About Me - Frank Barnako
I'm the one on the right!
I've been writing about St. John for almost ten years. I figured a newsletter might help the rentals of our island home-away-from-home in Great Falls, Va., Blue Tang. See it at BlueTang.vi.
What started as a weekly text newsletter almost 10 years ago, has now become this Web site of news and information about the island. There is a free weekly update about what's new. If you would like to receive it, e-mail me.
I first came to St. John with a buddy during a skiing and sun winter vacation.
A few years later, with my wife, Donna, I vacationed at Caneel Bay. We soon found ourselves taken with the
island. We bought property, built a house. Bought another, and renovated it. Sold it, bought another and renovated it.
Our latestm BlueTang, is available for rental through Catered To, (800) 424-6641.
With some partners, we owned the Mail Center
at the Marketplace - offering villa owners, locals, and businesses an efficient and economical way to get mail,
receive and ship packages, and to buy office supplies. We sold the business to the Corley family in September, 2007. They're good people, and the Mail Center's services are great.
If you have news about the island, yourself, or your business, contact me at frank@newsofstjohn.com.
FB
Dear Frank,
We just returned from your fantasy land! My fantasy, not yours. Although I had previously did an excursion to St. John off of a passing cruise ship, I did not fully appreciate the beauty and the fragility of the island. One day we spent exploring and snorkeling the South side of the island with lunch at the Westin. Another days were spent snorkeling Cinnamon, Trunk, and Waterlemon with lunch at Skinny Legs!
I am a developer and homebuilder in Western Tennessee. I understand the issues that come from the developing and building upon the island. We have a sandy soil that erodes very easily. I can't image the amount of silt that must flow into those pristine bays on the island. I have been there during a heavy down pour in years past.
I will be back as soon as possible. This time we are going to bring our three girls so that they will get to experience the truly unspoiled, while it still exists! Good luck in all of your work. I there is anything someone in my position can do please let me know.
Kevin Clark
cfhllc@mindspring.com
Posted by: Kevin Clark | November 06, 2006 at 09:20 PM
We will be down on New Years eve 5th trip with family. Any suggestions on how we might get on a charter for the NYEve party on JVD?thanks love your site jm
Posted by: john miller | December 01, 2006 at 11:31 AM
PLEASE PUBLICIZE THE FREE TENNIS LESSONS FOR 8-18 YEAR OLDS BEING OFFERED EVERY SUNDAY FROM 330PM TO 500PM AT THE CRUZ BAY TENNIS COURTS. THE MAIN INSTRUCTOR IS PATRICE HARLEY, A TEACHER FOR 16 YEARS AT THE GUY BENJAMIN SCHOOL. PATRICE IS TRAINED TO TEACH YOUNG PEOPLE TENNIS. ALL SKILLS ARE WELCOME TO JOIN IN THE FUN!
Posted by: LEE HERSH | January 08, 2007 at 10:39 AM
i am leaving for st.John on Tuesday with my parents, sister, aunt, uncle, and couin. I wanted to see Kenny Chesneys house. my aunt really likes him, and it would be great for her to see his house.
Posted by: abbey | February 11, 2007 at 07:20 PM
I am currently selling a property in Florida and would like to do an exchange in St. John. One concern is the tax issue. My investment would be a rental for several years (annually if possible). I would relocate in a couple of years. I am a real estate broker, have 2 engineering degrees and I'm a licenced captain. I would like to work on the water when I relocate. If it's not too much trouble - could you give me some guidance on what is happening there and where I may want to consider for an investment. I have one investment property selling next week ($200,000) and hopefully another soon after ($190,000). I like the idea of small island living but I'm open for other ideas or locations. I have 45 days to locate my next property. Thanks!!! Chris
Posted by: christina | February 20, 2007 at 07:13 PM
Frank, this is such old news, LOL
Posted by: allan | September 13, 2007 at 01:39 PM
Many years ago we spent many wonderful hours in St. thomas and St. John. On St. John there was a fish fry once a month to raise money for scholarships. does this still happen and when? I am In NY and love it, BUT my heart will always be in St. Thomas and St. John with those wonderful people. We will be there for a week in May. I tried to convince my husband to move there but he is a died in the wool appleknocker. SIGH!!! thanks ginny
Posted by: Ginny Ogden | September 19, 2007 at 01:05 PM
No more monthly fish fry.
Occasionally, community groups organize one, but nothing regular.
Frank
Posted by: Frank Barnako | September 19, 2007 at 01:08 PM
Frank,
I'm a professional face and body painter. Do you know of anyone in STT/STJ who would like to augment their customer flow with my services? Kids go crazy (and some adults too) for face painting. I can paint 12-16 people per hour, and I've seen kids and parents wait over an hour to sit in my chair.
I'll be in STT next week (10/8-10/15). My rates are moderate, and my skills fantastic.
Mike Smith
Mike@merryfaces.com
www.merryfaces.com
Posted by: Mike Smith | October 04, 2007 at 02:41 PM
I was so sad to see that celebrities, rich realtors, developers are above us all in hurting St. John's beautiful island. Why does Kenny Chesney think he can ruin the island and live in a mansion there? This island is slowing being destroyed by those who do not respect what the island really is. It's history and environment will never be the same. To whom it may concern: Stay home and ruin your own backyard!
Posted by: susan | November 10, 2007 at 08:01 PM
Frank,
My wife and I spent part of our honeymoon in St. John in 2000, and one of the highlights was a dinner at Asolare. The food was supurb, and we met the chef but now can't recall his name. I was hoping you might help. This would have been in November 2000, and he was a young guy (maybe mid to late twenties). I had heard he moved over to Chloe & Bernards, but that was a while back. If you happen to know his name and where he is now, we'd be grateful. Wherever he is, I'm sure the food is fantastic. Thanks.
Posted by: Karl | December 14, 2007 at 01:32 PM
Dear Karl:
Seven years is a life time. There have been several different chefs at Asolare over the years. But the restaurant is always worth considering - and remember, the owner also operates Bordeaux, and Paradiso ... which are tops. Great food is easy to find. Expensive, yes. But it's sure on St. John.
Frank
Posted by: Frank Barnako | December 14, 2007 at 02:09 PM
Dear Frank:
Do you know the name of the owners of the hardware store and if they are from Babylon, NY?
Barbara
Posted by: Barbara | February 26, 2008 at 07:38 PM
Hi:
What's the story with Chilly Billy's; open or closed ? Will be down in a few days and it was always my breakfast spot. Have noticed that the web-site is down. thanks.
Posted by: Paul | March 31, 2008 at 08:17 PM
Chilly Billy's is closed. Space is available for rent.
:(
Frank
Posted by: Frank Barnako | April 01, 2008 at 08:55 AM
Hi Frank - I just found this newsletter when I did a search on the new Pond Bay fractionals. Not interested because we only need 1-2 bedrooms - but was curious of the location.
We just returned from St John and had a great trip (except for a nightmare return to STT American Airlines... never again will I fly on AA).
I wrote a long trip report (w/ photo link) on TUG (Timeshare Users Group) - Google: TUG Timeshares Starwood Forum - and that should take you to the page that has the trip report thread that was just posted (June'08).
Anyway... I was enjoying the newsletter - thanks.
David and Robin
Posted by: David | June 30, 2008 at 09:43 PM
Hi! I'm moving to STT in about a month. I am a runner/triathlete--but mostly a runner :) Any tips on running or biking routes/trails on STT or STJ? Many of the roads on STT do not seem too safe for running or biking; are there trails on STJ (never been on St. John!)? I know most of the races seem to be on St. Croix... THANKS!!
Posted by: Lisa | July 26, 2008 at 07:39 PM
Frank,
What do you think of the progress at and prospects for Pond Bay?
Posted by: Bill Loweth | August 13, 2008 at 02:51 PM
Hello Frank!
Are you aware of any resolve concerning the "My Paradise Business" essay contest to win Mixology Warehouse? Particularly, does Gary Moses plan to reimburse the entrants that paid $100 per entry? Do you know how to get in contact with Gary Moses? What a shame!!!
Posted by: Nadia | October 03, 2008 at 08:06 PM
does anyone know if the starfish market takes coupons, will be down 11/28 staying a villa?
thanks, carol
Posted by: carol ducharme | November 05, 2008 at 07:05 AM
Any advise on the best way to find businesses for sale on St. John's? Looking to relocate and very interested in real prospects. Thank you.
Posted by: Alexis | January 21, 2009 at 10:01 AM
I'm looking for Jimmy Abrahms an old friend.
The last time we talked via Miami he was living on St Johns.
He plays guitar and does a good job making people smile. We'll be visitng Cruz Bay in March and it would be good to see him.
Do you have his email or ph. #
Thanks
K
Posted by: Kevin Van Slooten | January 25, 2009 at 11:30 PM
Hey Frank,
just wanted to see who the guy is on Ajax Peak with the weather station. I want to know how high that gust was yesterday with the squall that came through Coral Bay at about 1:40. Thanks
Posted by: wonderlost | January 29, 2009 at 07:23 AM
frank, please tell me about the donkeys, can i get a job, helping take care of them or checking up on them? stacey staceyfurniture@aol.com
Posted by: stacey sherman | February 02, 2009 at 07:50 AM
My husband and I went to St. John last April- we had a wonderful time. Let me recommend Windcrest Villas, we had the loft suite. Also, DO catch a hobie cat to the BVI, it's beautiful!! Can't wait to go back someday...
Posted by: Sharon | February 03, 2009 at 05:02 PM