Front Page images and text of 2005

September 10th, FOBIA members at the "Dalley in the Alley"

Cheryl and her daughter holding the fort, selling Aquarium T-Shirts

Vance, Jennifer, Regina & Mike pose in front of FOBIA stall

More "Dally in the Alley" pictures here
 

Supporters celebrate the 101st Anniversary of the Aquarium - See gallery

The Parks and Recreation Department informed us that we do not have a permit to celebrate in front of the Aquarium on Thursday Noon - 4PM. Consequently FOBIA's sponsorship of this event is hereby cancelled.
Should you want to celebrate the Aquarium's Anniversary as a private citizen of your own volition, you would be entirely within your rights.

Voters are advised that this is an Advisory Ballot Question and does not guarantee the reopening of the Aquarium.  It did, however, give Voters the opportunity to express their opinions which strongly indicate the need for exploring other sources for the funding and operation of the Belle Isle Aquarium.

Detroit Citizens Vote:
Re-opening the Belle Isle Aquarium?
YES!!!
Election results: Detroit
August 3, 2005

Supporters gather at the Aquarium Aug 3rd, to celebrate the decision of Detroit's citizenry.
 

We're have a board, and we're ready to rock! FOBIA convenes Board

Hal, the giant alligator gar who made BIA his home for more than 20 years, died in transit to his new home in Colorado. Cause of death unknown, died approximately 8 hours into the trip.

Free Press - THE DEATH OF AN AQUARIUM CELEBRITY: Belle Isle's beloved curiosity doesn't make it to new home.

AquaBits______________________ 

“AquaBits” is designed to share brief updates, historical tidbits and other information of interest on the Belle Isle Aquarium.  The weekly column is approximately 250-300  words and may include a photo or illustration.  Guest columnists are welcome!  If you have a contribution for a future column please send your submission to sandy@belleisleaquarium.com.  Submissions are generally considered on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Thanks to Kate Alan for providing information for our first column.

Help Adopt Aquarium Gardens for
a More Beautiful Detroit

The City of Detroit has developed an Adopt-a-Garden program to help maintain flowerbeds and decorative planters throughout the city. The Friends of Belle Isle Aquarium has adopted the two flower beds in front of the Aquarium and the two concrete planters at the comfort station across the parking lot.

Volunteers are needed for planting and weekly flowerbed maintenance. Planting is scheduled for the week of May 23rd. The schedule is posted on this website. Contact FOBIA president Kate Alan at admin@belleisleaquarium.com to sign up for planting and/or maintenance and get your name on the schedule. Please provide your preferred telephone number and email address for contact information.

The city will supply plant materials and will feed and water the beds throughout the season. Volunteers are asked to check on their adopted garden at least once a week.

The Friends of Belle Isle (FOBI) and the Belle Isle Botanical Society (BIBS) will be responsible for monitoring the beds on Belle Isle and coordinating the efforts of the volunteers. Members of the Detroit Garden Center have already agreed to plant and maintain planters around the Dossin Museum, and members of the Detroit Rowing Club have agreed to maintain planters on its site.

Recreation Department Deputy Director Lee Stephenson and Park Development Supervisor Leticia Bertaud initiated the program to continue beautification efforts despite cutbacks in staffing and funding.

Aquarium pictures, in no particular order - submitted by Diana Dubbeld
Click image for gallery

Pinstripe Damba

May 2005 - Fish waiting to be shipped out

Last days before closure - Beloved by Detroiters, the
public come to visit the Aquarium by the thousands

Membership Drive
Rally and BBQ
Come Rain, Snow or Shine

Saturday, April 23rd, 2005 11:00AM-6:00PM
Rainday, Sunday 24th

Speakers and open mike at 1PM
Friends of the Belle Isle Aquarium memberships are $10.00

Sidewalk Art          Music       Games for Kids
Ice Cream           Kites           Cold Drinks

Speak out for the Aquarium
- Or just kick back and relax-

Bring side dishes and something to sit on.

Can you spell "Aquairum"? - Pictures of Aquarium closing day.