Nov. 4, 2001 – "Ask the CIS," a locally produced Cancer Information Service health column, is featuring questions and answers this time about breast cancer and mammograms.
Getting the facts about breast cancer and mammograms is an important step in taking care of your health. Simply being a woman and getting older puts you at risk for breast cancer. Several known factors can further increase your risk for breast cancer. However, studies show that most women who develop breast cancer have none of the risk factors listed below — which is why mammograms are so important.
What are the factors that place a woman at increased risk for breast cancer?
– Personal history: Women who have had breast cancer are more likely to develop a second breast cancer.
– Family history: The risk of getting breast cancer increases for a woman whose mother, sister or daughter has had the disease; or who has two or more close relatives, such as cousins or aunts, with a history of breast cancer, especially if diagnosed before age 40. About 5 percent of women with breast cancer have a hereditary form of this disease.
– Genetic alterations: Specific alterations in certain genes, such as those in the breast cancer genes BRCA1 or BRCA2, make women more susceptible to breast cancer.
– Abnormal biopsy: Women with certain abnormal breast conditions, such as atypical hyperplasia or LCIS (lobular carcinoma in situ), are at increased risk.
– Other conditions: Women age 45 or older who have at least 75 percent dense tissue on a mammogram. (Tumors in dense breasts are more difficult to "see" and, in older women, dense breast tissue itself is a risk factor.)
– Women who received chest irradiation for conditions such as Hodgkins disease at age 30 or younger. They remain at risk throughout their lives and should have regular monitoring.
– A woman who bears her first child at age 30 or older.
In addition, recent evidence suggests that menopausal women who have long-term exposure (greater than 10 years) to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may have a slightly increased risk of breast cancer.
What is the position of the National Cancer Institute on screening mammograms?
The NCI recommends that all women age 40 or older get screening mammograms every one to two years. Women at increased risk for breast cancer should seek medical advice about when to begin having regular mammograms and how often to be screened.
What is the best method of detecting breast cancer as early as possible?
A high-quality mammogram together with a clinical breast exam (an exam done by a professional health care provider) is the most effective way to detect breast cancer early. A mammogram can detect breast cancer that cannot be felt.
What is a screening mammogram?
A screening mammogram is an X-ray procedure to detect breast changes in women who have no signs of breast cancer. It usually involves two X-rays of each breast.
What is a diagnostic mammogram?
A diagnostic mammogram is an X-ray of the breast used to diagnose unusual breast changes, such as a lump, pain, nipple thickening or discharge, or a change in breast size or shape. A diagnostic mammogram also is used to detect abnormalities detected on a screening mammogram.
Where can a woman get a high-quality mammogram?
Women can get high-quality mammograms in breast clinics, radiology departments of hospitals, mobile vans, private radiology offices, and doctors' offices. Through the Mammography Quality Standards Act, all mammography facilities are required to display Food and Drug Administration certification. To be certified, facilities must meet standards for the equipment used, the staff, and the records kept.
Information about local FDA-certified mammography facilities is available through the Cancer Information Service. Call the CIS at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237), or visit the National Cancer Institute web site.
The CIS toll-free phone line hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The service is free, and all calls are confidential.
Organizations interested in cancer awareness and education outreach are asked to call Carthy Thomas, Partnership Program coordinator, at 774-9000, ext. 4707.
VIERS: CAMPING WITH AN ENVIRONMENTAL CAUSE
Nov. 3, 2001 – When the V.I. Environmental Resource Station set up shop back in 1966, the trip to its base at remote Lameshur Bay on St. John's south shore was one long, arduous trip. Not much has changed in that regard, but the facility itself has altered direction and ambience over the years.
On Nov. 1, VIERS celebrated its 35th anniversary.
Until 1997, VIERS was operated by the College, later the University, of the Virgin Islands, a long-distance effort that met with varying degrees of success over the decades. Four years ago, after VIERS nearly closed due to funding shortages, UVI turned its operation over to Clean Islands International, a not-for-profit environmental and educational organization based in Maryland.
"Over the years research has continued, but now environmental education is more dominant," Clean Islands director Randy Brown says.
Since Clean Islands took over, the sleeping cottages have been spiffed up and the property has been vastly improved.
"People are pleased to see VIERS looking fresh and in bloom," Brown said, mentioning the profusion of flowers that now graces the compound, which includes cottages, a kitchen and an office. But VIERS is more than a camping ground. The students who spend several nights at its ongoing overnight camps utilize the surrounding V.I. National Park property and the beaches at nearby Little and Great Lameshur Bays to explore the environment.
"I wish we had more [facilities] like this in the Caribbean," said Edison Greenaway, a Trinidad resident who is vice president of the Clean Islands board.
Brown said he expects to see 60 groups — a total of about 1,000 people — spend time working on projects at the station over the next year. Many groups spend just two nights at the facility; others stay for as many as six.
When VIERS opened, it was intended to serve as a base for scientific researchers. The Caribbean Research Institute at the College of the Virgin Islands set up what was first called the V.I. Ecological Research Station. It initially occupied old buildings at Little Lameshur that once had been used to process bay rum. Jack Dammann was its first director.
"When the Pride of Tortola sank off Magens Bay, we salvaged the paint to paint the ruins," Dammann recalled, laughing now at the effort it took to make VIERS happen. He said that CVI nixed any thought of setting up a research station near its home on St. Thomas because, even then, there wasn't much undisturbed land available to conduct scientific research.
"It was supposed to be both terrestrial and marine," Dammann said. When the undersea research habitat called Tektite came to St. John in 1968, Navy Seabees built the VIERS cottages. After that project ended in 1970, the cottages and lab at Greater Lameshur were absorbed into the college holdings.
V.I. National Park Supt. John King said he hopes that Clean Islands will be able to entice more researchers to VIERS. He also expressed appreciation for the facility's programs to work with students. "We hope to have more of a balance between education and research," he said.
King said the park has allocated $20,000 this year to pay for students to attend eco-camps, which he said are important in instilling an environmental ethic in children who will someday be community and government leaders.
Also, King said, the park plans to set up a visitor center and ranger station at the VIERS lab for activities relating to the new Coral Reef National Monument. The park has management responsibilites for the monument, created late last year by President Bill Clinton.
For more information, visit the VIERS web site.
On Nov. 1, VIERS celebrated its 35th anniversary.
Until 1997, VIERS was operated by the College, later the University, of the Virgin Islands, a long-distance effort that met with varying degrees of success over the decades. Four years ago, after VIERS nearly closed due to funding shortages, UVI turned its operation over to Clean Islands International, a not-for-profit environmental and educational organization based in Maryland.
"Over the years research has continued, but now environmental education is more dominant," Clean Islands director Randy Brown says.
Since Clean Islands took over, the sleeping cottages have been spiffed up and the property has been vastly improved.
"People are pleased to see VIERS looking fresh and in bloom," Brown said, mentioning the profusion of flowers that now graces the compound, which includes cottages, a kitchen and an office. But VIERS is more than a camping ground. The students who spend several nights at its ongoing overnight camps utilize the surrounding V.I. National Park property and the beaches at nearby Little and Great Lameshur Bays to explore the environment.
"I wish we had more [facilities] like this in the Caribbean," said Edison Greenaway, a Trinidad resident who is vice president of the Clean Islands board.
Brown said he expects to see 60 groups — a total of about 1,000 people — spend time working on projects at the station over the next year. Many groups spend just two nights at the facility; others stay for as many as six.
When VIERS opened, it was intended to serve as a base for scientific researchers. The Caribbean Research Institute at the College of the Virgin Islands set up what was first called the V.I. Ecological Research Station. It initially occupied old buildings at Little Lameshur that once had been used to process bay rum. Jack Dammann was its first director.
"When the Pride of Tortola sank off Magens Bay, we salvaged the paint to paint the ruins," Dammann recalled, laughing now at the effort it took to make VIERS happen. He said that CVI nixed any thought of setting up a research station near its home on St. Thomas because, even then, there wasn't much undisturbed land available to conduct scientific research.
"It was supposed to be both terrestrial and marine," Dammann said. When the undersea research habitat called Tektite came to St. John in 1968, Navy Seabees built the VIERS cottages. After that project ended in 1970, the cottages and lab at Greater Lameshur were absorbed into the college holdings.
V.I. National Park Supt. John King said he hopes that Clean Islands will be able to entice more researchers to VIERS. He also expressed appreciation for the facility's programs to work with students. "We hope to have more of a balance between education and research," he said.
King said the park has allocated $20,000 this year to pay for students to attend eco-camps, which he said are important in instilling an environmental ethic in children who will someday be community and government leaders.
Also, King said, the park plans to set up a visitor center and ranger station at the VIERS lab for activities relating to the new Coral Reef National Monument. The park has management responsibilites for the monument, created late last year by President Bill Clinton.
For more information, visit the VIERS web site.
HOW TO GET AROUND WAPA SWITCHBOARD GLITCH
Nov. 3, 2001 – The Water and Power Authority is experiencing difficulties with its main switchboard number on St. Thomas, 774-3552.
Callers who know the extension of the area or person they want to reach can bypass the switchboard console and dial it directly, according to a WAPA release, by punching in the extension after the automated intercept comes on the line.
Until the switchboard problem is solved, the public can reach the most-often called WAPA offices thus:
– Customer service for billing inquiries, by dialing 774-3552 plus extensions 2114 through 2120.
– Line department for electrical emergencies, by dialing 774-3552 plus extensions 2300 through 2304, or 774-1424.
– Potable water distribution division for water emergencies, by dialing 774-3552 plus extension 2308 or 2309, or 775-5873.
WAPA and Innovative Telephone are working together to resolve the problem, the release stated.
Callers who know the extension of the area or person they want to reach can bypass the switchboard console and dial it directly, according to a WAPA release, by punching in the extension after the automated intercept comes on the line.
Until the switchboard problem is solved, the public can reach the most-often called WAPA offices thus:
– Customer service for billing inquiries, by dialing 774-3552 plus extensions 2114 through 2120.
– Line department for electrical emergencies, by dialing 774-3552 plus extensions 2300 through 2304, or 774-1424.
– Potable water distribution division for water emergencies, by dialing 774-3552 plus extension 2308 or 2309, or 775-5873.
WAPA and Innovative Telephone are working together to resolve the problem, the release stated.
HOW TO GET AROUND WAPA SWITCHBOARD GLITCH
Nov. 3, 2001 – The Water and Power Authority is experiencing difficulties with its main switchboard number on St. Thomas, 774-3552.
Callers who know the extension of the area or person they want to reach can bypass the switchboard console and dial it directly, according to a WAPA release, by punching in the extension after the automated intercept comes on the line.
Until the switchboard problem is solved, the public can reach the most-often called WAPA offices thus:
– Customer service for billing inquiries, by dialing 774-3552 plus extensions 2114 through 2120.
– Line department for electrical emergencies, by dialing 774-3552 plus extensions 2300 through 2304, or 774-1424.
– Potable water distribution division for water emergencies, by dialing 774-3552 plus extension 2308 or 2309, or 775-5873.
WAPA and Innovative Telephone are working together to resolve the problem, the release stated.
Callers who know the extension of the area or person they want to reach can bypass the switchboard console and dial it directly, according to a WAPA release, by punching in the extension after the automated intercept comes on the line.
Until the switchboard problem is solved, the public can reach the most-often called WAPA offices thus:
– Customer service for billing inquiries, by dialing 774-3552 plus extensions 2114 through 2120.
– Line department for electrical emergencies, by dialing 774-3552 plus extensions 2300 through 2304, or 774-1424.
– Potable water distribution division for water emergencies, by dialing 774-3552 plus extension 2308 or 2309, or 775-5873.
WAPA and Innovative Telephone are working together to resolve the problem, the release stated.
MAKING WAVES: WHAT'S THERE TO LISTEN TO
Nov. 3, 2001 – Here is some of the locally produced and hosted special-interest radio programing coming up. This is a free listing feature, updated on an ongoing basis. For details, see the editor's note below.
WIUJ Radio (non-commercial station) – 102.9 FM, St. Thomas
"Sunday Classics with Charlene," Sunday, Nov. 4, noon-1 p.m. — Charlene revisits one of the works on the program of Saturday night's performance by the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra at the Reichhold Center for the Arts: the Double Concerto in A Minor by Johannes Brahms.
"The Doug Lewis Show," Sunday, Nov. 4, 1-3 p.m. — Doug will focus on musicians featured in the current PBS series "American Roots Music" — Son House, Woody Guthrie, Mahalia Jackson, Arlo Guthrie, Keb Mo, Gillian Welch and Ricky Skaggs; artists at this weekend's Sound Advice Blues Festival in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. — John Mayall, Ike Turner and Deborah Coleman (coming to Tillett Gardens this season); and performers at the City of Hope Concert in Santa Monica, Calif., on this date in 1998 — James Taylor, Shawn Colvin and Don Henley. And he'll mark the birthdays of Delbert McClinton and the late James Honeyman-Scott of the Pretenders.
WIUJ Radio (non-commercial station) – 102.9 FM, St. Thomas
"Sunday Classics with Charlene," Sunday, Nov. 4, noon-1 p.m. — Charlene revisits one of the works on the program of Saturday night's performance by the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra at the Reichhold Center for the Arts: the Double Concerto in A Minor by Johannes Brahms.
"The Doug Lewis Show," Sunday, Nov. 4, 1-3 p.m. — Doug will focus on musicians featured in the current PBS series "American Roots Music" — Son House, Woody Guthrie, Mahalia Jackson, Arlo Guthrie, Keb Mo, Gillian Welch and Ricky Skaggs; artists at this weekend's Sound Advice Blues Festival in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. — John Mayall, Ike Turner and Deborah Coleman (coming to Tillett Gardens this season); and performers at the City of Hope Concert in Santa Monica, Calif., on this date in 1998 — James Taylor, Shawn Colvin and Don Henley. And he'll mark the birthdays of Delbert McClinton and the late James Honeyman-Scott of the Pretenders.
Editor's note: The Source invites local radio show hosts and station program directors to submit material for Making Waves. Information may be e-mailed to source@viaccess.net or faxed to 777-8136. Items must refer to specific days' offerings on locally produced and hosted shows. Include the station call letters, common name, AM/FM location, and air date and time.
READING BETWEEN LINES, ONE CAN MISS THE POINT
Dear Source,
Regarding Dwayne Henry's response ["Discrimination isn't the be-all for blame"] to my earlier letter to the Source, I would offer the following:
1. My "pontifications" were hardly made from some lofty perch or "high horse" as Mr. Henry alleges. Mr. Henry does not know me, nor does he seem to be able to grasp the simple concepts which I offered the readers of the Source in my letter. In Mr. Henry's first paragraph, he seems to be telling us all that the Virgin Islands is in the trouble it finds itself in because of some learned behavior.
Whether this behavior was learned from the United States or Egypt, my only question was: When will this type of activity cease? When will elected officials in the Virgin Islands stop paying timely lip service to the cancerous problems of the territory and get off of their collective rear ends to finally get it together for the good of the people they claim to represent?
2. If Mr. Henry had read the words I wrote, instead of reading into what I wrote, he would realize that I did not say that people of the Virgin Islands "vote their self-interests." I wrote: "The only way to stop this behavior is to end the electing of people who have only their own future and self-interests in mind."
If I am to be admonished for a statement that I made, at least have the courtesy to admonish me for what I said, and not for what you read into what I said. After all, there is a big difference. I stand by these comments, and invite Mr. Henry or anyone else to challenge me on this point. Saying that this activity happens everywhere is simply a cop-out.
3. I take issue with Mr. Henry's statement that the Virgin Islands should undertake local initiatives such as sales taxes and increased service fees. Raising taxes never stimulates an economy. It instead has the opposite effect, and this has been proven over and over again. "Service fees" is just another name for higher taxes, and most people these days realize this.
4. "I agree with much of what Mr. Roeske is saying. However, I strongly disagree with his reasons for such." Mr. Henry, you can disagree with everything I said; that is not my concern. Admittedly, racism is only one of the symptoms of a much larger problem. When one states "problems from political corruption to racism," it has always meant to me that there are other problems not indicated, but understood, in between the ones that are stated. Racism in the Virgin Islands is a problem, and not being able to admit it is also a problem.
My letter was not about racism but about the Virgin Islands finally moving away from the attitudes that prevail and infect the community and taking a giant step forward: To see that tourism is what the economy is based on, almost exclusively. Not to bite the hand that feeds it and then act surprised that the only press the Virgin Islands is getting is bad press. To teach the children of the community the proper lessons needed to succeed in life.
Eric K. Roeske
Watertown, Wis.
Regarding Dwayne Henry's response ["Discrimination isn't the be-all for blame"] to my earlier letter to the Source, I would offer the following:
1. My "pontifications" were hardly made from some lofty perch or "high horse" as Mr. Henry alleges. Mr. Henry does not know me, nor does he seem to be able to grasp the simple concepts which I offered the readers of the Source in my letter. In Mr. Henry's first paragraph, he seems to be telling us all that the Virgin Islands is in the trouble it finds itself in because of some learned behavior.
Whether this behavior was learned from the United States or Egypt, my only question was: When will this type of activity cease? When will elected officials in the Virgin Islands stop paying timely lip service to the cancerous problems of the territory and get off of their collective rear ends to finally get it together for the good of the people they claim to represent?
2. If Mr. Henry had read the words I wrote, instead of reading into what I wrote, he would realize that I did not say that people of the Virgin Islands "vote their self-interests." I wrote: "The only way to stop this behavior is to end the electing of people who have only their own future and self-interests in mind."
If I am to be admonished for a statement that I made, at least have the courtesy to admonish me for what I said, and not for what you read into what I said. After all, there is a big difference. I stand by these comments, and invite Mr. Henry or anyone else to challenge me on this point. Saying that this activity happens everywhere is simply a cop-out.
3. I take issue with Mr. Henry's statement that the Virgin Islands should undertake local initiatives such as sales taxes and increased service fees. Raising taxes never stimulates an economy. It instead has the opposite effect, and this has been proven over and over again. "Service fees" is just another name for higher taxes, and most people these days realize this.
4. "I agree with much of what Mr. Roeske is saying. However, I strongly disagree with his reasons for such." Mr. Henry, you can disagree with everything I said; that is not my concern. Admittedly, racism is only one of the symptoms of a much larger problem. When one states "problems from political corruption to racism," it has always meant to me that there are other problems not indicated, but understood, in between the ones that are stated. Racism in the Virgin Islands is a problem, and not being able to admit it is also a problem.
My letter was not about racism but about the Virgin Islands finally moving away from the attitudes that prevail and infect the community and taking a giant step forward: To see that tourism is what the economy is based on, almost exclusively. Not to bite the hand that feeds it and then act surprised that the only press the Virgin Islands is getting is bad press. To teach the children of the community the proper lessons needed to succeed in life.
Eric K. Roeske
Watertown, Wis.
FERRIES PLAN TO HALT MOST TOWN-TO-TOWN RUNS
Nov. 2, 2001 – The two companies holding the government franchises for ferry service between St. Thomas and St. John want to drop most of their scheduled runs between Cruz Bay and Charlotte Amalie temporarily — and reportedly will do so sometime next week.
Transportation Services and Varlack Ventures made their case before the Public Services Commission, which regulates the service, on Friday. However, the PSC lacked a quorum, which would normally mean that the body could not act on a petition before it. Nonetheless, PSC attorney Fred Watts said, the commission members present provisionally approved the curtailment of service, and he said he anticipated that it would take effect in the middle of the coming week.
The companies asked to eliminate the 9:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m. and 2:25 p.m. runs from Cruz Bay and the 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. runs from Charlotte Amalie. They intend to keep the commuter runs — the 7:15 a.m. from Cruz Bay and the 5:30 p.m. from Charlotte Amalie — in place.
Service between Cruz Bay and Red Hook would not be affected.
On the downtown-to-downtown runs, "Business was slow. It started with the bombing," Transportation Services accounting clerk Jacqué Meade said, referring to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
She said that fact coupled with the normally lower ridership during the slow season has meant that the trips have lost money for the companies this fall. "Sometimes there was only one or two people on the ferry," she said.
Keithley Joseph, PSC executive director, said the ferry companies indicated in their request that they would expect to resume full service by Dec. 1
Joseph said ferry company officials stated that ridership was down by 30 to 40 percent. He also said he expects the Senate to consider the governor's latest nominees to serve on the commission next week, and if they are approved, the commission will then be able to muster a quorum.
The PSC by law has seven voting members; six are currently sitting but the terms of all six have expired. Five nominations submitted by Gov. Charles W. Turnbull have been approved by the Rules Committee and are awaiting full Senate action.
The commission has created controversy previously by taking action when a quorum was not present and then ratifying that action at a subsequent meeting when there was a quorum. On May 8, when three members were present, a vote was taken at the direction of the chair, Walter Challenger, to hire the mainland firm of AUS Consultants to conduct rate investigations of local utilities. In June, the commission, with a quorum in place, voted again to hire the company.
Kathy Demar, who manages vacation villas on St. John, said the 11:15 a.m. run from Cruz Bay has been popular with her departing guests who have afternoon planes to catch. Guests flying into St. Thomas often arrive on St. John on the 4 p.m. ferry from Charlotte Amalie.
If the cutbacks in service are approved, St. John vacationers would have the option of taking a ferry out of or into Red Hook, which would entail utilizing land transportation between Red Hook and Charlotte Amalie or the airport.
No one could be reached at Varlack Ventures for comment.
Transportation Services and Varlack Ventures made their case before the Public Services Commission, which regulates the service, on Friday. However, the PSC lacked a quorum, which would normally mean that the body could not act on a petition before it. Nonetheless, PSC attorney Fred Watts said, the commission members present provisionally approved the curtailment of service, and he said he anticipated that it would take effect in the middle of the coming week.
The companies asked to eliminate the 9:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m. and 2:25 p.m. runs from Cruz Bay and the 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. runs from Charlotte Amalie. They intend to keep the commuter runs — the 7:15 a.m. from Cruz Bay and the 5:30 p.m. from Charlotte Amalie — in place.
Service between Cruz Bay and Red Hook would not be affected.
On the downtown-to-downtown runs, "Business was slow. It started with the bombing," Transportation Services accounting clerk Jacqué Meade said, referring to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
She said that fact coupled with the normally lower ridership during the slow season has meant that the trips have lost money for the companies this fall. "Sometimes there was only one or two people on the ferry," she said.
Keithley Joseph, PSC executive director, said the ferry companies indicated in their request that they would expect to resume full service by Dec. 1
Joseph said ferry company officials stated that ridership was down by 30 to 40 percent. He also said he expects the Senate to consider the governor's latest nominees to serve on the commission next week, and if they are approved, the commission will then be able to muster a quorum.
The PSC by law has seven voting members; six are currently sitting but the terms of all six have expired. Five nominations submitted by Gov. Charles W. Turnbull have been approved by the Rules Committee and are awaiting full Senate action.
The commission has created controversy previously by taking action when a quorum was not present and then ratifying that action at a subsequent meeting when there was a quorum. On May 8, when three members were present, a vote was taken at the direction of the chair, Walter Challenger, to hire the mainland firm of AUS Consultants to conduct rate investigations of local utilities. In June, the commission, with a quorum in place, voted again to hire the company.
Kathy Demar, who manages vacation villas on St. John, said the 11:15 a.m. run from Cruz Bay has been popular with her departing guests who have afternoon planes to catch. Guests flying into St. Thomas often arrive on St. John on the 4 p.m. ferry from Charlotte Amalie.
If the cutbacks in service are approved, St. John vacationers would have the option of taking a ferry out of or into Red Hook, which would entail utilizing land transportation between Red Hook and Charlotte Amalie or the airport.
No one could be reached at Varlack Ventures for comment.
BENEFIT SALE OFFERS A CHANCE TO FURNISH A HOME
Oct. 21, 2001 – If you're in the market for furniture, accessories or art, here's a benefit warehouse sale for you. Mark your calendar for noon Sunday, Nov. 4, at the Bovoni Self-Storage Warehouse.
The sale, sponsored by the Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas, will feature items ranging from a recliner to a cedar chest, with practically everything in between you might need to furnish a home.
Condition of items ranges from almost-new to seen-better-days, according to a release from the congregation. Prices range from $1 to $1,000, with most in the $20 to $50 category.
Need to eat? There's a glass-top metal table and matching chairs set and a set of four matching caned dining room chairs. There's a brand new, fancy hotplate, and an art-glass cutting board.
Need to sit? Included are a recliner, and a sofa and matching loveseat with throw pillows.
Need to pay your bills? There are at least two desks: an antique one, and a pine one made on St. Thomas in the 1940s.
Need to put things away? Check out a bedroom chest, a cedar chest, a set of closet organizing baskets and a dresser.
Now that you can sit and rest, consider what you might hang on your walls: The art offerings are very international. Among the choices are some Javanese monotypes, two Russian pieces, a Japanese triptych and several original oils ranging in price from $50 to $200, including one by Mitzi Henne of two St. Thomas boys.
You can shop and buy until 5 p.m. -– unless everything is sold earlier. It will be a pay-and-take sale, according to the release, so purchasers should be prepared to take whatever they buy with them.
More information is available at the Synagogue at 774-4312.
The sale, sponsored by the Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas, will feature items ranging from a recliner to a cedar chest, with practically everything in between you might need to furnish a home.
Condition of items ranges from almost-new to seen-better-days, according to a release from the congregation. Prices range from $1 to $1,000, with most in the $20 to $50 category.
Need to eat? There's a glass-top metal table and matching chairs set and a set of four matching caned dining room chairs. There's a brand new, fancy hotplate, and an art-glass cutting board.
Need to sit? Included are a recliner, and a sofa and matching loveseat with throw pillows.
Need to pay your bills? There are at least two desks: an antique one, and a pine one made on St. Thomas in the 1940s.
Need to put things away? Check out a bedroom chest, a cedar chest, a set of closet organizing baskets and a dresser.
Now that you can sit and rest, consider what you might hang on your walls: The art offerings are very international. Among the choices are some Javanese monotypes, two Russian pieces, a Japanese triptych and several original oils ranging in price from $50 to $200, including one by Mitzi Henne of two St. Thomas boys.
You can shop and buy until 5 p.m. -– unless everything is sold earlier. It will be a pay-and-take sale, according to the release, so purchasers should be prepared to take whatever they buy with them.
More information is available at the Synagogue at 774-4312.
9/11 DISASTER LOANS NOT GUARANTEED
Nov. 3, 2001 — Local businesses affected by the Sept. 11 terrorists attacks are not necessarily shoo-ins for low-interest disaster loans, according to federal Small Business Administration officials.
In an unprecedented move, the SBA extended financial assistance on Oct. 22 to businesses affected by the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks -–– even those not located in the New York and Washington, D.C., areas. The economic disaster-loan program is available for eligible small businesses located outside the declared disaster areas of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Any eligible small business that can't meet its financial obligations or pay its operating expenses as a direct result of the attacks, or as a result of any related federal action taken between Sept. 11 and Oct. 22, may be eligible for assistance.
But Frank Adinolfi from the SBA’s District II office, which covers the Virgin Islands, said businesses have to show they have been directly impacted by the attacks. As of Friday, he said, about 50 applications had been issued to individuals in the territory.
"Businesses must write a narrative telling how they were impacted by the disaster," Adinolfi said. "If it is just because people are changing their travel plans … we might have to take a closer look at things."
The loans, of up to $1.5 million with an interest rate of 4 percent for a maximum of 30 years, are intended only to provide the amount of working capital needed by a small business to pay its operating expenses until operations return to normal. The loans are not to cover lost income or lost profits, or losses attributable to an economic downturn. EIDL funds cannot be used to refinance long-term debt or expand the business.
Charlene Griffin, the SBA’s representative in the territory, said it is important that applicants supply all the requested information, particularly past tax returns.
"We have to have a complete application to make an informed decision," she said.
According to the SBA website, the following criteria will be used to determine whether a business is eligible for assistance:
– The business was located in an airport or other facility that was closed or suspended its operations or was otherwise disrupted as a result of national security as mandated by the federal government.
– The business supplied or provided services to a business that was located in or near the World Trade Center or Pentagon; or supplied or provided services to a business or industry adversely affected by the destruction of the World Trade Center or damage to the Pentagon on Sept. 11, or federal action; or is otherwise dependent on a business or industry so adversely impacted.
– The business is dependent on a business or other organization that was closed or suspended its operations or was otherwise disrupted as a result of the attacks or subsequent federal action.
– The business was directly impacted by the destruction of the World Trade Center or damage to the Pentagon or related federal actions taken in response to those actions between Sept. 11 and Oct. 22.
The SBA noted that a general decline in business since Sept. 11 does not qualify for this program. A decline in revenue due to public reaction in the wake of the attacks is not covered by the program, according to the SBA.
Businesses in the territory interested in applying for economic disaster loans should call 1-800-659-2955 to request an application. The application deadline is Jan. 21, 2002.
In an unprecedented move, the SBA extended financial assistance on Oct. 22 to businesses affected by the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks -–– even those not located in the New York and Washington, D.C., areas. The economic disaster-loan program is available for eligible small businesses located outside the declared disaster areas of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Any eligible small business that can't meet its financial obligations or pay its operating expenses as a direct result of the attacks, or as a result of any related federal action taken between Sept. 11 and Oct. 22, may be eligible for assistance.
But Frank Adinolfi from the SBA’s District II office, which covers the Virgin Islands, said businesses have to show they have been directly impacted by the attacks. As of Friday, he said, about 50 applications had been issued to individuals in the territory.
"Businesses must write a narrative telling how they were impacted by the disaster," Adinolfi said. "If it is just because people are changing their travel plans … we might have to take a closer look at things."
The loans, of up to $1.5 million with an interest rate of 4 percent for a maximum of 30 years, are intended only to provide the amount of working capital needed by a small business to pay its operating expenses until operations return to normal. The loans are not to cover lost income or lost profits, or losses attributable to an economic downturn. EIDL funds cannot be used to refinance long-term debt or expand the business.
Charlene Griffin, the SBA’s representative in the territory, said it is important that applicants supply all the requested information, particularly past tax returns.
"We have to have a complete application to make an informed decision," she said.
According to the SBA website, the following criteria will be used to determine whether a business is eligible for assistance:
– The business was located in an airport or other facility that was closed or suspended its operations or was otherwise disrupted as a result of national security as mandated by the federal government.
– The business supplied or provided services to a business that was located in or near the World Trade Center or Pentagon; or supplied or provided services to a business or industry adversely affected by the destruction of the World Trade Center or damage to the Pentagon on Sept. 11, or federal action; or is otherwise dependent on a business or industry so adversely impacted.
– The business is dependent on a business or other organization that was closed or suspended its operations or was otherwise disrupted as a result of the attacks or subsequent federal action.
– The business was directly impacted by the destruction of the World Trade Center or damage to the Pentagon or related federal actions taken in response to those actions between Sept. 11 and Oct. 22.
The SBA noted that a general decline in business since Sept. 11 does not qualify for this program. A decline in revenue due to public reaction in the wake of the attacks is not covered by the program, according to the SBA.
Businesses in the territory interested in applying for economic disaster loans should call 1-800-659-2955 to request an application. The application deadline is Jan. 21, 2002.
FINANCE COMMITTEE JUNKS CAR DISPOSAL FEE
Nov. 2, 2001 — Gov. Charles Turnbull's proposal to add $10 to auto registrations to dispose of junked vehicles was tabled indefinitely Friday by the Senate Finance Committee.
Over the last two years, the Police, Public Works and Property and Procurement departments have disposed of nearly 2,000 derelict vehicles territorywide, according to Police Commissioner Franz Christian. But money is needed to continue to do so, he said.
"I envision a program that continues to add personnel and equipment," Christian told senators, adding that payroll costs would be about $100,000 a year, plus another $58,000 to buy a new tow truck.
Along with being an eyesore for a tourism-dependent territory, abandoned vehicles are a "nuisance to the community" and "a nuisance to law enforcement," Christian said. "These vehicles are also a fire hazard by the fuel being left in them."
But despite the bill's good intentions, Senate Post Auditor Maureen Rabsatt-Cullar
said it left many questions unanswered. Among other things, the bill has no comprehensive plan for disposing of the junked vehicles once they are collected, including covering costs for tire removal and used oil disposal, she said.
Christian noted that the bill still needed to identify which commissioner would actually receive the funding to carry out the program.
Still, the prevailing feeling among the senators was voiced by St. Croix Sen. Norman Jn Baptiste.
"It’s tax, tax and more tax," he said. "I cannot support that."
The committee voted 5-2 to table the bill indefinitely.
In other committee action, senators discussed but didn’t vote on a bill to transfer the maintenance of the territory’s street lights from the Public Works Department to the V.I. Water and Power and Authority because of the absence of Public Works Commissioner Wayne Callwood.
Still, Committee Chairwoman Alicia "Chucky" Hansen offered a $2.68 million amendment to the bill to provide WAPA with $68,000 to start the task of maintaining street lights. The balance, $2 million, would be a subsidy to the utility so residents would not see a charge for the service on their WAPA bills.
Over the last two years, the Police, Public Works and Property and Procurement departments have disposed of nearly 2,000 derelict vehicles territorywide, according to Police Commissioner Franz Christian. But money is needed to continue to do so, he said.
"I envision a program that continues to add personnel and equipment," Christian told senators, adding that payroll costs would be about $100,000 a year, plus another $58,000 to buy a new tow truck.
Along with being an eyesore for a tourism-dependent territory, abandoned vehicles are a "nuisance to the community" and "a nuisance to law enforcement," Christian said. "These vehicles are also a fire hazard by the fuel being left in them."
But despite the bill's good intentions, Senate Post Auditor Maureen Rabsatt-Cullar
said it left many questions unanswered. Among other things, the bill has no comprehensive plan for disposing of the junked vehicles once they are collected, including covering costs for tire removal and used oil disposal, she said.
Christian noted that the bill still needed to identify which commissioner would actually receive the funding to carry out the program.
Still, the prevailing feeling among the senators was voiced by St. Croix Sen. Norman Jn Baptiste.
"It’s tax, tax and more tax," he said. "I cannot support that."
The committee voted 5-2 to table the bill indefinitely.
In other committee action, senators discussed but didn’t vote on a bill to transfer the maintenance of the territory’s street lights from the Public Works Department to the V.I. Water and Power and Authority because of the absence of Public Works Commissioner Wayne Callwood.
Still, Committee Chairwoman Alicia "Chucky" Hansen offered a $2.68 million amendment to the bill to provide WAPA with $68,000 to start the task of maintaining street lights. The balance, $2 million, would be a subsidy to the utility so residents would not see a charge for the service on their WAPA bills.
