March Fundraisers for St. John Schools

Julius E. Sprauve School Gala, St. John USVI

St. John boasts a variety of schools to help guide our young people as they grow up here on island.  This is the month when you can help fund these schools which operate on a slim budget.  Here are three fun events that can make a difference for St. John children.....

Sat, March 16--Gifft Hill School  Dinner and Auction at the Westin St. John Resort $125 each for information call (340) 776-1730www.giffthollschool.org/auction.

Sat, March 23--Guy Benjamin School Benefit Flotilla at Vie's Campground at noon.  $20 each for information call Mary at (340) 513-8141

Sat, March 23--Julius E. Sprauve School Benefit Gala and Auction at Caneel Bay Resort.  For information call (340) 776-6336.

St. John Arts Festival this week!

There is a lot going on this week here in St. John for the 13th annual St. John Arts Festival and most of it takes place in Cruz Bay this weekend. Saturday, Feb. 16 the park near the ferry dock, Frank Powell Park will be the place to be....you can see Caribbean dancing, listen to steel pan drums, and watch school children exhibit their ballroom dancing skills.

In the coming week you'll be able to enjoy Koko and the Sunshine Band (Monday), Sambacombo Band (Tuesday), and Inner Visions (Wednesday). Be sure to stop by the small park near the post office and check out the local crafts for sale as well as delicious treats to take tot he beach.

A walk through Cruz Bay is a must during this Presidents Day vacation week....just soak in the music, do a little dancing, and buy some gifts for friends back home. For more information see www.stjohnartsfestival.org.

December 7 Caribbanese Art Reception

This Friday, December 7 come be part of a special art reception celebrating “Caribbanese: Caribbean/ Japanese Fusion In Art —The People,” at Kimberly Boulon Fine Art Gallery on the second floor of The Marketplace.

The evening event, from 5 to 8 p.m., in collaboration with  St. John School of the Arts will featuring local dance performances and a display of fine art that demonstrates the blend of art forms between Caribbean and Japanese cultures.  

A Kimberly Boulon painting and a Helen Dunkerley ceramics piece will be available by raffle tickets sold at the event supporting local arts education.  The evening will also include “Caribbanese Haiku” poetry by Beverly Melius and live music fusing Caribbean and Japanese styles.  For more information see http://www.stjohntradewindsnews.com/index.php/584-news/2012-12-news/8303-caribbanese-exhibition-at-kimberly-boulon-fine-art-gallery-to-feature-dance-ceramic-art-haiku-and-more.

Paddleboarding in St. John USVI

Have you glanced up from the beach lately and seen someone who looks like he or she is walking on water? It's just one more adventurer who has joined the new craze of Stand Up Paddleboarding or SUP as another way to get out on the water while vacationing on St. John.

In addition to being a great workout, it's a fun alternative to snorkeling since you can get incredible views of fish, coral, and the occasional turtle taking a dive down into the depths. The key to the first time out is balance ....you can start on your knees but it really is easier paddling once you stand up.

There are a few options for renting a paddle board or getting a few lessons. One company who has proven itself as the premier kayaking trip leader and guide for St. John USVI is Arawak Expeditions http://www.arawakexp.com/sup.htm. And someone who has started her own business is Karen Jarvis with Love City Paddle Boards (340) 642-9419. Pick a nice calm day and get out on those aqua blue waters!