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Hannah Eckert

Health and Environmental Impacts as the Annual Saharan Dust Returns to the Caribbean

Health and Environmental Impacts as the Annual Saharan Dust Returns to the Caribbean 1

Good morning, good morning!

The annual arrival of ethereal sunsets and a light, hazy fog is coming to the Caribbean a little early this year. Deriving from the Saharan desert in Northern Africa, a massive plume of dust is expected to bring its haze within the next few weeks. Typically not seen until May or June, the Saharan Air Layer, or SAL, will be making its first appearance on the northernmost tip of South America by today. By next week, small clouds of dust and sand will begin to coat the Lesser Antilles.

Health and Environmental Impacts as the Annual Saharan Dust Returns to the Caribbean 2
Taken from a previous NSJ article “Sahara Dust Settles Over St. John”

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Love City Creates Mosaic Mural in the Park

Love City Creates Mosaic Mural in the Park 3

Good morning! With Spring right around the corner and St. Patrick’s Day coming up, this is my favorite time of year.

St. John has been a hub of activity lately. A couple of the highlights were the English Caribbean’s Women’s Fast-Pitch Tournament Qualifier at the National Park Ball Field and next to it, the community driven art project bordering the newly constructed playground. If you were in Cruz Bay last week, you may have stopped by the park to watch the softball games or helped to piece together the mosaic mural being created on the two walls encircling the kids’ playground.

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A Unique Lens: Crystal Kayaking and Paddleboarding at Maho Beach

A Unique Lens: Crystal Kayaking and Paddleboarding at Maho Beach 4

Good morning! Peak season is upon us, and I know most visitors will be looking for some unique, outdoorsy activities to do on St. John. I went crystal kayaking at Maho a few days ago and highly recommend it!

A Unique Lens: Crystal Kayaking and Paddleboarding at Maho Beach 5

Having lived on St. John for two years, you would think I’ve done everything this beautiful, small island has to offer a million times over, and yet I am still pleasantly surprised by the amount of fun activities that I find on my days off. Recently, I spent the day at Maho, one of my favorite beaches, and tried the crystal kayaking and paddleboarding offered at Maho Crossroads.

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Love City Yoga – A Growing Practice on St. John

Love City Yoga - A Growing Practice on St. John 6

One of the most important aspects of a community is the accessibility to health and wellness. Practicing yoga – whether at home or in a class, has a multitude of health benefits such as reducing stress, improving cardiovascular health, increasing flexibility, and encouraging mindfulness. It also creates a space to build community and share a collective energy through practice.

Love City Yoga - A Growing Practice on St. John 7

Certified instructor and creator of Love City Yoga, Corey Thomas recognized the need for organized, consistent yoga classes on island when she moved here from St. Thomas, four years ago. She started Love City Yoga last season, bringing much needed weekly classes to the Island. I went to one of the first classes, and it’s been beautiful to watch Love City Yoga grow over the last year.

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Shwayze, Shred is Dead, and Since JulEYE to headline VI Jam Festival 2023

Shwayze, Shred is Dead, and Since JulEYE to headline VI Jam Festival 2023 8

With March fast approaching, our favorite music festival is right around the corner!  The 5th annual VI Jam Fest is less than a month away, hosted by the Windmill Bar + Moe of Lightbrush and Christie & Andy of Cruz Bay Music.

The event is held on the first week of March – dates are 2nd – 4th, and tickets are for sale at https://vijamfest.brownpapertickets.com.

Read moreShwayze, Shred is Dead, and Since JulEYE to headline VI Jam Festival 2023