Holiday schedule
Because of the coming holidays, the Beacon will not publish next week, and the next issue will come a day late, on Friday, Jan. 6. Advertising and editorial deadlines will be pushed forward a day that week. The regular Thursday publications will resume on Jan. 12, and all deadlines will return to normal. The Beacon thanks its readers and advertisers and wishes everyone happy holidays.
Waiting for Santa
A Beaconite attending the police’s annual Children’s Christmas Party found himself doing something he hadn’t done in possibly decades: asking every halfway-responsible-looking adult he could find if they knew when Santa would arrive.
Saying good-bye
This issue is the last for Beacon reporter Steven Melendez, who is leaving the newspaper and the territory. Mr. Melendez, who is returning to his native New York area to work for an online publication, wishes the best to everyone who has been helpful and friendly to him in the Virgin Islands.
Lionfish alert
A Beaconite speaking to a scuba instructor affiliated with the Reef Guardians organisation this week was reminded of what to do when encountering a lionfish in the ocean: contact the organisation at 442-7783. Swimmers, snorkellers and divers can also call that number to request lionfish markers, which can be unobtrusively carried and deposited in the water near where the fish are seen. And anyone stung by a lionfish should soak the affected area of skin in “tolerable hot water” that is not hot enough to burn, the group says.
Youth for youth
A Beaconite helping cover a Rainbow Children’s Home event this week met a young person with a special message for the territory. It wasn’t one of the home’s residents, but a volunteer. Lance Frett, a young heavy equipment operator, told the reporter he loves volunteering at the home, and asked if there was any way she could help spread his message. Mr. Frett explained how the slow economy seems to leave many of his peers with extra time, and he would like to see them use it by volunteering with the territory’s children. He said children can relate well with adults who are close to their own age. Further, Mr. Frett told the reporter that not only is spending time with the children fun, it’s also a good way to give back to the community. The Beaconite was inspired to search for a volunteer opportunity for herself, and she hopes other young adults in the VI will do the same.
Marmalade wars
The gauntlet has been thrown. As Beaconites and regular readers of Reporter’s Notebook learned this year, several Virgin Islands community members like to make marmalade. Roger Harris and William Tacon, both Beacon readers, sent in samples of their recipes for this newspaper’s staff to try earlier this year. Both were tasty. But who makes the best marmalade in the world? That will be determined in February. The annual “World’s Original Marmalade Awards” will be held at Dalemain Mansion and Gardens in Cumbria, United Kingdom beginning on Feb. 25, 2012. The event, which according to the organisation’s website kicks off National Marmalade Week in the UK, is in its seventh year and hands out awards in 11 categories including “dark and chunky,” “heritage,” “peers & political,” and — one Beaconite’s personal favourite — “mystery marmalade.” Oranges are being sliced and jars sterilised for the event, according to the organisation’s website. Mr. Tacon wrote in an e-mail that he already has entered and hopes to attend. The Beacon is curious to know if any other VI residents will be competing with him.