The residents of the Virgin Islands can’t vote in US elections, but that didn't stop them paying close attention to the historic 2008 presidential race. School children of the Julius Spruave Elementary School in the Virgin Islands did extensive research about the US Electoral College and American presidential election via the Internet, reports Career Communications Group chief of staff Miller Roberts III.
Back in Baltimore after his visit to VI, Miller says, "Leslie, a school monitor and former resident of New York, told me that the students held mock debates and asked permission to hold a celebration parade. President-elect Obama is a hero them and they wanted to celebrate his victory.”
Deborah Bernstein, proprietor of the Florian Villa, where Miller stayed during his visit to VI, was driving him into town for lunch when they ran into the Obama Victory Parade. "It was an incredible feeling for me to join the parade and get an opportunity to talk to these students," Miller recalls. “One student said, 'Obama is a winner and he is my hero!’
The elections are over, but the work of Florian Villa continues.
Owned by Deborah Bernstein and Scott Whalen, both avid community service activists, the villa supports the families of fallen fire fighters and injured service men and women. Free respite vacations and yoga retreats are always on offer to injured soldiers and families of fallen fighters. “We a have deep-seated desire to provide any relief to these soldiers and families,” Deborah said.
“While I was there enjoying their great villa,” Miller says, “I awoke on November 7th to find Deborah and Scott typing feverishly on their computers. They told me all about the fallen firefighter in St. Louis and how they were attempting to contact his family to let them know that they were there for them,” he says.
“These two folks respond immediately,” Miller says. “And they make it a point to contact the family of every fallen firefighter. It was truly inspiring to see them in action. More importantly, they have created a welcoming and inviting environment at their villa. I felt like I was at home during my entire stay. They are truly hospitality specialists. The home cooked meals, island expertise, yoga classes, and tailored services are par excellence,” he says.
“CCG takes great pride in celebrating the many achievements of the US service men and women and the work that Deborah and Scott are doing go hand in hand with what we do. The Florian Villa is providing support and encouragement to injured soldiers and their families. Just as it is important to celebrate the soldiers when they are active, it is important to provide support and encouragement when they’ve made substantial sacrifice. I invite everyone to spread the word about their great property and the great work that they do.”
In Spring 2009 the Florian Villa will house the participants for another year.
Visit www.florianvilla.com to find out more about the villa and the owners philanthropic work.
