Rio das Ostras for Expats

Street Paving and Drainage Accelerated in Rio das Ostras

2012-06-23T10:27:00.000-03:00

[Article from Secom Rio das Ostras, originally posted here. My translation.]

Urbanization work in progress will cost about R$55 million.

The work of the Secretary of Urban Planning and Construction is happening at an accelerated pace. Dozens of streets are being paved, adding drainage, and being urbanized, adding about fifteen kilometers of pavement. The City Council set aside R$20 million to urbanize the roads near Rodovia Amaral Peixoto in Rio das Ostras. The work, long awaited by the population, will begin later this month. The investments, including bicycle paths, street signs and parking, will be conducted between Jardim Bela Vista and Praia Âncora.

Among the roads that are undergoing improvements, including those now finalized, are Projetada, Projetada 1 and Travessa B in Costazul, which have also received the public water supply system. In progress are rua Campo de Marlim, upon completion of Campo de Namorado in Jardim Atlântico, and dozens of streets in Nova Esperança. In this location alone the City is pumping R$25 million.

By August the streets of Macaé, Itaperuna, Conceição de Macabu and Nova Friburgo, in Jardim Mariléa will also have paving and drainage infrastructure completed. Almost R$1.5 million is being invested for the improvements along these routes. R$2.9 million is already destined for the streets of Cambuci and Acerbal Pinto Malheiros.

Over R$2 million was also applied to paving, drainage, sewer and water in the streets Elizete Cardoso, Cleide de O. Santiago, Vinicius de Moraes and part of João Batista Cordeiro. The streets of Jardim Campomar will receive nearly six thousand square meters of asphalt.

Another location with new infrastructure is the allotment Gelson Apicelo. The Department of Urban Planning and Public Works are adding storm drainage, paving and completion of the drinking water network on the streets of Jurema Days, Edith de Castro, Projetada 2, Lima Passos, Travessa Manoel, Rua B and Beira Rio. In total, more than R$1 millian of its own resources is being invested by the City of Rio das Ostras.

To facilitate traffic, ensuring more security and comfort for drivers and workers, the Department of Urban Planning and Public Works will invest almost R$700,000 to add pavement and drainage the shoulder of Rodovia Amaral Peixoto leading to the Zona Especial de Negócios (ZEN). Construction began on Monday the 18th, and is expected to finish within 90 days

Amparo Animal Rescue

2012-05-06T12:18:00.000-03:00

What: Amapro animal rescue
Where: All over Rio das Ostras
Website: http://amparoanimais.blogspot.com/
Contact: Nadja Magalhães amparoanimais@gmail.com
Facebook page: http://pt-br.facebook.com/people/Amparo-Rio-Das-Ostras/100001847634463

Amparo Rio das Ostras is a non-profit, privately run organization set up to rescue stray animals, and hopefully find permanent homes for them.

They run adoption fairs, free spay and neuter events, other awareness events, and help find lost pets.

If you are looking for a pet to join your family, please consider adoption. There are so many dogs and cats which need homes, you'll find a perfect match.

Parque dos Passaros

2012-04-17T13:29:00.000-03:00

What: Parque dos Passaros bird sanctuary and rehabilitation facility
Where: The end of Rua Petropolis, Jardim Marilea
When: Open every day except Monday, 9am to 4pm
Cost: Free!
Phone:(22) 2771-3937
Email: semap@riodasostras.rj.gov.br

Parque dos Passaros was built in 2002 and has nearly twenty acres of land.

They are home to such endangered birds as the White Beaked Aracari, the Tiriba Pearl, and the Pixoxo'.

One of their objectives is to educate the community about preservation of the environment.

There is a large parking lot to the right of the visitor center with easy access.

The grounds are beautiful and very well maintained.

Inside the center is a space for artist exhibitions and special events.

There is also a small refreshment stand, a gift sop with hand made crafts, and a computer center with free access to the internet.

Most signs throughout the park have English notations for their non-Portuguese speaking guests, but none of the staff speak English. Unless you have a guided group tour, this won't be a problem.

The park has one of the largest conservation aviaries in Latin America, with a height of 20 meters, 2,4000 square meters of space, and a capacity of more than 400 native birds.

The aviary has been closed to visitors since the bird flu scare of 2005, but you can walk the perimeter outside along a sandy path and still have a full view of the inside.

Inside are several bird feeding stations filled with seeds, and fresh fruit is hung from several trees daily.

Outside the aviary, the park is filled with gardens containing many native plants and trees.

The sandy path around the aviary is filled with bird tracks. Most of the plants on the grounds provide food and/or shelter to local birds, which attracts them by the hundreds.

For example, the pitinga fruits. We had a guide during our visit, and he picked a few fruits for us to try. Pitanga is really good, although a bit sour, and has a large white pit in the middle. Tasty!

The paths, grounds, offices and visitor's center are all very clean and well maintained.

Our guide, the environmental director Victor Vinicius, was fantastic. If you come with a group, call in advance and speak with Victor. He will make sure you have a guide and have access to as much of the park as possible. Thank you, Victor, for all your help!

After our tour of the facilities, we took a walk by ourselves through the rest of the park. There are nature trails and walkways through the area, showing a beautiful slice of the Atlantic Rainforest.

If you're in the area, it is well worth the time to stop by for a visit!

International publication highlights Rio das Ostras among the best beach destinations in Brazil

2012-04-07T16:06:00.000-03:00

[Article via Secom Rio das Ostras, photo by Cezar Fernandes. My translation]

In its March issue the magazine Lonely Planet, the world reference for those who like to travel, published an article selecting the seven best beach destinations in Brazil. Rio das Ostras was one of those places listed by the guide and the only one cited in Rio de Janeiro state.
The highlight was Itapebussus beach and for Lagoa Salgada. Both occupy the same incorporated area and are a substantial part of a protected environment, consisting of restinga vegetation and animals which face extinction, the Área de Relevante Interesse Ambiental - Arie.

Only this beach and the lagoon can be visited, with access through the strip of sand. The entrance to the reserve is prohibited and monitored by guards of the Municipal Environmental Enforcement and Urban Control.

Itapebussus Beach offers a lush vista without urban intervention since it belongs to the protected area. The lagoa, although as beautiful as the sea from which it takes its name, has fresh water suitable for swimming. Great options for those who love nature and enjoy tranquility.

Construction Debris Recycling Plant Begins Operation in Rio das Ostras

2012-04-03T09:34:00.000-03:00

[Article by Angel Morote published here, my translation. Photo via Secom Rio das Ostras]

Rio das Ostras has gained a construction debris recycling plant. Now, in addition to the roads becoming more clear, the remains of building materials will be utilized for the maintenance of streets and roads in the city. There are at least 1,540 tons of left over debris scattered on the streets of Rio das Ostras every month. This debris hinders pedestrians and motorists, and can cause accidents.
Collection of this debris is done weekly, but these scraps from the city's construction were being left in a landfill without any treatment. From now on the problem should decrease due to the operation of the recycling plant which has begun at the landfill. All the collected construction material is crushed and then separated into four different sizes.

The unit handles up to 25 tons of waste every day and was installed with an investment of R$400 thousand. The debris collection is done through a weekly schedule, but the limit for the free service is 3 cubic meters of rubble. Anything over that limit is the responsibility of the site owner. For larger operations, companies will be responsible for taking the debris to the plant themselves, under penalty of fines ranging from R$50 to R$5000.

Amaral Peixoto Highway Will Undergo Construction for Expansion and Repair

2012-03-16T11:50:00.001-03:00

[Article from Secom Rio das Ostras, published here. Photos courtesy of Secom. My translation]

The State of Rio de Janeiro will invest in Amaral Peixoto Highway.

Twenty kilometers between Maricá and Saquarema, and another 30 from Rio das Ostras to Macaé, will be doubled in size. The roads in the state of Rio de Janeiro will benefit from investments up to R$2.8 billion. There will be over 700 km of improvements. The announcement was made by the State Government. Among the roads that will receive investments, is RJ-106.

Amaral Peixoto Highway is one of the main access routes to the Região dos Lagos area and thousands of vehicles pass through it every day. The road is full of curves, there is no shoulder for most of it and there are sections where the asphalt is uneven. The danger increases when drivers risk passing even where prohibited.

R$2.8 billion will be spent on highway expansion and repair of the asphalt, all under the responsibility of the DER (the Department of Roads and Highways). Twenty kilometers between Maricá and Saquarema, and another 30 between Rio das Ostras and Macaé, will be doubled in size. The DER is forecast to start construction in the second half of this year.

For the state government, these improvements contribute to the economic development of the region, from tourism to the flow of production from the industrial parks. Overall, the improvements will be made on 750 km of state roads. The projected works should be completed in 2014.

Public Library of Rio das Ostras Expands Book Collection

2012-03-15T12:28:00.000-03:00

[Article from Secom Rio das Ostras, published here. Photos by Deork Daniel. My translation.]

The branch will receive about 1,300 books, including works by renowned authors such as Edgar Allan Poe and Jules Verne.

With a collection of more than 40,000 books, including editions in Braille, the Public Library of Rio das Ostras is further expanding their collection. Selected by the National Library Foundation (FBN), the branch, managed by the Culture Foundation of Rio das Ostras, will receive about 1,300 books, literary classics, works on history and anthropology, and biographies. Among the authors are names which are national and international references such as Aesop, Edgar Allan Poe, Jules Verne, Darcy Ribeiro, Ruth Rocha, and Ana Maria Machado, among others.

The books were purchased through the program for expansion and actualization of public library collections through FBN. The Culture Foundation of Rio das Ostras registered the municipal branch, which met all the requirements and was awarded R$13,500 to be used exclusively for the purchase of books valued at R$10.00 for each copy. These copies have been ordered and should arrive this month. "We chose books with varying themes, with the intention of meeting varying interests. For this reason we selected books about Africa and the history of Brazil, for example." said the librarian Rizia Gildate.

THE LIBRARY- The Public Library of Rio das Ostras has a room for study near the reception desk, and also a large hall for reading and research. Among the divisions of the branch are Reference, where the dictionaries, encyclopedias, maps, journals, newspapers and magazines are located, the Fluminense Memorial Hall, with books, photos and documents about the city and region, and the Children and Youth area which has 3000 books.

The library address is:
Avenida Amazonas, s/nº Centro.

The telephone number is 2760-3119.

Hours: Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm; Saturdays from 9am to 1pm.

(Click the Location link below to see exactly where the library is located.)

City of Rio das Ostras Invests in New Infrastructure Projects

2012-03-14T13:18:00.000-03:00

[Article Posted by Igor Sampaio here. Photos by Mauricio Rocha. My translation.]

Places such as Âncora, Nova Aliança and Palmital are undergoing improvements.

Before and after

The Secretary of Public Services office is installing the paving, drainage and sewer systems in various locations in the city, in addition to maintenance actions such as replacing light bulbs, cleaning of culverts and repairing pot-holes. The second lane of Rua Gervásio Moreira Marques in Palmital was washed out by a creek. Residents have had constant flooding problems, but today, with the work having been completed, the reality is different.

Resident of the street for six years, military police officer Edgard Barcy says that when it rains, the water reaches above the knee. "This was a black pit with rats, cockroaches, and tall grass. After the work, we've seen change in our quality of life." he says.

His neighbor, Valeria Medeiros, recalls that her son could not even play in the backyard because the ditch passed through their land. "This work benefited all residents and has improved our situation 100%." remarked the house wife.

According to Secretary of Public Services, Nilton Teixeira, the work will be finished in the next month when they also complete the paving and installation of sewage lines on Rua Palmira Ribeiro de Souza, known as Rua 16, in Nova Aliança. Âncora is also receiving investments from the Municipal Administration. The "Beco da Amizade" on Rua Chuva de Prata, had their paving completed last Thursday, the eighth of March.

During the rains, residents had difficulty leaving their homes. Roselene Severino has been confined to a wheelchair for nine years due to a chronic disease in her legs. She said she avoided leaving the house because of the difficulty in moving along the street. "This was a pool of mud and it was almost impossible to pass with my chair. After the improvements, I will be able to go out alone on the street and move easily."says Roselene.

State Government chooses Rio das Ostras for Pioneer Tourism Project

2012-03-14T12:36:00.000-03:00

[Article from Secom Rio das Ostras, published here. Photos by Jorge Ronald. My translation.]

The State Secretary will come to the city on the 15th of March for the presentation of research on the panorama of tourism for the city.

The Tourism Survey of Rio das Ostras, the result of research carried out by the State Government on Tourism in the city, will be presented next Thursday, March 15 at 7pm at City Hall.
The ceremony will feature the participation of State Secretary of Tourism of Rio de Janeiro, Ronaldo Ázaro, Mayor Carlos Augusto, the municipal secretary of tourism, Alan Machado, and various other authorities. The inventory is part of a pioneering project in Rio de Janeiro, based on the policy approach of the state municipalities of the Interior.

Rio das Ostras will be the first city in the state to have the Inventory recognized by Ministry of Tourism. The city was chosen as the pilot for the policy approach proposed by the Secretary of State for Tourism, based on criteria such as organization, infrastructure and tourism sights of wide interest and popularity, as its beautiful beaches.

Mayor Carlos Augusto stressed the importance of the Tourism Inventory as recognition for the work of the Municipal Administration. "The choice of Rio das Ostras as a pilot city shows that tourism is well established in our city. Municipal investments in infrastructure, sanitation and urbanization, besides promoting national landmark events such as the Jazz and Blues Festival, contributed to a boost in the tourism industry, which drives the economy and creates jobs." said the mayor.

Research - Tourist information on Rio das Ostras began to be raised in October, 2011. The Inventory of Tourism Offered consists of the promotion, identification and registration of tourist attractions, services, tourist facilities and infrastructure to support tourism as a basic information tool for planning, management and promotion of activities. The survey also serves as reference source for students, entrepreneurs and researchers.

photo. George Ronald

Indignant residents of Rio das Ostras clamor for security

2012-03-10T19:27:00.000-03:00

[Article by Angel Morote from Secom Rio das Ostras, published here. My translation. Photos courtesy of Secom Rio das Ostras]

They claim that the Municipal Guard trailer was removed from the neighborhood.

The protesters closed the Amaral Peixoto Highway at the entrance of the neighborhood in front of the Centro de Cidadania. Residents of Bairro Enseada marched again last Wednesday (March 7th) at about 8:30 a.m. for improvements to the neighborhood and for the return of the Municipal Guard trailer which rendered service for the area to inhibit the high rate of theft, burglary and attempted rape.

Although not obligated, it is the assignment of the Municipal Guard to handle security or take the place of the Military Police. Residents are demanding the return of the trailer and the Municipal Guards because they feel threatened due to the further increase in the crime rate in Rio das Ostras. Banners and posters showing the the residents' indignation with the neglect of the government in not to conducting any service on the streets of the community, as well as the withdrawal without notice of the Municipal Guard trailer.

Letter of warning to the population of Rio das Ostras: "Residents of Loteamento da Enseada das Gaivotas which is located at Km 153 of Highway Amaral Peixoto, we are announcing publicly that we are a neighborhood blessed by God, and are considered a real environmental concern (1422 lots of 608m ² each), 15 streets, being a majority of sector "O". The area protects wildlife, flora and vegetation that still resist the irrational destruction of men, a place for birds, burrowing owls, bromeliads, orchids and medicinal plants which are research targets for a cure for cancer (CRUSEA), but unfortunately forgotten by the public despite our cries. We are not a neighborhood of vacationers as they say. We do not have clean water and sanitation, have no benefits from the resources of royalties, nor a paved street, which makes the circulation of (our transportation) precarious because the area is no longer circular, given the "potholes" which damage the cars. " Movement in Defense of Enseada das Gaivotas - MDEG.

City builds leisure area in Rio das Ostras

2012-03-10T18:47:00.000-03:00

[Article from Secom Rio das Ostras, published here. My translation. Photos by Mauricio Rocha.]

The Jardim Mariléa plaza is being revitalized.

Another important improvement project for the people of Rio das Ostras should be ready by July. Praça Jaime Rodriguez Villar in Jardim Mariléa is being revitalized by the prefecture's Department of Urban Planning and Construction. The investment is more than R$1 million and prioritizes the implementation of a variety of entertainment options.

Installed in the center of the neighborhood, the plaza will have a park with toys and a children's play area with a maze and games of hopscotch, exercise equipment for seniors, tables for chess games, a 40 meter mesh trail network, a skateboarding park and areas for rollerblading.

Moreover, the entire area is undergoing improvements in landscaping and lighting, placement of synthetic turf on the soccer field, expansion of the concrete patio, more than 30 benches and a bike rack. Next to the Square, residents also have the Zarour Benedict gym, which is being renovated and painted throughout.

City of Rio das Ostras invests over R$1 million for improvements in the Gelson Apicelo subdivision

2012-03-08T09:51:00.000-03:00

[Article via Secom Rio das Ostras, posted here, my translation]

Construction on the urbanization of several streets of the Gelson Apicelo subdivision will be completed Next month.

Initially, the Department of Urban Planning and Public Works are doing storm drainage, paving and completion of the drinking water network for the streets of Jurema Dias, Edith de Castro, Projetada 2, Lima Passos, Travessa Manuel, Rua B and Beira Rio. In total, more than R$1 million is being invested by the City of Rio das Ostras from their own resources.

The work provides for the extension of drinking water pipe in the subdivision, nearly 4 million square meters of cobblestone paving and 1,656 square meters of sidewalk, along with storm water drainage which will help to prevent flooding during heavy rains.

Online Portuguese Learning for Free

2012-03-05T10:02:00.001-03:00

Thanks to a casual mention by another friend who is living in Brazil, I've discovered a new online resource for learning Portuguese.

Take a look at Memrise.com.

Specifically you can find Brazilian Portuguese here.

I've just started using it today, so my review is based just on a cursory beginning (and only with the Portuguese course), but I really like it so far.
The programs are based on science, fun and community, which will help keep you engaged. Each lesson adds to your vocabulary, using enough repetition and variation to help things interesting while also making sure they stick. The audio is really helpful to me as I learned Portuguese mainly from books for the first two years and have the most difficulty with processing spoken words.

The site is still in the beta stage, so the topics are limited but growing all the time. There are hundreds of languages available to learn (including foreign languages, Klingon, English vocab for English speakers, etc.), and also general knowledge topics.

Bookmark the page and use it for a bit of daily practice. Go give it a try and leave a comment below letting me know what you think.

The Foot Washing Well in Rio das Ostras

2012-02-25T14:22:00.000-02:00

[Original article written by Angel Morote and published here. My translation]

Note the small distance between the stone well and the
Municipal Guard tent. Surveillance of the historical
site did not occur.

Vacationers, tourists and revelers line up to use the historic well.

The historic well of Rio das Ostras is now known as the "Foot Washing Well." Vacationers, tourists and inconsequential revelers use the well, originally from the eighteenth century and located in the Plaza José Pereira Câmara, to wash feet or face, bathe and even to wash their dogs. According to history, the well was built by slaves in the mid-eighteenth century, and was known as the Well of Stones of Largo de Nossa Senhora da Conceição, serving as a landmark for construction of the town of Rio das Ostras. Historical manuscripts say that the well was used by villagers and sailors who crossed the Bay and docked at the pier of morro do Limão [Lemon Mountain], where the Yacht Club is currently located, so the crew could pick up drinking water.

After the completion of the sidewalks at the edge of Praia do Centro in the '90s, the original well was demolished. The Stone Well was rebuilt in 2000 by the city and became a tourist attraction. At that time chains were placed around it for protection.

The mockery of some tourists who took pictures, showing their feet being washed by the stream of water coming out of the bronze bucket, showed lack of respect. Today we find such people at ease without being stopped by the Municipal Guard, which is only about 20 meters away in a tent.

The line to wash feet in the stone well.

Note the difference between two current sights in Rio das Ostras. In the Praça da Baleia, where there is a Guard trailer, we have not seen a single person put their hand in the water that surrounds the famous Humpback Whale. However, in the Plaza José Pereira Câmara where the famous Stone Well is located, which quenched the thirst of the sailors who docked there, people not only put their hands in the water to wash, they even wash their dogs.

The question is: What is the difference between these two assets in question to the municipal government?

"People have no respect for the city. This well used to be well maintained and clean, with its metal plate explaining what it is. I remember it used to have chains surrounding walls, the tourists took pictures of it, and we had guards who took care of the place, and the square as well. Now no one takes care of anything, people wash their feet, bathe with soap and even give dogs baths without being stopped (by the guards), it is shameful ", says a member of the city hall who remains anonymous.

The well is used to wash feet, hands and even dogs.

Today we really see the lack of responsibility and respect from our leaders to curb such actions against public property, and we noticed the little importance given to our artistic and cultural heritage, the importance of which is incalculable, because even the plate with historical information about the well is damaged.

The well is used to wash feet, hands and even dogs. We found a passage written about our own prefecture which caught our attention: "Today, Rio das Ostras, despite being a new city, is recognized throughout Brazil. Primarily for its tourism and cultural potential and, above all, the entrepreneurial vision of its governors. There is no doubt that the city has been building a better future each day, with responsibility. "

Rio das Ostras lost its tourism and cultural potential a long time ago. We cautioned long ago against not only the attitudes taken by people with respect to the Stone Well, but also about children, adolescents and adults using the square to practice skating without any action being taken by men who should take care of our Municipal Public Heritage.

Ana Biju - Beadcraft supplies and lessons

2012-02-15T22:00:00.001-02:00

What: Ana Biju - Beadcraft supplies
Where: Rua Uruguai, Extensão do Bosque
Hours: Monday through Friday -9am to 6pm
Contact: (22) 2764-1128

Are you a bead-crafter? Ana Biju has a really big variety of beads and beading supplies at very good prices.

They offer classes in the store, Monday through Friday from 2pm to 4pm. You purchase the supplies you need and the class is FREE. Please call first to arrange an appointment for the class, but come any time during regular hours to shop.

They need six people for each class, so sign up and bring a friend or five.

During the class they will make any of the items on display. You could choose a bracelet, necklace, window decoration, keychain or anything else you can think of.

The employees do not speak English, so be prepared with a bit of Portuguese vocabulary. They were extremely helpful and friendly with all of our questions, and what better way to practice your new language than in a fun class?

Go stop by, sign up for a class and let them know Peg sent you. Have fun!

Click the location link below to see exactly where they are.

Rio das Ostras Carnaval Schedule

2012-02-10T13:15:00.000-02:00

The Secretary of Tourism of Rio das Ostras released the full schedule of Carnaval 2012 on Monday, April 6th.

The festival will feature parades with more than 20 blocos, daily shows in Centro, Costazul, Rocha Leão, Cantagalo, lambaeróbica in Lagoa de Iriry, and matinees at the Iate Clube.

The City Council is preparing to welcome the revelers with joy and security. The Municipal Guard will be working on all the streets with traffic control, and will support the Military Police, which this year has 60 more policemen on the force than last year. The Health Department is also preparing extra staffing in health facilities which are open 24 hours a day, and following a request from the Department of Tourism, put ambulances in strategic locations with the highest concentration of people. Following is the complete schedule of Carnival 2012 for Rio das Ostras:

Parades with Blocos

Opening of Carnival: Feb 17th - Friday

Orla do Centro
4pm to 8pm – Bloco Siri with Cãibra
8pm to 1am – Blocana

Orla de Costazul
4pm to 6pm – Banda de Costazul
6pm to 9pm – Bloco da Barata

Feb 18th – Saturday

Orla do Centro
1pm to 2pm – Bloco do Combate à Dengue
2pm to 5pm – Bloco da Feliz Idade
6pm to 8pm – Bloco Bacalhau na Vara
8:30pm to 10:30pm – Bloco Boi Bumbá

Orla de Costazul
1:30pm to 3:30pm – Kerostra
4pm to 6pm – Bloco da Barata
6:30pm to 8:30pm – Blocana
8pm to 10pm – Bloco Coruja

Rocha Leão
7pm to 9pm – Bloco Unidos de Rocha Leão Dia

Feb 19th - Sunday

Orla do Centro

10:30am to noon – Bloco da Melhor Idade – Projeto Social do Esporte
1pm to 3pm - Kerostra
3:30pm to 5:30pm – Bloco Pescoço do Peru
6pm to 8pm – Bloco Siri com Cãibra
8:30pm to 10:30pm – Bloco do Sandro Bailarino

Orla de Costazul
1:30pm to 3:30pm – Blocana
4pm to 6pm – Bloco Coruja
6:30pm to 8:30pm – Bloco da Barata
9pm to 11pm – Bloco Universitário RO

Cantagalo
5pm to 9pm – Bloco Galo da Madrugada

Jardim Mariléa – Pç. Jaime Rodrigues Avillar
5pm to 10pm – Bloco Borboleta Azul

Praiamar
4pm to 8pm – Bloco do Maia Praiamar

Feb 20th – Monday

Orla do Centro
1pm to 3pm – Bloco das Piriguetes
3:30pm to 5:30pm – Bloco A Gripe do Grilo
6pm to 8pm – Bloco dos Amigos
8:30pm to 10:30pm – Bloco Universitário RO

Orla de Costazul
1:30pm to 3:30pm – Bloco Pescoço do Peru
4pm to 6pm – Bloco Coruja
6:30pm to 8:30pm – Bloco da Barata
9pm to 11pm – Banda de Costazul

Rocha Leão
7pm to 9pm – Bloco Unidos de Rocha Leão

Feb 21st – Tuesday

Orla do Centro
1pm to 3pm – Kerostra
3:30pm to 5:30pm – Bloco Bacalhau na Vara
6pm to 8pm – Bloco Boi Bumbá
8:30pm to 10:30pm – Bloco dos Amigos

Orla de Costazul
1:30pm to 3:30pm – Bloco Siri com Cãibra
4pm to 6pm – Bloco Coruja
6:30pm to 8:30pm – Bloco da Barata
9pm to 11pm – Blocana

Lagoa de Iriry
3pm to 5pm – Bloco Pescoço do Peru

Cantagalo
5pm – Bloco Galo da Madrugada

Jardim Mariléa – Pç. Jaime Rodrigues Avillar
5pm to 10pm – Bloco Borboleta Azul

Feb 22nd – Wednesday

Orla de Costazul
5:30pm to 9pm – Bloco do Torresmo

Shows

Centro – Praça São Pedro – starting at 11pm
Feb 18th – Batuke D´Gueto
Feb 19th – Banda Pressão
Feb 20th – Banda Tribal do Brasil
Feb 21st – Banda Sob Medida

Every day after each show, DJ Rogerinho pumps up the nite with mechanical sound.

Camping de Costazul – starting at 11pm
Feb18th – Banda Turbilhão
Feb 19th – Glauco Zulo
Feb 20th – Banda Sob Medida
Feb 21st – Bateria da Mocidade

Lambaeróbica Dance with Sandro bailarino

Lagoa de Iriry
Feb 18th thru the 22nd – from 11am to 5pm
Lambaeróbica dance classes open to the public

Rocha Leão Shows

All starting at 9pm:
Feb 18th – Jean D´Luka
Feb 19th – Ziza Brasil e Banda Axe Rio
Feb 20th – Jean D´Luka
Feb 21st – Ziza Brasil e Banda Axe Rio

Cantagalo Shows

Coreto da Praça Waldemar Barcellos
All starting at 9pm
Feb 18th – Ziza Brasil e Banda Axe Rio
Feb 19th – Jean D´Luka
Feb 20th – Ziza Brasil e Banda Axe Rio
Feb 21st – Jean D´Luka

Matinês - (Children's shows)

Iate Clube Rio das Ostras – Centro
From 4pm to 8pm
Feb 18th – Banda Costazul
Feb 19th – Banda Costazul
Feb 20th – Banda Batukada
Feb 21st – Banda Costazul

Rio das Ostras offers special treatment to seized birds

2012-02-03T16:43:00.001-02:00

[Article and photos provided by Secom Rio das Ostras - my translation]

Many residents of Rio das Ostras do not know, but the Department of Environment, Agriculture and Fisheries has a facility for rehabilitation of wild birds seized in police operations. The birds are placed in quarantine and are kept for an observation period for thirty to forty days.

The work has been performed just outside of the Parque dos Pássaros for about five years. According to Adriana Moutinho, the veterinarian in charge, the observation period is important for the birds to relearn to fly, find food and socialize with other birds. "An animal bred in captivity is easy prey for predators. We also observed that some birds arrive aggressive and stressed. Sometimes they happen to be sick," she said.

Besides the animals seized, the site also get birds which are delivered by families. "Some birds get bad care because their owners have no knowledge of the most appropriate way of dealing with a wild animal. Parrots, for example, often are overweight." says Adriana. After the period of observation and treatment, the recovered birds may be released into nature, sent to Ibama or placed near the pond at the Park.

Currently, among the animals that are quarantined there are two on the endangered species list according to Ibama: the parrot Chauá and the Tiriba Perola. The technical advisor to the Secretary, Ivan Noé, reinforces the importance of returning birds. "When a bird is turned in voluntarily, the penalty is reduced. Make the delivery, because it is no use keeping it at home. There will come a time when a complaint is made, and the owner will be booked according to the Environmental Crimes Law." he says.

Special Business Zone (ZEN) Will Have Twenty New Companies

2012-02-03T15:08:00.000-02:00

[Article and photos provided by Secom Rio das Ostras - my translation]

Entrepreneurs highlight infrastructure offered by the Prefecture and the location as main attractions.

The Special Business Zone of Rio das Ostras (ZEN), managed by the Municipal Secretary of Development for the Oil Endustry, is fulfilling its role in local economic development and job creation. At the beginning of the year, seven companies requested approval of their construction projects and another five will submit their documentation. Already under construction, eight more companies should establish their units later this year.

"Zen has had great success, and expansion will follow this success because it is seen increasing demand for this area in Rio das Ostras," says Paulo Abreu, vice president of Drilling Risers division of Aker Solutions in Brazil, the first company to settle in Zen and one of the leading companies in the world wide oil industry. It highlights the advantages of the development of the Municipality which are good infrastructure, location and land use at a commercially viable price. "Zen offers infrastructure with electricity, water, sewer and transportation, and it is located next to our main customers. We also benefited from the service provisions of other Zen companies in sector such as painting, calderaria, welding, among others." explains the executive.

Rubens Valadares, operations manager of Brastech, another big company installed Zen which generates about 200 direct jobs and should expand its services has the same opinion. "We grew along with Zen and we are rapidly developing, acquiring new customers." said Valladares. "The structure of the area is quite satisfactory, with lighting, security, and the Vocational Training Center where our employees conduct courses in Management, and Salvage, among others," remarked the manager. The executive notes that the company gives priority to the residents of Rio das Ostras, and that there are those who came from other places to live in the city, which shows that the installation of an industrial area benefits the whole city, moving the economy.

Among the advantages of Zen to the city is the generation of 5,193 direct jobs and another 2 thousand indirect jobs. The area was also responsible, in 2011, for collecting more than R$12 million in taxes and fees to the municipality.

INVESTMENTS - With 1,323 thousand m2, ZEN is located in a strategic area at the edge of Macae, next to Parque de Tubos, where in addition to a branch of Petrobras, there are a large number of companies that operate onshore and offshore in the Campos Basin.

According to Kátia Brandão, Secretary of Municipal Development, Business and Petroleum, the City has invested more than R$15 million in the Zen infrastructure. Besides the costs of maintaining the area, the municipality is applying more than R$80,000 in the reformation of the Vocational Training Center. Another US$370,000 is being spent in the construction of an access route to vans and shelter for loading and unloading which will benefit employees and students of the Zen Center of Vocational Training, offering more safety and comfort.

SUCCESS - The city is now preparing the implementation of the New ZEN, with an initial investment of R$1,625,000 in expropriation, a project that will bring together over 15 companies, large companies which are as respected in the market as those currently occupying Zen. At least another 4000 jobs will be created in the new venture. "The Special Zone Business of Rio das Ostras is the result of very well handled planning and shows that you can promote the growth of a region in an organized way. The structure that is offered greatly facilitates the operation of the industries which are installed there. As a leading supplier of services, valves and anchor cables for the oil and gas industry, Lupatech is secure in saying that Zen is a successful example to be followed throughout Brazil."concludes the service manager at Lupatech, Renato Escochi.

The Orange City of Rio das Ostras

2012-01-31T04:52:00.000-02:00

Article written by Angel Morote for Rio das Ostras Journal - My translation

The orange city of Rio das Ostras, and what an orange!

Who knows, maybe later this year, or maybe next year, Rio das Ostras will return to normal and end up with a lighter look, without the visual pollution of our city.

The Courts of Rio de Janeiro (TCE-RJ) ordered the removal of the orange [paint in our] crosswalks in Rio das Ostras in November 2011 because the tracks were not in accordance with the standards of the National Traffic Department (Denatran). However, the orange is still bearing fruit and they have not yet removed the color from the streets of the city.

We shall see...

Another Blunder

2012-01-29T15:09:00.000-02:00

[Article from Secom Rio das Ostras - my translation]

The City of Rio das Ostras is constructing a Fire Department headquarters but the corporation says they were not advised.

The Commander General of the Fire Department headquarters denies knowledge of the construction of the building in the city. The population is served by the Fire Department headquarters in Macae, which is 23 km away. The construction being done by the City to house the Military Police and the Fire Department is causing an impasse in Rio das Ostras.

Despite the investment of R$2 million, the Commander General of the Fire Department is unaware of the project, and says there is no provision to allocate manpower and equipment to occupy the building. The work is a longstanding demand of the residents, since the city has no fire station. The population is served by the Fire Department headquarters in Macae which is 23 km away.

However, the Commander General of the Fire Department gave a statement that he did not know about the construction of the headquarters and, to date, no formal request for personnel and operational equipment has been made. The county attorney disputes this. He says that in 2004, an agreement was signed with the state for installation of the fire brigade base. At that time a city ordinance would have been created allowing the city to build the site and donate to the state. Work has already begun on the construction site. The workers have done the excavation of more than five thousand square meters at the building site, preparing it for the Fire Department headquarters.

Photos courtesy of Secom Rio das Ostras

City starts construction of Fire Department and Military Police Base in Rio das Ostras

2012-01-29T14:52:00.001-02:00

[Article from Secom Rio das Ostras - my translation]

To speed the deployment of units, the municipality is bearing all costs of the construction. Construction has started on an operational base for the Fire Brigade and another for the Military Police in Rio das Ostras on land donated by the prefecture. The construction was started last Monday, the 16th, after Mayor Carlos Augusto authorized investment, along with the other large project of the urbanization of the Nova Esperança area.

Mayor Carlos Augusto said that while the construction of state-run institutions is not an obligation of the municipality, the Public Administration of Rio das Ostras understands that the city needs a fire station and a base for the PM. "For the growing population demand, the installation of a Headquarters for firefighters and police officers contributes to the increased the safety of our residents. For this purpose we have engaged a partnership with these institutions, and make this investment with our own resources." he said.

At various times the people of Rio das Ostras are served primarily by the Municipal Civil Defense while waiting to be attended to by the Fire Department Battalion, located more than 20 miles from the city in Macae. Even in the absence of a unit in the incorporated city, residents have to pay an annual fire tax. In addition to the land, the Department of Urban Planning and Public Works is investing just over R$2 million to build independent operational bases for the Fire Department and the Military Police.

The building, divided between the two corporations, is 750 square meters including accommodation, sports court, playground with artificial grass and a roof with rainwater reclamation . The deadline for completion is seven months, according to the Department of Urban Planning and Construction.

AGREEMENT - The institution headquarters will be equipped by the State Government, as well as effective relocation to the site. The commitment was recorded in the agreement signed by the prefecture and published in the Official Journal of the State.

Photos by Mauricio Rocha

Rio das Ostras will invest R$25 million in improvements in Nova Esperança

2012-01-19T04:08:00.000-02:00

(Article from Secom Rio das ostras - My translation)

City of Rio das Ostras will invest R$25 million in improvements in Nova Esperança.

Mayor Carlos Augusto gave the order of execution for public works that will improve the area with a sewer network, recreation area, new paving and a new drainage system.

With funds from the municipal budget, the prefecture of Rio das Ostras began another important project after Mayor Carlos Augusto gave the order of execution on Monday the 16th. More than R$25 million will be injected into the area of Nova Esperança for urbanization, improvements of sewage and drainage, paving, landscaping and lighting. The deadline for completion of the work is 28 months.

Mayor Carlos Augusto highlights the historical importance of the location, the presence of conservation areas and the concentration of a significant number of people were factors that contributed to prioritizing the investments. "It's an immense satisfaction to see that, despite all the difficulties that the city government had during the last two years with losses in the collection of royalties, it was possible to develop and implement an important project of urbanization and sanitation for the residents of Nova Esperança." he said, noting that many other locations will also be improved with projects later this year.

About 1,500 homes in Nova Esperança will have their individual networks connected to the sewage collection system which will pump the waste to the Wastewater Treatment Plant (ETE). About nine thousand meters of pipe will be installed for sewage collection and treatment, and a 10,000 meter network for drainage of rainwater.

A plaza will also be built in the area, with the installation of fiber toys and synthetic grass. The population can also expect sixteen thousand square meters of interlocking paving blocks, pavement and asphalt, and twenty one thousand square meters of sidewalk, with different points of accessibility. The advisor of Planning and Control of the Department of Works, Mário Jorge Rabello, explains that the Administration has chosen to use interlocking pavers to facilitate the flow of rainwater, and to add more beauty to the finish.

Retired couple Joacir Garcia and Darci dos Santos have lived in Nova Esperança for fifteen years, during which they "eagerly awaited improvements in the locality." "This investment is a guarantee of a better future for our daughter and our grandchildren," he said.

Paul Rodriguez has been a shop keeper for twenty years in the area and believes that the customer base in his grocery store should improve with the infrastructure improvements. "Many times we wanted a well-kept neighborhood. For us locals, this work is a great joy because we will not suffer with more flooding problems," said the merchant.

In the coming weeks, the Department of Urban Planning and Public Works will begin the renovation and expansion of the health care center of Nova Esperança.

(Photos by Mauricio Rocha)
(Click the "location" link below to see where Nova Esperança is located.)

Rio das Ostras Invests in Sidewalks Between The Municipal Border and Parque de Tubos

2012-01-12T18:21:00.000-02:00

(Translated by me from an article by Secom Rio das Ostras)

The city of Rio das Ostras is investing in work to provide more security for pedestrians. Construction of the alternative route for workers who have to walk between the municipality and the bus Terminal at Parque de Tubos will be in its final phase at the end of this month.

Rio das Ostras inaugurates another improvement project for the population. This time the investment will benefit, in particular, workers who need to walk between the boundaries of Rio das Ostras and Macae, since the municipal public transport is impeded by the Department of Road Transport (DETRO) - from circulating in the neighboring municipality. They are in the final phase of the construction of a pedestrian access up to the bridge that divides the two municipalities, as well as a covered bus stop.

On the morning of Thursday the 12th, Secretary of Urban Planning and Works, Wayner Fajardo, was with the technical team to finalize the details of construction. The investment of R$370 thousand covers lighting and paving improvements. Fajardo details that are 750 square meters of cobblestone paving, 550 square meters of concrete, 19 poles with 250 watt lamps in addition to 160 square meters of roofing, and landscaping throughout the area.

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY - The Secretary of Public Order and Urban Control, Colonel Sergio Pinto points out that the work is already minimizing the risk that passengers are subjected to when they have to walk about a kilometer from Rodovia Estadual, between one municipality and the other to connect with other transport. "With the construction of an alternative access, which extends to near Parque de Tubos in Macae, pedestrians gain a little security until we can resolve the impasse to get authorization from DETRO for the public transport from Rio das Ostras to be allowed to disembark and embark passengers in the Terminal at Parque de Tubos." said the Secretary of Public Order.

The intent of the Public Administration of Rio das Ostras is to get permission from DETRO for the municipal transport passengers to disembark in Parque de Tubos and not on the highway, as it is today. The City notes that it has no interest in creating a line of intercity transportation. For now the aim is to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers using the transportation line which connects the areas of Cantagalo and Jardim Miramar in Rio das Ostras, and who need to embark and disembark in Parque de Tubos.

The prefectures of Rio das Ostras and Macaé signed an agreement in 2009 whereby Macaé allows the entrance of vehicles from this line into the terminal and to return afterwards to Rio das Ostras. DETRO did not recognize the validity of the agreement, recorded in office, nor requests for formal meetings by public officials of the Secretary of Public Order and Urban Control of Rio das Ostras with leading members of the entity.

NEW EMBARKATION LOCATION - From the time of the inauguration of the work, passengers will no longer board at Avenida Zen, but will instead board on the new site a few meters from the old bus stop.

(Click the "location" link below to see where the work is being done.)

The Forgotten Eco Tour of Rio das Ostras

2012-01-04T09:00:00.000-02:00

Translated from THIS ARTICLE written by Angel Morote

Restaurants, hotels and recreation areas close for lack of incentive.

The mediocre tour packages being sold in Rio das Ostras are intended only for the beaches and coastal areas of Costazul. The rural circuit of the Rio das Ostras countryside is left forgotten by the absence of initiatives, primarily by institutional advertising, which spends millions of dollars in advertisements calling attention to the quality of life for its residents. This is certainly hype and forgets that there are tourists who spend money wherever they go.

The mediocre tour packages being sold in Rio das Ostras are intended only for the beaches and coastal areas of Costazul, while residents and investors of rural areas await the crumbs with this unsuitable centralisation of tourism.

As its name implies, ECORURAL invites visitors for leisure and entertainment to the mountain area or to simply visit the sites of our hills and farms. However, the Rural Eco Tour is forgotten. Fields, mountains, restaurants with natural wood stoves, pousadas in Rocha Leão and Cantagalo seem not to be part of Rio das Ostras. The municipality had a vocation for tourism well before the invention of the defunct Rural Circuit, confirmed by tourists coming from the capital and great urban centers in Brazil and the world. The owners expanded leisure areas in the interior with large investments, making them available to visitors with the support of the municipal government to encourage rural tourism, which before then was only done to ensure survival.

In 2003 teams from City Hall including Sebrae, the local Ecological Movement, Emater and the Brazilian Association of Rural Tourism in Rio de Janeiro joined together in making tourism of a quality that did not work. Even though the value for the Promotion of Tourism is ninety thousand reais (US$50k) as described in the budget of the Department of Tourism for 2012, this is a negligible amount for those who want to promote their local tourism as a means of development of rural areas.

The Circuito Rural signs placed by the road leading to Cantagalo, one of the dream paths of rural Rio das Ostras, are damaged, rusted, and totally forgotten. Rural tourism is a distinct economic activity that aims to show the simple life and the survival of man on the field, and to promote the reverse process of rural exodus.

Investors are leaving the scene over the city manager's non-commitment to support and encourage advertising campaigns and lack of institutional participation in national and international tourism events to promote the city, and especially the rural zone of Rio das Ostras. The management of Rio das Ostras tourism has largely forgotten the Rural Zone and designed the consolidated events of the past, like the meeting of Motorcyclists, Jazz and Blues Festival and Seafood Festival, all with their original formats uncharacterized over time to try save investment costs.

A massive incentive in the rural areas is vital to the survival of their residents and local investors, which will offer quality tourism to national and international tourists.

All photos in this article via Rio das Ostras Journal

Map of the Neighborhoods of Rio das Ostras

2012-01-03T18:21:00.000-02:00

Click THIS LINK to go to the interactive map of Rio das Ostras. Roll your mouse over the city to see each neighborhood highlighted.