The 3rd annual Valentine’s Day Renewal Ceremony at Trunk Bay drew 52 couples to reaffirm their commitments. Among them were Diane and Reed Shank of Cincinnati. They were on island for the event last year and made it a point to return this year. "It reminds us once a year why we stay together," she told the St. John Source. The longest-married couple, 5 years, was John and Barbara Achzet. The ceremony had to be moved from the beach to a pavilion at Trunk Bay because of rain. It was organized by Cathy Dove and Anne Marie Porter.
The $15.50 newspaper
On the beach at Caneel Bay, Sunday afternoon, after a fantastic lunch at the beach side restaurant – Donna didn’t think the gioft shop’s price for The New York Times price was too high.
Utility pole still in the road
The Water and Power Authority has not yet removed that power pole in the middle of the road beside the Enighed Pond commercial port. Although WAPA said it planned to get the job done last week, the agency said the ground was too wet from rain. The pole is on the left side of the road as you drive along the pond. The Port Authority said it had no choice but to pave around the pole, because its contractor was ready to do the work, and after three months’ notice WAPA still had done nothing.
More on Kenny Chesney
Local newspapers on St. John are taking some pride in the fact they have been reluctant to chronicle the sightings of Kenny Chesney, the singer. But People magazine has not been, publishing a colorful story about Chesney in its Jan. 17 issue, calling him an "island cowboy." Chesney is sometimes seen on island at the Beach Bar and Woody’s. (But, we didn’t tell you. We respect his privacy, too.)
DMV parking lot paved
It’s done. The Department of Public Works began paving the Enighed public parking area last week. Monday morning, it was still roped off by yellow plastic tapes, but most the surface has been done. The lot is used by visitors to the Department of Finance and DMV trailer. The project is a part of several such resurfacing jobs on island currently, including also Library Drive and the vicinity of Bethany Moravian Church.
Hearing on public schools
The Senate’s Education Committee will convene a hearing on St. John next Monday evening. It is the third such session to survey the state of school facilities on each island.
Authorities decide it was an accident
WIVI Radio reported this morning there will be no charges filed against the driver of a delivery truck who struck and killed a Sprauve School student a month ago. Witnesses said Javon Jude Alfred and his friends were darting and running across the road and that the driver of the Bellows International vehicle was not at fault.
Just last week, classmates of Alfred paraded across from the school and and posted signs urging motorists to be cautious.
St. John’s biggest Bowl party
The Caribbean home base for New England Patriot fans was rocking Sunday night as the annual Skinny Legs Super Bowl party drew hundreds to Coral Bay.
The Bowl bashes are legendary by now, and if nothing else is a clue, the shaky and blurry quality of the photos here should attest that a good time, a noisy time, and a colorful time was had by many who watched the game on the big screen set up in the back.
By the way, click on our thumbnail photos and see bigger pictures.
Jet Blue hears VI supporters
The effort begun by Mark and Nanci Shekleton to encourage people to send e-mail to Jet Blue urging them to begin service to St. Thomas has had some impact. One the readers of NewsofStJohn said he got a cordial, if uncommitted reply. "we appreciate your interest in St. Thomas, USVI as a future JetBlue destination," the message to Franco Fellah read. "As a growing airline, JetBlue is continuously evaluating new cities to serve." Another reader commented on the item, saying that he sees Jet Blue flying NY to San Juan for less than $100. "If Jet Blue offers fares for under $200 to STT, I can come down four more times a year," he said. That, "would be quite a boost to the economy." Contact Jet Blue at http://www.jetblue.com/speakup/questions.asp