Celebrate the Reef with the Family and Friends!

Come to Rhythms at Rainbow Beach on Sunday May 29th from 1-10pm for REEF JAM, the biggest celebration of coral reef and the marine environment in the V.I.! Reef Jam is hosting its fourth annual event to “encourage marine conservation and stewardship through community education and outreach.” For only $5, attendees get to listen to live music from Romanza, Kurt Schindler and Jahnee Red Locks & da Tree a We. There will be tons of raffles throughout the day, as well as a whole line-up of FREE reef-related activities for the whole family in the Reeftivity Zone.

“We have something for every age,” says Project Manager, Melanie L. Feltmate. “From fish, squid and lionfish dissections, to snorkel clinics (gear included) and Stand-Up Paddle Board races.” Reef Jam teamed up with St. Croix Environmental Association for a fun new activity called Reef Rap. High School students from all over St. Croix have written songs about the reef, and will compete on stage to win fabulous prizes. “If you aren’t in the competition, you can still write a song in the Reef Rap workshop, and perform on stage,” says Feltmate. Reef Jam also teamed up with the CRABBS dive club to have a lionfish tournament. “Lionfish are a serious threat to the reefs and our livelihood,” says Feltmate. For $10, lionfish hunters who catch the largest and the smallest lionfish can win a plethora of prizes.

Janelle Schindler and her husband Kurt founded Reef Jam in 2008 during International Year of the Reef. “Living on an island, every single one of us is affected by the health of our reefs,” Says Schindler. “This event is to celebrate the incredible resource that surrounds us and gives us life.” All funds raised at the event go back to the St. Croix community in the form of Mini-Grants. “The Reef Jam 2010 Mini-Grant winners will be on hand to show what great things they have been doing for the reef with the money raised last year.

” Reef Jam 2011 is sponsored by HOVENSA, Bellows International, Heineken, Spencer Ocean Services, Ye Cottage Feed Shop, H&H Tire, Rhythms at Rainbow Beach, Kurt & Janelle Schindler, Melanie L. Feltmate, and receives fiduciary services from the Virgin Islands Resource Conservation & Development Council, Inc. (V.I. RC&D).

Information about Reef Jam including schedule of events, rules for contests, and application forms for Mini-Grants can be found at www.ReefJam.com, on our Facebook page or by contacting Project Managers Janelle Schindler at 340-643-6095 or Melanie L. Feltmate at ReefJamSTX@gmail.com.