St. Croix This Week

An Animal Story

This Spring the Virgin Island's Humane Learning Center celebrates its third year of humane education outreach on St. Croix. A sponsored project of the St. Croix Foundation for Community Development, the Humane Learning Center promotes compassion, respect and responsible human behavior towards all living beings and the environment. "My goal, having provided humane education to students on St. Croix for the past 9 years, is to decrease interpersonal violence and improve the safety and quality of life on St. Croix for both people and animals."

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In the last 3 years the Humane Learning Center has given 1,200 presentations to over 24,000 students and their teachers from Kindergarten through High School at both public and private schools. Different lessons for each grade build on information from the previous year, but all the lessons include responsible pet ownership -what every family member needs to stay safe, healthy and happy- safety around animals, the importance of spay and neuter and the connection between animal cruelty and interpersonal violence.

For each class we bring along a well-socialized dog or cat so students have the opportunity to interact with them safely. The program uses the caring for animals and understanding of the animal's needs to promote the values of justice, kindness and mercy to animals and to each other.

Our summer puppet program teaches conflict resolution skills and solutions to the problems of bullying. Participants see a puppet play that is a metaphor for following one's dream and rising above negative influences. They make their own puppets and role play potential situations they might encounter in real life. "People who feel good about themselves and develop positive communication skills are less likely to take their frustrations out on those more vulnerable."

One School Principal praised the program saying, "Each time Iam more impressed with the rapport you are able to develop with the students and the positive response you get from them. It is heartwarming to know that community organizations like yourself are so willing to expand the education of our students beyond the core academic subjects. For this we are truly appreciative. As a result of your efforts our children are more sensitive to the connection between kindness to animals and kindness to, and respect for each other."

This year the Humane Learning Center sponsored an essay contest for 6th grade students to compare how people and animals share some of the same positive qualities. They also hosted an Exhibit of works by student and local adult artists all depicting animals.

The Humane Learning Center has assisted 190 cats and dogs in finding their forever homes both on island and stateside through their "Love is in the Air" program. Travelers can escort a homeless pet to a partner rescue or shelter where they are guaranteed adoption. The Humane Learning Center supports all spay/neuter initiatives in the community and works to promote their success.

Charitable contributions can be made to the St. Croix Foundation with "Humane Learning Center" on the memo line.
Contact: Therese Donarski, Director: P.O. Box 223316, Christiansted, VI00822. (340) 690-5403.
humanelearningcenter@yahoo.com.
Or visit www.vihumanelearning.weebly.com.
Facebook: VIHumane Learning Center.

St Croix Birds - Up Close and Personal

It is summer in lovely warm St. Croix and time for baby birds. Even though the weather is conducive on the island to breeding all year long, most birds naturally have their babies in late spring and summer.

The White Cheek Pintail has a large group of downy yellow striped ducklings who immediately, after hatching, need to follow in line and keep up. They swim and forage for food on their own yet remain near the mother.

]]> The American Kestrel has two or three white fluffy young with full-size yellow talons. But the little falcons are completely dependent on their parents for months. The adult Kestrels are busy finding lizards, mice and insects to feed their carnivorous babies. And it is survival of the fittest as the ravenous young grab and gobble.

The Common Moorhen babies are quickly in the water and right behind their parents. With their bald, bright red head, they are easily seen by the mother and demand food. When danger is near they know to tuck under and into her feathers.

The very tiny Antillian Crested Hummingbird baby sleeps quietly in his small delicate nest waiting for his mother's return. She is constantly on the move bringing hourly nectar to her high metabolism baby.

Like the Hummimgbird, the Bananaquit babies remain in the nest until fully grown. As many as four babies hunker down quietly in the nest until the striking black and yellow mother appears with food. Then the chatter begins as each baby calls out as if to say... "ME, ME."

Should you come upon an injured or orphaned bird, contact me at 340-773-1839 or the St. Croix Animal Welfare Center at 340-778-1650.

Farm Fresh: Where to Find It

ARTfarm LLC
340-514-4873
Wed, 3-6 pm, Sat, 10-12 noon

Farmer / artist Luca Gasperi continues the tradition of quality, fresh, organically-grown tomatoes, microgreens, salad mixes, cooking greens, fruits, herbs, veggies, edible flowers and coconuts, potted trees and pineapple plants. www.artfarmllc.com

La Reine Farmers' Market
340-778-0998
Sat, 6:30 am 11 am

Run by the Dept. of Agriculture, vendors offer herbs, carrots, yams, collard greens, lettuce, beets, parsley, chives, mango, avocado, eggfruit, guava, okra, pumpkin, arugula, Chinese cabbage, Soursop, plants & trees.

]]> Sejah Farm
340-773-8065 or 277-6046
Mon - Fri, 10 am - 5 pm, Sat, 7 am - 5 pm

Since 1998, Dale and Yvette Browne offer their own livestock, eggs, and organically grown tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, okra, greens, peppers, wate melon, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots and beets. www.sejahfarm.com

Tropics Hydroponics Farm
340-227-5546
Mon - Fri, 8 - 3 pm, Sat at La Reine Market

Brian McCulough specializes in high-quality Bibb lettuce & beefsteak & cluster vine-ripened tomatoes fed with purified, nutrient-rich well water. First left off Route #80 heading to Salt River.

VI Farmer's Cooperative
340-773-3276 or 340-201-2224
Sat, 7 am � 3 pm, Estate Grange

Across from the VI Health & Fitness Center at Beeston Hill, vendors seek to revive the island's agriculture industry by pooling their produce for a more consistent supply of locally grown food.

Virgin Islands Sustainable Farm Institute
340-220-0466
Wed, 3:30 - 6 pm, Polly's, Frederiksted

VISFI's Ridge to Reef Farm is a USDA certified organic farm. Pre-order produce at www.vi.locallygrown.net and pick up or shop Wednesdays at Polly's. For information on tours, training programs, field trips, and Slow Down dinners visit www.visfi.org.

Find all farms on the St. Croix map.
Days and times are subject to change seasonally; call ahead to confirm.

Wine in the VI: Best Pick! Seghesio Family Vineyards

When Edoardo Seghesio came to California from the Piedmont area of Italy in the late 1800s, he settled in Sonoma County like so many other Italian immigrants. These early Italian settlers did what they knew best; they farmed grapes.

"A half dozen of these Italian families were the original settlers in the wine industry," said Byron Gregory of Prestige Wine Group. "The Martinellis began their winery in 1896; there were the Rafanellis..." Sonoma County, with its cool evenings and warm days, enjoyed a climate ideal for Zinfandel grapes which reminded the immigrants of the fruit-rich wines of Italy.

]]> Edoardo Seghesio started his vineyard in 1895: Seghesio Family Vineyards. The winery remained family owned until 2011 when it joined Crimson Wine Group.

Although the vineyard initially sold inexpensive, bulk wines (and sacramental wines during Prohibition), Seghesio Family Vineyards is now regarded as a Zinfandel specialist.

"A few years ago, the Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel was the only American wine in the Top Ten on the Wine Spectator list," said Gregory, who considers it a best value on the market. Its grapes come from the Alexander and Dry Creek valleys and evidence notes of black raspberry and spice.

"I feel best when Ican find a great bottle of wine that restaurants can put on a wine list for $40 or $45," Gregory says. "You want to over-deliver and give the consumer the best bang for the buck. Seghesio has over-delivered over and over and over again."

Find Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel at fine restaurants on St. Croix.

Maria's Cantina - Little Mexico in Gallow's Bay!

Now you can get authentic Mexican dishes prepared fresh daily at Maria's Cantina, the newest restaurant in Gallows Bay! "Most of what we serve are my family's recipes, the rest is my own version of what I like," says owner Maria Fonrouge.

Maria is actually from Mexico, specifically Acayucan in Veracruz, and says, "my home town is just like St. Croix!" She lived in the US briefly before arriving here almost three years ago. "My family is really awesome, all my values are from my parents, they always taught me to work hard because that was the only way to make dreams come true. My mother is hard-working; we use to own a cheese factory and I remember her going every single day to sell the produce. Together my Mom and Dad made so many sacrifices to give me an education so I would have a better future."

]]> "I have a degree in tourist business management," she explains, "but my passion has always been cooking. My parents couldn't afford expensive culinary school so I learned from books and playing all the time in the kitchen. I became a sales manager for different hotels in Mexico, but the passion for cooking kept calling me and I decided to follow my dream--I have wanted to own my own restaurant since I was 10 or 12 years old!"

What does Maria like best about being a chef? "I like to make people happy with my food like the main character in one of my favorite movies, Como Agua Como Chocolate. She believed she could make people cry or be happy according to your mood when you are cooking. "The restaurant has been great," Maria says, "local people love the food!" What's most popular? "Anything with carnitas and green sauce--people love green enchiladas stuffed with carnitas!"

"Signature drinks are Margaritas (we make our own mix) and Sangria (we always have different flavors). Our signature dish will be the Taste of St. Croix 2013 First Place Entree winner, Pescado a la Veracruzana. Another favorite: street tacos served with home made tortillas.

Located across from the hardware store at Gallows bay, Maria's Cantina is open Monday from 11am to 9 pm and Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 10 pm. (Bar stays open till the last person). They're also open Sundays during football season with 14 TVs.

Whether dining in AC or the Courtyard, Maria's Cantina is the perfect place to go to Mexico without traveling! Authentic flavors - cold beer - great Margartitas - awesome food! www.mariascantinastx.com, 340-713-0222

Meet Cover Artists Carlos "Tuna" Garcia

Born on St. Croix, Carlos is from a typical family of five, he says, with no other members having an artistic bent. He and his wife, Andrea, live in Estate Two Brothers, Frederiksted, and now have two grown children of their own--one who works at Universal Studios in Orlando.

A self-taught artist, Carlos has worn a lot of hats in his life--taxi driver, carpenter, Hess refinery worker, shark oil distiller, and commercial fisherman. "I have always enjoyed painting, but I have always had to work other jobs to support my family through the years," he explains.

"I started when I was ten, as a student at St. Patrick's School, sketching by the light of a kerosene lamp. I built a small canoe and painted on it the Three Star logo from a box of matches of the same name. This triggered people to request drawings or paintings from me. I decided to study books with drawings and pictures and it evolved from there. I soon began to paint marine life and aquatic scenes with people in them. Now I'm including historical structures."

]]> "A few years ago, when I had health issues that forced me to retire, I went back to painting and its been great therapy for me. Today I paint in my improvised living room where I have turned a section into a studio. My favorite things to paint are natural scenes that include birds, animals, and flowers and I like acrylics because it dries faster and last longer than anything else. The late Leo Carty and Paul Youngblood are my inspirations."

Why the name "Tuna?" "I remember, as a child, watching the Tuna jump and always want to fish for them. As an adult, I was able to do just that as a commercial fisherman. I caught so many that I was given the nickname "Tuna" years ago and it still sticks."

Carlos "Tuna" Garcia had his Premier Exhibit of paintings and sketches at the Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts, Frederiksted, in December 2010, introducing himself to a whole new audience. Tuna's work is spirited, colorful, whimsical, primitive, and personal. Bob Gleeson, at Many Hands in Christiansted, has the largest selection of his paintings and prints in all sizes including greeting cards. Smaller collections can also be found at Ft. Frederik Museum Store and St. George Village Botanical Garden Museum Store. Although, he has many private clients, his works can be seen hanging at Sterling Optical as well as the VI Cardiac Center.

What would you say to encourage student artists? "I would urge them to study and keep their work original for therein lies the satisfaction and selfesteem."

Carlos "Tuna" Garcia
artedecarlosgarcia@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Arte-de-Carlos-Garcia/244491663121
340-772-2473

VI Bridal Guide: Pinning Your Way to the Altar

Pinterest to help in the planning of their destination weddings. For those of you who have a Pinterest account or for those who haven't signed up yet, Pinterest is a great tool!

I remember the old "wedding binder." Once engaged, you purchased a 3", 3-ring binder along with dividers, clear plastic page protectors, a label maker, color-coded tabs, markers, and pens. This contraption was your "wedding bible." Any ideas, thoughts, photos, rate sheets, etc. were placed here. Anytime you met with someone, the wedding binder was with you to collect or reference information--it was your life until you said, "I do."

]]> When planning my own destination wedding in 2009, I went digital with my binder using Google images to collect photos and information. It was easier to show a vendor what Iwanted this way and hopefully eliminated any errors of translation! Surfing the net for wedding ideas was fun and introduced many of my vendors to new ideas and concepts. As a Destination Wedding Photographer, my brides asked me to email photos of flowers, dresses, shoes, and other items for inspiration which kept me very organized!

In early 2010, Pinterest changes the game completely and could be your new "wedding bible." It allows you to create boards classified by subject or category, i.e. wedding flowers, bridesmaids dresses, hors d'oeuvres, etc. On these boards, you can start "pinning" by sourcing images two ways--useing the url where the image is located or by installing their Pin It button which lets you pin images directly to your boards while you surf the web. Inspiration on the go! And, maybe the best part, you can share your boards with other people like your wedding vendors. They can read your photo descriptions telling them even more about what you want and just may be inspired to create their own board for you! Either way, Pinterest can help you pin your way to the alter!

For more info, planning tips, and resources visit www.vibridalguide.com

Quiana L. Adams, Managing Editor

A Legacy of Cannon

When you walk through the streets of downtown Christiansted, you are bound to observe a quantity of old cannon, some painted in the Danish colors of red and white, others maintaining their original black hue. You will note that some are placed against old masonry walls on the street corners, a sensible protection against automobile encounters that would cause equal harm to car and wall, whereas the cannon would survive almost any collision.

These relics of life in the former Danish colony carry a message. While Denmark removed and reclaimed all furniture and other inventory from official buildings in connection with the sale of the Danish West Indies in 1917, the cannon were considered outdated and excess baggage, of little use to Denmark , neither then nor for future purposes. They remained at the forts of Frederiksted and Christiansted as decorative mementos rather than weapons of defense. In a sense, that had been their fate from the start. Not a single cannon fire was opened against any enemy from either of our two forts, but just the same, the artillery soldiers stationed there underwent rigorous training in cannon use and maintenance. It is ironic that neither pirates nor enemy nations attacked the forts; in the case of Christiansted in part thanks to the large coral reef surrounding the harbor except at the eastern end's channel, towards which all the cannon were aimed.

]]> Fort Christiansvaern's armory displays, in addition to replicas of the rifles carried by the soldiers, an impressive rack for the large, long-handled tools used to clean the barrel of the cannon between each firing, an essential task to prevent accidental explosion caused by leftover gunpowder there. A similar caution was shown towards the gunpowder stored in a totally dry separate room, free of any source of sparks that might ignite the gunpowder.

Happily, a cannon salute of seventeen, sometimes more shots would be a typical gesture on special occasions such as the arrival of dignitaries or in celebration of the King's birthday. In 1776, an enthusiastic Danish soldier at Fort Frederik in Frederiksted nearly created an international crisis by greeting with a cannon salute an American vessel flying the new flag. A British observer reported this traitorous gesture to his military headquarters, and a lot of apologies had to be made on the part of the supposedly neutral Danish West Indian government.

Many of the cannon were forged in Norway, which until 1814 was owned by Denmark. A royal forge in Larvik, northern Norway, produced the massive specimens at Fort Christiansvaern that guard the entrance to the harbor. No wonder the Danes did not want the task of loading them on ships back to Denmark!

Diving is sweeter with Sweet Bottom Dive Center!

Located at Renaissance St. Croix Carambola Beach Resort & Spa, Sweet Bottom Dive Center is managed by husband and wife team Greg and Mel Gapen, both PADI Dive Instructors. They have lived on St. Croix for 3 years and have made it their home. "Coming from the Phoenix area was quite a change for us," says Greg, "but it was easy to adapt to the culture and beauty of the Virgin Islands."

With its beautiful North Shore location at Davis Bay, Sweet Bottom Dive Center is primarily a shore diving site. The shoreline is located closest to "The Wall," just over 100 yards away! This makes it an easy dive for both inexperienced and more advanced divers. Davis Bay is also one of the best locations on the North Shore for fun, safe snorkeling.

]]> The dive center is a full service PADI Resort shop providing rental scuba gear, snorkel gear, air fills, enriched air, and retail sales. They also offer daily, 2-hour Discover Scuba Diving experiences, and courses from Open Water Diver through Assistant Instructor. The experienced staff loves to cater to their divers with a fresh water shower, towel service, and drinking water next to entry/ exit point and are on hand for guided dives and instruction daily.

SBDC also offers dive packages that include room accommodations, shore and boat diving, as well as assisting guests with other island activities, and they're just a few steps from the Resort's beautiful pool and bar/lounge area with scenic views of the Caribbean Sea.

"We're active in supporting local charities, fundraisers, and dive club events and hold annual activities like an Underwater Pumpkin Carving contest, Underwater Easter Egg Hunt, Treasure Hunts, kids summer camps, and many more functions for the hotel guests and the local dive community.

When not diving, Greg and Mel like to play golf, sail or just hang out with friends. Their ultimate goal is to live and sail their own boat and visit many of the islands in the Eastern Caribbean. In the meantime, "come dive with us and see why we are consistently given 5-Star ratings for service and fun on tripadvisor(R)--with one of the best reputations for safety, fun, and training on St. Croix," says Greg.

Calabash Realty -- 20 Agents at Your Service

by Bry Locher

Opportunity is everywhere on St. Croix! Everywhere you look on our island, there are a multitude of opportunities waiting for you! Whether you want to move here and retire or move here to build the next phase of your career, many opportunities are available for you.

As you enjoy your vacation, think about how you could make this enchanting island a permanent part of your future. Would you like land high in the hills to build the home of your dreams? Perhaps a waterfront house to relax in while watching the sunrise over the water every morning? Or maybe a low-maintenance condo where you can walk out the front door and put your toes in the sand? Whatever your individual dream may be, we can make it a reality.

]]> There are many exciting properties available for sale now on St. Croix with prices that are the lowest in years! Now is a great time to invest in real estate whether you want to make this your permanent home, a second home or an investment rental property. Because our realtors are familiar with every part of the island, they will take the time to meet you with you, listen to the details of what you are looking for, and find the perfect piece of real estate for your individual needs.

Making the decision to own property on St. Croix can be filled with lots of questions. While you know you will love our gentle trade winds and postcard perfect weather, we understand that you need lots of information about the basics of living here. You'll need to learn what makes construction on St. Croix unique, information about our property taxes, what kind of insurance you will need to get for your new home and many more questions. We're here to help you with these and some you may never have even considered!

If you're not ready to purchase but want to rent, we have many options to share with you from cute cottages to palatial waterfront estates. We're sure to find a place that fits your dreams!

As the largest firm on St. Croix, Calabash Real Estate's twenty agents are here to help you and make your dreams of living in Paradise a reality. We are happy to show you how we can guide you through the entire real estate process to make it an easy experience for you. Take advantage of our expertise and relationships with lenders, attorneys, and vendors so that you get the best service possible! Interest rates are low and opportunities are plentiful so today is a perfect day to start the search for your new property on St. Croix.

Calabash Real Estate
340-718-5285
www.CalabashRealtors.com

Arts in the U.S. Virgin Islands: Part 7

Part 7 in a series Excerpts from "Arts in the U. S. Virgin Islands" by Ruth S. Moore and David M. Hough of the Caribbean Research Institute of the College of the Virgin Islands, 1967, for the Virgin Islands Council on the Arts.

TOWNHOUSES and public buildings were recently analyzed by the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in its book, Three Towns. The writers suggested that the simple Danish pavilion was a desirable style for contemporary adaptation saying, "A common construction in the West Indian tradition is the half-timbered building, the skeleton building, with its pillars, girders and panelling. This could be developed and converted into other forms of light constructions..."

]]> DANCE has been, traditionally, the most widely enjoyed form of self expression in the Islands. It has retained old forms, in part, but it is also the nature of dance to change constantly, reflecting every passing influence and style. It has common characteristics throughout the Caribbean and distinctive differences from island to island. Some of the most distinctive forms of the past are in danger of being lost in the Virgin Islands.

There is today an awareness and a determination among dance organizations and interested individuals on St. Thomas and St. Croix to preserve the dance heritage of the Islands by reviving, performing and teaching the local versions of the dance brought here by Europeans and Africans. These dances would include such figures as the Flat German, German Imperial, English, English Imperial and Polish Quadrilles; the French, Danish, English, and Saratoga Lancers; the Schottische and dances of African origin such as the Bamboula. At present, music is being composed for a ballet featuring the Bamboula as it was danced in slave days. Also this year, moving picture film has been taken of some of the dancers who still perform the quadrilles, lancers and jigs.

In 1952, when Virgin Islands folk dancers performed in the Caribbean Festival in Puerto Rico, J. Antonio Jarvis wrote in program notes that the quadrilles have been losing ground to modern American dances and that most of the original tunes have been forgotten. Now, every effort is being made to learn from those residents who still know the steps, music, costumes and history of some of these folk dances.

MUSIC MAKING has always been important to Virgin Islanders. From morning, when the fish vendors would sing out their street cries, "Icefish for breakfast, Icefish for stew," until night, rhythm and song were heard. Taunts were put to music, "Tief man, robber man; Mama tief, Mama robber..." Many forms of song were used. A military sound would be adopted, as in the various versions of Queen Mary (one of the leaders of the 1878 "Fireburn" of Frederiksted.)

Queen Mary say Bang-a-lang-a, Bang-a-lang, Bang-a-lang.
Mary say Bang-a-lang-a, Cum out er yard, Bang-a-lang.
Oh fan me, Buckra Missis, fan me,
Fan me, Fan me, till de break of day.
Queen Mary, say Bang-a-lang-a, Bang-a-lang, Bang-a-lang.
Mary say Bang-a-lang-a, Cum out er yard, Bang-a-lang.
Oh Queen Mary, Will you hab a glass a wine?
Queen Mary wha' way we gwine burn?
We gwine burn dare, gwine burn down Wes'End!
We gwine burn down; all de way gwine burn down.

Special occasions were times for special songs, particularly the Christmas season. Children still chant: "Ma, Ma, Bake the Johnny Cake, Christmas coming."

Like the dance, however, music has a tendency to disappear in its older traditional forms unless efforts are made to preserve it. Recent recognition of those arts which are a part of heritage has intensified interest in preserving, and instilling in others, the music of he Virgin Islands. Current activity includes recording persons singing the old folk songs, scratch bands playing bamboula rhythms, steel bands doing native calypso and a brass band playing the marches composed by Bandmaster Alton A. Adams of St. Thomas.

NEXT ISSUE: THE DRUM / FOLK TALES /PERFORMANCES

LAST ISSUE: PERSONAL ADORNMENT /CLAY PRODUCTS / HOUSING

Skywatch June and July 2013

Shooting stars or meteors are the flash of light we see as pebble-sized bits of rocks burn up speeding through the air some 50 miles about the Earth. When the Earth passes through a cloud of this debris left behind by a comet, we experience a meteor shower. The most famous comet of all is Halley's Comet, which was last near the Earth (and Sun) in 1986. Halley's Comet is now out past the orbit of Uranus, but twice a year we pass through the dust left behind by the comet, in May and October. On the night of May 4th to 5th we will experience the maximum of the Eta Aquarid meteor shower. The best time to observe this shower is between about 3:00 a.m. and dawn. Away from bright lights you can usually see some 50 meteors per shower. Unfortunately, this year the Moon's bright light will overpower many of the fainter meteors.

Once the sky has grown dark, look about halfway up in the western sky for a bright star. This is Regulus, the heart of Leo, the Lion. Regulus is also the point at the base of a backwards question mark. The top of the question mark is Leo's head and a triangle of fainter stars toward the East marks the Lion's hind quarters and tail. Don't worry if you cannot see a Lion here, most people can't either, but you should be able to find the backwards question mark.

]]> Leo is one of the twelve star groups or constellations of the zodiac. The zodiac is a band of constellations which encircles the sky and it is to the zodiac that we must look to find the planets.

If you look eastward from Leo, you will come to three bright star-like objects: two are stars. Almost overhead is the brighter of the two stars, Arcturus in Booetes, the Herdsman. Of course, as with most constellations, the stars that form Booetes look nothing like you think they should.

South of Arcturus and slightly fainter is Spica, a grain of wheat being held in the hand of Virgo, the goddess of the Harvest. Virgo is another of the constellations of the zodiac. East of Virgo is the bright star-like object that is not a star - the planet Saturn.

If you continue still farther east, just rising is a bright red star, Antares, the brightest star in another zodiacal constellation, Scorpius, the Scorpion. If you turn your gaze to the north, you will find seven fairly bright stars which form the best known of all star groups, the Big Dipper. Three form the handle of the dipper and four more the bowl. Some people know that if you draw a line through the two stars at the end of the bowl and extend the line away from the bowl, you come to the North Star. Now, remember, the North Star is NOT the brightest star in the sky. In fact, it really isn't bright at all. It just happens to be at a point in the heavens almost directly over the North Pole of the Earth.

The Big Dipper is part of a larger group of stars, the constellation of Ursa Major, the Great Bear. The bowl of the dipper is the bear's body, fainter stars' mark the bear's legs and head. And the three stars of the bowl? They mark the bear's long tail. There is only one problem; bears do not have long tails! According to one legend, a mighty hunter was fighting the bear, grabbed the bear by the tail and flung the bear into the heavens. In doing so, he stretched the bear's tail!

Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve at Columbus Landing

Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve was established in 1992 to preserve the cultural and natural resources at Salt River Bay, with a specific mission to develop these resources for the education and enjoyment of the public. This Park is one of only five Parks in the National Park System established under a co-management agreement. As a result, the majority of the landholdings are Federal lands supervised directly by the National Park Service. Yet the Park's waters and some of its public and all of its private lands are supervised by the Department of Planning and Natural Resources of the United States Virgin Islands. This supervision includes the critically important five-acre Columbus Landing Site and Fort Salee.

Above the Columbus Landing Site the National Park Service operates a seasonal Visitor's Contact Station. The building was constructed 1958-62, and was purchased by the National Park Service in 2007. In 2012 the Park celebrated its 25th Anniversary, and we began holding a series of public exhibitions in the space. While there are no permanent interpretive installations, we continue to offer a series of temporary exhibits in 2013 as well as interpretive ranger services.

]]> This year we are featuring an exhibit of photographs from the 14,000+ artifacts in the Folmer Andersen Archaeological Collection. The exhibit details artifacts that are a part of this world- class collection of Caribbean prehistory, all collected here on St. Croix by Mr. Andersen from 1903-24. The photographs were taken by local photographers, David Berg and Serene Brumant. The pictures illustrate the main classes of artifacts common to the Caribbean Basin, and known to St. Croix. This exhibit will continue through to June 15 when we close for the season.

A second temporary exhibit presents the current architectural studies and renderings for the Salt River Bay NHP & EP's 'master plan.' This includes a map of the proposed hiking trail that runs the perimeter of the bay, as well as future locations of parking areas and other facilities. Additionally, you can see the working plans for our proposed Marine Research and Educational Center to be jointly run by the National Park Service and four universities, including the University of the Virgin Islands. The MREC's mission is to study the cultural resources within the Park, e.g., sugar plantation structures and prehistoric village, as well as its superlative marine and estuarine resources, e.g., its deep trench reefs and the bioluminescence phenomenon in Mangrove Lagoon.

Shortly before the end of the season this year we will have a third temporary exhibit entitled 'Gratitude.' This exhibit highlights the pro-active projects around our island that try to make our community stronger and more positive. We will exhibit the work of local artists collaborating with local charities and non-governmental organizations as they develop their goals of making our island a better place to live.

The Visitor Contact Station at Salt River Bay NHP &EP is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 AM-4:00 PM and is free. If you do not make it up to see any one of our exhibits, at least you should visit for the view. The site offers stunning views of the North Shore, the Bay, Buck Island, and our glorious reef system. On a clear day you can see Eagle Rays moving across the patch reef and St. Thomas and St. John in the distance. It is truly one of the best views on the island, come and see us.

For more information, call 340-773-1460 x 233

Wine: Best Pick! Mollydooker - The Boxer

Roger Shepherd, of Premier Wines and Spirits on St. Croix, had no trouble selecting our "Best Pick" wine -- Mollydooker's The Boxer, of course.

"I love the Mollydooker wines!" said Shepherd. "They have a tremendous cult following on St. Croix, and the winery spends nothing on advertising. It's word-of-mouth," he said, adding that Mollydooker is Aussie for left-hander.

Mollydooker wines, largely shiraz and shiraz blends, are fruit-forward and sport cartoon labels designed by one the vineyard's two left-handed owners. Based in the McLaren Vale wine region of South Australia, the boutique winery was founded by Sparky and Sarah Marquis in 2005. Shortly thereafter, The Wine Advocate named The Boxer as "Best Value Red Wine in the World." It chose The Violinist as "Best Value White Wine." Over the years, Mollydooker has produced five wines that scored 99 points from Robert Parker of The Wine Advocate.

]]> "The Boxer calls to me because St. Croix has taken ownership and practically made the wine its own," Shepherd said. "It's Mollydooker's entry level shiraz -- as entry level as it can be at $55.00 on a wine list. You'll find dark berries, some peppers, some chocolate."

Shepherd recommends pairing The Boxer with steak but insists that it stands alone beautifully. Like other Mollydooker shiraz wines, it tends toward a 15-16% alcohol content which is about 2% higher than a typical Pinot Noir.

Enjoy The Boxer in fine restaurants like Savant, Salud, Kendrick's, Galangal, and The Galleon -- when available. Cheers!

Living the Highlife on the Christiansted Waterfront

Country singer/songwriter John Eddie has partnered with St. Croix residents Jeff and Renee Barstow to create the Lowlife Bar & Refuge, a very unique dining, drinking, and entertainment emporium at the heart of the Christiansted boardwalk. The name of the restaurant comes from John's song "Lowlife," one of several of his tunes recorded and made popular by Kid Rock. The Lowlife is an open-air country roadhouse with an amazing view and a distinctly Caribbean vibe, that appeals to the "cowboy, pirate and poet" in all of us. Hailed as the best live music venue in the Caribbean, the Lowlife stage has showcased local talent and artists drawn to St Croix's "Tennessee by the Sea" from throughout the United States.

]]> Appetizers include Hush Puppies, Chicken Wings, and "Sweet Skins" - sweet potato skins stuffed with hand pulled BBQ pork, smoked bacon, cheddar and jack cheese, and served with a seasoned sour cream. Chef Aaron's Chicken Gumbo won "people's choice" at this year's Krewe de Croix cook off. The Lowlife's salads are built around seasonal produce, sourced from local farms.

Sandwiches are served on freshly baked bread and rolls. Highlights include pulled pork, a fried green tomato BLT, veggie patties and the Lowlife burger - choice ground beef or a chicken breast, topped with pulled pork and house smoked cheddar cheese.

BBQ specialties are dry-rubbed, slow-cooked and hardwood-smoked on site. Catfish and Chips, Shrimp and Grits, Fried Chicken and Steak marinated in Coca-Cola are among the most popular entrees. Daily specials feature seafood delivered directly to the Lowlife's dock.

The Lowlife's mixologists serve up a broad selection of ice cold beers, vintage wines and tropical libations. Try the Mason Dixon - Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka, Absolut Citron, hand-squeezed lemon juice, and freshly brewed ice tea.

Be sure to stop by the Lowlife's "Swag Shack" for "Lowlife" apparel, merchandise and souvenirs! Merchandise may also be ordered online at: www.lowlifebarandrefuge.com

Serving Lunch and Dinner from 11:00 am - 10:00 pm, 7 days a week.

For more information or reservations for parties of 6 or more, call 340-715-7977.

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