SJCCA plans concert in the park fundraiser Dec. 7
Special event to feature Deb and the Dynamics
If you missed Deb and the Dynamics the last time they played at the St. James City Civic Center, don’t worry, because they plan to play there again next weekend for the St. James City Civic Association’s 60th anniversary party. The celebration will be held from 2-5 p.m. on the SJCCA grounds.
Ticket are $25 prepaid and $30 at the door. Visit sjccapi.org to purchase tickets in advance.
Board president Cena Hamby said she wants everyone to bring golf carts, lawn chairs and an appetite for vendor foods. Ticket prices for the concert in the park are to cover the expense of a much needed new septic system.
“We found out we needed a new septic system after Tropical Storm Debbie (Aug. 5) exposed a huge hole. We started a Gofundme and the island donated $6,600. We wrestled with permitting and the Department of Health and finally got a septic system we could afford,” Hamby Said.
The building flooded twice recently, she said. All refrigeration was lost, and the gas range was damaged, as well as the women’s restroom. Hamby said she’s afraid to ask what might come next, for fear that something else will need repairs or replacement.
“We been rebuilding for the last year. We replaced the roof, the ceiling — we’ve done it all — we’ve had half our trees trimmed. Gerard (of Gerard’s Tree Service) came and gave us a great quote and then trimmed them four days before Helene and Milton came, which was great timing,” Hamby said.
Now, she said, she and the board are hoping the community will come out and support the center with this upcoming fundraiser. They are ready to be done with their mission to repair and replace items and utilities in the building, she said.
“We’ve done a beautiful job inside. We’ve had weddings here, anniversaries, big parties with bands — it’s a great venue. We need people to come out, buy tickets, enjoy the island and celebrate the day with us,” Hamby said.
Hamby said although their neighbors are going through this as well, making it a difficult ask from the association, they are seriously low on funds and need the island to come together and support the SJCCA, if possible, at this difficult time.
“Currently we have Bingo on the First Fridays of the month, mahjongg, dominos, cribbage and starting in January, yoga, exercise, Golden Brush and more. The Nature School for island children is Wednesday at 10 a.m. Boater Safety class is Jan. 22nd, register on our website at sjccapi.org. The cost is $45 and goes entirely to the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary that are teaching the class. If you’ve never taken this class before and are on our waters, it is a great way to increase your awareness and safety and you don’t have to leave the island. Bring your spouse,” Hamby said.
Deb and the Dynamics will be performing at SJCCA concert in the park fundraiser. PHOTO PROVIDED
To reach PAULETTE LeBLANC / pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com, please email