December 17, 2015
Transcription
December 17, 2015
WHAT’S HAPPENING n Dec. 19 n Dec. 21-31 See the Grinch at Key West Library, 700 Fleming St., 1-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19. Bring the kids for some fun games, crafts and a picture with Mr. “Termites in his Smile” Grinch himself. Event free and open to the public. For more information, call (305) 292-3595. n Key West Police Athletics/Activities League (PAL) offers a fun and reliable place to bring your kids during the holiday break. PAL holiday camp runs Dec. 21-31 and costs $120 per child per week. e kids will participate in games, crafts, fun activities and field trips. Camp runs daily 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ere will be no camp on Christmas and New Year’s Days. For more information or to secure registration, call Denise Richardson, (305) 809-1082 or email her at drichardson@cityofkeywest-fl.gov Grinch at the library n Dec. 17 Holiday show 6-8 p.m. ursday, Dec. 17, at Harrison Gallery, 825 White St. During this year’s December Walk on White, Harrison Gallery presents unique works by a handful of artists for gift-buying pleasure. Included will be Charles Pebworth’s metal constructions and jewelry pieces from around the globe. Jewelry makers include French artist Samuel Coraux, Polish artist Pawel Kaczynski and the stunning collection of porcelain rings from Mexico. n INFO harrisongallery.com PAL holiday camp Eric Haley, Michael Robinson and Mike Mulligan n Dec. 20-21 Two shows only 8 p.m. Dec. 20-21 at Tennessee Williams Cabaret. Tickets at keystix.com or (305) 295-7676. “ose great holiday TV specials had wonderful musical arrangements and terrific guests. is format gives us a chance to do our version of those arrangements and invite guests of our own,” said musical director, Michael Robinson. n INFO (305) 295-7696 or keystix.com Holiday classics Eric Haley, Mike Mulligan, Michael Robinson are back with a special tribute of classic songs to those holiday TV specials of Andy Williams, Bing Crosby, Perry Como, Dean Martin and Bob Hope. Joining are Carmen Rodrigues, Dave Bootle, Gordon Ross, David Black, Nancy 3 Hoffman, Joe Dallas and Skipper Kripitz. 2 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 17-23, 2015 KEY NEWS HARC proposes a rewriting of the historic construction guidelines BY PRU SOWERS KONK LIFE STAFF WRITER Bruised by angry complaints over its recent decision allowing a large home to be built at 616 Eaton St., the Historical Architectural Review Commission (HARC) wants to rewrite the city’s residential and commercial building code in the Key West historic district. Walking a difficult line between maintaining the historic areas of the city while still including demands for more contemporary architecture, HARC Chair Bryan Green led a public workshop Dec. 11 to get input on a proposed set of guidelines for new construction in the While not mentioning 616 Eaton St. decision—which granted approval to an 11,000-square-foot home with roof deck, a decision being appealed by a group of neighbors who object to the architectural style and size of the proposed new structure—Green said new construction permit requests are rising in Key West, many from “very wealthy people wanting to build something not of Key West.” Not only are proposed new structures larger than other homes in their immediate neighborhood, they include contemporary touches such as roof terraces, which are not a part of the historic architecture prevalent in the city. And the problem HARC has is current construc- historic district, as well as new guidelines for signage in the district. “e guidelines now are so badly constructed. All of the [current] guidelines are pretty poor,” Green told a crowd of about 60 who attended the workshop in the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center. “It’s difficult to have a one-size-fits-all without a document becoming unwieldly.” e proposed guidelines for new construction in the historic district were included in an 11-page document Green handed out at the workshop, asking for input from attending architects, builders, real estate lawyers and residents. Point Break Cigars Key West 305.295.6110 pointbreakcigars.com 3 Locations: 600 Duval 921 Duval 403 Greene The Only Key Lime Pie Cigar in the World™ 3 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 17-23, 2015 tion guidelines don’t specifically outlaw the more modern elements. “Some want more contemporary. Some want less contemporary. Some want less, but the guidelines don’t support that. We’re in this bit of a mishmash situation right now,” Green said. e proposed guidelines state that new construction should not destroy any remaining historic materials or features of a property. e guidelines also try to “incorporate new construction without sacrificing the qualities that make the historic areas of Key west so unique.” | Continued on page 10 december 17-23,2015 HEALTH NEWS Published Weekly Vol. 5 No. 51 PUBLISHER/EDITOR Guy deBoer NEWS WRITERS Pru Sowers, C.S. Gilbert, Terry Schmida PHOTOGRAPHERS Larry E. Blackburn, Ralph De Palma DESIGN Dawn deBoer, Julie Scorby PIXEL WRANGLER JT Thompson CONTRIBUTORS Guy deBoer Key News Louis Petrone Key West Lou Matt Dukes Jordan The Happiest Hour Roxanne E. Fleszar Your Financial Future Ian Brockway Tropic Sprockets Steve Calderwood Wining the Keys C.S. Gilbert Culture Vulture Robin Mayer It’s Your Environment Ralph De Palma Soul of Key West Harry Schroeder High Notes Morgan Kidwell Kids’ Korner Diane Johnson In Review Tim Weaver Bonehead Island ADVERTISING 305.296.1630 Susan Kent|305.849.1595 [email protected] Sarah Sandnes|305.731.3223 [email protected] Advertising Deadline Every Friday PRINT-READY advertising materials due by Friday every week for next issue of KONK Life. Ad Dimensions ’Tis the season for flu vaccination— vaccinate annually Florida Department of Health recognized Dec. 6-12 as National Influenza Vaccination Week. e department and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reminds there is still time to get a flu vaccination, recommended six months of age and older. Receive the vaccine each year to protect against illness. “Vaccination is the best protection against influenza and preventable illness,” said state Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. Floridians at high risk of flu-related compli- n Sustaining Our Economy 2016 resolutions: Year of green business Take the challenge! If you have a business, pledge to become Florida Keys Green Certified in 2016. If you are an employee or a regular customer of a business, ask that business to take the challenge! e City of Key West rolls out its new Green Business Certification. It’s online, it’s easy, and it’s 90 percent discounted for 2016. e entire year will be full of educational ops and highlights of businesses walking the walk to Preserve Island Life. Watch video at youtube.com/watch?v=Bf3GvVed5x0 Sign up at www.gbb.com/keywest n INFO gbb.com/keywest Horizontal and Vertical: Full, 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, 1/8 page, bizcard Ad Submissions JPG, TIFF, PDF — digital formats only Send to [email protected] CIRCULATION Kavon Desilus ASSISTANT Ben Neff ASSISTANT KONK Life is published weekly by KONK Communications Network in Key West, Fla. Editorial materials may not be reproduced without written permission from the network. KONK Communications Network (305) 296-1630 • Key West, Florida www.konklife.com 4 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 17-23, 2015 cations receive vaccinations. High-risk serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people with certain chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease or lung disease and people aged 65 years and older. Flu vaccines offered in many locations, including doctor’s offices, health departments, pharmacies and by some employers and schools. INFO cdc.gov/flu floridahealth.gov Getting It Right Konk Life [Dec. 10] edition: Holocaust survivor Helen Sperling’s name was incorrect in the headline on page six in Key West Lou Commentary by Louis Petrone. e correct spelling of her last name is Sperling. Konk Life regrets the error. Also in closing the column, Helen Sperling quotes were incomplete . . . Some of Helen’s words I would like to share with you. Helen started each of her talks with “Hello, my name is Helen Sperling. I am a Jew and a survivor of the Holocaust.” Regarding those who stand by and do nothing as genocides occur: “.....a mistake. You cannot be a bystander. A bystander is someone who helps the evil.” “ere is no closure for a survivor. I tell the stories of what happened because they help me to survive.” “Ninety nine percent of survival was sheer luck.” | Continued on page 9 CITY NEWS n More on page 6 Truman Waterfront Park contractor hired BY PRU SOWERS KONK LIFE STAFF WRITER Ground-breaking for the first phase of the Truman Waterfront Park took place on Dec. 16, but controversy over the 32-acre park is still rising to the surface. e Key West City Commission, acting as the Navel Properties Local Redevelopment Authority, voted recently to hire a Miami-based firm to design the proposed $4 million amphitheater for the waterfront park and to handle construction management for the first phase of the $58.5 million recreational area. e amphitheater design will cost just over $302,000 with another $298,000 for construction administration. e total for the two contracts awarded to Bermello Ajamil and Partners, Inc., is $600,524. But the proposed amphitheater, which would have 250-fixed seats and a lawn that could seat 1,500 to 3,000, worried some speakers and commissioners at the meeting. Half of the estimated $4 million cost would be covered by a grant from the Monroe County Tourist Development Council (TDC). But city officials have yet to identify where the remaining $2 million would come from. “Spending $300,000 on the design phase is probably premature,” said local resident Jack Anderson, “considering only half of the money budgeted, I believe. It feels like it may be a little early in the process to be spending this kind of money.” Commissioner Margaret Romero agreed.“We don’t even have shovels in the ground for Phase 1 and we’re jumping to do design on Phase 1B,” she said. But city engineer Jim Bouquet and Commissioner Sam Kaufman pointed out the TDC grant expires on June 30, 2016. “If we’re going to use an award up to $2 million, we need to get going,” Kaufman said. Commissioner Richard Payne went in another direction, saying 250-fixed seats in the amphitheater was not enough. He recommended the architecture firm be directed to increase that to 500 seats, included in the motion to hire Bermello Ajamil and Partners. As for waiting until full funding for 5 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 17-23, 2015 the amphitheater is found, Mayor Craig Cates pointed out plans to build the park have already been discussed for 16 years. But that didn’t convince Romero. “Just because we have a grant doesn’t mean we have to spend it . . . I don’t see we have the matching funds for it,” she said. Commissioner Billy Wardlow proposed that the city look for corporate sponsors to help fund the amphitheater. It was pointed out that popular musician Jimmy Buffett, who got his start in Key West, wrote a letter to the commission supporting the performance venue. “If he [Buffett] puts $10 million in it, we’ll call it that,” Commissioner Jimmy Weekley said, only half in jest. | Continued on page 10 CITY NEWS Late meeting documents hamper commissoners BY PRU SOWERS KONK LIFE STAFF WRITER Becoming a new Key West City Commissioner can have its overwhelming moments, as newly-elected commissioners Margaret Romero, Richard Payne and Sam Kaufman settle into their positions. But one thing that is not helping, according to Romero and Kaufman, is the deluge of documents that are included in the biweekly city commission meeting agenda, some of which turn up on the same day as a scheduled meeting, leaving little time to do the necessary homework. at time crunch bothered Romero before she was elected District V commissioner, when she was a regular speaker at city commission meetings. And it has become even more of a problem now, she said, during the Nov. 17 commission meeting. “Since noon today, we’ve gotten hundreds of pages of documents. We have gotten over the last couple of days, with no exaggeration, probably two and a half to three inches’ worth of what would be printed out for paperwork,” she said. “Even for those of us who may be new and learning the ropes and putting in more time, it’s almost impossible to get all that stuff read . . . and give proper consideration to all of the data and information that we need to evaluate prior to taking a vote on anything.” Kaufman said he agreed “100 percent.” Even though he considers himself a quick reader, he still needs several days to digest all the paperwork and background information on agenda items that can number over 30 at each commission meeting. “I think we need to have the expectation clearly communicated to staff so they understand what timeframes we’re expecting to have documents to be . . . . considered by commissioners at meetings,” he said. 6 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 17-23, 2015 e information delay also affects Key West residents. Under city law, a city commission agenda must be set no less than one week before the actual meeting. But Key West publically posts its commission agenda, with attached documents and background information, on its website the ursday before a regularly-scheduled Tuesday meeting. at gives the public even less than a week to comb through the documents they may be interested in. City Manager Jim Scholl said Dec. 9 that he had talked to city hall staff after Romero and Kaufman’s comments to tell them they need to “be more diligent” in getting documents to the city clerk in a timely manner. But there are instances, Scholl said, where a particular issue involving a contract deadline or an emergency repair requirement comes in too close to the meeting date for documents to be disseminated in a timely manner. Also, in this electronic age, it is easier for involved parties to make last-minute changes that don’t get to commissioners until shortly before a meeting. “Sometimes we get things late,” he said. “A lot of times on items that are time-sensitive, we may or may not have all that information at agenda setting but it’s so critical that we go forward and try to compile it all prior to a meeting. My apologies for that.” Romero suggested pulling items and holding them until the next meeting if information isn’t received by commissioners when the agenda is set. She volunteered to work with city staff to develop recommendations on how to streamline the document process. Scholl was wary. “I’d hate to have an absolute cut-off date for items that become time-critical. ey don’t happen often, but they do happen,” he said. Romero agreed that some agenda items cannot be delayed. | Continued on page 10 COUNTY NEWS n More on page 8 Ragnar organizers make final plea to county commissioners BY TERRY SCHMIDA KONK LIFE STAFF WRITER e organizers of the controversial Ragnar Relay race through the Keys were planning a final pitch to the county commission on Wednesday to try to salvage this year’s race. Ragnar Relay CEO Chris Infurchia, fresh from making a similar entreaty to the Marathon City Council on Tuesday, was to appear before the BOCC with a new set of concessions aimed at placating wary commissioners and securing a permit for the annual event. Commissioner Sylvia Murphy was to bring the matter before her colleagues, which has been discussed now three times in two months. According to documents that Infurchia submitted to the commission Nov. 20, the proposed contest would s till go ahead on Feb. 5 and Feb. 6 as scheduled, but Ragnar would “run an abridged race and avoid the primary areas of concern that have been reporting (sic) by Lower Keys’ residents and county staff,” Infurchia’s letter to the commission reads. “With this plan, we would stop running the race in Marathon Key and pick it up again in Key West . . . . Following this event, we would put together a comprehensive plan to find a better date for the event, reduce teams, build out a complete courtesy campaign . . . and more.” Infurchia previously appeared at the Nov. 17 commission meeting to make his case for a permit for Ragnar, which draws hundreds of participants but also necessitates the use of numerous motor vehicles on U.S. 1, including vans. Safety concerns about runners on Monroe’s busiest thoroughfare during the peak traffic time of the year led commissioners to uphold the turning down Infurchia’s application at the November meeting. e county previously denied the permit in October, but due to timing issues and agreed to discuss the matter again in order to allow public comment, as well as input from Infurchia’s side. Public sentiment ran about half and half at the November meeting, with some Keys’ residents worried about safety issues and others encouraging the spirit of athleticism the race engenders, reminding commissioners about the money the event raises for worthy charities such as the Special Olympics. Representatives of Monroe County Sheriff’s Office noted that during last year’s race weekend, number of accidents on U.S. 1 increased to 27 from 16 the weekend before; 19 the following weekend. However, Mayor Heather Carruthers advised Infurchia to come back with a new plan that might be considered. Ragnar’s website claims that the organization strives to “make life more awesome” through “better health, lasting relationships and “an enormous amount of fun.” e site further claims that most Americans spend seven hours daily on “screen time” and just four minutes outdoor during the same period. “We exist to break that cycle and rebuild individuals’ connections with their mind and body, with nature and with other like-minded people,” the site says. n [email protected] 7 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 17-23, 2015 KEY WEST LOU COMMENTARY e President could not spell BY LOUIS PETRONE KONK LIFE COLUMNIST Trusts/corporations had become too strong by the time Roosevelt became President. He curbed their power. heodore Roosevelt was the He is known as the man who saved 26th President of the United football. College football had become States. His accomplishments many. Bedangerous. By the time Roosevelt became fore, during and following his Presidency. President, more than one hundred players Roosevelt became known as the phrase had died from football incurred injuries. maker. He was the first to call the White e public called for an end to college House “a bully pulpit.” He recognized the football. White House was a great stage to be heard Roosevelt was a sport enthusiast. He from around the world. called a meeting in Washington Regarding trusts and of those who ran college footcorporations, his attitude ball. He told them shape up or was to “speak softly and he was going to ban football. He carry a big stick.” wanted football made a clean He viewed political game. extremists as the “lunatic ey listened. New rules fringe.” came into being. One, the forWhen asked if he was ward pass. It was thought the going to run for President, he forward pass would lessen the said “my hat’s in the ring.” A power crunch in the center. e statement out of the old west. forward pass was adopted, even A boxer would throw his hat though many considered it a in the ring signifying he LOU radical idea. PETRONE would take on all comers. Roosevelt’s face adorns COLUMNIST Roosevelt was visiting e Mount Rushmore, together with Hermitage in Tennessee, the those of George Washington, home of Andrew Jackson. He omas Jefferson and Abraham was given a cup of coffee. Finishing it, he Lincoln. exclaimed “good to the last drop.” e He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize coffee was generally served at the Maxwell in recognition of his efforts in ending the House in Nashville. Turned into a Russo-Japanese War. Some were against national coffee brand with a great his receiving the award. ey said Alfred advertising component: Maxwell House Nobel was probably turning over in his . . . . Good to the last drop. grave. e reason being that Roosevelt An author, his first work e Naval had completed the conquest of the PhilipWar of 1812 was acclaimed. pines. Many felt his actions in that regard A war hero. Roosevelt led the charge militaristic and imperialistic. up San Juan Hill in Cuba during the Roosevelt was obviously a great man. Spanish-American War. He later said it He had one short coming, however. He was “the greatest day in my life.” could not spell. He served as assistant Secretary of the ere was no word check to help him. Navy under President McKinley. He later Roosevelt issued an Executive Order in was Vice President of the United States 1906. Henceforth, all White House docuwhen McKinley died from an assassin’s ments would be printed with the revised bullets. spelling of three hundred words. e Roosevelt was for a time a cattle ranger words having been proposed by spelling in the Dakotas. He also was an African reformers. hunter and an Amazon explorer. | Continued on page 17 T 8 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 17-23, 2015 COMMUNITY NEWS $3,100 given 12 Monroe charities n Dec. 16 e Key West Parrot Head Club Board and Members are so proud to announce that over $41,000.00 has been raised from our fundraiser events throughout 2015. At 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16, Key West Parrot Head Club celebrates the gift giving ceremony at Hard Rock Café, giving $3,100 to each of 12 Monroe County charities for a total of $37,200. e charities are Wesley House Backpack for Kids Program, e Boys and Girls Club of Key West, Florida Keys Domestic Abuse Shelter, Samuel’s House, Florida Keys SPCA, MARC House, Bahama Village Music Program, Grace Jones Daycare, Reef Relief, Key West Library, Police Athletic League and e Navy League. e Key West Parrot Head’s give appreciation in continuing its mission of supporting charities. n • 28 years of service Garcia retires On Dec. 31, Keys Energy Services’ (KEYS) Eddie Garcia retires after 28-years of continuous service to the Utility. Garcia was originally hired in 1987 when the Utility was named City Electric System. During his tenure he held various positions within the Utility, including Meter Reader, Assistant Storekeeper, Plant Laboratory Technician, Environment/ Safety Officer and Supervisor of Generation, prior to completing his career as Director of Generation. Garcia and his wife of 30-years, Damarys, raised their daughter Suzette in Key West. In retirement, Garcia plans to tackle his “honey-do” list at home and expand his ministry at his church. Calling all artists! n Entry deadline, Jan. 29 e Small Works Exhibit Entries are open. Entry process is easy. Only requirement is that the finished work is under 10 inches in any direction including the frame. All media considered as long it is original. Selected jury determines which pieces get chosen for exhibit. Artists have opportunity to enter up to three pieces. If a piece is sold, payment to the artist is a 50/50 gallery split. Artists responsible for shipping to and from gallery. Go to callforentry.com Entry deadline is Jan. 29. Opening eeception in February at Lemonade Stand Gallery, 318 Petronia St. Information and link to entry forms at the gallery, 318 Petronia St. Open seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Email Caroline Stover-Sickmen any inquires: [email protected] n GETTING IT RIGHT | Continued from page 4 Regarding survival: “A little bit of it was hanging on to dignity. Once you lost that, you didn’t have a chance.” At the end of one Helen’s talks, a student asked whether she could forgive the Nazis. Helen’s answer: “e issue is not whether we can forgive the Nazis, the issue is whether we learned the lesson— genocide continues to occur in our world.....we have not learned our lesson.” Helen challenges students to “Go and save the world!” “I still don’t believe it happened.” e memory “never stops hurting.” “e days are mine, but the nights still belong to Hitler.” Regarding hope and dignity: “You can live without food for a long time and without drink or anything. But you cannot live without hope and without dignity.....the Germans were trying all the time to take it away from us.” “We do not have the right to be silent. e Eleventh Commandment is ou Shall Not Be A Bystander.” Rest in peace Helen Sperling. e first true peace since that day the Germans entered your home. n 9 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 17-23, 2015 HARC | Continued from page 3 “e primary goal is to preserve, protect and, where appropriate, enhance existing historic context,” the new guidelines state. “A contemporary structure that respects the historic context can very well fit within our historic districts if fundamental design principals are followed.” e new guidelines received a cautious thumbs-up from the audience. One architect said the guidelines were “95 percent there.” “You’ve got a winner here. It will help retain the character of Key West,” said another builder. Attorney Hugh Morgan wanted even more specific construction guidelines to ensure that modern homes, which are cropping up in the historic district, are kept out. “ey are offensive to the idea of keeping old Key West old,” he said. And stronger guidelines would help builders, who must respond to their clients’ contemporary demands even if they would prefer to build a more traditional structure. “I’m not anti-contemporary. But contemporary is what’s driving the bus,” said builder Paul Misch. Architect Tom Pope had at least one reservation about the guidelines. e more specificity, the less architects can put their design talents to use, he worried. “We need to make sure there is room for creativity. Right now, I’m concerned these guidelines don’t allow creativity,” he said. e guidelines have a long way to go before becoming part of the Key West building code. HARC, the Key West City Commission and state building officials must approve any change in the local building code. n TRUMAN WATERFRONT PARK | Continued from page 5 Spotlight (R) Fri - Thu: (1:30), 3:55, 6:25, 8:55 Currently the city has about $16.5 million set aside for the project, enough to begin construction on Phase 1A, which will install sidewalks, electrical wiring, drainage systems, children’s play area with water fountain and landscaping. Phase 1B (multi-purpose field, community center and horse stables) is projected to be completed in 2020. But that is dependent on finding new sources of grant and other funding, in addition to the city’s $2.5 million contribution each year. n Room (R) Fri - Thu: (2:00), 4:15, 6:35, 8:50 | Continued from page 6 TROPIC CINEMA 416 Eaton St. 877-761-3456 Week of Friday, December 18, 2015 to Thursday, December 24, 2015 The Big Short (R) Wed & Thu: (1:45), 4:10, 6:40, 9:05 Spectre (PG-13) Fri - Thu: (2:15), 5:45, 8:35 Trumbo (R) Fri - Tue: (4:05), 9:00 Brooklyn (PG-13) Fri & Sat: (1:45), 6:30 Sun & Mon: (1:45 PM) Tue: (1:45), 6:30 A Christmas Story (PG) Mon: (6:30 PM) 10 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 17-23, 2015 LATE MEETING DOCUMENTS “But some of these documents that came to us this afternoon, if we can’t have them earlier then we just need to defer the item,” she said. Commissioner Billy Wardlow agreed, and said he had sometimes asked for an item to be added to the agenda but that it didn’t show up until the day of the meeting. “I’d like that to be stopped. It’s got to be a week in advance before it gets added on,” he said. n ONSTAGE WATERFRONT Now playing! n ‘Casa Valentina’ Preview audiences have been dazzled by Casa Valentina now playing at Waterfront Playhouse. is 2014 Tony-nominated Best Play by Tony Award- winning playwright, Harvey Fierstein, ignites the Waterfront’s 2015-16 season with a burst of glamour, wit and emotional fireworks. Mr. Fierstein (La Cage aux Folles, Newsies, Hairspray, Kinky Boots) has written a helluva play, full of great lines but also one that packs a punch—literally. Based on actual events, Casa Valentina takes place in 1962 at a secluded bungalow were a group of straight men escaped the city heat to indulge in their favorite pastime of dressing and acting like women. In their beehives, high heels and frocks, these married men would celebrate their feminine side with cocktails, 45 RPMs and “the twist”—both the dance and the hairdo. But the carefree atmosphere is challenged when the strong-willed head of “the Sorority” pays a visit and challenges the group to go public, hoping to gain societal acceptance. But the claws come out and conflicts flare up. Director Murphy Davis has assembled a superlative cast, with each person delivering a first rate performance. ey include George diBraud, Brandon Beach, Bob Bowersox, Matt Hollis Hulsey, William Meyer, Quincy Perkins, Danny Weathers and newcomers Luis Febo and Mary O’Connor. Star billing also goes to Christopher Peterson and period frocks he designed for each of “the ladies.” Tickets $40. Check website for discounts or (305) 294-5015. n INFO waterfrontplayhouse.org WHAT’S HAPPENING What’s going on? FRINGE THEATER Writing program begins in January is year the Fringe offers a special program—an opportunity for aspiring playwrights to work with renowned playwright and teacher Toby Armour to write their own short play. Class begins Monday, Jan. 25, and runs for 14 weeks concluding with a public reading of the new plays on May 12. Enroll online, fringetheater.org Cost is $65. Toby Armour, the Fringe’s resident playwright, is a national award-winning playwright and Jerome Fellow, many of whose plays are based on oral history and stories of community. She has led writing workshops in Arizona, New York and New England. Her plays have been in traditional and non-traditional venues, like a saloon in Flagstaff, Ariz.; a hole in the ground in Boston’s Jamaica Plain; a whorehouse-turned public library in Patagonia, Ariz. e program, “Our Houses Speak,” focuses on the development of 10minute plays inspired by a Key West house, its people, history, pets, furniture, joys, sorrows—the possibilities are endless. e class culminates in a public reading by Fringe actors. No requirement for a playwriting background but rather an interest in writing and a sincere desire to try the short play form. Writers select an anecdote or story to write about and work with Toby in weekly sessions to develop their play. Space limited. Workshop location to be determined. “Our mission is to bring theater arts into the community. We are fortunate to have Toby on board to share her expertise with locals interested in writing,” says Fringe’s Producing Artistic Director, Monnie King. e Fringe offers community programs including Shakespeare in School which brings live Shakespeare performances to schools in Monroe, Alice’s Parlor II which offers opportunities to new actors; Key West Characters which commissions and produces plays about Key West’s past like Conch Republic (e Musical!). To discuss your writing interests with Toby, call (203) 645-9790.n INFO fringetheater.org 11 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 17-23, 2015 2015 playwriting workshop Sharon Brophy, Karen Leonard, Wayne Dapser, Alicia Merel, Glenda Donovan | CYNTHIA KEMENY BOOK REVIEW Worth it! and cabarets.” riter/photographer Ralph De Palma has unabashed passion for capturing images of music and the people who make it. “Photographing musicians and performances to me is like photographing lightning on a dark summer night,” says De Palma. “I have to be patient and prepared but more importantly I have to know what I’m looking for and how to look for it.” De Palma has lived in Key West since 2001 and over the years became enamored with the musicians who play local bars and venues. De Palma’s passion for Key West’s music scene led him to spend countless hours photographing and interviewing musicians. His photographs capture the rocking spirit of a tiny island filled with over 50 venues featuring live music. His words roll out the stories, struggles and triumphs of musicians who play in Key West night after night. “e book started out as a typical coffeetable book project,” admits De Palma. “I started interviewing people who I wanted to present with a small caption. e stories became so compelling that the tenor of the book changed dramatically for the better. It’s still a photo book, but the stories of these musicians take the tone of the book to another level. “A defining moment for me in the creation of the book came a few years ago when my wife and I attended the second annual Key West Musicians Festival at e Smokin’ Tuna,” says De Palma. “I looked over at the bar and there were musicians supporting fellow players on stage. e stage was filled for the two-day festival, but musicians still did not get to perform. I knew there was something special about this tiny island with a huge music scene—it’s huge music heart.” De Palma isn’t a musician but seems to have an eye when it comes to photographing moments that matter during performances. “Capturing performances is challenging but so compelling. e moment when a performer gets into that special place where he or she quits thinking about the song or the audience and can take the music almost anywhere, that’s magic. at’s the moment my shutter goes click and I know I’ve grabbed a moment of true musical art.” n INFO ralphdepalma.com W Capturing the music scene Key West is only four miles long, but it has over 50 live music venues. Many venues have three shifts of music a day. is equates to over 300 gigs per week and some 16,000 gigs per year in Key West. is vibrant community is a story all its own and captured by De Palma in “e Soul of Key West.” Vol. I is a 104-page anthology of Key West’s music scene as told by 46 musicians. Vol. II develops the understanding of how all this music happened in Key West with 132 pages and 65 musicians interviewed. eir stories are true descriptions of the lives of the professional musicians who call Key West home. Books include over 200 photographs each from a collection of over 4,500. De Palma has been a photographer of Key West musicians for years. “My camera and I have driven my wife and children crazy for years,” laughs De Palma, a software developer by trade. “I learned about digital imagery and Photoshop in 1998. Digital has changed everything, especially low light photography in dimly lit bars 12 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 17-23, 2015 Discovering Key West musicians Schooner Wharf Bar 202 Williams St., 292-3302 n Thursday 1217 Eric Stone Duo 7-11pm Songwriter/performer Eric Stone and Myles Mancuso for blues, classic rock, reggae and beach music. Schooner Wharf Bar Eric Stone and Myles Mancuso WHAT’S HAPPENING Friday-Saturday 1218-19 Paul Cotton Band 7pm-Midnight Paul Cotton’s legendary Country Rock performances include music from Paul’s 40 years as POCO’s lead guitarist, singer, composer. Recipient of multiple Gold and Platinum records, hits include “Heart of the Night,” “Crazy Love,” “Barbados,” “Indian Summer” and “Bad Weather.” Add tributes to Paul’s roots in Buffalo Springfield and Illinois Speed Press, along with new originals. Now based in Key West, Paul has formed a band of local musicians—Russ Scavelli, Joel Nelson, Greg Shanle and Din Allen, all popular soloists. Sunday 1220 The Doerfels 7-11pm No ordinary family band. Seasoned performers originally from New York State. These young musicians wowed audiences and critics with bluegrass. Now branched into other music genres blending contemporary and classic rock, country and pop, still featuring the bluegrass they grew up on. Monday 1221 The Greens 7-11pm High-octane new grass and bluegrass with old-time and new-time jazz and gypsy, dueling guitars and country. Tuesday 1222 Tom Taylor and Marty Stonely 7-11pm Classic and Generation X Rock. Marty Stonely and Tom Taylor are performing at Schooner Wharf Tuesday, December 22nd from 7-11 pm to entertain us with Classic and Generation X Rock. They’re gearing up to play new covers and favorite oldies. Tom is known for his vocal style and his rhythmic drive, and when combined with Marty’s soulful sax and mystic sounding flute you know you’re in for an engaging night of music, with something for everyone. Wednesday 1223 Cool Duo 7-11pm Sam Ramos and guest musician play Motown, Detroit Funk, Classic Rock and all your island favorites. Come on down and be prepared to move, groove and dance the night away dockside! Thursday 1224 Isand Time Duo 7-11pm Longtime Keys resident andsteel drummer Dave Herzog joined by Chuck Fox/guitars and steel drums. Island hits, beach music and oldies. Smokin’ Tuna 4 Charles St., (305) 517-6350 n Thursday 1217 Scott Kirby 5pm Caffeine Carl and The Buzz 9pm Friday 1218 Nick Norman 5pm Caffeine Carl and Friends 9pm Saturday 1219 Kristen McNamara 5pm Caffeine Carl and Friends 9pm Sunday 1220 Currie W Clayton 5pm Rusty Lemmon & Friends 9pm Monday 1221 John & Tripper 5pm Caffeine Carl & The Buzz 9pm Tuesday 1222 John & Tripper 9pm Wednesday 1223 John & Tripper 5pm Tackleboxx 9pm Thursday-Friday 1224-25 John & Tripper 5pm Caffeine Carl and The Buzz 9pm Saturday 1226 John & Tripper 5pm Caffeine Carl and Friends 9pm Sunday 1227 John & Tripper 5pm Rusty Lemmon & Friends 9pm | Continued on page 16 Schooner Wharf Bar Paul Cotton Smokin’ Tuna Currie Clayton and (below) Tackleboxx Schooner Wharf Bar Island Time Duo Schooner Wharf Bar The Doerfels 14 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 17-23, 2015 Nick Norman 5 p.m. Friday Kristen McNamara 5 p.m. Saturday WHAT’S HAPPENING Hog’s Breath is better than no breath at all ✔ Three live acts from 1 p.m. until 2 a.m. ✔ Full menu! Fresh seafood, sandwiches & classic island favorites. ✔ World famous t-shirts and merchandise. ✔ Private party and special events room. Visit us at hogsbreath.com 296-4222 400 Front Street Key West Hog’s Breath Music Schedule for this week! Thur. 1217 Fri. 1218 Sat. 1219 Cliff Cody Cliff Cody Cliff Cody Joel Nelson Jonell Mosser Band Kenny & Cuda Jonell Mosser Band Kenny & Cuda Jonell Mosser Band Sun. 1220 Mon. 1221 Tues. 1222 Wed. 1223 NFL Sunday Cliff Cody Jonell Mosser Band Zack Seemiller Billy Nemec Joel Nelson Billy Nemec Joel Nelson Billy Nemec Homemade Homemade Homemade Wine Wine Wine Hog’s Breath Saloon Homemade Wine | Continued from page 14 Hog’s Breath Saloon 400 Front St., (305) 296-4222 n Thursday-Sunday 1217-20 Cliff Cody 5:30-9:30pm West Texas singer-songwriter. “Chasin Whiskey” first recorded cut. First playing Key West Songwriters Festiva;, Cody regular performer in the Keys. Soulful voice and storytelling style of writing. Jonell Mosser 10pm-2am Joins guitarist Mike McAdam. Mosser provided backing vocals for who’s who of performers from Etta James and Delbert McClinton to Trisha Yearwood and Wynonna. Finds soul of every song she sings. Monday-Sunday 1221-27 Billy Nemec 5:30-9:30pm Lead guitarist of The Blue Vipers of Brooklyn, an early jazz, swing group. Celebrate all week, including Christmas Day. Popular East Coast guitarist plays repertoire of witty songs from Hog’s Breath Saloon Billy Nemec 16 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 17-23, 2015 ’20s and ’30s with original tunes that are moving yet often with bawdy lyrics and catchy four-part vocal harmony. Homemade Wine 10pm-2am On the road with third album, “Road to House Mountain,” playing outdoor stage. Knoxville, Tenn., singer/songwriter Ryan Sheley and percussionist brother Tod Sheley formed Homemade Wine band in 2008. Mixed in drums of Brad Williams, virtuoso guitarist Andy Westcott and one of Nashville’s hottest bass players Rick Reese, a grad of the Berklee College of Music in Boston. Homemade Wine spreads jam-infused Southern Rock from the Keys to the Pacific Northwest. My New Joint Lounge 22658 Overseas Hwy., Cudjoe Key www.mynewjoint420lounge.com n Thursday Michelle Dravis Friday Robert Douglas Saturday Larry Baeder Pinchers n 712 Duval St., (305) 440-2179 Carl Hatley 1-5pm Bobby Enloe 1-5pm Carter Moore 7-11pm The Green Room 501 Greene St., (305) 741-7300 www.greenroomkeywest.com n Thursday 1217 Jason Lamson 5:30pm Chris Toler 10pm Friday 1218 Jared Konersman 5:30pm David Warren 10:30pm Saturday 1219 Jason Lamson 6pm David Warren 10:30pm Sunday 1220 NFL Sunday 1pm Roenin 8pm Monday 1221 Jason Lamson 9pm Tuesday 1222 Jason Lamson 4:30pm Chris Toler 9pm Wednesday 1223 Jared Konersman 5:30pm Roberto Debourg 10pm | Continued on page 17 Chicago’s WHAT’S HAPPENING 610 Greene St., (305) 741-7891 www.chicagoskw.com n Monday-Thursday Amandah Jantzen, 4:30-7:30pm Tuesday-Thursday 3sum, 8-11:30pm Friday The Boys, 7-8pm 3sum, 8-11:30pm Saturday Amandah Jantzen, 5:30-7:30pm 3sum, 8-11:30pm Sunday Robert Albury, 4-6pm Moose, 8-11:30pm Monday Moose, 8-11:30pm Blue Room at BottleCap 1128 Simonton St., (305) 296-2807 n www.bottlecapkeywest.com Thursday 9pm Live Acoustic Acts Friday 5pm Tips Benefit Happy Hours 10pm Latin Dance Music/DJ Zisco Saturday 8pm Memory Lane Revisited— ’60s through ’90s DJ Dance Party Tuesday 8pm Country Dancing with Marvin 11pm House Music Party/DJ Dino LOUIS PETRONE | Continued from page 8 Roosevelt’s Order required words to be spelled as spoken. Simple. rough became tru. Dropped, dropt. Congress went crazy. e House voted 142-24 to repeal Roosevelt’s Order. British newspapers were outraged at the mockery being made of the English language. e London Sun responded to Roosevelt’s actions by writing an editorial containing the new spelling espoused by Roosevelt: “We ventur to think that even Prezident Ruzvelt mite manage to get along very wel with the language that was gud enuf for Shakespeare and Milton.” Roosevelt saw the handwriting on the wall. e whole world was against him. He backed off. e issue never to be heard again, except in historical perspective. n n Dec. 19 parade Lower Keys Lighted Boat Parade View the Lower Keys Lighted Boat Parade at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, at the Pine Channel Causeway. View from Kiki’s Sandbar. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there, and candy for the kids. All boats welcome to enter. Call Holly, (305) 8720106 or (305) 879-6824. Sponsored by Big Pine and Lower Keys Rotary Club. n n Dec. 20 Artisan Market Shop holiday edition e Key West Artisan Market: Shop Local Edition is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, the Restaurant Store parking lot at 1111 Eaton St. Local artisans include culinary, textile, jewelry, wood, artists and crafters, curiosities, the Key West Writer’s Guild Local Author’s Nook, the X live variety show, beer, wine, food concessions and produce market run by Key West High School Culinary Arts program. Santa Claus 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. inside e Restaurant Store for photos and wish lists. Ride bikes or the bus which stops in front of the Restaurant Store. Strunk Ace Hardware open for business; parking for customers and disabled-tagged vehicles. Parking available in the Old Town Parking Garage, 300 Grinnell St., for $2 an hour. BYOB (bring your own bags). Next Artisan Market date: Jan. 10 for the Green & Sustainability edition. n 17 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 17-23, 2015 WHAT’S HAPPENING SHORTANSWERS BY J E F F J O H N S O N n P A U L A F O R M A N • JJ Grey & Mofro concert at Fort East Martello Been there, done that Dear Short Answers: I was having lunch with a good friend the other day and happened to make a nasty remark about someone we both know. Unfortunately, that person happened to walk by our table at that EXACT moment. I’m pretty sure she heard what I said, because she stopped dead in her tracks and walked away. Should I call and apologize or just ignore it and hope she forgets about it. P.S. It was a really, really nasty remark. Regrets Dear Regrets: We feel your pain. You’re stuck with it, and there is no aking it back at this point. Sorry. Trouble maker JJ Grey & Mofro, set to perform at Fort East Martello on Saturday, Jan. 2, lauded in major media outlets such for soulful blend of blues, rock, folk, funk, gospel, R&B and Southern-inspired narratives. | BOB ADAME n Jan. 2 Southern Rock, Swamp Funk, Memphis Soul When you get an opportunity to see a concert where the lead vocalist has been dubbed “the north Florida sage and soul-bent swamp rocker,” you really ought to take it— especially when that rocker is backed by a six-piece band. JJ Grey & Mofro is set to grace the Key West stage on Saturday, Jan. 2, for a family-friendly concert at the historic Fort East Martello’s parade grounds at 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd. e Jacksonville, Florida band offers audiences a soulful blend of blues, rock, folk, funk, gospel, R&B and Southern-inspired narratives and have been lauded in major media outlets such as New York Times, Wall Street Journal and NPR. Love it or leave it Dear Short Answers: My wife made good money her entire life and decided to retire last year at age 60. I thought it was a great idea, but now I regret it. All she does now is have fun while I go to work every day. I didn’t think it would bother me, but it’s driving me crazy. She plays tennis, goes to the gym, has lunch with friends, volunteers at the animal shelter. All good things, but useless as far as I am concerned. How do I convince her to get a part-time job or something that is meaningful instead of wasting the rest of her life and driving me mad? Bitter Boy Dear Bitter: We think you’re jealous! It sounds like your wife has made some wonderful life choices and your judgments seem entirely inappropriate (and unloving). Perhaps it is what you are doing that is driving you mad—and perhaps you should consider some changes. She could probably help you—sounds like her priorities are in order, and you need an adjustment. Dear Short Answers: I am having a dinner party in a couple of weeks and can only invite six people (my table only seats eight). If there are two couples where I like one person and not the other —do I really need to invite them as couples? It’s my party. Why can’t I invite just the ones I like? My husband says that is Dear Short Answers: extremely rude and just I have a friend who I love not done. But why not? I dearly, but he is a moody am not the only person in bastard, and when he is town who feels this way troubled, it is all about about these people. If I him. Frankly, he never PAULA FORMAN & can’t invite just one, then listens to anything I say JEFF JOHNSON I won’t invite either. And or any advice I give him. isn’t that worse? I would like to help, but Worried Wife the intense drama around what he Dear Wife: Your husband is right. thinks is a crisis—then radio silence You can’t invite just one because you are when he feels better—is getting on my creating an issue for the couples: the nerves. Help! Peter ones who are invited are forced to Dear Peter: You seem to understand “choose.” e likely consequence is the drill. He is unlikely to change. You they will decide you are just too much can either change your behavior— trouble. We agree. or how you feel about his. n Grey and his band have toured widely with more than 120 live shows a year, playing the gamut from local juke joints to major festivals and offering forth an immense stage presence that appeals to roots-rock aficionados and those who appreciate a good funk rave-up. e emotive vocalist (who also plays the piano, guitar, and harmonica) pens all of the band’s lyrics, deeply influenced by greats such as Otis Redding, Big Bad John, Jim Reeves, Jerry Reed, and Lynyrd Skynard. “JJ Grey grew up in Florida and many of his songs directly relate to the natural beauty of our state,” says Evan Haskell, co-producer of the evening’s presenter Key West Concerts. “I find his music uplifting and full of joy and awe. All the while, it’s good southern rock.” His current seven piece band brings in both “groove and grace in equal measure,” says the New York Times, complete with trumpet and | Continued on page 22 Foul weather friend Life is complicated. “Short Answers isnt. Send a question about whatever is bothering you to [email protected] or go to www.shortanswers.net and a psychologist and sociologist will answer. A selection of the best questions appear in Konk Life. 18 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 17-23, 2015 W I N I N G t h e K E Y S A Key West wine quiz! BY STEVE CALDERWOOD KONK LIFE STAFF WRITER Cleanskin I originally wrote this column back in ’07. A friend reminded me of it, said it was his favorite of all time and begged me to repeat it. is time I’ve added a bunch of new terms! So, if you find yourself offended, it’s my friend’s fault. See if you can figure out the correct answers! (Give yourself extra points if you pick the wrong one.) a) Da way I like my woman. b) In Australia, wine bottled without a commercial label, usually sold cheaply in bulk quantities. Racking Hose a) I’m sorry, I just can’t go there either (but the first thing that came to mind was John Holmes.) b) A flexible, clear plastic hose, usually 3/8 inch in inner diameter, used to siphon wine from one vessel to another. Lipase a) e polite way to say that someone is a brown noser. b) An enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of triglycerides to yield glycerol and fatty acids. (Oh, yeah, that’s perfectly clear.) Flocculation a) What teenage boys due with the bathroom door locked. C A U L D E R W O O D b) e process of settling or comCOLUMNIST pacting of lees or sediment. STEVE Dégorgement Estufagem a) What ancient Romans did when they couldn’t find any women. b) A winemaking process peculiar to the making of Madeira and sometimes used in the making of Sherry. is process consists of heating the otherwise finished wine in an “oven”(estufa) for a prolonged period. Punching Down a) What happens if you try to estufagem someone who isn’t receptive. b) e process of pushing the cap of skins, seeds and pulp down into the juice during fermentation. a) What happens after flocculation. b) e disgorging or removal of sediment from bottles that results from secondary fermentation Isinglass a) Where da wine be! b) A transparent and pure form of gelatin fining agent obtained from the air bladder of certain fish, especially the sturgeon Vinho a) What you call a girl who really likes wine. b) e Portuguese word for wine. Flagon Demijohn a) What happens when the crew doesn’t obey. b) A glass bottle that holds two liters of (usually inexpensive) table wine (bring on the Carlo Rossi Paisano.) Bung Hole a) What happens after she puts on the latex Annette Funicello Mickey Mouse costume. (She gets to put the ears anywhere she likes!) b) e period of time grape juice spends in contact with the skins and seeds. a) A midget who enjoy hookers. b) A large-bodied, small-mouthed, long-necked wine bottle, usually covered with wicker, used to store wine or as a secondary fermentation vessel. a) We ain’t even going there! b) e hole in wine barrel where the bung, or plug, is inserted to seal the barrel. Dosage a) at shit that I bought down at Circle Crack last night at 3 a.m. b) e liqueur, or sugar dissolved in reserve wine, added to Champagne just before final corking. Maceration Hogshead a) What I woke up next to a couple of weeks ago after a particularly rumsoaked evening, and she wouldn’t leave! b) A wine barrel that holds approximately 239 liters (63 gallons). | Continued on page 22 19 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 17-23, 2015 KEY BUSINESS YOUR KEY WEST FINANCIAL FUTURE What small business owners need to know Defined benefit plans PART II BY ROXANNE E. FLESZAR KONK LIFE COLUMNIIST f you are a small business owner or a sole practitioner, I hope you found my last article about defined benefit plans intriguing. Of course, there is more to know. Most importantly, the number of defined benefit pension plans are growing primarily because you can defer a significant amount of money and receive commensurate tax benefits. While the contribution limit to a 401K plan in 2015 is $18,000 for individuals under age 50 and $24,000 for those who are older, there is no established maximum contribution to a cash balance defined benefit plan. Instead, the maximum contribution is based on age and compensation. An older highly compensated professional (dentist, doctor, CPA, attorney, business owner) could put away $250,000 a year into a pre-tax cash balance defined benefit account. Interested? Read. Defined benefit plans will credit each participant’s account with a set percentage of salary plus a set interest rate applied to the balance. Participants will receive monthly income based upon the formula inretirement. Contributions will be made for all eligible employees; remember that contributions are based upon age and compensation so those that are younger and presumably less highly paid will receive a smaller contribution to their account. Another benefit of such a plan is simplified administration of the plan. It truly is less complex than a 401(k) plan! e plan must earn a reasonable rate of interest and receive the appropriate amount of funding to meet its obligations. e plan should be established with the goal that contributions will be made to it for a minimum of three years, preferably five years. Changes by Congress over the last decade or so have lowered the normal retirement age to 62 and increased the retirement benefit thus allowing I 20 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 17-23, 2015 individuals to make larger tax-advantaged contributions earlier in one’s career. It is now a terrific pension alternative for individuals above age 40, even for those age 60 or more who plan to work for more years. Of course, there are some limits on contributions to fund the plan; 100 percent of compensation, reduced pro rata for less than 10 years of service or $210,000 (2015). e maximum accumulation limit is approximately $2.5 million. While defined benefit plans must be funded annually, there is some flexibility to the amount of the contribution. e plan administrator will review your compen- sation and establish the year’s minimum and maximum contribution range. ey will perform the actuarial and taxrelated tasks to maintain the plan. ese costs are quite reasonable, especially for the benefit that they provide. New defined benefit plan must be established before year end. Assuming tax extensions, the plan can be funded up to 8.5 months after the end of the tax year. What if the firm or solo practitioner finds their business plan and/or compensation changes? e plan use past compensation to expand the contribution ranges or the contribution amount may be lowered and it may be paired with a 401(k) plan. e plan may be amended or frozen. Last but not least, it may be terminated with the assets rolled into an IRA. If a defined benefit plan sounds attractive to you, ask your tax and/or your investment professional for more information. n ROXANNE FLESZAR COLUMNIST Roxanne E. Fleszar, CFP, ChFC is president of Financial Resources Management Corp, a registered investment advisory firm with offices in Key West, Boston and Naples. WHAT’S HAPPENING ‘Islands in the (Gulf ) Stream’ n Photography exhibit of Key West and Cuba On Friday evening, Dec. 11, Key West Art & Historical Society welcomed the public to the opening of its newest exhibit at the Custom House Museum— “Islands in the (Gulf) Stream: A photography exhibit of Key West & Cuba by Rob O’Neal.” e exhibit, sponsored in part by e Trophia Butterfly Foundation, the Westin Key West Resort & Marina, Tom Sawyer’s Keyboard Advertising Specialties, and the Gardens Hotel, showcases more than 40 images of O’Neal’s work along with a rotating electronic slideshow. Exhibit runs through April 19. n Rob O’Neal at Key West Art & Historical Society’s Custom House Museum’s exhibit of his work, “Islands in the (Gulf) Stream: Photography exhibit of Key West & Cuba,” running through April 19, 2016. | TODD ANDREW FEI Photographer Rob O’Neal stands at entrance to Custom House Museum exhibit, framed between entry wall with his artist’s statement and his classic image of a Hemingway cat beside the late author’s typewriter. | TODD ANDREW FEIT 21 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 17-23, 2015 WHAT’S HAPPENING n Dec. 18 holiday tour JJ GREY CONCERT | Continued from page 18 Holiday Historic Inn Tours continues is Friday, Dec. 18, explore festively decorated Key West inns, guesthouses and bed and breakfasts plus a butterfly wonderland during Holiday Historic Inn Tours, 6-8 p.m. Savor architecture and history of e Gardens Hotel, Mermaid & e Alligator, La Mer & Dewey House, Avalon Bed & Breakfast Hotel, and e Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory with selfguided tours while toasting the season with samplings of holiday treats and libations. Free trolley provided or bike or use other means of transportation. Presented by Booking.com, Historic Tours of America, Lodging Association of the Florida Keys & Key West and the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. Purchase tickets by calling the Lodging Association, (305) 296-4959 or online at keystix.com If not sold out in advance, tickets available at e Gardens Hotel. n INFO keywestholidayfest.com tenor saxophone against acoustic and electric guitars, a Hammond B-3 organ, and definitive drums. e concert features the band’s 9th album, “Ol Glory,” an American hybrid of funky grooves, brass-infused anthems, and gospel glory. Flavored by archival R&B, the album captures the intimacy and fierceness defined by his live performances and is considered the best he’s put forth yet. e family-friendly event is part of the Music at Martello Series—a program established by the concert’s host Key West Art & Historical Society to promote the arts and bring live music to the Keys. It features a “festival-like” atmosphere with food vendors, a “kid’s zone” sponsored by Healthy Start, complete with a bounce house and a “backyard casual” setup for the early-evening concert. “e Society is thrilled to host JJ Grey & Mofro at Fort East Martello,” says Executive Director Michael Gieda. “is concert continues the long tradition of the fort being a community-centered venue and offers amazing acoustics for concert audiences.” Sponsored in part by We Cycle, Wonder Dog Productions, Eden House, Florida Keys Media and Shipyard Brewing Company, portions of the evening’s proceeds help benefit e Society’s educational offerings. Cash bar and Key West food vendors available on concert grounds. Parking available for $5 and helps fund environmental organization Reef Relief. Bike parking free. “As always, shows are family friendly and serve to support some great organizations,” says Haskell. “What better way to begin the new year than with a great concert under the stars with friends?” JJ Grey & Mofro starts at 7p.m. with opening act Kaleigh Baker—a jazzy, blues rock powerhouse—at 5:45 p.m. Doors open 5 p.m. Purchase discounted tickets in advance for $25 at keywestconcerts.com or at the door, $30. Key West Art & Historical Society members, call (305) 295-6616, Ext. 106 for special member-priced tickets and join KWAHS to receive member benefits. Children under 12 free. n INFO [email protected] WINING THE KEYS | Continued from page 19 Vitas Labrusca a) Latin term for part of a woman that gets her really excited if you can find it. b) North American varietal grape native. Zymology a) at feeling after you wake up in the morning after a particularly hard night and can’t quite focus. b) e science of fermentation. Drip Dickey c) What happens when you get a case of gonorrhea or syphilis. d) Name of a white linen napkin wrapped around wine bottle neck designed to catch any wine spilt before it hits the table. Manipulant a) What boys do around the campfire at church camp after hitting puberty. b) French term for grape grower that makes his own wine; normally associated with grower Champagnes. Organoleptic a) What happens to a woman when you do what she wants and you do it well. b) A wine tasting term for any event which disrupts your ability to taste; such as the common cold or someone wearing too much (which means any) perfume. Fiasco a) When you drink cheap Chianti in those straw-wrapped bottles that you use as candleholders rather than drink the wine. b) e Italian name for straw-covered bottles that contain cheap Chianti (true). As I said, it wasn’t my idea to run this one again. Just consider it my Christmas gift to you. Have a merry and a happy! at’s it for this week! n 22 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 17-23, 2015 WHAT’S HAPPENING Dr. Terry Norton presents Marathon’s Turtle Hospital workshop ver 120 sea turtle experts from around the world traveled to the Florida Keys to attend the Sea Turtle Workshop hosted by e Turtle Hospital this past weekend. Veterinarians, rehabilitation specialists and scientists specializing in marine turtles shared their experience to help further knowledge of sea turtles. New friendships were born, colleagues reunited and ideas shared regarding marine turtle veterinary care, rehabilitation, husbandry, education and research. e Monroe County Government EOC was the site for a full day of lectures and presentations. Georgia Sea Turtle Center’s Dr. Terry Norton talked about “Wound Care in Sea Turtles” and lead a hands-on lab on Wound Vac erapy at the Turtle O Hospital. Florida Atlantic University’s Dr. Jeanette Wyneken presented on growth and shape change in neonate flatback turtles and lectured on “Flippers: Inside and Out.” e University of Florida was well represented with lectures and handson labs: Dr. Brian Stacy lead a Necropsy Lab at Turtle Hospital, Dr. Nicole Stacy presented on “Sea Turtle Leukocytes” and led a blood lab, Dr. Mike Walsh spoke about “Euthanasia of Immature Green Sea Turtles.” Seating at the government center was filled to capacity with 27 lectures. e Hyatt’s Faro Blanco Lighthouse Restaurant catered buffet dinner on the lawn at the Turtle Hospital. Large celebration tents lit with hanging chandeliers kept guests dry despite the soggy weather. e angelic voice of entertainer Adrienne helped lighten the mood and added to the ambiance as the day’s serious topics waned into dinner conversation. Although guests came from as far away as Italy, they had one goal in mind: to better help the survival of sea turtles throughout the world. n 23 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 17-23, 2015 Les Steele’s POCO PELO CHIC Salon offers a DAY SALON Experience of Luxury from Head to Toe! Photo: Larry Blackburn • Cover: JT Thompson Haircutting • Styling L’Oreal Haircoloring Pedicure • Waxing Manicure • Facial Poco Pelo Chic Salon PHOTOS BY LARRY BLACKBURN 25 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 17-23, 2015 Poco Pelo Chic Salon PHOTOS BY LARRY BLACKBURN 26 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 17-23, 2015 Girls Night Out on Fleming Street PHOTOS BY LARRY BLACKBURN 27 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 17-23, 2015 Girls Night Out on Fleming Street PHOTOS BY LARRY BLACKBURN 3(5)(&7 )25+2/,'$< *,)7*,9,1* 216$/( 12: 5BMLPGUIF5PXO3FTUBVSBOU5PVS$BSE9 PG"MM4BMFT1SPDFFET(P5P$IBSJUZ 0O4BMF/PX"U5IFTF.FSDIBOUT 4PNF3FTUSJDUJPOT"QQMZ 4PVUIFSONPTU1PJOU(VFTU)PVTF-BEZ/BJM 4PEV(BMMFSZ .BE)BUUFS 'MPX4QB 100 Years of Dedicated Service to Community 319 Duval Street • KeyWestWomansClub.org )&--*/(4)064&.64&6.03( 4VNNFSMuseum Hours: 8FE-Thurs 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-1pm 28 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 17-23, 2015 BVMP Joyful Voices Choir at KW Womens Club PHOTOS BY RALPH DE PALMA 29 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 17-23, 2015 BVMP Joyful Voices Choir at KW Womens Club PHOTOS BY RALPH DE PALMA GREEN ISLAND Key West to Jamaica 1978 Mushrooms, Madness and Magic A Novel by David Khan Johnson of WĂĐŝĮĐKƌĐŚĞƐƚƌĂ ǀĂŝůĂďůĞĂƚŽŽŬƐƚŽƌĞƐĂŶĚKŶůŝŶĞ greenislandbook.com WůĞĂƐĞǀŝƐŝƚƚŚĞǁĞďƐŝƚĞĨŽƌWĂĐŝĮĐKƌĐŚĞƐƚƌĂ͗ ŚĞƐƚƌĂ͗ ǁǁǁ͘ƉĂĐŝĮĐŽƌĐŚĞƐƚƌĂ͘ĐŽŵ 30 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 17-23, 2015 BVMP Joyful Voices Choir at KW Womens Club PHOTOS BY RALPH DE PALMA 31 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 17-23, 2015 Key West Christmas Parade 2015 PHOTOS BY LARRY BLACKBURN 32 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 17-23, 2015 Key West Christmas Parade 2015 PHOTOS BY LARRY BLACKBURN 33 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 17-23, 2015 Key West Christmas Parade 2015 PHOTOS BY LARRY BLACKBURN 34 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 17-23, 2015 Key West Christmas Parade 2015 PHOTOS BY LARRY BLACKBURN 35 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 17-23, 2015 Christmas Jazz for Wesley House at the Pier House & One Duval PHOTOS BY LARRY BLACKBURN 36 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 17-23, 2015 Christmas Jazz for Wesley House at the Pier House & One Duval PHOTOS BY LARRY BLACKBURN 37 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 17-23, 2015 FKCC Key West Chorale Presents “Holiday Harmonies” PHOTOS BY LARRY BLACKBURN 38 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 17-23, 2015 FKCC Key West Chorale Presents “Holiday Harmonies” PHOTOS BY LARRY BLACKBURN KONK Life News Hour” “K on the X Radio F M104.9 Tune in every day @ Noon. Hosted by Don Riggs, KONK Life’s News Editor, we’ll have all the local news that affects your life, your family, your business and our community! 39 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 17-23, 2015 FKCC Key West Chorale Presents “Holiday Harmonies” PHOTOS BY LARRY BLACKBURN KONK Life News Hour” “K on the X Radio F M104.9 Tune in every day @ Noon. Hosted by Don Riggs, KONK Life’s News Editor, we’ll have all the local news that affects your life, your family, your business and our community! 40 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 17-23, 2015 Kristina Welburn’s 50th birthday wish: BRING HOLIDAY CHEER TO LOCAL SENIOR CITIZENS Party with a Purpose Thursday, December 17th 5-7pm The Blue Room at the Bottle Cap Southernmost Santas for Seniors Be one of Kristina’s Southernmost Santas donating gift bags to 250+ senior citizens Sponsor a gift bag for $10 FOR DETAILS, visit the Facebook event Southernmost Santas for Seniors 1. 2. SEND A CHECK TO The United Way or of the Florida Keys • PO Box 2143 Key West, FL 33045 • Attn: SMS ATTEND KRISTINA’S BIRTHDAY PARTY Thursday, December 17th at the Blue Room In partnership with United Way of the Florida Keys 41 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 17-23, 2015 KWAHS Distinquished Speaker Series With Rob O’Neal PHOTOS BY LARRY BLACKBURN 42 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 17-23, 2015 Key West Chamber of Commerce Holiday Party @ Durty Harry’s PHOTOS BY SARAH SANDNES David Paul Horan, Conway Liner & Nate Lamson. Heather Smith and Roenin. Christy, Ed & Kim Bellamy. Michelle Maxwell & Cara Higgins. 43 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 17-23, 2015 Key West Chamber of Commerce Holiday Party @ Durty Harry’s PHOTOS BY SARAH SANDNES Julie Crane, Bill Folly, & Cindy Loprete. Raquel Crummitt, Lourdes Torbisco, & Rosario Barrett. Capt Will Ross, Lara Fox & Capt. Bill Wickers. Dottie Clifford, Julie Cuneo & Carrie Helliesen. 44 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 17-23, 2015 Key West Chamber of Commerce Holiday Party @ Durty Harry’s PHOTOS BY SARAH SANDNES Ellen Gvilli & Cindy Kaye. Mike Petro & Aziza Petro. Bascom Grooms & Bart Smith. Chris & Julie Rievitt, Nick Batty & Bart Smith. Come in Today... Beds•Futons•Bunk Beds•Wicker & Rattan •Recliners•Sleeper Sofas and more! ...or visit our virtual showroom at www.fredsbeds.com Open Mon-Sat•9 am to 6 pm Sundays 10 am to 4 pm Upper & Middle Keys MM 54.5 Marathon 305-743-7277 Lower Keys MM 9.5 Big Coppitt Key 305-295-8430 45 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 17-23, 2015 Secure, serene Sanctuary by C. S. GILBERT KONK LIFE REAL ESTATE WRITER or anyone looking for peace and quiet, effective security, pristine quality and lowmaintenance living, especially if one is a golfer, the gated Key West Golf Club should be at the top of the list. The Pritham Singh development was built around the existing, 200 acre Rees Jones-designed golf course. 199 Golf Club Drive was built in 2000; real estate advisor Jon Seibert pointed out that many of the original residences were purchased in multiples as investment rentals, but not this single-owner home, which has been impeccably maintained. This property is in fact doublegated. There is first the fully staffed gatehouse off College Road. Then, beyond the lower-numbered addresses and cul-de-sacs of more modest homes and twin townhouses, there is a road-wide set of gates into the Sanctuary neighborhood. These “millionaires’ homes” on Stock Island were noted in a recent Facebook-reposted publication as the safest place in Key West. In fact, the prices are usually a bit more affordable than $1 M, but the Golf Club is certainly very safe. There are several standard floor plans and lot configurations for the various models of Golf Club properties. The three bedroom, twoand-a-half bath Sanctuary home at 199 is among those set on deep lots backing up—with a buffer of landscaping—onto the golf course, F This home was built in 2000 but has a definite Old Town Key West vibe—as do all Golf Club residences. LARRY BLACKBURN | PHOTOGRAPHY The kitchen is pristine, with special amenities such as a goose-neck faucet and a garbage disposal. The Great Room is truly great and filled with light. 46 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 17-23, 2015 in this case overlooking the 18th green, said Seibert, adding that the hole was situated in such a way as to protect the home from stray golf balls. A really large Great Room fills almost the entire first floor, all but a powder room, stairway hall and bonus room at the rear left. This room is perfect for a den, media room, office or extra guest quarters. The main entry is from a stepped, covered front porch with a matching balcony above. Living space is similarly expanded at the rear with a large, covered, screened porch/deck leading to the 1,000-square-foot, handsomely bricked patio with easymaintenance plantings and the private, salt water swimming pool. This is, not incidentally, in addition to the Golf Club development's central amenities: two heated swimming pools, a health club/fitness center and a club house available to all residents and their visitors. In this model the kitchen is at the front of the house, siding the covered parking for two cars, the better to unload the groceries into the spotless, white and blue-green speckled, Corian-countered kitchen. Appliances include a garbage disposal, rather rare on this coral island. Dining and living areas are of course especially generous, as is the master bedroom with ensuite bath at the rear of home; there is a peaceful, treetop view from the extended living area of the covered screened porch. The bath sports a handsome granite vanity with twin sinks and a There is a versatile bonus room on the first floor. The rear of the great room is filled with nearly floor-to-ceiling windows flanking French doors onto the screened porch opening onto to the pool patio. Spacious describes the master suite’s covered and screened porch, with a tree-top view overlooking the patio, pool and 18th fairway. Both front bedrooms open onto a covered balcony. step-in shower. With mirror-image vaulted ceilings, two additional bedrooms fill the front of the house, each with two windows plus a ten-paned glass door onto the balcony overlooking the street. These bedrooms and the master suite are wonderfully light-filled. The second full bath contains the same handsome granite plus a tub/ shower combo. Notable in this home, in addition to its impeccable condition, is its lovely color scheme of warm, coral- shaded adobe walls and coordinated tile floors, with handsome, practical bamboo in the master. To see this home in a real sanctuary, contact Jon or Janine Seibert, the husband and wife team of real estate advisors at Engel & Völkers Florida Keys: Jon at (305) 433-0552 or Janine at (305) 433-1911. Konk Life welcomes subjects for other articles about Keys homes currently for sale. Contact Guy deBoer at (305) 296-1630 or (305) 766-5832 or email [email protected]. Handsome brick pavers embrace the pool. Note the fairway beyond the picket fence and landscaped buffer. 47 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 17-23, 2015 1 2 3 4 5 6 Open House and Featured Home Locations Big Coppitt Key 1 7 4 Sugarloaf Key Bay Point 3 8 4th St 2 Boca Chica 5 6 Stock Island Open House Map #Address 1 1408 Petronia St., Key West Open House - Sunday 12/20/15, 12-3pm #BR/BA Listing Agent 3BR/2BA, Elizabeth Chamberlain, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Knight & Gardner Realty Featured Homes – Viewed by Appointment Map #Address 17 Luna Ln., Big Coppitt Key 2 #BR/BA 3BR/2BA Listing Agent Darlene Thomas, Florida Keys Real Estate Co. 1BR/1BA, 2BR/1BA, 3BR/2BA 3BR/2BA Patricia McGrath, Century 21 Schwartz Realty Geno Zaharakis, Century 21 Schwartz Realty Kris Pabien, Kwest Phone Number Ad Page 305-619-0802 48 Phone Number 305-304-1043 305-296-4422 781-249-6623 773-206-0097 Ad Page 48 305-522-1511 48 3 2601 S. Roosevelt Blvd., Key West – Multiple Units 4 93 Palm Dr., Bay Point 5 11 Boca Chica Rd., Key West 2BR/3BA Frank Kirwin, Preferred Properties Key West 49 6 305-294-3040 305-304-5253 229 Golf Club Dr., Key West 3BR/2BA Dawn Thornburgh, Beach Club Brokers, Inc. 49 7 2817 Venetian Dr., Key West 3BR/3BA Doug Mayberry, Doug Mayberry Real Estate 305-294-8433 800-545-9655 305-292-6155 8 1220 Von Phister St., Key West 3BR/3BA Doug Mayberry, Doug Mayberry Real Estate 305-292-6155 51 48 51 Key West Association of REALTORS® keywestrealtors.org Phone (305) 296-8259 Listing Agency Lower Keys Century 21 Schwartz Coldwell Banker Schmitt Coldwell Banker Schmitt American Caribbean Real Estate Coco Plum Real Estate RE/MAX All Keys Coldwell Banker Schmitt Century 21 Schwartz Florida Keys Real Estate Co Coldwell Banker Schmitt Coldwell Banker Schmitt BHHS Knight & Gardner Robinson Real Estate Co Engel & Voelkers Internet Realty Coldwell Banker Schmitt Key West Sellstate Island Properties Compass Realty Branch BHHS Knight & Gardner Realty At Home in Key West, Inc. Richard Padron And Assoc Engel & Voelkers Seaport Realtors Key West Properties Century 21 All Keys Century 21 All Keys BHHS Knight & Gardner Street # Fax (305) 296-2701 Selling Agency Sold Date List Price Sold Price KeyIsle Realty Coldwell Banker Schmitt Century 21 All Keys RE/MAX All Keys Outside Of MLS RE/MAX All Keys Century 21 Schwartz Century 21 Schwartz Century 21 Schwartz BHHS Knight & Gardner Real Estate Co. BHHS Knight & Gardner Robinson Real Estate Co Engel & Voelkers Truman & Co. Conch Realty 12/1/15 12/4/15 12/4/15 12/7/15 12/9/15 12/2/15 12/10/15 12/4/15 12/11/15 12/10/15 12/3/15 12/3/15 12/4/15 12/9/15 12/4/15 12/8/15 $ 348,000.00 $ 290,000.00 $ 499,000.00 $ 380,000.00 $ 283,900.00 $ 300,000.00 $ 579,000.00 $ 109,000.00 $ 399,000.00 $1,195,000.00 $ 239,900.00 $ 799,000.00 $ 195,000.00 $ 180,000.00 $1,299,000.00 $ 299,900.00 $ 330,000.00 $ 270,000.00 $ 475,000.00 $ 365,000.00 $ 235,000.00 $ 300,000.00 $ 560,000.00 $ 100,000.00 $ 380,000.00 $1,085,500.00 $ 260,000.00 $ 725,000.00 $ 195,000.00 $ 160,000.00 $1,225,000.00 $ 275,000.00 Seaport Realtors Truman & Co. Key West Properties Century 21 Schwartz Bascom Grooms Real Estate Truman & Co. BHHS Knight & Gardner Florida Keys Real Estate Co Preferred Properties Preferred Properties BHHS Knight & Gardner 12/6/15 $ 300,000.00 $ 302,000.00 143 143 Golf Club Dr Key West 12/3/15 $ 347,000.00 $ 345,000.00 160 160 Golf Club Dr Key West 12/9/15 $ 315,000.00 $ 305,000.00 3675 3675 Seaside Dr #234 Key West 12/2/15 $ 849,900.00 $ 800,000.00 2645 2645 Gulfview Dr Key West 12/7/15 $ 359,000.00 $ 348,000.00 3305 3305 Eagle Ave Key West 12/8/15 $1,350,000.00 $1,300,000.00 923 923 Johnson St Key West 12/3/15 $ 630,000.00 $ 610,000.00 620 620 Thomas St #171 Key West 12/4/15 $ 445,000.00 $ 425,000.00 1013 1013 Howe St Key West 12/7/15 $ 525,000.00 $ 500,000.00 2305 2305 Seidenberg Ave Key West 12/7/15 $ 525,000.00 $ 500,000.00 2305 2305 Seidenberg Ave Key West 12/10/15 $ 749,000.00 $ 735,000.00 402 402 Aronovitz Ln Key West Based on information from the KWAR MLS for the period of 12/03/15 through 12/11/15 30382 2645 30338 1649 29114 3226 168 701 19576 33 83 3 6000 5950 157 17 Street Address Island Built Description 30382 Hardin Rd 2645 Pine Ave 30338 Flamingo Ln 1649 Gardenia Ln 29114 Cedar Dr 3226 Catherine St 168 W Shore Dr 701 Spanish Main Dr #619 19576 Seminole St 33 Sea Lore Ln 83 Sirius Ln 3 Palmetto St 6000 Peninsular Ave 5950 Peninsular Ave #656 157 Key Haven Rd 17 11th Ave Big Pine Key Big Pine Key Big Pine Key Big Pine Key Big Pine Key Big Torch Key Summerland Key Cudjoe Key Sugarloaf Key Shark Key Geiger Key Big Coppitt Stock Island Stock Island Key Haven Stock Island 1963 1986 1992 1977 1986 N/A 1994 N/A 1988 1991 1979 1993 N/A N/A 1976 1974 1996 1997 2000 1999 1985 1953 1996 1903 1973 1973 1963 Good Deeds sponsored by 7 Bdrms Wtrfrnt MM Single Family Single Family Single Family Single Family Single Family Lots Single Family Lots Single Family Single Family Single Family Single Family Commercial RE Boat Slip Single Family Single Family 4 2 3 3 2 0 2 0 2 4 2 3 0 0 3 4 Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No 30.5 30.5 30.5 29 29 28 25 23 19.5 11 10 10 6 5 5 5 Townhouse Townhouse Condo Single Family Townhouse 3-4 Units Condo Single Family Duplex Single Family Single Family 2 2 2 3 2 5 2 1 4 4 2 No No No Yes No No No No No No No 5 4 4 3 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 8