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PERGOLA1: The design, preparation, and build in ...

Vast improvements to our main pool patio area continue with the design & build of PERGOLA1

PERGOLA1: The design, preparation, and build in 2022

St John Film Society Presents 'Milking the Rhino' April 3, 2012

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

2011/2012 Films

Directed by David E. Simpson: 85 minutes, 2008, Documentary
7:30 pm / St. John School of the Arts, Cruz Bay
Milking the Rhino examines Africa’s deepening conflict between humans and animals in an ever-shrinking world. It is the first major documentary to explore wildlife conservation from the perspective of people who live with wild animals. Shot in some of the world’s most magnificent locales, the film offers complex, intimate portraits of rural Africans at the forefront of community-based conservation: a revolution that is turning poachers into preservationists and local people into the stewards of their land. With memorable characters and spectacular locations, this film tells intimate, hopeful and heartbreaking stories of people from Kenya and Namibia.

MEET DIRECTOR DAVID SIMPSON FOR DISCUSSION AFTER THE SCREENING!

David E. Simpson is a producer, director and editor who has crafted award-winning documentaries for over 25 years. His pioneering film about disability culture, When Billy Broke His Head, garnered dozens of major awards including a jury prize at Sundance and a duPont-Columbia Baton for journalistic excellence. David directed Refrigerator Mothers, about the mothers of autistic children, which won top honors at many festivals and aired on public television’s POV. Milking the Rhino aired on PBS’Independent Lens and screened at over five dozen film festivals on six continents.

*An On Screen/In Person program made possible by Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation through the generous support of the National Endowment for the Arts’ Regional Touring Program.

Get training your pooch for the St John's WAGAPALOOZA is set for May 19th!

Lucky - 2011 Best in Show 
SAVE THE DATE - WAGAPALOOZA!!! Just announced; this years Wagapalooza will be Saturday, May 19. We are offering sponsorship opportunities which will not only show your support for these animals but will also offer great exposure for your business. Please contact Kelly at kellcc1@aol.com for more information on sponsorship and donation opportunities. This year is going to be great. Pictured here is ACC Alumni Lucky winning Best in Show last year; I'm sure we will see him again this year with an entirely new set of tricks!!

Caneel Bay is asking for help - can you name this little girl?

Oh, how cute she is!
Straight from Facebook:
Caneel Bay
Please suggest a name for the baby donkey - it's a girl ... and we will let you know the winning suggestion (chosen by Oriel Smith, who is in-charge of the welfare our four-legged friends). If you prefer to e-mail this, please send any suggestions to patrick.kidd@rosewoodhotels.com - thank you..

Winners all who walked or ran the 8 Tuff Mile Race on St John this AM

Congrats to all to walked or ran the 8 Tuff Mile Race this AM. Here are the results - although everyone was a winner for just   for trying this VERY TUFF course!

Top 100:http://www.8tuffmiles.com/2012-top100.htm 

By age group:http://www.8tuffmiles.com/2012-agegroupsall.htm

Photos courtesy of 8 Tuff Miles

St John Film Society Presents -- Proceed and Be Bold - March 6, 2012

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

PROCEED AND BE BOLD*

2011/2012 Films
Directed by Laura Zinger:   90 minutes, 2008, Documentary
7:30 pm / St. John School of the Arts, Cruz Bay
Amos Paul Kennedy Jr. is an internationally recognized printing press artist known for his socially and politically charged works of art.  At age 40 and unsatisfied with his comfortable, middle-class life, Amos traded in his computer for a printing press and his white collar for a pair of overalls. Armed with life, liberty, peanuts and a meager yearly income of $7,000, Amos cranked out a new, rebellious declaration of independence.
The film joins Amos in a fascinating account of his story, while examining the pretensions and provisions of the art world. The work of this self-proclaimed “Humble Negro Printer” raises emotionally-charged questions and reveals remarkable depth beneath the bold print. By learning the rules and then choosing to break them, Amos redefines what life (and letterpress printing) can be: exhilarating and revolutionary.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE FILM / ARTIST / FILMMAKER AT THESE WEBSITES: 20K FILMS, PROCEED ,  AMERICAN CRAFT, AMOS KENNEDY
JOIN DIRECTOR LAURA ZINGER  AND AMOS PAUL KENNEDY JR. FOR DISCUSSION  AFTER THE SCREENING!
Laura Zinger is the founder and owner of Chicago-based, creative content production company 20K Films. Her 2008 initiative, Proceed and Be Bold has been screened in countries around the world.  Zinger has worked for various film companies, including MGM, Pretty Pictures and MOJO, a post-production trailer house. In addition to 20K Films, Zinger works as the Web Video Producer for Milk For Thought, a new national website dedicated to connecting, empowering and supporting breastfeeding mothers.
Amos Paul Kennedy Jr. is a journeyman letterpress printer living in rural Alabama, and the thought provoking subject of the film Proceed and Be Bold!  He is a remarkable man and exciting mentor to budding art students or retiring corporate workers ready to finally take on the art form than means something to him or her.
*An On Screen/In Person program made possible by Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation through the generous support of the National Endowment for the Arts’ Regional Touring Program.

Virgin Islands National Park proposes new path to Honeymoon Bay

Honeymoon beach on St John

Getting to this beach (Honeymoon on St John) might be a whole lot easier soon

VINP Environmental Assessment Ready for Proposed Reconstruction 
Written by Tradewinds Staff   
Wednesday, 22 February 2012 
Virgin Islands National Park officials released a scoping newsletter recently announcing the Environmental Assessment for the Proposed Reconstruction of a Shared Use Path to Connect the VINP Visitor Center and Honeymoon Bay.
The Virgin Islands National Park is located on the island of St. John, the smallest of the three main inhabited United States Virgin Islands. The majority of destinations within the Virgin Islands National Park are located along the North Shore Road.
However, access to the park along the North Shore is currently limited to taxi/safari bus or car, with no safe access for bicyclists or pedestrians due to steep grades, steep drop-offs or hillsides along the road edge, and limited sight distances. This contributes to parking demand exceeding supply, unendorsed parking, resource impacts, safety conflicts, and a poor visitor experience.
The National Park Service proposes to construct a paved shared use path to connect the Visitor Center with Honeymoon Bay. A shared use path in this location would provide a safe transportation alternative to the use of North Shore Road, in addition to being Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant, thereby increasing recreational opportunities for the public.
Copies of the scoping newsletter are available at the Park Visitor Center at 1300 Cruz Bay Creek in Cruz Bay, St. John. The newsletter will also be available on the National Park Service’s Planning, Environment, and Public Comment website http://parkplanning.nps.gov. Under “Choose a Park” click on “Virgin Islands National Park” and follow the link to “Shared Use Path EA.” 
Please send comments by March 21, 2012. It is National Park Service practice to make all comments, including names and addresses of respondents who provide that information, available for public review.
Individuals may request that the National Park Service withhold their name and/or address from public disclosure. Anyone who wishes to do this using the website can make such a request by checking the box “keep my contact information private.” If submitting written comments, please state this request at the beginning of the comment. The National Park Service will honor such requests to the extent allowable by law.

Footnote by St_John_Villa = We think this is a terrific concept and great addition to St John.  We are especially encouraged that the VINP continues to have on its 'wish list' an accessible path that would stretch along the north shore.  If you also concur, please use the link above and let your voice be heard! March 21 is the deadline so don't delay!

St John (USVI) Folklife Festival showcases the best of St John's culture

 

Folklife Festival Kicks Off at Annaberg
BY LYNDA LOHR — FEBRUARY 23, 2012, St John Source
Mrs Olivia Christian demonstrates the baking of Dumb-bread (photo courtesy of St John Magazine and Elizabeth Magro)

“At this stage in our history, we don’t grow as much as we used to,” said University of the Virgin Islands Cooperative Extension Service specialist Carlos Robles, speaking to dozens of students from several St. Thomas and St. John schools as well as numerous visitors who gathered at Annaberg Plantation for the festival.  The V.I. National Park’s 21st annual Folklife Festival kicked off Thursday with an emphasis on the event’s theme, "Wake Up and Plant a Seed."

According to Robles, about 99 percent of the territory’s food is imported. However, he said that doesn’t have to be the case because vegetables like peppers, sweet potatoes and cucumber grow well in the territory.
“This cucumber was grown in St. Croix,” Robles said, holding it aloft.
The herb basil also grows well in the Virgin Islands, he said, pointing out its use in making bush tea.
Park ranger Denise Georges, who organized the event, said that there is more to planting seeds than gardening. To demonstrate, Ingrid Bough, who heads up the territory’s libraries for the Planning and Natural Resources Department, was on hand to read “It’s Library Day.”
“Books are our friends,” Bough said.
The students from St. Thomas’ Bowsky School as well as St. John’s Guy Benjamin, Julius E. Sprauve and Gifft Hill schools had myriad expectations about what they’d learn on their field trip.
“I want to learn new things about St. John, see different people and learn about history,” said 9-year-old Daija Williams, a Bowsky School student. read entire story

What island is on your bucket list?


 Photographer-artist Steve Simonsen's aerial view of St John's north shore
St John and the US Virgin Islands tops the 'Top Destinations lists for 2012' by Conde Neste Traveller and Lonely Planet and we hope it is on your list as well.   
  • Fabulously beautiful views - No matter where you look, whether above water or below, the views are spectacular.  With our mountainous terrains and turquoise waters the vistas are truly spectacular.
     
  • Silky soft sandy beaches - With well over 30 beaches to choose from your choices are virtually endless.
     
  • Family and kid friendly island - Whether you are introducing young children to swimming and snorkeling or wanting to have a quality family time St John is for you.  The waters are virtually free of undertow and even the smallest ones can stand at the water's edge and see fish swim by their feet.  Restaurants are extremely casual and most welcome kids.
     
  • We take great pride that our villa, Great Expectations, also makes the 'Trip Advisor's Top 10' list of over 400 villas.
 Villa Hot Tub and Pool patio overlooking Chocolate Hole harbor 

February News flashes and fun St John clips

  • St John 2nd Annual Arts Festival - is a great time to experience the best of St John's culture. From music of steel bands & gospel music to viewing original films from traditional narrative-type documentaries to abstract works dealing with images and sound. The first VIP Mini Film Festival, held in 2010, included videos ranging from funny home movies to professional animation and award-winning videos by international artists.  This year's Fest happening February 18 - 20 will be even more diverse.
  • 10th Annual Love City Vow Renewals - Valentine's Day February 14 is a very special day worldwide but on St John we kick it up a notch with a wonderful event hosted at Trunk Bay.  Whether people are celebrating their first day of marriage or their 50th year, rain or shine, love is in the air.
     
  • 8 Tuff Mile Race - This February 25 marks the 'Sweet 16th' year of this aptly named race.  Whether you are a runner, walker, or cheerleader this is a fun day showcasing the rugged beauty of St John.
     
  • Movie night at Great Expectations - Our newly renovated Great Room now features a fabulous 12 foot recycled-glass-top counter (designed and made by the same artisans who make the beautiful recycled glassworks at Maho Bay Glass Studio), a 60 inch Sharp High Definition LED TV, and for your movie snacks, we have added a 48" Sub-Zero stainless-steel refrigerator and a Scotsman automatic ice-maker.

Enough good reasons to plan a trip to St John? We hope so! Come to St John - and Great Expectations - to experience the magic for yourself.
Best,
Chuck & Kristin
P.S. Check out our availability and discounts including our Last Minute 20% Off Travel Special for March 17 to 24 which is yours now for the asking, a week ahead of when it would usually become available! 
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St John makes the 'top 10 travel destinations' - once again!


Eyes In Magazine is a magazine about the world’s innovative creators and their masterpieces. EYES IN spotlights innovation in fields of architecture, art, beauty, books, culinary arts, culture, design, fashion, film, finance, health, music, photography, real estate, science and travel. It's a must read for anyone who wants to stay informed on global trends, upcoming and celebrity creators in these areas.  
Today's issue of the Eyes In Travel Section has issued a 'Top 10 US Places to Visit this Year' and the US Virgin Islands tops the list.  Their picture of Trunk Bay (above) says it all about why we made the list!  

St John comes together (again) to support its own

Anyone who has passed by the Post Office or Uncle Joe's BBQ has, I bet, 'met' Russ who manages the information booth.  A couple of weeks ago now Russ was badly injured in an early morning collision.  Russ was in his dinghy which was hit by the Caneel ferry. With broken bones and a severe head injury Russ was transported to the St Thomas hospital and then airlifted to Miami where he continues to be in intensive care.  His St Johnian buddies have rallied to support him and are hosting a benefit sail this coming Friday.  If you are on island it will be a great event - fun and giving to a good cause.  If you are not on-island but would like to help, please check out his Facebook page  and indicate you want to help Russ heal and return to St John! Thanks for caring......

Snowball party on St John? Absolutely!

Come party and, at the same time, support one of St John's most wonderful organization's - the St John Animal Care Center (SJACC) - at their major winter gala.  This year's event should be pretty special.  It will be held at the spectacular Great Cruz Bay villa rental A La Mer.  Tickets can be purchased either on-line (www.sjacc.org) or on-island at one of many sponsoring St John businesses.  The SJACC has transformed itself and in doing so has helped  our four-legged St Johnian buddies in immeasurable ways!

Help this pooch get home - St John USVI to Dallas TX or bust

Isn't this a great family picture?

Direct plea from the St John Animal Care Center SJACC):

DALLAS VISITORS WE NEED YOR HELP. Jon and Natalie have fallen in love with Coco and are adopting her. They live in Dallas and are leaving Thursday (TODAY!), but are flying Spirit Airlines and they do not take dogs cargo. IF ANYONE IS FLYING TO DALLAS ON THURSDAY (TODAY!) on American Airlines and is willing to be Coco’s escort, Jon and Natalie would sure appreciate it. They are on the afternoon Spirit flight arriving in Dallas at 10:20PM. If that doesn’t work out, we need anyone going to Dallas anytime soon who could take her. We can’t wait for Coco to meet all those nice Texans, they will love her. Look at her with her new family, she’s happy already.


What a great cause.  If you can help or know anyone who can please contact the SJACC as soon as possible at:
e-mail to:                       stjacc@islands.vi

phone:
340.774.1625
Website
http://www.stjohnanimalcarecenter.com/
http://www.stjacc.org/

Catch a bit of theater on St John - January 27 - Broadway comes to St John (again)!

St John School for the Arts (SJSA) is sponsoring, for the second year in a row, a musical production (under the rubric 'Broadway comes to St John'.  If this year's production entitled, World of Dreams, is anything like last year's production the audience will be in for a true treat!  Fourth graders from Guy Benjamin, Gifft Hill, and Julius Sprauve Schools will be featured.  NYC theater professionals - singers, dancers and choreographers -  work with the young students for several weeks prior to the production which should prove a special experience for both groups.  This production is one of SJSA's fundraiser's so there is a part for you to play as well!  SJSA will sell tickets for the first show for $200 each.  This will include a champagne reception and dinner at one of St John's wonderful restaurants (e.g. Fatty Crabs, Lime Inn, or our personal favorite LaTapa and several others).  The second show, at 8 PM, is free and open to all, although contributions will be gladly accepted!  Call the SJSA (340 779-4322) for more info. Get your tickets early, you and the kids of St John will be the better for it.

Santa arrives on St John!

Santa Visits St. John
St John Source reports....

The Battery was decked in its Christmas finery, Santa wore his plushest suit, and more than 100 excited kindergarten through third grade children lined up to sit on his lap as St. John welcomed the holiday season Monday with the annual Governor’s Christmas Party.


“I want a gift. I want a Christmas phone,” Nia Lewis, 5, said as she waited for Santa to arrive.
Alas, she had to make do with a plush teddy bear, while the boys received Hovensa trucks. All the kids received a copy of “The Lesson Box,” a children’s book written by St. Thomas resident Tregenza Roach and illustrated by St. John resident Karen Samuel.

Both were on hand to autograph the books for the students.

“I was very fortunate to have parents and grandparents to read to me,” Roach said, speaking about the desire to pass this habit along to a younger generation.

Taking a minute out from signing copies of his book, he said it’s a Caribbean story about how children learn the “laws of life,” including how things may be different than they appear.

Samuel said the text of the book inspired her illustrations.

First lady Cecile deJongh, on hand to shepherd the children onto Santa’s lap, said distributing books for Christmas fits in with Government House’s literacy campaign.

And, for the rest of the story

Plan your next trip to Paradise

After 2 decades of villa rentals, we’ve rented to hundreds of groups of vacationers and find they typically fall into 1 or 2 of 4 categories. We’ve detailed some actual St. John vacations here: