March 23, 2003 – As the USO proceeds with planning for its second annual Big Band Jump fund-raiser set for April 11, it needs a little help from its friends.
First, there's a planning committee meeting Monday at 5:30 p.m. at the USO Center on the St. Thomas waterfront.
Second, there's an unexpected need for a computer processing unit, or CPU, because the one the organization owns died over the weekend, according to corresponding secretary Cynthia Farmer.
The USO's computer is an integral tool of the organization, Farmer said in an e-mail appeal sent out Sunday night, in that it's used "not only for planning and communicating with incoming ships," but also is "used for visiting military personnel to e-mail friends and loved ones when they visit St. Thomas."
Volunteer trouble shooter Don Chandler was able to save the data on the hard drive, but "our motherboard is dead," Farmer said.
All that's needed is a replacement CPU, she said, and anyone who has one to donate or to make available "at a very reduced cost" is asked to contact Cynthia or Frank Farmer by calling 776-1884 or by e-mailing to the Farmers.
As for the big band event, Farmer said "the planning is going along great. We are very pleased with our community's response, and we look forward to seeing you all at the function." Like last year's first such event, it will be held at Grand Galleria above the MAPes MONDe Gallery, featuring the University of the Virgin Islands Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Martin Lamkin, with Darr Conradson as master of ceremonies.
Tickets are $15 and they're available at Deliver It, Just Cuts (Buccaneer Mall), Caribbean Candles and both Modern Music shops. For more information, call 776-0050.

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