St. Thomas, USVI – (October 26, 2010) – The Humane Society of St. Thomas presents the much anticipated annual Barktoberfest 2010 to be held on Sunday October 31, 2010 at the Humane Care Campus from 12 PM– 5 PM. Barktoberfest is a free event and open to the general public and will feature amazing activities for your pets, special not-to-be-missed presentations, interactive and fun Halloween activities for the kids, as well as a delicious BBQ and tasty treats for everyone.

The event will take place at the Humane Care Campus located on the Weymouth Rhymer Highway across from Cost-U-Less. Parking attendants will be available to assist guests.

The line-up this year will include exciting dog contests such as the ‘St. Thomian Pooches got Talent’, ‘Best Costume’, ‘Best Kisser’, Temptation Tower’, ‘Pumpkin Patch Rally’ and ‘Agility Fun Runs’. It’s only $15 to enter your pooch in each contest or receive a discount ($40) when you sign up for three contests. Prizes will be awarded to the top three winners in each category. The event will also feature a raffle with fantastic prizes such as a beautiful Coach bag from the Madison collection that has a retail value of $278.00.

Need to spruce up your pooch? Style A Dog will do your pet’s nails for the low price of $15 from 11 AM-1 PM with all proceeds benefiting the Humane Society. Must-have accessories for pets will also be on sale, so don’t miss this great opportunity to update your pet’s look, or to find that perfect gift for the animal-lover in your life.

Back by popular demand is the second annual “Haunted Pumpkin Patch” including interactive activities for kids of all ages such as Pumpkin Decorating, Halloween Games and Prizes, Spooky “Mystery Boxes” and this year kids will get to make “spiders” for our “Super Web.”

Attendees will also be able to purchase items from the variety of exhibitors at the event. One-of-a-kind plants from a collection of over 100 different rare and native species will be on sale during the event. These plants were grown from seeds collected in our island’s fragile ecosystems or in other tropical nations and have been meticulously cared for and grown by Vaccarino & Associates. There are currently a total of 6,700 trees, shrubs and ground covers and about 600 colorful bromeliads from 39 different bromeliads species for sale. This is a very unique opportunity for plant lovers as these are not available in Florida or Puerto Rico! A great gift idea for that friend or family member with a green thumb!

How Bout Your Pet will feature a wide variety of products for all your pets needs at their display including costumes for those pooches that would like to enter the contest at the last minute.

The Princeton University Acappella Group will be making a special presentation of “Old NasSoul” for our guests which is a not-to-be-missed event. Old NasSoul was founded in November 2006, when a group of friends, assembled by Christopher Inniss ’09 came together to sing an arrangement of the 1990s R&B classic “End of the Road” by Boyz II Men. After performing the song at a campus talent show, they decided to turn their informal singing project into a legitimate student group. The group has come a long way since its early days, but one thing remains the same, Old NasSoul, men’s acappella is dedicated to bringing the best soulful classics.

World famous Boxer Julius Jackson will also be making a special appearance. In addition, the K-9 unit of the Virgin Islands Police Department is preparing an exciting spectacle that will “wow” the audience. In addition to these crowd-pleasing presentations, our Board members will give private one-on-one tours of the new state-of-the-art campus throughout the day.

The Humane Society will feature a parade of dogs and puppies available for adoption and will be selling T-shirts and other items to help support ongoing efforts and to preserve the safety and health of our animals.

Delicious food and drink specials will be available for everyone, including a sumptuous BBQ. Dedicated volunteers of the Humane Society will be serving up juicy hamburgers, cheeseburgers, veggie burgers, and hot dogs. Be sure to save room for dessert, because The Sweet Life will feature an array of delicious desserts and Halloween cupcakes!

The event is made possible by our generous sponsors including Bud Light, Topa Properties, West Indies Corporation, Guardian Insurance, Theodore Tunick Insurance, Capital Instincts, Real Solutions, Billy D’s, Hunter Foods & Spirits, Merchant’s Market and Loca Linda.

Some great acts coming to St. Thomas this fall, check them out:

Rhythmic Circus (Family Series)
Friday, October 8th (STX), 7PM
Saturday, October 9th (STT), 7PM           

Rhythmic Circus has taken the dance world by storm with their innovative repertoire, transforming tap shoes into instruments of rhythm. Their groundbreaking production, Feet Don’t Fail Me Now! showcases the company’s technical capacity as dancers and explores rhythm as it plays off a wide array of musical genres spanning from Minneapolis funk to salsa. With elaborate costumes and music from their seven-piece funk band, Rhythmic Circus will leave you on your feet and dancing in the aisles.

Chaka Khan
Saturday, October 23, 2010 – 8PM

Reichhold Center kicks off the season with one of the most explosive vocalists in the music industry – Chaka Khan! From her years as a platinum selling recording artist with Rufus and Chaka Khan (“Tell Me Something Good”) to her successful solo career, Chaka Khan is undeniably in a class by herself. Get ready for an evening of dance music, including the hits “I’m Every Woman,” “Whatcha Gonna Do With Me?” “I Feel For You,” and more!

Dion Parson & the 21st Century Band featuring Ron Blake and Rashawn Ross Introducing the VI Youth Jazz Ensemble – Co-Presentation with VI Lottery
Saturday, November 27, 2010 – 8PM

Virgin Islands native Dion Parson returns home for a concert featuring his youth mentoring project. As part of the VI Lottery Youth initiative, Parson has mentored more than a dozen youths over the past year, teaching them the fundamentals of jazz. Those students from various schools will perform on stage with Parson during his CD release concert. Also performing are VI natives Ron Blake and Rashawn Ross.

Michael Bolton
Saturday, January 29, 2011, 8PM

Michael Bolton is one of the music industry’s most successful and accomplished artists. Bolton has sold more than 53 million albums and singles worldwide.  Bolton sings his many classics, including, “Soul Provider” “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You,” and “Love Is A Wonderful Thing.” Bolton’s most recent album, One World One Love finds him collaborating with some of the hottest acts in the business, including Lady GaGa, R&B singer Ne-Yo, and Jamaican sensation Tami Chynn.

For more information visit www.michaelbolton.com

STREET BEAT  (Family Series)
Saturday, February 19, 2011 – 7PM

Street Beat is a high-energy explosion of urban rhythm, hip hop moves, astonishing acrobatics – a full evening of original entertainment for all ages.  Household items and street objects are used as drums and percussion as Street Beat’s company dancers demonstrate hard hitting choreography of the latest street dances.

Jimmy Cliff and Gramps Morgan
April 2, 2011

Reggae old school meets new school in this performance featuring legendary singer Jimmy Cliff and breakout solo artist Gramps Morgan. Cliff makes his first appearance on the Reichhold Center stage singing many of his classics, including, “You Can Get It If You Really Want,” “Many Rivers to Cross,” “The Harder They Come,” and “Wild World.”  The Jamaica native was recently one of five performers inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010.  Gramps Morgan earned legion of fans as part of the sibling group Morgan Heritage. He is now enjoying a hugely successful solo career.  His CD, “Two Sides of My Heart Vol. 1” topped reggae charts in the U.S., Caribbean and Europe.

Hugh Masekela and Lira
Friday, March 18,2011 (STX), 8PM
Saturday, March 19, 2011 (STT), 8PM

Two South African natives share the Reichhold stage for an evening of world music.
Legendary trumpeter Hugh Masekela and the striking vocalist Lira captivated audiences during the opening ceremonies of the 2010 World Cup. The two bring their dynamic synergy to the Reichhold stage for an unforgettable night of instrumental music and hypnotic vocals with an African flair.

Aspen Santa Fe Ballet
Saturday, May 21, 2011 – 8PM

Aspen Santa Fe Ballet captivates audiences with its invigorating presentation of contemporary ballet with a European twist.  Aspen Santa Fe Ballet is recognized as one of the largest dance presenters in the country.  Audiences nationally and internationally have embraced this vibrant company on stellar stages from the Joyce Theater in New York to the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.

It’s time to get your art on! The Everyday Clay Studio in Tillett Gardens will be hosting the Dreem in Green Summer pARTy from 6pm-9pm.

This event is presented by the ArtVI advocates and is being billed as an artsy social and education networking event for the “Young @ heART”.

The event is a fun and casual meeting of the minds for artists, art lovers and for all of us in the community that are concerned about our environment. Chat with all types of people, explore the various “Green” art projects, sip some environmentally friendly wine, and share what fuels your artistic flame…

Featured artists appearing are Lamont Blake, Eric Brown, Eranah Laura Davies, Clay Lindol Jones, and Kimberly Young.

ArtVI Advocates is a new grassroots organization of energetic and innovative art advocates who have a keen interest in furthering the cause of arts and cultural advocacy in the US Virgin Islands. Their mission is to support and promote the arts in order to enhance the cultural, social and economic wellbeing of the Virgin Islands through arts, education and advocacy.

You can see more about this event on Facebook by clicking here and check out ArtVI’s Facebook page here.

Almost forgot to mention – pajamas and pillows optional…sounds pretty relaxing – hanging out in comfy clothes, sipping on some good wine! 

This will most likely be the show to make sure to get to if you like Metallica.

Coming July 24th to the Caribbean Saloon check out Battery:

Battery Promo

George Hartwig | MySpace Music Videos                                                             

 All I have to say is these guys just may be the VERY BEST BAND EVER TO COME TO ST. THOMAS… You decide. Get to the Caribbean Saloon on Saturday July 24th and get ready to pound your freakin’ head!

We received an email from Coral World on Monday…they wanted some help getting the word out about this upcoming weekend.

A lot of people have had a lot to say about our island during the last week. Talking about tourism. Talking about safety. Talking about the bad people on this island and trying to remind people about the good. Here’s one of the good; a business that was on our mind soon after the shock of the violence had passed. On a lot of people’s minds as a business that was sure to feel the brunt as a result of the shooting. Coral World.

As you most likely know, it’s our ocean park that sits on the end of a road on the East End. It shares this road with Coki Beach. It shares this road with a fantastic italian restaurant, one of our favorite restaurants on the island (that we’ll continue to visit). Lately it’s been sharing the road with more than a few police officers and security; it’s probably the safest place to be on the whole island.

We visited Coral Worlda couple of years ago, where I took this picture with Steve (father-in-law) and Remo (big sea lion):

We had a great time swimming with Remo and his sea lion buddy. You can read about it here. On a second trip to the park with more family I spent time with the lorikeets, these colorful birds that have a huge net-enclosed area to fly in.

You’re welcome to go inside and spend as much time as you want feeding them nectar and watching them perch on your  hands…arms…even your head! Look at this hungry group…

Fun photo op. I easily could have spent the entire day just with those birds; I’m a total bird geek. If they weren’t so wiggly I would have smuggled one home…(kidding, of course. Sort of. Moving on.) We stood by the shark tank and watched little kids faces go from scared to excited as they waited in line to ‘pet’ a shark…

There’s many more activities at the park, there’s food and drink, there’s sun, there’s a gift shop, there’s a million things to photograph for all you amateur photogs out there. Most importantly there’s a staff of great people ready (and hoping) to see you, educate you on the ocean world and make sure you have a fantastic day!

Which brings me back to this upcoming weekend. Coral World is holding an…

JULY 24 & 25, 2010

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT

Buy one activity get the second same activity free.

Coral World Ocean Park’s mission is to entertain, to educate, and to inspire appreciation and understanding of the local environment. Our hope is that you will experience the joy of discovery and that you will love and protect the natural treasures you see here.

We share their hope for a great turnout. From visitors enoying a weeks stay, to the passengers on the Caribbean Princess ship that is visiting St. Thomas on Sunday – and from the community on this island.

I believe I’ll go to say hello to those cute lorikeets

Tomorrow, Tuesday July 20, all mothers (really anyone) of St. Thomas/St. John are invited to join an organized walk in order to take action for peace and against crime in our beautiful islands. (I would assume St. Croix mothers are welcome as well, if they are able to make the trip over and back)

The meeting place is the parking lot of the Renaissance Hotel just behind Pineapple Beach, the walk will begin at 6pm.

We will then walk to Coki Beach quietly and peacefully to demonstrate our stance for peace and against crime. We ask you to wear white and walk with a flashlight. It will be the one week anniversary of the most recent acts of violence.

The Department of Public safety has been notified. We wish to heal the hurt in our community. We are the Walking Mothers for Peace and against crime.

Today we are stepping away from the negative and hoping to shine a light on the positive people that making a difference in our community.

Scott and I are excited to promote a new awards program being brought to the US Virgin Islands by Southland Gaming. The program is called Southland Gaming of the VI Community Award Program.  

Shaine Gaspard of Southland Gaming explained to us why they created this awards program:

“Virgin Islanders from every community make positive impacts every day without expecting a ‘thank you’. However, respectfully, we believe these good people should be recognized. So we are reaching out to the heart of the community and asking them to nominate those people. This is truly an award program for recent successes and accomplishments by individuals and ongoing community programs.”

These successes and accomplishments can be found in many areas - sports, recreation, music, education, environment, social change, early childhood, youth mentoring…the list is endless.

We’re looking for the people that have been working quietly in the background…perhaps paying out of pocket to make sure schools have enough supplies. Sacrificing their own time in order to spend time with youths to try and drive them away from gang involvement. Teachers who stay after hours to help students who might be falling behind. Coaches who buy equipment and drive the players to/from games to keep them involved. People who volunteer to help feed and clothe the homeless. Good, honest people.

Have someone in mind who fits the bill? It’s time to recognize them and the positive person they are. And here’s how we plan to do that.

Southland Gaming has dedicated $25,000 to honor those who are making our community better. This amount will be broken down into 25 $1000 prizes for any individual or organization. All Virgin Island residents can nominate any person or association for a chance at a prize.

Yes, you are allowed to nominate yourself or your own group

The following link will take you to an application. This application needs to be completely filled out:

SGVI Community Award Application

Once filled out the application can  be emailed ( awards@sgvi.com ), faxed ( 340.776.4185) or mailed:

Awards

Southland Gaming

1003 Estate Ross

St. Thomas VI 00802

The Awards program will announce one $1000 winner every two weeks! Many eyes are focused on our island at the moment; this is as good a time as any to show them some examples of the great people that live here. That want the best for our kids. The selfless people who are happy to dedicate their time and energy and want nothing in return. It’s time to learn their names, see their faces and thank them for what they’re doing.

The St. Thomas Blog will be posting a story on each of the winners and detailing their positive contributions to the USVI. Personally I’m excited to meet these individuals and I’m anticipating a good response to this program! Hopefully, as you read this, you are feeling the same way!

Thank you Southland for creating this great program. I look forward to watching this $25,000 go to deserving individuals. C’mon people – it’s time to step up and give us some names!

This place to be this Sunday is Hull Bay Hideaway, for the Northside Sportfishing Club’s Annual Kingfish tournament.

Some details on this popular tournament:

More than 300 anglers – men, women, boys and girls of all skill levels – are expected to enter. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, entry fees are low at $45 for adults and $35 for juniors ages 8-16.

Long time Silver Sponsor, Offshore Marine, the Yamaha and Yanmar distributor in the Virgin Islands, will donate cash prizes: $1000 for Best Boat, $1000 for Best Captain, $500 for Third Largest Kingfish, $500 for Best Male Angler, $250 for Best Junior Male Angler and $250 for Best Female Junior Angler.

All registered anglers will receive an official Bastille Day T-shirt thanks to the combined sponsorship support of Coors Light and Bellows International Ltd, Offshore Marine and NEMWIL, as well as a goodie bag with goodies, thanks to Hawaiian Tropic.

New this year, everyone – either as an individual or as a group – is invited to enter the Scotiabank Sand Sculpture Contest. It’s free to enter. All you need to bring is your creativity. The theme will be nautical. Judging of the contest will take place at 2 p.m., and the winner will receive a trophy and bragging rights, and all participants will receive a ribbon.

Entry forms can be obtained from Bryan’s Electrical and Neptune Fishing Supplies. A captain’s meeting and registration will be held at 7:30 p.m. at Hull Bay Hideaway on Friday, July 9. Late Registration will also be held from noon until 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 10, at Hull Bay Hideaway. Fishing will start at 5:30 a.m. on Sunday July 11, and will end at noon, sharp.

You can read more about the tournament here in the Source.

Good luck to everyone competing!

Get out to Jack’s this Thursday night July 1st to catch 80′s band Ferrari’s!

Come out to Jack’s each and every Thursday for your chance to win prizes including trips to Puerto Rico, Jost Van Dyke, and St. John.

Other prizes include: Dive trips, sailing charters, snorkeling adventures, and couples’ massages.

LIVE Music starts at 7:30PM.

July 1st – Ferrari’s 80′s Cover Band.

Prizes are drawn every half hour starting at 8PM.
Each guest receives one ticket upon arrival, which gives you the chance to win during each drawing.

Brought to you by STOLICHNAYA VODKA, The Sheraton Old San Juan, Sandcastle Hotel, The St. John Inn, the Hard Rock Cafe PR, The Soggy Dollar Bar, The Crazy Cracker, VI Eco Tours, Jester Sailing Charters, Admiralty Dive Center, The Body Garden, Fury Charters & 104.3 THE BUZZ!

As always, Jack’s is one of our awesome advertisers

Right on the heels of our posting about the funky sounding Turbidity and the hard rocking UncovereD we’d like to tell you about a concert tomorrow night that features both bands along with Rita Aguila!

click to enlarge

The concert will be held at Seven Minus Seven Art Space in Sub Base (between Pueble and Doctor’s Choice) between 8-11:30pm. $10 suggested donation at the door. There will be a cash bar. More info here.

This event is for a good cause…they are raising money for Relay for Life, an annual fundraising event for the American Cancer Society. The monies raised tomorrow night will remain in the Virgin Islands and be put towards screening, treatment and medication.

The Relay for Life 2010 in St. Thomas will be held on June 26 & 27 on the track at Charlotte Amalie High School.