St. Croix This Week

St. Croix This Week tag:www.stcroixthisweek.com,2012://20 2012-02-03T11:55:30Z Movable Type 3.35 Sex and Real Estate tag:www.stcroixthisweek.com,2012://20.3612 2012-02-01T11:54:55Z 2012-02-03T11:55:30Z

One of my favorite books about real estate is the above titled book by Harvard University Professor Marjorie Garber that begins: "What do college students talk about with their roommates? Sex. Twenty years later, what do they talk about with their friends? Real estate. And with the same gleam in their eyes." Kirsten Kemp's book "Flipping: Confidential" says: "Houses are like bodies: They tend to look better dressed. Without furnishings and decor, even the loveliest home is nothing but some walls flanked by a floor and ceiling."]]> www.PatriceVI.com

]]> De-stress, Make New, and Regenerate Through Yoga & Art tag:www.stcroixthisweek.com,2012://20.3608 2012-02-01T08:47:01Z 2012-02-01T08:51:13Z

Located on Frederiksted's Estate Mt. Washington Nature Preserve surrounded by the labyrinth and the rainforest, my Art and Yoga Studio offers you a truly unique opportunity for "VIUnscripted" time and space. Mesh your mind, body, and heart with the beauty of this tranquil valley, while discovering more about your personal creative potential through Kundalini yoga and art. This yoga takes you through a series of postures that opens your chakras, guides your creative energy, keeps your body strong and supple, enhances mental focus, promotes relaxation, and encourages patience. The art classes will further de-stress you with gentle challenges for finding that part of SELF which empowers the ability to make new, regenerate, and put all things into a fresh perspective.]]> Cindy Male is a thirty-two year resident on St. Croix, working as a fine and commissioned artist. She has taught kindergarten through college classes and has been a practitioner of yoga for forty-two years. Cindy Male Art and Yoga Studio is the setting for private and group art and yoga classes. Cindy has taught creativity development to adults through HR departments of various businesses, through educational systems, art centers, and through hospitals, including the Deepak Chopra Cancer Center. At the Mt. Washington location, she also offers up her original applied art designs in "Be the Change" performance apparel T-shirts, "Taino Labyrinth of Change" pendants, earrings, and bracelets, www.cindymale.com, "ZemiZen" clothing line www.zemizen.com, and "Earth Rhythm Light Reflectors www.illumiinatedfabricartforcandles.com (patented 2005). clmale@yahoo.com 340-277-8651]]> The St. Croix Landmarks Society tag:www.stcroixthisweek.com,2012://20.3607 2012-02-01T08:41:38Z 2012-02-01T08:44:14Z

Excerpts from Divers Information on "The Romantic History of St. Croix" by Florence Lewison, 1963. St. Croix Landmarks Society. THE ST. CROIX LANDMARKS SOCIETY is an island organization with many long-range plans for restoration and preservation projects. It is...

Excerpts from Divers Information on "The Romantic History of St. Croix" by Florence Lewison, 1963. St. Croix Landmarks Society. THE ST. CROIX LANDMARKS SOCIETY is an island organization with many long-range plans for restoration and preservation projects. It is a non-profit organization dependent upon membership fees, donations,and such money-raising projects as its annual House Tours. The Society's headquarters are outside of Frederiksted at Estate Whim Plantation Museum, one of the island's most beautiful showplaces. Its restored eighteenth century greathouse re recreates the opulent life of the sugar cane planters when the island was at the peak of its agrarian prosperity.]]> Editor's Note: Since "The Romantic History of St. Croix" by Florence Lewison was published in 1963 by the St. Croix Landmarks Society, many changes have occurred with the organization as you can imagine. Still completely viable and offering many wonderful programs, like exploring your family roots in the Library's Family History Center, and events like Candlelight Concerts, Ruins Rambles, Starving Artists Days, and Come Home to St. Croix that brings people from St. Croix, other islands, and abroad to celebrate their family history and traditions together. The Carl and Marie Lawaetz Family Museum, in Frederiksted's Rainforest, showcases the Danish legacy on St. Croix, while the Apothecary Hall Museum, located now on Queen Cross Street in Christiansted, is an authentically furnished pharmacy. Call 772-0598 for more information.]]> Hoe he'e nalu Anyone? tag:www.stcroixthisweek.com,2012://20.3605 2012-02-01T08:21:20Z 2012-02-01T08:23:46Z

According to Wikipedia, Stand up paddle surfing (SUP), or in the Hawaiian language Hoe he'e nalu, is an emerging global sport with a Hawaiian heritage. The sport is an ancient form of surfing, and reemerged as a way for surfing instructors to manage their large groups of students, as standing on the board gave them a higher viewpoint. This increased visibility of what was going on around them such as incoming swell.]]> This year brings Stand up paddle surfing to St. Croix and specifically to Frederiksted thanks to the folks at Teres Veho ("smooth rider") SUP Adventure Fitness. Pi Pesto (a professional ballet dancer/trainer/coach) and her three sons Q (at 14 a great mentor to young and old and self-taught musician), Johnnie, 21, and Frankie, 22 (both professional athletes) along with partner Bill Ruggiero, a professional ice hockey player), and Ishaba Jackson (straight from Hawaii who lives for surf ) run the show with a little help from 4-legged SUPers Ogie and Mouse Pad! "We're all self-taught paddlers but our athletic training has been engraved into us since we were kids," says Pi. All kinds of paddle experiences are offered in their two locations, Cottages By the Sea, and Frederiksted Beach, like Full Moon Paddles, Adventure Boot Camps, and Altoona Lagoon. Rent snorkel gear, chairs, umbrellas, skim boards, surf boards, and skate boards (soon come roller skates) from their Surf Shop and visit their Beach Bar Canteen (with sister Nikki Cicero cooking in the kitchen) for homemade hummus & chips, tontones, aranitas, conch fritters, and burgers. SUP'ing benefits athletes with a strong core workout but is easy to learn. Within 30-60 minutes, you can become very comfortable in the water and on your board. A lot of surfers have converted because of the versatility of the sport allowing them the ability to catch more waves in a set as well as offering a better view of incoming sets. "Finland was our last long-term residence," says Pi. "Now, after three years here on St. Croix, when I am not SUP'ing, I am raising my family, meditating, doing organic farming, playing in the kitchen, learning something new every day and meeting knew people." Pi continues, "We all go through extensive safety training to offer our SUPers a safe, enjoyable experience. All team members are Red Cross CPR Certified. We have a great team here--everyone lives and breathes for the water and the waves!" For more information, call 227-0682. Finding Your Perfect Match tag:www.stcroixthisweek.com,2012://20.3604 2012-02-01T08:17:32Z 2012-02-01T08:20:52Z

We are all familiar with the adage "The customer is always right." In my opinion, it should continue on to say "...when the chosen service provider is an ideal match." When hiring wedding vendors (florists, officiates, photographers, etc.) keep in mind that they are interviewing you as much as you, the client, are interviewing them. The client has somewhat of an advantage, in this case, as they usually have the opportunity to feel, taste, and preview what a perspective vendor has to offer in advance. However, the vendor has no idea what to expect when they take on a client. How do you go about finding your ideal match? Begin with rapport building. If you want A+ vendors, become an A+ client! We all know how it feels to be disappointed in a person or product, therefore it is important to exhibit the qualities you want to see reflected back. Vendors usually aim to please their clients, but keep in mind satisfaction is a two way street. Understand that the popular service provider may or may not mesh well with you or your vision. The goal should be to enjoy the experience with your vendors as much as you love their product.]]> Only hire someone who you connect with; who you are absolutely excited to work with. Be prepared to pay their fees, adhere to their policies, and ready to let them do the job you have hired them to do. Know where to take risks, and when to go with the "tried and true." Finally, for clients and vendors alike, this process should be FUN. Be patient and you will find your perfect match! For more info, planning tips, and resources visit www.vibridalguide.com
]]> Walk This Way - Christiansted's Art Thursdays tag:www.stcroixthisweek.com,2012://20.3603 2012-02-01T08:12:57Z 2012-02-01T08:15:59Z

On third Thursdays (except for April 12), from November through June, the doors of galleries, jewelry studios, and fine retail stores stay open till 8pm to celebrate historic Christiansted's Art Thursdays! Wind through the streets of town to find paintings, photography, handmade jewelry, fine furniture, handcrafted woodwork, and ceramics from Company Street to Strand Street. This popular series started fifteen years ago as an idea to merge the town's art galleries into a monthly event. Soon jewelry stores (St. Croix has amazing hand made jewelry), and other retailers came on board. For a relatively small 'island' community, St. Croix has a rich, diverse, and vibrant art scene. Enjoy it all, along with dinner, at one of the many fine restaurants in town. Make a night of it! See you soon at Art Walks on February 16 and March 15 -- Art @Top Hat, aka Gallery, Bassin Fine Art, Crucian Gold, Designworks, D&D Studio Fine Art Photography, The Goldworker, ib designs, Maria Henle Studio, Maufe Gallery, Mitchell Larsen Studio, The Sanctuary Studio and Gallery, Watch your Step Art Studio and Yellow House Gallery.]]> Meet Cover Artist Leslie Cramer tag:www.stcroixthisweek.com,2012://20.3602 2012-02-01T08:06:25Z 2012-02-01T08:12:08Z

"As far back as I can remember, I have been creating in some form or another. Being from an artistically-inclined family, there were always art supplies around but, whenever I felt like trying something new (and if the materials I wanted weren't readily available), I went about obtaining them by any means necessary in quite a determined way." "Even though my high school art teacher seemed bazaar at the time, by giving us projects for the year with absolutely no explanation and no instructions, only in retrospect can I now appreciate his less-than-conventional approach to teaching art. So, with no questions asked, we were forced to research topics, and create them to his expectations. To this day, terms like 'chiaroscuro,' 'analogous,' and 'monochromatic' are forever ingrained in my brain, thanks to Mr. Reichart."]]> "Over the years, I have been part of group shows, one-woman exhibits, and juried exhibitions but my first major accomplishment in the "formal art world" came from winning Third Place in the Arizona State Fair Arts Competition. The funny part about this was that, while I lived in the desert, this painting was of a Caribbean scene, along with the obligatory palm trees/ocean/sailboats while everyone else around me was painting cactuses, adobe houses, and horses! I guess the island girl in me was going to emerge, sooner or later." "I remember clearly, my dear departed friend, artist Maria Henle saying "Paint what you know; paint what you feel; paint what you love." Her words resonated, and now I paint what I enjoy and, luckily for me, people who purchase my work seem to feel that vibe. My tropical fish on driftwood seems to appeal to many, as does my more-recent works on canvas, with bold, colorful borders, often of local or private homes, then personalized with things like pets and plants. "I am well represented at The Caribbean Center for the Arts in Frederiksted, and with a current show at Angry Nates on the Christiansted boardwalk. I also do commission work, which I really enjoy, tailoring what the client wants to my style and expression." "After thirty years on St. Croix, I'm now living on Tortola and teaching art at Cedar International School. I exhibited at The Art Show at Canegata in Gallows Bay last month and will donate a large piece to the annual auction at Cedar International School this spring. For more information, call 284-541-6657 or email wine340@gmail.com]]> Toni Lance Shows tag:www.stcroixthisweek.com,2012://20.3601 2012-01-31T11:10:30Z 2012-02-01T08:09:31Z

Toni Lance has been busy preparing for two solo art shows this season. In February, she will be showing new watercolors and oils at the Walsh Metal Works Gallery in Peter's Rest and in March, the Maria Henle Studio in Christiansted will host a show of bird photography from Lance's St. Croix Avian Sanctuary where she cares for injured and orphaned birds. "One Moment" will be a new body of Lance's paintings from the past two years. There are watercolors of birds captured preening, exploring and resting, with the light falling gently on the feathers. Lance's controlled and detailed use of watercolor takes us deep into one moment with the bird. In a total contrast, she has also painted a number of bold and colorful oil paintings of West Indian figures. Again, 'one moment' is captured with a simple clean composition and sense of light.]]> "One Moment" Walsh Metal Works Gallery Opening reception Friday, Feb 10 5-9pm Through Mar 10. For more information, call 773- 8169. "Affinity for Feathers" Maria Henle Studio Opening receptions Friday, Mar 9 and Art Thursday Mar 15, 5-8pm Through April with Artist Talk For more information, call 718-0372 or visit mariahenlestudio.com]]> The Galleon Restaurant tag:www.stcroixthisweek.com,2012://20.3599 2012-01-31T10:56:06Z 2012-01-31T10:59:38Z

The Galleon Restaurant at Green Cay Marina will be handing over its famous cuisine to a chef who's been specializing in fine dining. Hailing from Cumberland, Maine, Kenneth Biggs is committed to quality products, perfect cooking techniques, and flavors that are exactly right. He has maintained extremely high standards at Star Boggs in Westhampton Beach, L. I., as Chef de Cuisine, at the French bistro Amelia's on Nantucket, and at the Regatta of Falmouth on Cape Cod.]]> "When I realized that cooking was my passion, I pursued an education in Culinary Arts at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, R. I.," says Ken. "With years of experience in the restaurant business, I am able to uphold the standards that The Galleon has always been known for, utilizing my classical French training and techniques and Southern European influences to embellish an exciting menu and provide a well-rounded dining experience." "I put my all into each dish I create, striving to achieve that perfect balance each time of a combination of flavors, textures and also aesthetics, making each plate a true work of art. I try to do something different when playing with foods and favors to create new and different things for my customers to enjoy." The Galleon's dinner menu offers favorites like classic Osso Bucco, The Galleon, filet mignon topped with a lobster medallion, and Chateaubriand, still carved tableside, along with house-made pastas, fresh local fish. The bar menu offers lighter fare with tantalizing appetizers or the new Galleon Burger. Brunch has become a favorite with classic dishes like Eggs Benedict and Grand Marnier- spiked French toast, and specials including lobster omelets with arugula and ricotta cheese, Galleon Huevos Rancheros and house-made corned beef hash. Galleon owner, Lesley Morrison says, "In my nine years at The Galleon, I feel so celebrated to be working with this caliber of chef who can so easily pair his culinary cuisine with our award-winning Wine Spectator wine list. Business is definitely up due to the reviews and buzz on the island about this chef. I would love to welcome everyone out this season to try our new cuisine." Serving dinner nightly. For information or reservations, call 340-718-9948 Larimar...A Gem of a Souvenir! tag:www.stcroixthisweek.com,2012://20.3592 2012-01-31T09:51:18Z 2012-01-31T09:56:34Z

What is Larimar anyway? Its a rare blue variety of pectolite found in the Dominican Republic but sold throughout the Caribbean. Its coloration varies from white, light-blue, green-blue to deep blue. For a little history, The Dominican Republic's Ministry of Mining records show that in 1916 Father Miguel Domingo Fuertes Loren requested permission to explore and exploit the mine of a certain blue rock he had discovered. Pectolites were not yet known in the Dominican Republic and the request was rejected. In 1974, Miguel Mendez and Peace Corps volunteer Norman Rilling rediscover Larimar on a beach. Miguel took his young daughter's name Larissa and the Spanish word for sea (mar) and formed Larimar, by the colors of the water of the Caribbean Sea, where it was found. ]]> Baci Duty Free, Silver Angel, Tropical Bracelet, Violette's Boutique ]]> We're off to the Ag Fair! tag:www.stcroixthisweek.com,2012://20.3591 2012-01-31T09:47:43Z 2012-01-31T09:54:35Z

This event gets better every year drawing an audience from the mainland, Puerto Rico, and neighboring islands. The First Day Opening Ceremony recognizes those who have contributed significantly to the fair in the past and have the Pavilions named after them. The ceremony culminates with the presentation of the Crop and Livestock Farmer of the Year awards before the cutting of the ribbon at the entrance to the Farmer's Market. This is an all-day event for fairgoers. Come hungry, thirsty, and curious. Look for take-home trees, plants, flowers, and wonderful fresh produce, see award-winning cattle, chickens, donkeys, goats, pigeons, rabbits, sheep, and pigs, and eat fantastic food and take some home. Anyone who wants to get an insight into Crucian cuisine should not miss this! Exhibitors' booths overflow with crafts and curiosities and the Soul Train will allow you to see it all. Rides and games for the children, too. This is one of the largest Ag Fairs in the Caribbean right here on St. Croix. Don't miss it! February 18, 19, & 20, 10 am - 5 pm, Rudolph Shulterbrandt Agricultural Complex, Centerline Road. Adults $5, Children & Seniors $3. Handicapped parking. For more information, call 778-0991. ]]> Black History Month tag:www.stcroixthisweek.com,2012://20.3587 2012-01-31T08:36:14Z 2012-01-31T08:40:24Z

By Carol Bareuther February's designation as Black History Month offers a wonderful opportunity to focus on the achievements of black men and women throughout history. While this month-long observance was officially designed by the U.S. Congress in 1986, its...

By Carol Bareuther February's designation as Black History Month offers a wonderful opportunity to focus on the achievements of black men and women throughout history. While this month-long observance was officially designed by the U.S. Congress in 1986, its celebration dates back much further in the U.S. Virgin Islands, says Frandelle Gerard, executive director at Crucian Heritage and Nature Tourism, Inc. (CHANT). "Remembering the lives and works of famous Virgin Islanders is something that has occurred since the 1960s and before," says Gerard. "Nowadays, the Governor will issue a proclamation designating February as Black History Month and local dignitaries and historians will primarily visit the schools to teach the students about the achievements of famous Virgin Islanders."]]> ]]> Early Health Care Initiatives tag:www.stcroixthisweek.com,2012://20.3606 2012-01-31T08:29:40Z 2012-02-01T08:33:19Z

The recent reopening after renovations of the Frederiksted Ingeborg Nesbitt Clinic, in Danish times known as the Frederiksted Hospital, brought back memories among many citizens of early times. Today, however, probably no one is alive who can recall first hand what took place there prior to the sale of the Danish West Indies to the U.S. in 1917. Historical records from Danish archives, however, tell a moving and compelling story about the sad state of public health in these islands around the turn of the 20th century. Infant mortality in particular was alarmingly high, primarily because many infants were born to single working mothers, most of whom had not received any counsel on child care. The alarming statistics were brought to the attention of Crown Princess Louise of Denmark, who took a keen interest in the islands and their health system.]]> As a result, she initiated a nationwide collection in Denmark to enable the dispatch in 1904 to the Danish West Indies of two groups of nurses to alleviate the situation: A group of Deaconesses, religious nursing sisters, not only started Queen Louise Home for Children in Frederiksted, an institution that continues today under the leadership of Lutheran Social Services, offering housing and for neglected children. The individual deaconesses also went out to the plantations on the island where they made contact with mothers of infants and pregnant mothers-to-be. Their instruction in basic hygiene and infant care essentials helped lower the mortality rate to a manageable level. These brave women became objects of great affection and appreciation for their efforts, and the Deaconess project continued even after the Transfer to the U.S. Concurrently, Crown Princess (later Queen) Louise also initiated the dispatch of another group of women nurses, these with an affiliation with the International Red Cross, to the islands. Their task was different, but equally important. They were sent to improve the health standards at the local hospitals, with the application of a new procedure called rational medicine. Previously, the Danish doctors at the hospitals had used male attendants, primarily from the military garrison, to assist them in performing operations and other procedures. The new nurses were not only sent to replace the male attendants but to assure a loving care of patients at the hospital, where most that had been admitted until then had been left to fend for themselves and therefore seldom survived. And, most important, the nurses were given the task of training young local women to become nursing assistants and nurses themselves. These were challenging duties, and the nurses had a two-year minimum stint to perform this revolutionary change; a few stayed longer. They were met with resistance from some of the doctors, and finding suitable nursing candidates was not easy, but their efforts and success built a foundation for the noble tradition of nursing that prevails in the U.S. Virgin Islands today. Wine in the VI: Pio Cesare Gavi tag:www.stcroixthisweek.com,2012://20.3598 2012-01-30T10:51:50Z 2012-01-31T10:55:33Z

The Virgin Islands are a wonderful place to visit especially if you happen to love food and wine! We have many visitors throughout the year from the wine and hospitality industry and, in March, we welcome Pio Boffa from Pio Cesare winery in Italy. Pio is the 4th generation family member to run this amazing winery. We were fortunate enough last year to have a visit from his nephew, Cesare - Generation 5! Pio Cesare Winery was founded in 1881in the beautiful town of Alba, in Piedmonte, Italy. They produce some of the most iconic wines from all of Europe. This month our featured wine is Pio Cesare Gavi . The Gavi wine is made from the Cortese grape, translated literally to courteous because it is just so nice! Gavi is the town where the grapes are harvested. The wine is fermented at low temperature in stainless steel tanks and held on the lees for 4 months. The bottling is traditionally done around this time every year in late February-early March.]]> This wine has an amazing freshness and clean spicy fragrance. You may find it at The Cultured Pelican to enjoy by the glass. It pairs so well with our locally caught fishes finished in light clean sauces, it also works with spicy or Asian influenced recipes. Pio Cesare is known for their big Barolo and Barbaresco wines, and I would highly recommend trying both those wines as well. The Barbaresco is known as the queen of Piedmonte and Barolo the king; both made from the indigenous Nebbiola grape. When Opportunity Knocks...Live the Life! tag:www.stcroixthisweek.com,2011://20.3574 2011-12-02T13:00:46Z 2011-12-02T13:04:50Z

Ever catch yourself daydreaming about living in the Caribbean? Or owning a second home, condo or rental property on an island in the sun? How about an investment property? A beachside restaurant, perhaps? Now may be the most opportune time in decades to "just say yes!" Or at least to investigate possibilities and give some earnest consideration to your dreams. Interest rates are at historic lows, hovering around 4 percent for a 30-year mortgage. This, in turn, results in appreciably lower monthly payments than we've seen in a long time. Although properties on St. Croix may hold their value better than those in many areas, prices have dropped and there are bargains to be had. (That's where a professional real estate agency, like Coldwell Banker Land-de Wilde Realty, is essential.) What's more, sellers are more willing than ever to consider offers below the asking price. At present, sale prices average roughly 20 percent lower than the listing price. Not the case a few years back.]]> St. Croix may be just the island for you. The largest and most rural of the three U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix remains a relatively undiscovered treasure with waterfront properties far less than those in the United States. Known as the Big Island, it is 28 miles long and 7 miles at its widest point. We boast both the courtesy and friendliness characteristic of a small town and the aplomb that comes with an international population and Danish heritage. Our islanders and snowbirds are a happy lot. Social venues are varied and abundant, and almost everyone welcomes a newcomer. It doesn't take long to find your niche. Our Economic Development Commission encourages qualifying businesses to base their operations here in return for enticing tax benefits. When such businesses headquarter on the island, they tap the St. Croix work force, providing employment for residents.

You could be at home here! Coldwell Banker Land-de Wilde Realty and its team of enthusiastic and professional agents would like to help get you situated. Voted the Best Real Estate Agency on St. Croix by the Virgin Islands Daily News readers, Coldwell Banker Land-de Wilde Realty will always go the extra mile to help you buy, sell or lease property. Our clients are our top priority, and that attitude shows in the work we do. Talk with us about your real estate plans and needs; let us guide you. At Coldwell Banker Land-de Wilde Realty, real estate isn't just a business--it's a way of connecting people to their dreams. We know the island well and can help you find the perfect property to suit your wishes. During our 100-plus combined years in the real estate business, we've accumulated experience in varying markets and economies--experience that works for you! At Coldwell Banker Land-de Wilde Realty, we also offer scores of glamorous rental properties for both short-term (dream vacation?) and longer stays. Perhaps you would like to rent one of our beautiful villas while we help you find your own new home on St. Croix. Please stop into any of our three locations and chat with us about your dreams. Opportunity is knocking...

With broker Amy Land-de Wilde at the helm, the professionals at Coldwell Banker Land-de Wilde Realty are eager to help you buy, sell or lease real estate. We offer a host of lovely homes, outstanding building sites, and both historic and commercial properties. Coldwell Banker Land-de Wilde Realty also lists an array of rental properties, ideal for your next dream vacation or long term lease. From a bungalow on the beach to a villa with a view, we have the perfect property for you. Because we keep up with the latest technology and market trends, our data is accurate and up-to-date. We're "high tech and high touch" and we're here for you. Coldwell Banker Land-de Wilde Realty 340-718-7000 Gallows Bay Buccaneer Hotel Gentle Winds www.coldwellbankervi.com]]>