The Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands will co-host "Connecting Fathers, Families, and Communities: A Professional Development Institute for Community Foundations" beginning at 7:45 a.m. Friday, Nov. 10 at the Renaissance Grand Beach Hotel.
Approximately 100 people from around the country will be attending the institute, including leading figures in the field of fatherhood studies from the Mott, Ford, and Annie E. Casey Foundations.
Ralph Smith, vice president of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, will present the keynote address, "Strengthening Families and Communities: Community Foundations and the Responsible Fatherhood Field."
Sara McLanahan from Princeton University, Aisha Ray of the Erickson Institute, and Elaine Sorenson from the Urban Institute will speak about recent research and the significance of fathers to the healthy development of children.
Please contact Dee Baecher-Brown for more information at 774-6031.
SPRINT HOSTS BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
Sprint Int'l Caribe will host the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours starting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9 at Tropicalia Restaurant located at Magens Point Hotel.
The event will include entertainment, hors d'oeuvres and prizes.
Chamber members are encouraged to attend and bring guests.
The event will include entertainment, hors d'oeuvres and prizes.
Chamber members are encouraged to attend and bring guests.
SPRINT HOSTS BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
Sprint Int'l Caribe will be host to the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours starting at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 9 at Tropicalia Restaurant located at Magens Point Hotel.
The event will include entertainment, hors d'oeuvres and prizes.
Chamber members are encouraged to attend and bring guests.
The event will include entertainment, hors d'oeuvres and prizes.
Chamber members are encouraged to attend and bring guests.
FDIC APPROVES CHASE ACQUISITION
The board of directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. on Tuesday approved V.I. Community Bank's purchase of Chase Manhattan Bank's assets in the territory.
More than a year ago, the V.I. Banking Board began the approval that would allow VICB to purchase Chase's seven branches in the USVI. After a disagreement over the local board's initial approval of the deal last May, VICB threatened to drop its bid. The banking board and VICB reentered negotiations and the two parties then agreed on an amended approval at the end of July.
Final approval of the acquisition rested with the FDIC, which blessed the deal at a meeting in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday.
"This approval allows us to go forward with the acquisition, which we expect will be completed in the first quarter of 2001," said Michael Dow, VICB president.
VICB is owned by Jeffrey Prosser, who also sits as the bank's chairman of the board. Other board members include his wife, Dawn Prosser, J'ada Finch Sheen, John Raynor and Dow.
"This acquisition will allow us to expand our operations and continue to concentrate on meeting the needs of small- and medium-sized businesses," Prosser said in a statement. "Chase has been a leader in home mortgages, and we will continue that trend."
VICB has 49 employees, $78 million in assets and two branches on St. Croix. The VICB release said a third branch will open on Nov. 20.
Chase has 250 employees, $342 million in assets and seven branches in the territory: four on St. Thomas, one on St. John and two on St. Croix. VICB officials have previously said that Chase employees in the territory would be kept on after the sale.
Meanwhile, Dow said VICB will now concentrate on a separate approval process for the acquisition of Chase's assets in the British Virgin Islands.
As part of the deal, VICB, which is the only bank in the territory that receives tax breaks from the Industrial Development Commission, will pay an annual banking fee of $400,000 over and above current licensing fees for each year remaining on its IDC certificate, which ends in 2004. While VICB's IDC benefits will accrue to the Chase acquisitions until the end of the IDC certificate, the bank won't seek a renewal at the end of the term.
VICB must also receive a commitment from the Federal Home Loan Bank that it will extend a line of credit in excess of $100 million to VICB and that the local bank will maintain its eligibility.
VICB began in December of 1994 with the acquisition by Prosser of the two Core-States First Pennsylvania Bank branches on St. Croix.
More than a year ago, the V.I. Banking Board began the approval that would allow VICB to purchase Chase's seven branches in the USVI. After a disagreement over the local board's initial approval of the deal last May, VICB threatened to drop its bid. The banking board and VICB reentered negotiations and the two parties then agreed on an amended approval at the end of July.
Final approval of the acquisition rested with the FDIC, which blessed the deal at a meeting in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday.
"This approval allows us to go forward with the acquisition, which we expect will be completed in the first quarter of 2001," said Michael Dow, VICB president.
VICB is owned by Jeffrey Prosser, who also sits as the bank's chairman of the board. Other board members include his wife, Dawn Prosser, J'ada Finch Sheen, John Raynor and Dow.
"This acquisition will allow us to expand our operations and continue to concentrate on meeting the needs of small- and medium-sized businesses," Prosser said in a statement. "Chase has been a leader in home mortgages, and we will continue that trend."
VICB has 49 employees, $78 million in assets and two branches on St. Croix. The VICB release said a third branch will open on Nov. 20.
Chase has 250 employees, $342 million in assets and seven branches in the territory: four on St. Thomas, one on St. John and two on St. Croix. VICB officials have previously said that Chase employees in the territory would be kept on after the sale.
Meanwhile, Dow said VICB will now concentrate on a separate approval process for the acquisition of Chase's assets in the British Virgin Islands.
As part of the deal, VICB, which is the only bank in the territory that receives tax breaks from the Industrial Development Commission, will pay an annual banking fee of $400,000 over and above current licensing fees for each year remaining on its IDC certificate, which ends in 2004. While VICB's IDC benefits will accrue to the Chase acquisitions until the end of the IDC certificate, the bank won't seek a renewal at the end of the term.
VICB must also receive a commitment from the Federal Home Loan Bank that it will extend a line of credit in excess of $100 million to VICB and that the local bank will maintain its eligibility.
VICB began in December of 1994 with the acquisition by Prosser of the two Core-States First Pennsylvania Bank branches on St. Croix.
LAST SEAT HANGS ON ABSENTEE BALLOTS
The last senatorial seat from St. Croix hung in the balance Tuesday night with about 500 absentee ballots remaining to be counted. Those votes could well decide whether challenger Raymond "Usie" Richards unseats incumbent Sen. Vargrave Richards.
The final tally put Douglas Canton at the top of the heap, followed closely by another incumbent, Sen. Norman Jn Baptiste. The top eight vote-getters before absentee ballots are counted were as follows.
1. Douglas Canton, 5,851
2. Norman Jn Baptiste, 5,758
3. Emmitt Hansen II, 5,501
4. David Jones, 4,885
5. Alicia "Chucky" Hansen, 4,768
6. Adelbert "Bert" Bryan, 4,323
7. Raymond "Usie" Richards, 3,936
8. Vargrave Richards, 3,936
Voters were overwhelmingly in favor of reducing the size of the Legislature.
Early results showed only 276 voters against reducing the size of the Senate, compared to 1,888 for the proposal. Of those voting yes, 306 favor having 11 senators and 1,571 prefer just nine.
Early results on St. Croix of voting for Delegate to Congress and the at-large seat were as follows as of publication:
Delegate:
1. Donna Christian-Christiansen, 10,148
2. Jorge Estemac, 880
3. Victor Frazier, 1530
Senator at large:
1. Almando Liburd, 6589
2. Craig Barshinger, 4014
The final tally put Douglas Canton at the top of the heap, followed closely by another incumbent, Sen. Norman Jn Baptiste. The top eight vote-getters before absentee ballots are counted were as follows.
1. Douglas Canton, 5,851
2. Norman Jn Baptiste, 5,758
3. Emmitt Hansen II, 5,501
4. David Jones, 4,885
5. Alicia "Chucky" Hansen, 4,768
6. Adelbert "Bert" Bryan, 4,323
7. Raymond "Usie" Richards, 3,936
8. Vargrave Richards, 3,936
Voters were overwhelmingly in favor of reducing the size of the Legislature.
Early results showed only 276 voters against reducing the size of the Senate, compared to 1,888 for the proposal. Of those voting yes, 306 favor having 11 senators and 1,571 prefer just nine.
Early results on St. Croix of voting for Delegate to Congress and the at-large seat were as follows as of publication:
Delegate:
1. Donna Christian-Christiansen, 10,148
2. Jorge Estemac, 880
3. Victor Frazier, 1530
Senator at large:
1. Almando Liburd, 6589
2. Craig Barshinger, 4014
POLLS OPEN UNTIL 10 P.M. ON ST. THOMAS
After receiving permission from the St. Thomas-St. John Board of Elections, Elections Supervisor John Abramson Jr. announced early Tuesday evening that polling places on St. Thomas would stay open until 10 p.m.
An extremely high voter turnout of as much as 60 percent of registered voters coupled with a lack of resources were given as the reasons for the decision.
The polls on St. Croix and St. John closed at 7 p.m.
The worst situation, according to media reports, occurred at the Joseph Gomez Elementary School where more than 9,000 people vote.
Abramson said that number was "entirely too large" for the venue. He projected that in the future, voters might have to travel a bit further to vote, but said "I think they would prefer that" to waiting in long lines.
Abramson said all polls on St. Thomas would be open until 10 p.m. and would accommodate anyone who is in line as of that hour. He said one reason for keeping the polls open late was concern that some voters may have left the polls earlier when faced with the long lines.
However, as of publication time at least one voter had been turned away from Charlotte Amalie High School. Media reports indicated the closing at that polling place was due to mechanical failure.
Abramson said he had earlier projected a 50 percent to 51 percent voter turnout but would predict the turnout to "be as high as 60 percent."
Deputy Elections Supervisor Natalie Thomas said that as of 3 p.m. 9,611 voters had "gone through the line" on St. Thomas.
Regarding the lack of resources, which resulted in fewer voting machines, Abramson said he could not run the election by using funds that don't exist.
"I will not put my signature on any document where I know we can't pay for it," he said. "It would be unconscionable."
An extremely high voter turnout of as much as 60 percent of registered voters coupled with a lack of resources were given as the reasons for the decision.
The polls on St. Croix and St. John closed at 7 p.m.
The worst situation, according to media reports, occurred at the Joseph Gomez Elementary School where more than 9,000 people vote.
Abramson said that number was "entirely too large" for the venue. He projected that in the future, voters might have to travel a bit further to vote, but said "I think they would prefer that" to waiting in long lines.
Abramson said all polls on St. Thomas would be open until 10 p.m. and would accommodate anyone who is in line as of that hour. He said one reason for keeping the polls open late was concern that some voters may have left the polls earlier when faced with the long lines.
However, as of publication time at least one voter had been turned away from Charlotte Amalie High School. Media reports indicated the closing at that polling place was due to mechanical failure.
Abramson said he had earlier projected a 50 percent to 51 percent voter turnout but would predict the turnout to "be as high as 60 percent."
Deputy Elections Supervisor Natalie Thomas said that as of 3 p.m. 9,611 voters had "gone through the line" on St. Thomas.
Regarding the lack of resources, which resulted in fewer voting machines, Abramson said he could not run the election by using funds that don't exist.
"I will not put my signature on any document where I know we can't pay for it," he said. "It would be unconscionable."
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT, 17, KILLED IN CAR CRASH
A 17-year-old high school student died early Tuesday morning after losing control of his vehicle on a tricky curve on Route 79 in Estate Rattan.
The driver, Andrew Ross, a student at Country Day School, was killed and two passengers injured at about 1:50 a.m. Tuesday when their 1998 Pontiac Sunbird failed to make a curve near the Montessori School, according to St. Croix Police Chief Novelle Francis.
"He was apparently driving too fast and didn’t negotiate the turn and hit a
pole on the western edge of the road," Francis said, adding that the turn is
located at the bottom of a hill.
Ross, stepson of St. Croix attorney Joel Holt, was pronounced dead at the
Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital, less than a mile from the accident site. His passengers were treated and released, Francis said.
The driver, Andrew Ross, a student at Country Day School, was killed and two passengers injured at about 1:50 a.m. Tuesday when their 1998 Pontiac Sunbird failed to make a curve near the Montessori School, according to St. Croix Police Chief Novelle Francis.
"He was apparently driving too fast and didn’t negotiate the turn and hit a
pole on the western edge of the road," Francis said, adding that the turn is
located at the bottom of a hill.
Ross, stepson of St. Croix attorney Joel Holt, was pronounced dead at the
Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital, less than a mile from the accident site. His passengers were treated and released, Francis said.
TURNOUT IN FRENCHTOWN STRONG
If the tiny Evelyn Marcelli School Annex in Frenchtown is any indication, voters were making a strong turnout as of Tuesday afternoon.
The Annex, which has 600 registered voters, also accommodated the 900 voters registered at Evelyn Marcelli Elementary School.
"But they didn't bring their (the school's) machines," lamented Henry Richardson as he manned the Lorraine Berry booth, donned in a Herbie Lockhart T-shirt. Only three machines were available at the annex, and lines had been as long as 25 or so persons earlier in the day, Richardson said.
The vote count was 520 as of 2:30 p.m.
Activity was intense as campaign workers darted around, jumping up with their candidate's placards and a plea for a vote. The area was studded with bright colored umbrellas as the workers escaped the afternoon sun.
"Donastorg's my man," said Beatrice Selkrigde, proffering a picture of "Foncie." Selkridge said she was sure her man would get in. "Lots of people have told me, 'Don't worry, you've got my vote'," she said, adding that she sees a more positive than negative attitude among the voters.
Frenchtown pharmacist John David, wearing his brother Roosevelt's T-shirt, was enthusiastically greeting the voters.
"You didn't know he was my brother, my my," he greeted one voter. "Vote for him, please."
Sen. Berry greeted the partisan crowd – there's always a big Berry contingent at Marcelli. "I think the people are determined to make a change this year," Berry said. "When you see a lot of people, it usually means change."
The senator said she had been to several polling places and they were active, especially at Joseph Gomez School where long delays in voting had been reported.
"I think you'll see some incumbents re-elected with a few new people," she predicted, "and I hope they have the territory's economy in mind."
Congresswoman Donna Christian-Christiansen made a brief appearance, shaking hands and greeting old friends and supporters. She agreed with Berry's remarks.
"A good sized crowd is indicative of real concern in the community," she said, "and the bitterness of the teachers' strike is bound to make itself felt too."
There was an air of excitement Tuesday, noticeably missing in earlier primaries. The voters were in earnest conversation: "What do you think?" "Do you think the teachers will vote them all out?" "They sure should, if you ask me." "And, another thing, they shouldn't let people who've been in before, and then lost, run again." "Oh, do you really think so?" "Yes, man."
The Annex, which has 600 registered voters, also accommodated the 900 voters registered at Evelyn Marcelli Elementary School.
"But they didn't bring their (the school's) machines," lamented Henry Richardson as he manned the Lorraine Berry booth, donned in a Herbie Lockhart T-shirt. Only three machines were available at the annex, and lines had been as long as 25 or so persons earlier in the day, Richardson said.
The vote count was 520 as of 2:30 p.m.
Activity was intense as campaign workers darted around, jumping up with their candidate's placards and a plea for a vote. The area was studded with bright colored umbrellas as the workers escaped the afternoon sun.
"Donastorg's my man," said Beatrice Selkrigde, proffering a picture of "Foncie." Selkridge said she was sure her man would get in. "Lots of people have told me, 'Don't worry, you've got my vote'," she said, adding that she sees a more positive than negative attitude among the voters.
Frenchtown pharmacist John David, wearing his brother Roosevelt's T-shirt, was enthusiastically greeting the voters.
"You didn't know he was my brother, my my," he greeted one voter. "Vote for him, please."
Sen. Berry greeted the partisan crowd – there's always a big Berry contingent at Marcelli. "I think the people are determined to make a change this year," Berry said. "When you see a lot of people, it usually means change."
The senator said she had been to several polling places and they were active, especially at Joseph Gomez School where long delays in voting had been reported.
"I think you'll see some incumbents re-elected with a few new people," she predicted, "and I hope they have the territory's economy in mind."
Congresswoman Donna Christian-Christiansen made a brief appearance, shaking hands and greeting old friends and supporters. She agreed with Berry's remarks.
"A good sized crowd is indicative of real concern in the community," she said, "and the bitterness of the teachers' strike is bound to make itself felt too."
There was an air of excitement Tuesday, noticeably missing in earlier primaries. The voters were in earnest conversation: "What do you think?" "Do you think the teachers will vote them all out?" "They sure should, if you ask me." "And, another thing, they shouldn't let people who've been in before, and then lost, run again." "Oh, do you really think so?" "Yes, man."
5 SCHNEIDER INPATIENTS CAST ABSENTEE BALLOTS
Five patients at Roy L. Schneider Hospital cast absentee ballots Tuesday after expressing concern that they would be unable to vote because they were hospitalized.
According to a statement from the hospital, four inpatients from St. Thomas and one from St. John in the Medical/Surgical Unit were provided absentee ballots by John Abramson of the V.I. Election System and the hospital's Public Relations Department.
It was not known for whom the patients voted.
According to a statement from the hospital, four inpatients from St. Thomas and one from St. John in the Medical/Surgical Unit were provided absentee ballots by John Abramson of the V.I. Election System and the hospital's Public Relations Department.
It was not known for whom the patients voted.
MAN AND BEAST LOSE A FRIEND AS NAPPIERS DEPART
St. Thomas is losing two people who have become a fixture on the island among man and beast alike.
"But it won't be right away," said David and Janell Nappier, who recently sold their veterinary practice to move back to their native Missouri.
The Nappiers first visited the island in 1985, when, on their first "real" vacation in 20 years and on a whim, they purchased property in Peterborg. They had some time before their flight out, they said, one thing led to another and they wound up property owners.
Sounds funny, but that's indicative of the couple's relaxed and open approach to the people, as well as the animal, world.
For the next two years they "built a house long distance," and moved here permanently in 1987.
After a long and arduous battle with the local office of the National Board of Veterinary Medicine to get his license, Nappier finally opened the Imperial Animal Hospital in February of 1995.
During their 15-year stay on the island, the couple has created a dedicated fan club, among musical (harmonica) and cooking (grits and cornbread) circles as well as animal lovers. "Oh no," said Kathy Babson, a waitress at Hook Line and Sinker, when she learned of the move. "What'll Mango do? What'll I do?"
Mango is the abused dog she and her husband brought to Nappier two years ago. The dog had wound up on their doorstep with a burn all the way along his back where he had been scalded. And Mango, of course, is fine now, though scarred.
Similar reactions were heard as the news of Nappier's impending departure spread. "Oh, what about Tumbleweed," inquired 30-year island resident Jan Swenson, about her pet cat. Nappier assures everyone that their pets will be in good hands.
One of the reasons the couple has decided to move back to Missouri is that an opportunity to sell the business to locals arose. "It never entered my mind until about a year ago," Nappier said. "I've got to realize I'm in my 50s, and finding somebody to move here from the states and take over the practice wouldn't be that easy."
Nappier has sold his practice to Drs. Laura Palmenteri, Stewart Tripp and Tracy Hall of Cruz Bay Canines Cats and Critters in St. John. For the time being, Nappier said, they will have two hospitals with four doctors, while Nappier phases out of the practice.
An overriding reason to move back is that, though the couple has no children, they have a lot of family growing up in Missouri, nieces and nephews they are close to. One eight-year-old nephew, Jake, was recently crowned Mutton Busting State Champion.
"That's something for the Ozarks," Nappier explained. In rodeos, youngsters aren't allowed to ride the bulls, even small bulls, so they start out on—you guessed it—sheep.
However, underneath all this, Janell said, "is Dave's desire to live in a small, very small town. It's come full circle, now it's a dream come true."
Janell said Dave had begged his mother when he was in high school to stay and let him graduate from the tiny town they lived in. "His father worked for the railroad, and they had to live where the work was," she said.
The Nappiers have bought 80 acres right in the heart of Missouri, near Eminence (pop. 600), where the nearest big town, St. Louis, is 120 miles away. They have built a log cabin right in the middle of the property, but it's a big log cabin where family and friends can visit.
"We are really excited about moving," Janell said. "You know how small towns are. People in Eminence already knew all about us. When we went to the post office, it's 'Are you opening a practice here' ?"
The answer is no. "Dave wants to retire," Janell said, "no delivering calves in the middle of the night and stuff like that."
It looks like Christmas will be the time for the final goodbyes, Janell said. "We'll go fishing and canoeing up there, but we'll miss the diving and the water here."
"And," she said, "all our friends."
"But it won't be right away," said David and Janell Nappier, who recently sold their veterinary practice to move back to their native Missouri.
The Nappiers first visited the island in 1985, when, on their first "real" vacation in 20 years and on a whim, they purchased property in Peterborg. They had some time before their flight out, they said, one thing led to another and they wound up property owners.
Sounds funny, but that's indicative of the couple's relaxed and open approach to the people, as well as the animal, world.
For the next two years they "built a house long distance," and moved here permanently in 1987.
After a long and arduous battle with the local office of the National Board of Veterinary Medicine to get his license, Nappier finally opened the Imperial Animal Hospital in February of 1995.
During their 15-year stay on the island, the couple has created a dedicated fan club, among musical (harmonica) and cooking (grits and cornbread) circles as well as animal lovers. "Oh no," said Kathy Babson, a waitress at Hook Line and Sinker, when she learned of the move. "What'll Mango do? What'll I do?"
Mango is the abused dog she and her husband brought to Nappier two years ago. The dog had wound up on their doorstep with a burn all the way along his back where he had been scalded. And Mango, of course, is fine now, though scarred.
Similar reactions were heard as the news of Nappier's impending departure spread. "Oh, what about Tumbleweed," inquired 30-year island resident Jan Swenson, about her pet cat. Nappier assures everyone that their pets will be in good hands.
One of the reasons the couple has decided to move back to Missouri is that an opportunity to sell the business to locals arose. "It never entered my mind until about a year ago," Nappier said. "I've got to realize I'm in my 50s, and finding somebody to move here from the states and take over the practice wouldn't be that easy."
Nappier has sold his practice to Drs. Laura Palmenteri, Stewart Tripp and Tracy Hall of Cruz Bay Canines Cats and Critters in St. John. For the time being, Nappier said, they will have two hospitals with four doctors, while Nappier phases out of the practice.
An overriding reason to move back is that, though the couple has no children, they have a lot of family growing up in Missouri, nieces and nephews they are close to. One eight-year-old nephew, Jake, was recently crowned Mutton Busting State Champion.
"That's something for the Ozarks," Nappier explained. In rodeos, youngsters aren't allowed to ride the bulls, even small bulls, so they start out on—you guessed it—sheep.
However, underneath all this, Janell said, "is Dave's desire to live in a small, very small town. It's come full circle, now it's a dream come true."
Janell said Dave had begged his mother when he was in high school to stay and let him graduate from the tiny town they lived in. "His father worked for the railroad, and they had to live where the work was," she said.
The Nappiers have bought 80 acres right in the heart of Missouri, near Eminence (pop. 600), where the nearest big town, St. Louis, is 120 miles away. They have built a log cabin right in the middle of the property, but it's a big log cabin where family and friends can visit.
"We are really excited about moving," Janell said. "You know how small towns are. People in Eminence already knew all about us. When we went to the post office, it's 'Are you opening a practice here' ?"
The answer is no. "Dave wants to retire," Janell said, "no delivering calves in the middle of the night and stuff like that."
It looks like Christmas will be the time for the final goodbyes, Janell said. "We'll go fishing and canoeing up there, but we'll miss the diving and the water here."
"And," she said, "all our friends."
