7:00 pm Thursday, October 22th
Marketplace
Cruz Bay, St John
Please join us this Thursday night for an extraordinary work of visual journalism, a richly illustrated report on a distant catastrophe that is also one of the central stories of our time.
“…a tale about humans between the North and the South, about globalization, and about fish.”
Some time in the 1960’s, in the heart of Africa, a new animal was introduced into Lake Victoria as a little scientific experiment. The Nile Perch, a voracious predator, extinguished almost the entire stock of the native fish species. However, the new fish multiplied so fast, that its white fillets are today exported all around the world.
This booming multinational industry has created an ungodly globalized alliance on the shores of the world’s biggest tropical lake: an army of local fishermen, World bank agents, homeless children, African ministers, EU-commissioners, Tanzanian prostitutes and Russian pilots.
Come early for for dinner at The Marketplace!
Special Announcements: Halloween Treats: Popcorn, Candy & Beverages Available at the show on Thursday, from our friends at La Plancha
Free Zemi Caribbean Workshop “Inner Creative Journeys” Nov 10, 2009
The community is invited to a FREE workshop for anyone interested in experiencing “Inner Creative Journeys”. Viki Brown is the facilitator for this event on November 10, 2009 at 7pm – 9pm. She uses drumming and flute along with visualizations to guide you to find answers to specific questions that are intimately your own. She believes that by practicing these methods, originally brought to us from the indigenous Indians, that we can find what is true to our hearts. In doing so, we can have a more peaceful community and world.
Viki is also the coordinator for the workshops in January . See www.zemicaribbeanworkshops.com for details about the exceptional professional speakers that will guide you through a variety of ways to heal your body, mind, and soul. Learn about Yoga, Tai chi, Cosmology, Dance, Drumming, and Journeys for clarity. Please call Viki at 340 693 5308 or email viki@caribbeanworkshops.com for directions.
ZEMI CARIBBEAN WORKSHOPS
January 2010 in St. John, USVI at the Solyoga studio at Mongoose Junction in Cruz Bay, on the beach and in the National Park.
January 9-16th is: Healing Modalities Workshop
Dr. May Trieu – Chinese Medicine Healer, Acupuncturist, Tai Chi Instructor
Louise Olivi, M.S.- Your Authentic Self, intuitive/spiritual counselor, hypnotherapist, energy healer and Crop Circle Researcher.
Carla Murray- Vinyasa Restorative Yoga, Singer, Actor, Guitarist and Teacher of Voice.
Kelley Hunter, Ph.D., C.A.P.-Cosmology, internationally-known Astrologer and Mythologist.
Viki Brown- Inner Creative Journeys, Visualizations for clarity facilitator, Fine artist.
Eddie Bruce- Caribbean Drumming, teaches Theater Arts and Music.
Gina Wellner – Hoop Dance,Certified Hoop Dance and Ball Room Instructor
January 23-29th is: Tai Chi Alchemy and Healing Retreat
Rick Barrett- Tai chi Total Immersion, author of “Taijiquan: Through the Western Gate.” Internationally known Tai Chi Instructor.
Carla Murray- Vinyasa Restorative Yoga, singer, actor, guitarist and teacher of voice.
Kelley Hunter- Ph.D., C.A.P.- Cosmology, internationally-known Astrologer and Mythologist.
Viki Brown- Facilitator for Inner Creative Journeys, Fine artist.
Eddie Bruce- Caribbean Drumming, teaches Theater Arts and Music.
Gina Wellner – Hoop dance, Certified Hoop Dance and Ball Room Instructor
Zemi Caribbean Workshop prices for each week is $275 for one, two or all instructors. Arrive on Saturday and leave on Saturday. Wednesday is open for an optional group sail or beach day. Please see the Calendar at www.zemicaribbeanworkshops.com for more detailed information. Sign up in November, seating is limited. Contact viki@zemicaribbeanworkshops.com for best fares on accommodations or call 340 693 5308.
Viki Brown
www.Zemicaribbeanworkshops.com
340 642 2424 340 693 5308
HI! Crazy Cracker’s is hosing a fundraiser for Sharon “Puppy” Lees on November 7th. Doors open at 3:00, auction begins at 9:30. Dates with St. John’s most eligible bachelor’s will be auctioned off to the highest bidder. Gift certificates will be given for restaurants, bars, etc for the winner. A silent auction will also be held upstairs. All money raised will go toward Puppy’s medical expenses. We want to see everyone out!
Message from Ashley Osborne
Email: osbash2004@aol.com
Phone: 340-715-3361
Over the last few months I’ve been checking out the trails, scrambles, snorkels and places described in my book, St. John Off The Beaten Track, looking for changes and updates for the upcoming 2010 edition.
Despite the appearance of some threatening squalls moving along the Caribbean coast on St. John’s south shore, it turned out to be a perfect hiking day, that is some sunshine for taking photos and some cloud cover to mitigate some of the negative effects of our tropical summer sunshine. The little bit of rain that fell on us was just enough to be refreshing without leaving us soaking wet.
The first surprise of the day was the great job that was done on the steep trail leading down to Parrot Bay, transforming the once slippery path into a rustic set of stairs fashioned out of pieces of treated lumber supported by rebar stakes – my thanks to whoever was responsible, Nice job!
We walked along the deserted beach, from where you could see, looking out to the east the southern shoreline and mountain valleys of St. John all the way to Ram’s Head, 100% natural – no developments, no houses, condos hotels or what have you just the emerald green mountains, the reddish-white rock of the White Cliffs, blue skies and turquoise seas. A light invigorating onshore breeze carried the smells of the gently breaking surf and the nearby rain squalls.
At the end of the beach we scrambled over the colorful red and white “Chocolate Hole rocks” to Little Reef Bay and the only lagoon on St. John, then we hiked the short spur trail that takes you to the Reef Bay Trail near the sugar mill ruins.
The second surprise was that National Park crews had recently finished a great job of clearing around the ruins of the sugar factory, which looked better than I have ever seen them.
Before returning back to our starting point we checked out the Reef Bay Estate House, the seldom visited Par Force Estate ruins and the petroglyphs.
All in all, this is a really great hike offering access to many of the attractions of the Reef Bay Trail ( Sugar Mill ruins, Petroglyphs, Great House and Par Force Ruins) but substituting a sea level shoreline scramble for the steep decent down the Reef Bay Valley that failing arrangements for a pick up by boat would necessitate an arduous climb back up the valley.
I woke up yesterday morning to a heavy squall, thunder and lightning. I was looking forward to taking my son, Jacob, to the big Just Play happening at the Sprauve School ballpark. I was hoping that the weather would improve and wondering if the event would be canceled.
Meanwhile the organizer of the event, Dean Doeling, was probably also hoping that the weather would improve, but there was no way that he was going to consider cancellation. Like the US Post Office motto, “neither rain, sleet, snow or gloom of night” was going to keep Just Play from happening.
The weather did improve and Jacob and I made it down to the ball field just in time for the singing of the National Anthems and the Virgin Islands March.
As it turned out, despite the muddy field, the first annual Just Play event was a resounding success. It was just plain fun! You could see it on the faces of everyone there, not only the kids, but also the organizers and volunteers, were having a blast.
The kids were separated into age groups for competitions like the 50 Yard Dash, Football Throw, Soccer Kick For Accuracy, Obstacle Course, Dodge Ball, Tug Of War, Relay Soccer Race and Kick Ball.
In addition to the games there was music, demonstrations, prizes, free gifts, food and drinks.
I try to get over to Trunk Bay in the late afternoons for a nice long swim. It’s especially inviting during these summer months when the water is good and warm, just the way I like it.
Trunk Bay Stamp
The view from the Trunk Bay overlook on the North Shore Road is probably one of the most photographed scenes anywhere.
There’s even an official United States Postal Service stamp featuring that world famous vista.
Trunk Bay is the favorite destination for cruise ship passengers and day-trippers from St. Thomas and tends to be fairly busy, at least by St. John standards,
As the sun sets over St. Thomas, however, the scene changes and the beach is often just about empty.
The late afternoon at Trunk now attracts lovers of all kinds, beach lovers, beauty lovers and young lovers of all ages.
I shot this video of a typical Trunk Bay sunset a few days ago.
I-Tal
The music is by our own St. John culture bearer, I-Tal Anthony from Salt Pond Bay, enjoy!
St. John Film Society: Press Release Hello Film Society Friends Please join us next Tuesday night for a vibrant and hopeful film about the resourcefulness, determination, and optimism of the Cuban people as they recover from economic crises and make the transition to a more sustainable way of life.
a documentary by Director Faith Morgan and Co-Producers Pat Eugene Murphey & Megan Quinn (53 min) 2006
“…gives hope and explains the transition that we need to make.”
This inspiring film offers us a living model of sustainability, as Cubans tell the remarkable story of their nation’s recovery and its transition to organic agriculture, renewable energy, effective mass transit, lowered consumption, better health, and stronger communities.
Come out early for Julietta’s delicious rotis!
Bring a chair if you’ll be late!
St John Film Society Presents:
THE POWER OF COMMUNITY: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil
a documentary by Director Faith Morgan and Co-Producers Pat Eugene Murphey & Megan Quinn (53 min) 2006
“…gives hope and explains the transition that we need to make.”
The following is a press release from the St John Film Society. I’d just like to add a little note of local interest about one of the film:
The Denis Bay Connection
Some illustrious St. Johnians have lived at Denis Bay either as renters or caretakers. St. Johnian, Thomas Thomas, served as one of the first caretakers and Robert and Nancy Gibney were among the first renters, having leased the property in 1947. The late Carl Frank, the founder of Holiday Homes was also a caretaker. He passed on the enviable job to Peter Griffith and family. One of the Griffith’s daughters, Melanie Griffith, who is one of the stars in the Milagro Beanfield Wars, spent much of her childhood at Denis Bay.
Excerpted from St. John Off The Beaten Track
7:00 pm Tuesday, September 1
Sputnik Bar
Coral Bay, St John
“Milagro” is the Spanish word for “miracle”
THE MILAGRO BEANFIELD WAR
by Robert Redford (117 min) 1988
“Whimsical, yet credible”
This enjoyable tale of a small village’s fight over water rights is told with magical realism and humor. The residents of a small humble New Mexican agricultural community are threatened when big business appropriates their water rights to supply a posh housing development, thus depriving them of their one source of livelihood, crop raising. One man courageously stands up to fight the usurpers and causes division within the community.
Stars Ruben Blades, Sonia Braga, Melanie Griffith, Daniel Stern and John Heard.
” … a populist fable set in some beautiful New Mexican landscapes about one stubborn Chicano’s battle against an uncaring system.” The New York Times
Come early for Julietta’s famous rotis!
Seating is limited, so bring a beach chair if you’ll be late. See You There!
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Allawees AfterSchool Program
(Safe, Drug & Violence-Free Youth Activity)
St John Youth, ages 10 – 15, are invited to enroll now in an exciting 10 week program, sponsored by the St John Community Foundation and the V.I. Department of Human Services.
Sept. 14 – Nov. 19 Tues/Thurs 3-5:30 p.m.
Parents, Sponsors & Community Volunteers:
For more info contact Paul Devine at St John Community Foundation
(340) 693-9410, E-mail: allawe@sjcf.org
St. John Sunday Swim
Chelsea O’Brien and I have re instituted our “St. John Sunday Morning Long Distance Swim.” Next week we’ll be at Maho Bay at 8:30 AM and the course will be from the Green Building on the west end of the beach along the Maho Bay shoreline to the end, then around the point to Little Maho and on to the northern extreme of Francis Bay and back. We believe the course is about a mile and half or maybe a little more. Today we were joined by Sam from Pond Bay. Anyone who wants to join us is welcome and can do as little or as much of the course as they want.
Sea Turtle
Maho Bay: The Place to Find Sea Turtles
On the first leg of the swim along the Maho Bay shoreline, we saw turtles, just like last week and the week before. And I mean lots of turtles, I counted twelve today. There are several small ones some medium sized and one big mama turtle. I believe she’s a mama because she has two little ones following after her most of the time. They are Green Sea Turtles and are most commonly are around the grassy areas just about ten yards off shore.
Anyway, I know a lot of visitors like to see turtles. If you do, Maho Bay is the place to find them know. You can’t miss. Just snorkel around the grassy areas around the middle of the beach and look around.
The Rocky Point Between Big and Little Maho
The large rocks around the point between the two Mahos are a good place to see fish, especially these large schools of bright yellow French Grunts. There’s also some nice sponges, sea fans and some coral.
Francis Bay
Francis Bay: An Active Hunting Ground
At the northern end of Francis Bay we are seeing a lot of activity. Fry of different sizes, some rather tiny, some sardine size and some larger sprat sized ones abound and all the usual suspects are ready for the feast. Lurking on the outskirts of the schools of fry are the predators, jacks, Spanish mackerel, barracudas and tarpons darting into the masses of fry while from the air pelicans swoop down grabbing mouthfuls of fish. None of these guys seem to pay any attention at all to the two big fish, Chelsea and I, swimming in the middle of all of this commotion.
Back to Maho We return to Maho Bay good and tired after the swim. Feels good!
Strange Maho Bay Fauna
Sunday morning Maho Bay fauna almost always includes a sub species of human beings called physical fitness fanatics. Today, of course there were Sam, Chelsea and I and we saw Miles Stair taking a swim after his morning run. Last Saturday we bumbed into Hank Sloddin who does a cross country Sunday run starting at Maho, on to the Leinster Bay Trail, the Johnny Horn Trail over to Coral Bay and then up Kings Hill Road and back down to Maho. Talk about eight tough miles! Also last week we say Pat Mahoney, who was finishing up a twelve mile run. There’s always someone we know. Something about Maho Bay Sundays.
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