfect natural stone archway in the cliffside – is a must You can drive to a view of the arch (and stand on top of it) or if you would rather see it from the water opt for a boat tour around the island.  Evening: If you’re only planning on a day trip to Anguilla, the last ferry to Sint Maarten leaves at 4:30pm. However, if you want to stay overnight, grab dinner at Veya for grilled octopus and lobster bisque. Quintessence is a stunning accommodation worthy of a splurge, or opt for the Four Seasons Anguilla After dark: Spend the evening at Bankie Banx's Dune Preserve Get to know the locals while dancing the night away to Anguilla legend Chamidae traveled to Sint Maarten by invitation of the SXM Tourism Board.  Game Recap: Men's Basketball | 3/1/2025 7:45:00 PM | Nate Sagan - Associate Media Relations Director Thanks for visiting Thanks for visiting MARTIN PARISH — Early voting for the November 5th election began on October 18 and will continue until October 29 the Saint Martin Parish Registrar of Voters says the increase in voter participation during this period has been notable and in all of my years of being a registrar I’ve realized this is the only time that some people come out to vote so I encourage everyone to come out,” she stated statistics from the Louisiana Secretary of State’s website indicated that 13% of the parish's eligible voters had already participated in early voting that turnout can differ significantly between locations within the parish “This area(Breaux Bridge location) is more centralized it’s just that area that’ll show up,” she explained Guidry urges residents to vote at one of the three designated locations in the parish: the St.Martinville-Registrar of Voters Office-Courthouse Annex Stephensville-Fire Station-1227 Stephensville Rd and the Breaux Bridge-Council on Aging-391 Cannery Rd To see everything that’ll be on the ballot and to view the full updated list of registered early voting stats for Acadiana Parishes click here: https://www.katc.com/news/covering-louisiana/early-voting-is-underway-here-are-the-numbers-so-far — Kiana Rios' layup with less than a second remaining sunk Montana State Billings and lifted Saint Martin's to a 50-48 upset victory in the semifinal round of the Great Northwest Athletic Conference women's basketball tournament Friday night at Marcus Pavilion Rios took an inbound pass from Jada Travis attacked the hoop and scored to give Saint Martin's the lead with 0.4 seconds on the clock The Yellowjackets called timeout to set up a catch-and-shoot play at mid-court but was unsuccessful advances to the GNAC title game for the first time in program history 2 seed MSU Billings fell to 25-7 overall and will wait to see if it receives an at-large bid for the NCAA Division II West Regional The Yellowjackets shot just 31% for the game and made 5 of 21 3-point attempts and 7 of 14 from the foul line Boyce led with 14 points and Aspen Giese added 12 Kortney Nelson scored four points but pulled down 11 rebounds and also had five assists Saint Martin's shot just 33.3% from the field The Saints will face GNAC regular-season champion and top-seeded Alaska Anchorage in the title game on Saturday at 8:30 p.m Thanks for visiting Game Recap: Women's Volleyball | 9/26/2024 10:24:00 PM | Nate Sagan - Associate Media Relations Director Thanks for visiting [Episcopal News Service] The Episcopal Church’s largest congregation by membership and attendance has named a new rector St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston announced in a message to its members that it has selected as its next leader the Very Rev dean of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Columbia Dane Boston last served as dean of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Columbia “Dane is passionately committed to the rich tradition of Anglican theology prayer and worship,” the church said in its March 28 announcement Dane has a deep appreciation for the power of the Anglican choral tradition as an integral part of our worship services.” It also is known as the family church of late President George H.W Boston had served as dean of the 4,000-member cathedral in the Diocese of Upper South Carolina since January 2021 He previously served for four years as rector of Christ Church in Cooperstown He has degrees from Washington and Lee University Yale Divinity School and Berkeley Divinity School “I cannot express how mightily Debby and I have wrestled with this utterly unexpected call,” Boston said in a message to Trinity Episcopal Cathedral announcing he was stepping down as dean and incredibly excited at the opportunity to serve its people as their next rector.” We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience and analyse our traffic We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below The cookies that are categorised as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site We also use third-party cookies that help us analyse how you use this website and provide the content and advertisements that are relevant to you These cookies will only be stored in your browser with your prior consent You can choose to enable or disable some or all of these cookies but disabling some of them may affect your browsing experience Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors Performance cookies are used to understand and analyse the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customised advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyse the effectiveness of the ad campaigns Game Recap: Women's Basketball | 3/6/2025 9:53:00 PM Thanks for visiting Saint Martin has just marked a momentous milestone in the island nation’s history by officially joining the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) as an Associate Member The move signifies more than just a change in status It is a strong statement of the territory’s dedication to regional solidarity collective growth and deeper collaboration with its Caribbean neighbors Becoming part of the OECS is a significant acknowledgment of the promise and resilience of Caribbean unity these islands have been bound by a shared history—intertwined through culture This move serves as a formal affirmation that their collective efforts will make Saint Martin and its regional allies stronger “As a proud advocate for fostering valuable and meaningful collaboration within the region I believe wholeheartedly that we are our brother’s keeper,” confirmed Valérie Damaseau Commissioner of Culture and Tourism of Saint Martin it has always been the Caribbean community that responds first We are not only each other’s first responders—we are also each other’s greatest opportunity.”   This alliance with the OECS serves as a catalyst for progress offering significant advantages for both Saint Martin and the broader Caribbean community It opens doors to stronger economic cooperation cultural exchanges and joint initiatives in such key sectors as trade it creates new opportunities for enhanced connectivity by air and sea fostering closer ties among Caribbean nations Saint Martin strengthens its commitment to shaping a future where Caribbean nations lead in terms of sustainability this partnership will serve as a testament to what can be achieved when Caribbean territories unite—not only in shared vision but through purposeful action and our uniqueness are not only reasons to celebrate who we are—they are proof that the Caribbean is a force to be reckoned with,” continued Damaseau “This is not the end goal; this is the beginning of deeper collaboration and a shared vision that transcends our individual shores.”  Saint Martin announced that it is eager to play an active role within the OECS working toward a future where Caribbean unity is both acknowledged and celebrated It looks forward to joining its neighbors in breaking boundaries and forging a legacy of strength Editor Assistant Editor true lbaratti@travelpulse.com 9174 14744 Laurie Baratti is an Assistant Editor for TravelPulse She is a San Diego-based journalist whose work has previously appeared in publications like TravelAge West Game Recap: Women's Volleyball | 10/26/2024 2:38:00 PM | Nate Sagan - Associate Media Relations Director Thanks for visiting MARTIN PARISH — A potential annexation of a section of Lower St Martin Parish has sparked conversations and raised questions among local residents This topic was up for discussion at Tuesday's St where the impact of such a move was considered The conversation first gained momentum at last Wednesday’s St Mary Parish President Sam Jones shared that he was approached by St Martin Parish President Pete Delcambre about the idea of annexing Lower St While uncertain about the full annexation process “I asked our attorney to check this out for the future I believe it takes a two-thirds vote of each parish to make this happen Mary would have to vote by two-thirds to accept it,” Jones explained Jones emphasized the importance of engaging the public in the discussion before moving forward with any decision He suggested holding informational meetings to gather feedback the next steps in the process would be considered we need to have the people informed about this as a possibility If we find out that they don’t want to do it But we talked about this a couple of times and I feel like this is the best time to go forward,” Jones added Martin Parish Council meeting served as an opportunity for residents to voice their opinions about the proposed annexation expressed his disagreement with the idea of joining St Our little town is perfect where it’s at,” Anglle said Anglle offered further insight into his objections stating that he believes the annexation would be motivated by financial reasons Mary would like us to be there because of all the revenue we get and all the taxes and everything and that means that we’d have to change schools and all that Martin Parish has remained separated from Upper St This longstanding division means that when Lower St workers must travel up to an hour to reach them Martin Parish and would not be directly impacted by the decision expressed concern for the residents of Lower St Martin Parish.“Something of that nature would need to be put on a ballot or email; that would need to be on a ballot,” Babineaux said While Babineaux acknowledges that the decision will not affect him personally Martin Parish deserve to be involved in the decision-making process “They need to be able to be involved and be on the ballot and vote for it because they’re the ones that’s gonna feel the impact any way it goes,” Babineaux added Although a decision on the annexation was not made at the meeting the council's efforts to engage the public serve as a key step in educating residents about the potential change and sunbathe at a beach club amid white sand in St Game Recap: Women's Volleyball | 9/28/2024 5:57:00 PM | Alex Dean - Assistant Sports Information Director Thanks for visiting The Ministry Access this section Foreign policy Access this section Country files Access this section Coming to France Access this section Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Laurent Saint-Martin is the Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad Laurent Saint-Martin was elected National Assembly Deputy for the third constituency of the Val-de-Marne Department and sat as Vice-Chair of the Finance Committee of the National Assembly As Rapporteur General of the Budget in 2020 he coordinated all fiscal texts during the COVID-19 crisis and worked to ensure the State supported France’s people companies and local government bodies effectively he led the list endorsed by the parties supporting the French President in the regional elections in Île-de-France and became a regional councillor Laurent Saint-Martin has produced two parliamentary reports at the request of the Prime Minister The first concerned the consequences of extraterritorial law on French nationals born in the United States and the second the seizure and confiscation of criminal assets entitled La Fabrique de l’impôt : pour un consentement citoyen (The Making of Taxes: For Citizen Consent) the French President appointed Laurent Saint-Martin Managing Director of Business France he was responsible for implementing a strategy to support the internationalization of the French economy by supporting the international growth of French exporters and prospecting and receiving job-creating foreign investment in France Laurent Saint-Martin remains committed to supporting companies in a return to the core focus of his career Laurent Saint-Martin became Minister for the Budget and Public Accounts in the Government led by Michel Barnier before being appointed Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad in François Bayrou’s Government on 23 December All rights reserved - Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs - 2025 In doing so, the Seawolves not only avenged their regular-season finale loss to the Saints but also claimed their seventh conference tournament title in the 14-year existence of the event. “We were prepared for this. I don’t think it was the perfect game, but the ladies battled,” UAA head coach Ryan McCarthy said in a statement. “I truly believe that no one works harder than they do, and we’re doing this with eight players. I’m just super proud of them — they played so great.” The Seawolves, ranked No. 20 nationally in Division II, didn’t quite dominate from start to finish as they did in Friday’s semis, but they were in firm control nonetheless, outscoring Saint Martin’s in every quarter. They were up 22-20 at the end of the first quarter and pushed the lead to 43-34 by the end of the second quarter. Over the third and fourth quarters combined, they outscored the Saints 32-25. Hollingshead barely came off the court as she played a career-high 38 minutes, scoring a game-high 18 points and recording a career-high 15 rebounds. The game was a prime chance for redemption when it came to her proficiency from the charity stripe. In UAA’s last matchup with Saint Martin’s, Hollingshead went 2-of-10 on free throws in what ended up being a 57-53 loss. On Saturday, she struggled shooting from the field, going 4-of-17, but went 10-of-12 on free throws. “This has been a goal since day one, and we put in so much work,” she said in a statement. “I didn’t realize that I played that long, but if it helped the team that’s all I care about. I’m excited to celebrate this with the girls and see all our hard work (pay off).” For her efforts and outstanding play on the court, Hollingshead earned First Team All-GNAC honors and was joined on the All-Tournament team by fellow senior Jazzpher Evans. Evans scored nine points and recorded a game-high six assists to move into 15th place on UAA’s career scoring list, with 1,060 points, and 10th place on the assists list with 267. “When you come to college, this is every kid’s dream growing up,” Evans said. “You get to this level and you want to be a part of a winning program — something that’s important. And I got the opportunity with a great team around me. It’s a surreal feeling. It’s so exciting.” The conference title earned the Seawolves an automatic berth in the NCAA Division II National Tournament. UAA (27-4) is the No. 4 seed in the West Region and will take on Great Northwest Athletic Conference foe and No. 5 seed Montana State Billings (25-7) in the opening round. The opening-round game will be played Friday at the Torodome in Carson, Calif. Game times will be announced later this week. Josh Reed is a sports reporter for the Anchorage Daily News. He's a graduate of West High School and the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Opens in new windowADVERTISEMENTADVERTISEMENTADVERTISEMENTADVERTISEMENTMost read by subscribers1 Utah Bites and Utah Stories are dedicated to all things local But now and then you’ve gotta getaway and get your feet into the sand I invite you to travel with us – virtually – for some spicy Caribbean flavor Ted Scheffler is located in the Caribbean Sea and is divided between two countries: the northern part belongs to France (Saint-Martin) and the southern part belongs to the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Sint Maarten) My wife and I stayed on the French side of the island and spent most of our time there.  you’ll find a blend of French techniques and Caribbean ingredients Dishes often feature seafood like mahi-mahi prepared with boldly flavored sauces and spices known for its use of local spices and peppers The Dutch side of the island (Sint Maarten) due in part to the mega hotels catering to tourists and restaurants that are oriented toward the cruise ship crowds.  Our first stop after checking into our lovely boutique hotel – Le Petit Hotel – was a beach bar & restaurant called Tropics Beach Bar located just a short walk down the beach from the hotel.  Tropics is a beachside bar and restaurant specializing in burgers and salads including a tempting mahi mahi burger and a spicy shrimp salad.  We were a tad peckish from a long night and day of traveling but didn’t want to ruin our dinner so we opted for a pre-dinner snack at Tropics Beach Bar of Mixed Tapas: a platter of Creole-syle crab meatballs cornflake-crusted shrimp with plantain cream Martin – more than 30 years ago – I discovered the wonderful flavors of Colombo a Creole curry from the French West Indies that is particularly popular in Guadeloupe and Martinique Martin I always bring back some homemade poudre de Colombo (Colombo curry powder) from a lady who sells spices at the Saturday market in the town of Marigot I’ve included a Chicken Colombo recipe that I really like in the Scheff’s Table section of this week’s Utah Bites.  which specializes in Creole cuisine and I got my fix of Chicken Colomb (Poulet de Colombo) which was a nicely spiced curry of dark meat chicken with onions The staff at Villa Royale are super friendly and make guests feel like family.  Martin has been Le Bistro de la Mer on the harbor in the town of Marigot I think the first Margherita Pizza I ever ate was at this quaint Caribbean bistro and I enjoyed one this time around as well.  Le Bistro de la Mer also features some terrific salads and my wife enjoyed an excellent Grilled Shrimp Salad with fresh avocado which One of the most luxurious resorts in The Caribbean is a Belmond Hotel called La Samanna The gated resort is way out of our price range or even just a chilled glass of Rosé at La Samanna.  A terrific Parisian server named Pierre and La Samanna General Manager Eleonore Astier-Petin contributed to making our leisurely lunch at the Baie Longue Bar a wonderful mid-day experience.  Lunch kicked off with a plate of homemade potato chips – three different kinds And while I tend to lean towards seafood and Caribbean fare in St at our Baie Longue Bar lunch I had a powerful craving for a burger but if there’s a $32 burger that’s worth the price It’s a thick Black Angus beef burger cooked perfectly medium rare with La Samanna’s secret sauce and cheddar cheese on a beautiful in-house baked bun The bodacious burger is served with outstanding homemade frites alongside.  Faith chose to go a tad lighter with her Tuna Poke Bowl for lunch It was a generous bowl brimming with sushi grade tuna The day we decided to spend in Philipsburg on the Dutch side of Sint Maarten we ran headlong into Carnival – a colorful chaotic celebration that captures the soul of the Caribbean people.  Down on the Philipsburg boardwalk is a bevy of restaurants and bars that definitely will make you know that you’re not in Utah anymore One such establishment is called Big Bastard’s and features an “Unlimited Beach & Booze” deal from $69 per couple and includes unlimited booze One of our favorite Philipsburg stops was for lunch on the boardwalk at a funky place called the Blue Bitch Bar I know what you’re thinking … But the bar is named for a shiny rock that is found along the shores of the island laborers would make money selling Blue Bitch rocks as gravel for mixing cement.  meat and poultry is a staple on the island and I really enjoyed my “Half & Half” lunch at Blue Bitch Bar which was a quarter of jerk chicken with a half rack of their “Bood Ass Baby Back Ribs.” Alongside was a side salad and a serving of what in the islands they call “rice and peas” but is really rice and beans – black beans in this case but sometimes kidney beans.  My wife opted for another healthier lunch – a Shrimp & Avocado Salad with grilled shrimp the ubiquitous ripe and ready island avocado we enjoyed an excellent dinner at a restaurant called Les Oliviers which specializes in classic French Provençal cuisine with Caribbean flair The rooftop patio is a gorgeous spot to spend a delicious evening “When in France … or on a French island …” How could we resist a serving of Escargots Coulis de Persil & Siphon à l’ail (snails with parsley coulis and garlic foam It was either that or Sauteed Frogs Legs with Garlic & Parsley.  Faith raved about her entree at Les Oliviers Other tempting poissons at the restaurant include half-cooked tuna with mashed celeriac and brown butter or roasted cod with stewed bell peppers and chorizo.  On our bucket list during this visit to St Martin was to enjoy at least one meal at a lolo “lolo” typically refers to a small informal roadside restaurant or food stand that specializes in local cuisine These establishments are often found in places frequented by locals and tourists alike offering a variety of dishes that highlight the region’s culinary traditions The atmosphere at lolos is usually casual and vibrant with an emphasis on freshly prepared meals that often include seafood such as grilled fish alongside traditional sides like rice and beans It’s a great way to experience authentic Caribbean flavors in a relaxed setting One of the most popular lolos on “restaurant row” in Grand Case is Cynthia’s Talk of the Town There are frequently lines of patrons waiting for a communal table at Cynthia’s while competing lolos adjacent to that popular spot sit mostly empty Cynthia’s specializes in grilled foods from a huge informal dining spot that doesn’t take reservations but is always busy Cynthia’s Talk of the Town Grilled Shrimp Skewers we shared servings of Grilled Shrimp Skewers with white rice as well as Grilled Jerk Chicken with curried rice I recommend finishing a meal at Cynthia’s with an order of their handmade ice cream: coconut a wonderful manager named Remy recommended a beachside restaurant at Orient Bay for lunch called Aloha Beach Bar-Restaurant It was superb and I noticed that we were the only non-French guests at Aloha during a lengthy wine-soaked lunch.  which was Penne Pasta tossed in a crab remoulade and topped with a poached fresh lobster tail in her juice Faith’s lunch was every bit as exquisite: locally-caught fish in a Creole and aioli sauce with lobster and outstanding French fries We both won the day at Aloha Beach Bar-Restaurant.  We had worked up a gargantuan appetite during a day of boating to/from the British island of Anguilla the highlight of which was our crew from Captain Alan’s Boat Charters rescuing a beached million dollar yacht Lunch on the boat was also terrific and included great guacamole prepared by the crew’s (who are brothers) mom.  we visited a French restaurant located in the center of Grand Case It was an excellent place to wind down our vacation with top-notch staff There are a lot of tempting seafood dishes on the L’Auberge Gourmande menu including Sea Scallops and Jumbo Shrimps Duo; Grilled Whole Sea Bass We really liked an appetizer of Sea Scallops sauteed in soy and sesame oil and served with a crunchy rice galette and marinated fresh ginger.  On the meaty side of the menu is Roasted Duck Breast I rarely see veal on restaurant menus anymore so I was excited to sink my teeth into a thick medium-rare veal chop marinated in Provençal herbs and served with a creamy mushroom sauce and flambeed apple sauce accompanied by a side of delicious gratin dauphinois.  next week we’ll be back to business as usual and on the scene with another local Utah restaurant review in Utah Bites Culinary quote of the week: “There is something fresh and crisp about the first hours of a Caribbean day a happy anticipation that something is about to happen maybe just up the street or around the next corner.” – Hunter S Aker Restaurant & Lounge transforms Japanese cuisine with bold Latin influences offering dishes like dry-aged nigiri and yakitori paired with inventive flavors in a strikingly elegant space Ogden becomes the center of German culture with the Sneddon Hof Germanfest From breaded schnitzel and bratwurst to warm potato salad and spätzle the menu offers a feast of traditional dishes Guests can also enjoy lively performances from bands like Salzburger Echo and Chardon Polka Band creating an energetic and festive atmosphere Ready to dive into Utah’s most exciting culinary adventures Learn the secrets of sushi rolling from a master chef celebrate Bewilder Brewing’s 5th anniversary with exclusive brews and experience the opulent charm of The Vintage Room at Deer Valley featuring gourmet dining and stunning alpine vistas Can non-alcoholic wines rival traditional ones Tracy Aviary’s Wine Takes Flight offers a blind tasting experience and rich red wines paired with gourmet bites Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble performed Saturday night in Columbia Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble stopped in Columbia Maryland Saturday night for the first date of a U.S The event at the Smith Theatre was presented by Chamber Music Maryland the new moniker for the venerable Candlelight Concert Society drawn from the ranks of the orchestra now led by Joshua Bell specializes in larger-format chamber works here string octets by Shostakovich and Mendelssohn and a string sextet by Erwin Schulhoff Jonathan Palevsky of Baltimore’s WBJC provided illuminating context for the works before each half Shostakovich’s youthful Prelude and Scherzo for String Octet of 1924 was originally intended as the kernel of a five-movement work before being overtaken by more famous projects like the composer’s First Symphony What remains is an intriguing snapshot of the 18-year-old’s emerging sensibilities particularly in the raw exuberance of the Scherzo The musicians approached that movement’s scurrying figures with a dry almost detached sensibility that enhanced the aggressive confrontational quality of the work’s mounting mayhem while the initial mournful Prelude demonstrated the Ensemble’s ability to realize a high level of transparency with expanded forces Czech composer Erwin Schulhoff is one of the many Jewish composers whose lives and careers were destroyed by the Nazi regime and whose legacies are still being reclaimed After gaining prominence in the 1920s as a pianist and composer his career began to suffer amid the turmoil of the 1930s While attempting to emigrate to the Soviet Union he was deported by the Nazis and died in a prison camp in Germany in 1942 The bleak Sextet for Strings reflects the trauma of the previous war the Sextet shows a step in the composer’s radicalizing style in the years following World War I in which he served in the Austrian army on the Russian front Schulhoff’s style would evolve even further afield in the following years taking on avant garde methods and integrating jazz motifs into classical forms The Academy members captured the outsize contrasts in the Sextet’s Allegro risoluto full-throated sound in the bitter opening themes against an exhausted and the ensemble brought off the distinctive wan enveloping mood of the initial section and insect-like string effects in the latter half Precisely coordinated churning rhythms against a soaring infernal folk dance melody from lead violinist Tomo Keller made for an exciting Burlesca movement The final Adagio is a forbidding close to the work Initial passages try in vain to bring together the players only to have the music repeatedly disintegrate In the long coda the music is depleted almost to the point of inaudibility the remaining sounds hardly recognizable as music The second half of the program was devoted to that undoubted pinnacle of the small literature for String Octet the 16-year-old Felix Mendelssohn’s 1825 example in E-flat major The Academy musicians wasted no time luxuriating in the opening bars choosing a tempo that brought out the delicious sense of impatience that dominates the Allegro If Keller’s lead violin seemed surprisingly restrained and matter of fact of the outset this only served to heighten the effect of his increasing brilliance as the climax came into view egged on by skillfully executed unison effects and seamless handoffs between players intimate sound infused the singing lines of the second movement though the quiet sections were at times a bit too subdued in their contrast with the forte interludes The Scherzo benefited from detailed articulation and careful balances where Mendelssohn sets galloping lines against sustained strings Scrambling figures in Alice Neary and Will Schofield’s cellos announced a tone of controlled abandon for the Presto The Ensemble excelled in their ability to cohesively execute Mendelssohn’s rhythmic and dynamic surprises creating a delirious sense of forward momentum The boisterous ensemble came at the expense of balance in just a few places with the lead violin flourishes occasionally submerged in the texture leaving one reeling at the scale of Mendelssohn’s unique achievement Chamber Music Maryland’s season continues with the Ulysses Quartet and clarinetist Oskar Espina Ruiz October 26 at the Smith Theatre in Columbia. chambermusicmaryland.org Posted Oct 11, 2024 at 4:44 pm by REBECCA XHTML: You can use these tags: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong> Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value"  Subscribe via RSS by VisasNews 1 comment Sint Maarten is modernizing its welcome for travelers by introducing a fully digital entry form A simplified procedure designed to streamline the passage of visitors while ensuring compliance with local requirements Since October 8, 2024, Sint Maarten the Dutch part of the island of Saint-Martin has introduced a digital Embarkation/Disembarkation (ED) form for all travelers entering its territory The digital entry form (ED card) can be completed online prior to flight check-in ensuring a smoother travel experience for all passengers arriving at Sint Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) While it is not mandatory to complete this form prior to departure it is strongly recommended to facilitate arrival in the island state “This new digital form aims to simplify the arrival process for travelers while ensuring safety and compliance with local regulations,” explains the Sint Maarten Tourist Bureau The form is available on the official website: www.entry.sx information about the place of stay in Sint Maarten and arrival flight details are all required travellers must present a passport valid for at least 3 months proof of sufficient means of subsistence and a return or onward ticket have distinct entry policies due to their respective statuses: Saint-Martin is a French overseas collectivity while Sint Maarten is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands There is no physical border between Saint-Martin and Sint Maarten allowing free movement of people and goods throughout the island My wife and I are traveling to St Maarten 5/12-5/19 It appears that we need to fill 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Privacy Policy | Terms of Use In a bid to protect biodiversity hotspots in the country Bangladesh plans to restrict tourism and introduce environment-friendly guidelines and directions for tourists visiting the Ecologically Critical Areas (ECAs) The coral reef-rich Saint Martin’s Island and one of the largest haors — a type of wetland ecosystem — in the country known to be a habitat for breeding fish and waterfowls will soon see the first restrictions on tourism Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the newly appointed advisor for the environment, forest and climate change ministry we will impose restrictions on night stays at Saint Martin’s Island to reduce the pressure on the island soon we will increase the level of restrictions as well as the number of ECAs under tourism restrictions.” She added that some of these restrictions would include banning the use of single-use plastic minimizing the number of visitors and banning all kinds of tourism during the breeding season of the region’s wildlife “After implementing the tourism restrictions on the coral-rich island adding that the government is working with different stakeholders including tour operators and local communities to find a sustainable way to protect these ecologically important areas Since 1999, Bangladesh has declared 13 biodiversity-rich areas as ECAs under the Environment Protection Act, 1995. According to the ECA rules any development work and other activities like tourism that threaten biodiversity and ecology are strictly prohibited in the ECAs the former governments had failed to conserve the ECAs over the years though some protection measures have been put in place in Saint Martin’s Island the Sundarbans and Sonadia Island through different projects The new non-political government formed by civil society members in August following the collapse of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government plans to implement the ECA rules to protect the biodiversity hotspots The island is home to about 10,000 people and contains rocky and sandy shores as well as mangroves seaweed farming and tourism for their livelihoods According to a study by the Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute Saint Martin’s Island is home to 46 different species of corals Besides being nutrient sources for different aquatic species in the ecosystem coral reefs also serve as a shield against storms and coastal erosion and create employment opportunities for locals through tourism Another study conducted using data between 2005 and 2019 said the number of infrastructure developments on the island while the volume of coral reefs decreased by 38% the former governments have declared Saint Martin’s Island the four rivers surrounding Dhaka — Buriganga Meanwhile, the government’s department of environment (DoE) has completed preparatory work to declare another important biodiversity hotspot an ECA to conserve the breeding habitat of the Asian carp fish species Apart from these, the only other visible protection measure is seen in the Sundarbans, as the government has imposed a ban on entering the mangroves during the months of June aiming to ensure a safe environment for several wildlife species during the breeding season Bangladesh’s new government implements strong measures to eliminate single-use plastic Ara, S., Alif, M. A. U. J., & Islam, K.M.A. (2021) Impact of Tourism on LULC and LST in a Coastal Island of Bangladesh: A Geospatial Approach on St. Martin’s Island of Bay of Bengal. J Indian Soc Remote Sens 49, 2329–2345. doi:10.1007/s12524-021-01389-4 Das, J., Kabir, M. H., Taimur, F. M., Hossain, M., & Kumar. U. (2022). Evaluating governability challenges of Saint Martin’s Island (SMI) in Bangladesh. World Development Perspectives. Elsevier Vol-27. doi:10.1016/j.wdp.2022.100434 The “fortress conservation” model is under pressure in East Africa as protected areas become battlegrounds over history and global efforts to halt biodiversity loss Mongabay’s Special Issue goes beyond the region’s world-renowned safaris to examine how rural communities and governments are reckoning with conservation’s colonial origins and trying to forge a path forward […]