Consider the Source with Adisha Penn
Hundreds Take Advantage of Weeklong Health and Wellness Fair
Two days after celebrating the graduating Class of 2024, Ivanna Eudora Kean High School’s gymnasium hosted the start of a week-long health and wellness fair. One hundred registered residents received screenings and services on the first day, and organizers said Sunday’s turnout was greater than the first.
But unlike other health fairs, this year’s outreach is a joint endeavor between the V.I. government and the U.S. Department of Defense. The Digna Marie Wheatley Gymnasium on St. Thomas is one of three venues territory-wide where the public can access testing, diagnoses and recommendations to better their health and that of their families.
Military doctors and dentists joined with local health providers conducting general medical exams, eye, dental and mental health evaluations. A small on-site pharmacy and a chiropractor stood by to help with immediate referrals. Officer-in-Charge Major Mu Zhang described how the visiting providers’ Innovative Readiness Training Program played a role in making care possible.
Zhang is leading a team of 300 healthcare providers, including 25 doctors, 20 dentists and 16 optometrists, along with nurses, technicians and support staff.
“Even though this is a medical mission, the IRT team has many different capabilities,” Zhang said. “This mission will do a good job in laying down a foundation for a Virgin Islands and IRT partnership, so moving forward, we can bring out different service members and different capabilities.”
Health Department Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tai Hunte Ceasar spent most of the weekend overseeing the rollout of the St. Thomas wellness fair. She said this week’s outreach was the second collaboration with the military training program.
“It initially started with the need for a quick pediatric clinic last August. We used that opportunity to plan a clinic within two months so that we could have back-to-school physicals, and that was a huge success,” Hunter-Ceasar said.
Several of those who showed up on the first weekend were families with small children, but residents, young and old, appeared to take advantage of the healthcare opportunity.
“I saw someone cry,” said Assistant Health Commissioner Nicole Craigwell-Syms when the client seeking eye care was given a free pair of glasses.
But during a guided tour by Master Sgt. Rachelle Morris on Sunday, it seemed the favored service was the dental screenings. Morris mentioned that some of the Saturday clients re-registered in order to come back for dental services on Sunday.
And while most of those attending the clinics came for routine screenings, there were those who had an urgent need for medical attention. At the bottom of the stairs leading to the gymnasium, two soldiers listened while a woman seated at the bottom stopped to catch her breath.
The visitor said she had been wheezing. The soldiers asked if the woman would wait there while they brought a medical provider outside to see her.
Similar services are being offered on St. Croix at the Educational Complex, while a leaner selection is available on St. John at the Morris F. deCastro Clinic in Cruz Bay.
Maternal and Child Health Clinics at the University of the Virgin Islands Great Hall on St. Croix and in the Elanco Building near the Nisky Center on Thomas also serve as wellness care venues.
Screenings and services are available on a first-come, first-served basis for registered participants. Registration is available online and on-site, with assistants helping applicants fill out paper forms. Information on the health fair is available in Spanish, English, Arabic and French Creole.
St. Croix Shipyards Project Moves Forward with Feasibility Study Complete
- PetroMar International Inc.: Marine consultants with over 25 years of experience, providing services to major companies like Shell and Chevron.
- Global Engagement Support Services (GESS): A subsidiary of Schuster’s Services, a 3rd generation company with 87 years of experience in transportation logistics and industrial services.
- SEDI, Inc.: A non-profit research and development organization focused on macroeconomics and public policy. SEDI launched the Caribbean Americas Single Economy (CASE) and The ARCIPELO initiatives to strengthen St. Croix’s economic integration with the US mainland and the Caribbean & Latin American economies.
Photo Focus: Hope in Action: Community Comes Together for 23rd Annual Relay for Life
Photo Focus: Humane Society Campus Dedication and Open House
The spirit of community and compassion shone brightly Sunday as the Humane Society of St. Thomas hosted an open house and dedicated its Humane Care Campus to Margot Macdonald Bachman. Bachman was known for her deep love of animals and generous contributions, including a donation of over $1 million to the Humane Society.
The open house was not only a highlight of recent updates but also a heartfelt call to action for continued support and advocacy to prevent a repeat of past events. “Right now, in all honesty, we have about two months’ worth of funding to continue on. We really need everyone’s support so that we can do some of these projects that we are in dire need of,” shared Michelle Robins, executive director of the Humane Society.
She highlighted the financial challenges the shelter faces, adding, “The thrift store, in the time that I’ve been here, has generated $511,000, but when it costs $1.7 million and up per year to run this campus and house and feed all the animals … we need more than the $500,000 that the thrift store provides.”
Humane Society staff members showcased newly updated and improved spaces throughout the campus, providing attendees with an in-depth look at the enhancements and impact they have had on the shelter’s operations and animal care.
Upgrades include a new Wellness Spay/Neuter Clinic, which offers free spaying and neutering services to the public.
Many of the previously neglected or overcrowded play areas have been thoroughly cleaned up and are now regularly utilized, allowing the shelter dogs to enjoy a better quality of life.
Multiple information booths set up across the campus provided valuable details on the different ways individuals can volunteer, whether through donating time or offering financial support. Creative programs like “Doggie for the Day” enable volunteers to take a shelter dog off-campus for a fun activity, such as a beach day! For more information on volunteering, please visit volunteer@hsstt.com.
Information on upcoming initiatives was also available to the public, including enhancements to dog walking trails and a new puppy play area. An overview of the shelter’s revenue and expenses was also available.
Speaking on the importance of the Humane Society’s foster programs, James Nichols, a board member and member of the Foster Committee, highlighted, “The foster program is really meant to be adaptable.” He explained that fostering, even for a short period of time, can be helpful. “It offers two primary benefits. When people open their homes to animals in need, it expands the shelter’s capacity to help. Additionally, fostering provides animals with the opportunity to experience life as a pet and be part of a family.”
The Humane Society always welcomes dedicated volunteers to join its team. For more information on how you can get involved, please contact volunteer@hsstt.com.
“40 years Running 4Her” the Women’s Race
The 40th Women’s Race was held on Sunday, hosted by the Women’s Coalition of St. Croix. The Women’s Race is an annual run, walk, and push stroller race through 2 miles of road through the historic Frederiksted town.
Throughout the day, the weather did not seem favorable, but the passing rain did not stop the event as it provided a cooler run for participants. This year’s event was a bit different, as men participated in the run.
In the end, once again, the winner of the women’s race was Bridget Klein, and the winner of the men’s first place was Dominic Pugliese. For the Stroller Category, Blake Schluter and Emma Schluter took first place.
“This year was dedicated to “her.” “Her” is all the victims. We thought since this is the 40th year it would be a great time to bring men, brothers, sons, husbands to add them to the mix,” Executive Director Clema Lewis said.
Lewis said that this year, more than 200 participants signed up, and it was one of the largest pre-registrations.
“I feel so good about today. I feel so good about our people came out. They understand why we’ve been here for 43 years and there’s a lot of survivors,” said Lewis.
Participant and local attorney Lydia Moolenaar reflected on a memory she saw for the 32nd year, but she has been involved since they used to do the walk in Christiansted. “Support for the Women’s Coalition is very important to this community, and I want to show my support. As I say violence against women and children is not sleeping. We should not sleep either. Forget about the rain, I brought my umbrella,” she said.
“I’ve been here for many years on St. Croix. It was nice to see it come back,” said Elvin Lambert, a male participant who said he joined with friends.
Another male participant, Jahre Williams, said, “I feel good, I feel great, this is my first time, and I enjoyed it. I’d like to see more people come out.”
One of the top sponsors, Innovative‘s Vice President of Public Relations and Governmental Affairs, Jennifer Matarangas-King, said, “I’m very happy to be here this year, and I have to say I am so happy with the turnout and the love. The weather was not great today, but everyone came out, which shows the amount of support for the type of work the Women’s Coalition does.” Viya provided free MIFIs to the top three winners.
Winners for the virtual ages 14 – 70 years old that did the women’s race took part from Florida, Atlanta and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Jalaina Stokes won first place for the 14-year-old category, Gnique Stokes won for the 21-year-old category, Lisa Murren and Janelle Stokes won for the 40-year-old category, Caroly Stokes-Smith won for the 50-year-old, Charmain Akers-Hewlett, Ingrit Daley Wayne Daley and May Adams Cornwall for the 60-year-old category, and Jo Shim and Shirley Ziegler for the 70-year-old category.
Vivid Streaming donated 200 to the winner of the livestream and the other to the coalition.
Hurricane Preparedness Expo Provides Educational Material as the Season Begins
On Saturday, a hurricane expo providing educational material and other information attracted over 150 participants to Gertrude’s Restaurant on St. Croix.
Teri Helenese, the director of state-federal relations and Washington representative for the government of the U.S. Virgin Islands, organized the event in collaboration with the V.I. Territorial Emergency Management Agency.
Gertrude’s Restaurant provided a Caribbean breakfast spread, and right after that, Helenese hosted an informative presentation that included a presentation from VITEMA’s director, Daryl DeFrance Jaschen.
The official start to hurricane season began on Saturday, June 1, and the expo was a great start to the season, commented a few attendees. One attendee pointed out the importance of also focusing on the mental health effects of hurricanes and Virgin Islanders, something Helenese agreed is equally important.
Also distributed at the event were hurricane preparedness backpacks filled with items needed in case of a hurricane. Some of the items included emergency medical kits, battery packs, feminine hygiene products, snacks and more.
“As hurricane season approaches, the urgency of safeguarding ourselves, our loved ones, our homes, and our community has never been greater,” Helenese stated in a press release.
The event then continued to St. Thomas, where the hurricane preparedness team hosted a “Treasures of the Tropics Lunch Reception” and a “Taste of the Caribbean Callaloo and Soup Extravaganza” on St. John.
Excessive Rainfall Possible Early This Week; Hot Weather Forecast to Continue
Virtue of the Week – Accountability
Virtue of the Week – Accountability
Virtue of the Week focuses on building peaceful and caring communities through understanding and fostering the practice of virtues. The Source supports the Virtues Project and will publish one virtue developed by the project each week.
Accountability
Accountability is the willingness to stand in responsibility for every choice. It is acting with integrity, doing what we say we will do. When we make a mistake we do not seek to hide it or avoid it. We have the courage to face it willingly. We are open to the lessons it can bring, and ready to make amends. With accountability, people can rely on us, because we are answerable for our actions. We appreciate both the good we have done and the good to be gleaned from the choices that do not turn out right. We are guided by our highest standards.
Quote: “Always take 100% responsibility for any activity you’re involved in.” -Gay Hendricks & Kate Ludeman, The Corporate Mystic
The Practice of Accountability
I take responsibility for my choices.
I have the humility to face my mistakes.
I am a lifelong learner.
I make amends.
I weigh both positive and negative outcomes.
I live up to my sense of justice.
I am thankful for the gift of Accountability. It is my moral high ground.
Questions for Discussion
- How do we act with integrity in our community?
- Do we hold everyone in our community accountable? What does it look/feel like?
- What teachable moment would be helpful to explore through the lens of social justice and accountability?
- What does making amends look like through the lens of social justice?
- How does my worldview shape my sense of justice?
About the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands Since 1990, CFVI has been a catalyst for positive change in the territory through initiatives committed to youth, learning, family support and the environment. With a professional staff and a volunteer Board of Directors composed of community leaders, CFVI is a trusted advocate and supporter of programs that ensure opportunity and sustainability for current and future generations. CFVI is a registered non-profit organization entirely supported by individual donors, grants, trusts, corporate donations and estate planning. For more information, visit www.cfvi.net.
About Virtues Matter Virtues Matter was started by a passionate wife-husband team of social entrepreneurs seeking to positively uplift as many lives as possible. We aim to inspire and empower, to build capacity, strengthen relationships, and help everyone lead lives of passion and purpose.
Virtues Matter believes in a world where people are committed to kindness and respect, strive to be their best, and live with hope, courage and in unity. We built the Virtues Cards mobile app, an interactive personal and team development tool, to help people identify and develop key virtue skills. We also offer dynamic workshops, online training, and customized programs to help people cultivate these positive qualities of character. To learn more, visit virtuesmatter.com.
To learn more about the Virtues Project, visit www.virtuesproject.com. Erik Lief Miles Dies at 55
