Q2 2025 Membership Update
Just because the summer months get a little warmer and a tad sleepier doesn’t mean nothing’s been going on lately. For example…
Fiery flamboyant blooms dot the landscape
Fourth of July Parade
Rachael Ackley, WISAR president, waves from behind the wheel of Big Red
Mark and Lori Sims round the bend, full of patriotic good cheer
Twenty-two decorated vehicles paraded from the Ferry Dock around to Honeymoon Beach, in celebration of Independence Day on July Fourth. WISAR had a booth selling raffle tickets and t-shirts down at the beach, which generated nearly $600 to support their important work responding to health and fire emergencies. Jacquie Sudek and her son Nick also hosted a tent of culinary delights, which brought in even more funds and filled many happy bellies.
FORT SEGARRA PROJECT
In late April, we received word from Commissioner Jean-Pierre Oriol that DPNR has secured funding for the maintenance of historic Fort Segarra from the USEDA Tourism Enhancement Program for up to $150,000. Our association will oversee the project and receive a subgrant to implement the improvements. Better signage, lighting, railings, fresh paint, safer flooring and ladders are all being addressed.
The special committee will finalize a scope of work by the end of the summer, and the project must be completed by December of 2026, which is the grant deadline. This committee, chaired by Doug Hoffman, welcomes input and participation for this exciting opportunity to make a major improvement to one of our island’s most scenic, historic and fascinating spots!
BEAUTIFICATION
The repair of the Bus Stop Roof is complete! On the right side of the firehouse entryway, this small, previously hurricane-damaged shelter currently serves as part of the Recycling Program.
The date has not yet been set, but we will be putting together a volunteer painting crew to protect the fresh construction and further beautify this zone.
DIRECTORY
The directory is finally back from the printer and ready for pick-up at The Crossing. The cover features the beautiful map by our own Colleen Tapp, which we commissioned for the post office revamp last year. One copy per membership, please, and kindly be mindful that this is for our community use and not commercial purposes.
BEACH
WICA hired Nick Allred to refurbish the decaying wood on the high-top at the community end of the beach. Now we have a graceful, sturdy surface to gather around with a book, a cold drink or a few friends.
Red and green markers were reinstalled, keeping the swim area a safer zone for all.
A new plaque honoring Water Island legends the Phillips and Cheeseboroughs has been mounted at the far west palapa.
You might not be aware that Kevin Butler continues to take the trash daily from the ferry dock and the north end of the beach, paid for by WICA. Dinghy’s has recently added an additional receptacle to the middle of the beach, which they also empty. When you see trash anywhere, please pick it up and find a trash barrel, helping to keep our island litter-free!
Looking ahead, we have a few projects lined up to execute in the next three to four months:
– install a second sandscrew for the grey float, preventing it from entangling with the yellow ring
– put in retainers to keep the floats separated on the swim line, rather than bunching up in clusters
– clean out the white beach hut and clean up and organize any useable chairs, which will be available to WICA members when we are done
WASTE MANAGEMENT
Rachael has provided us with a detailed update and reminder of our waste handling procedures:
Last week, VI Waste Management sent over a 30 yard bin for metal which Flaco filled, leaving only a couple of items to roll into the next batch. Flaco also cleaned up the area around the waste oil bins and the paint shelf. Once again, things are looking tidier at the dump.
Over the last couple of months, people have been discarding tires on the ground at the dump. We want to remind all residents that there is NO TIRE DUMPING anywhere on Water Island! You must either take your tire to St Thomas to dispose of it at a tire shop, or you can pay $20 for Rachael’s Repairs to dispose of it on your behalf.
Please make sure any metal items and appliances (which incur a $50 fee) are stacked neatly at the dump until the next metal bin cycle.
Paint for the paint rack must be usable paint. If it’s dried up, throw it in the dumpster. If the can is rusted through, please paint it onto an old piece of wood or leave the lid off somewhere at your house out of the rain until it dries up entirely. Then you can throw it in the dumpster.
Do not leave cans of any product with missing or damaged lids on the ground at the dump. This is a serious environmental hazard. If you see anyone else doing something wrong, please remind them of proper procedures.
If you have a small amount of construction debris such as a few pieces of wood or a couple of windows, you may put them in the dumpster. If it’s more than that, you are required to get your own dumpster or have your contractor take the debris in a truck to Bovoni on St Thomas.
A couple of weeks ago, Andre Ackley pushed back the brush dump using the “Stui” tractor. Special thanks to him for his community service, and to Rachael for volunteering her tractor to get the job done. When using the green dump, drive your vehicle WAAAAY into the back and stand in the back of the vehicle and unload it on top of the existing pile as much as possible.The more densely it is packed, the less frequently we will need to do the work of compressing the brush, which is almost out to the road again already.
All three waste oil bins are almost full. We hope to get a pump out soon. If you see anyone dropping off jugs of oil on the ground or without lids, please remind them they must pour the oil into the bin that has space left and dispose of the container, NOT just leave it sitting on the ground. Improperly handled oils require one of our volunteers to spend hours cleaning up the ensuing nasty mess.
An abandoned vehicle and boat round-up will be organized in the near future. Vehicles and boats will be tagged prior to removal. Please keep your vehicles, boats and trailers on your own property. If you have an old vehicle you would like to dispose of, the fee is $250 payable to WICA. You must arrange for the lot gate to be opened, and move the vehicle to the gated area at your own expense.
CATS
You may have noticed more kittens appearing around the dumpsters and various places around the island. The feline population is increasing, and a few concerned, pro-active residents have organized to help address the issue. While this is not directly a WICA project, we are accepting donations earmarked for the feeding, trapping, transporting, spay and neutering of these cats. If you wish to support this work, please indicate on your donation that it is to be allocated to the Humane Feline Fund.
BUDGET
Treasurer Jason Schmitz reports that we are on track for the year with no issues to call out.
That, my friends and neighbors, is all I can think to tell you about at the moment. I hope you are enjoying your summer, and look forward to the next time our paths might cross.
Sincerely,
Julia Rhode
2025 President