December 25, 2014
Transcription
December 25, 2014
KEY NEWS n HOLIDAY TOUR 24 OIRF DECEMBER HOMES A gift of time and place BY JANETTE KNUTSON STONE SPECIAL TO KONK LIFE Nevertheless, in 1967, returning to a war zone on Christmas Day seemed unusually brutal. I lived in the western suburbs, about a half-hour train ride from the city of Sydney. I invited Phil to visit our home on Christmas Eve for dinner and to meet some of my friends. It was a typical hot and humid Christmas in the southern hemisphere. Phil accompanied us on our walk to St. Joseph’s Church to attend Midnight Mass. He declined when I asked if he’d like to go to Confession. In a subsequent letter that I have to this day, he explained why, even though no explanation was necessary. Apart from the fact that he wasn’t Roman Catholic, confession, after what he had experienced, was a complicated concept. One of my writing passions was portraying Sydney during that tumultuous time. I created a main character around Phil because of the depth of his letters. His character’s name is Tom. As I wrote, I wondered more and more what happened to Phil. After a not-too-difficult-search, I located him on Summerland Key. en I silenced the voice that told me not to be so stupid and phoned him. is is what he told me: at afternoon when I came into your record shop, I was in rough shape. I’d spent the morning in the bathtub with a bottle of bourbon. I told you I flew on a helicopter, but I didn’t tell you I was a door gunner. I was shot down three times. e last time I was the only survivor. Somewhere in all I still can’t walk into Key West Bank, now officially Centennial Bank, without seeing Phil Hogue, the president, sitting behind the glass window at his desk. I don’t know who created the motto, “No Branches, Deep Roots,” but those of us who opened accounts there trusted that our money was in good hands. Always willing to offer his time, support and generous smile, Phil welcomed everyone who walked through the door even as the pain in his back wrapped its way down his spine. I first met Phil on Dec. 22, 1967, in Sydney, Australia, when he walked into the Concerto Record Bar where I worked in a summer job. He rummaged through the LP and 45 bins looking for nothing in particular. Finally, he approached the counter and opened up a conversation with, “What is there to do in this town?” Of course, there was the accent and hairstyle. But it was the crisp shortsleeved shirt and tailored pants he wore as well as the healthy, clean-cut look he presented that distinguished him as an American on R&R. A quietly spoken 21- year-old with sparkling blue eyes, he told me he was returning to Vietnam Christmas Day. Looking back, it’s fair to say that at 17 I didn’t fully grasp the extent of the war, officially referred to as the conflict, until much later when the war/conflict became the focus of my master’s thesis. 3 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 25-31, 2014 of that, I received a Dear John. Just before I got to Sydney, I’d decided to extend for another year. But meeting you and your family and being invited into your home at Christmas, reminded me what life was like before the war and I changed my mind. e guy who took my seat was killed the day I left. Every Memorial Day, I go back to the bottle of bourbon and toast each of the friends I lost and each of the friends who kept me alive, including you. What goes around comes around. Phil’s wife, Carol, offered my son a summer job at the Casa Marina in 2004. When I visited him from Alberta, I took a Writers’ Workshop in conjunction with Hemingway Days and afterwards enjoyed a long visit and several cups of tea with local musician Karen Heinz. My Vietnam-related story, I realized, was an American/Australian story, not a Canadian prairie story. So I rented a place on Catherine Street for three months where I edited my book. Ultimately and inevitably, Key West became my home. In 2007, Phil suggested purchasing a small place at the Golf Club. It was the first of the foreclosures, and he thought it would be a good investment. As fate would have it, my new house was around the corner from Tom, who I fell in love with and married five years ago on Smathers Beach. A full circle twist to the story is that Phil walked me to Tom that day. Phil passed away from cancer in March 2012. I’m not hesitating to say that his illness was more than likely caused by exposure to Agent Orange. Vibrant and actively involved in the community as he was, Phil is still very much missed by all who were blessed to know him. Phil’s Christmas gift to me, amazing as it is, has turned out to be Key West. All because he walked into a record shop where I worked in a summer job on the other side of the world all those years ago. And most importantly, because being in a home at Christmas in 1967 meant that much to him. n CITY NEWS december 25-31 Published Weekly Vol. 4 No. 52 PUBLISHER Guy deBoer MANAGING EDITOR Ralph Morrow NEWS WRITERS Mark Howell, John L. Guerra, Pru Sowers, Sean Kinney, C.S. Gilbert Key West hotel openings multiply PHOTOGRAPHERS Larry E. Blackburn, Ralph De Palma DESIGN Dawn deBoer, Julie Scorby CONTRIBUTORS Guy deBoer Key News Mark Howell Howelings Rick Boettger The Big Story Louis Petrone Key West Lou Kerry Shelby Key West Kitchen Christina Oxenberg Local Observation Albert L. Kelley Business Law 101 Ian Brockway Tropic Sprockets C.S. Gilbert Culture Vulture Ralph De Palma Soul of Key West Harry Schroeder High Notes Morgan Kidwell Kids’ Korner JT Thompson Hot Dish Diane Johnson In Review Tim Weaver Bonehead Island ADVERTISING 305.296.1630 Susan Kent|305.849.1595 [email protected] Valerie Edgington|305.842.1742 [email protected] Advertising Deadline Every Friday PRINT-READY advertising materials due by Friday every week for next issue of KONK Life. Ad Dimensions 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 William Rainer ASSISTANT KONK Life is published weekly by KONK Communications Network in Key West, Florida. Editorial materials may not be reproduced without written permission from the network. KONK Communications Network (305) 296-1630 • Key West, Florida www.konklife.com BY PRU SOWERS KONK LIFE STAFF WRITER Spindrift is a 22-unit motel and the new owners will maintain that number of rooms in H2O. e two-story building will include several pool areas, including a rooftop pool that will only be accessible to hotel guests. “I’m thrilled to see this area of Key West replaced with such a fine piece of architecture,” said HARC Commissioner Janet Hinkle. However, HARC Chairman Michael Miller was concerned that the lighting design at H2O might be too bright for the neighborhood. In addition to a large sign with the hotel’s name, the waterfall fountain and surrounding trees will be lighted at night. “What I would like to see is what this will look like at night. I can see potential problems with a brightly lit marquee, a brightly lit waterfall using LED lighting effects,” Miller said. As a result, HARC’s approval of the hotel’s major development plan was contingent on Pike Architects submitting drawings of the nighttime look of the hotel. However, the vote will allow developers to move ahead with the Key West approval process. e city planning board has already signed off on the design, which will come next before the Key West City Commission. e developer, Meisel Holdings, is planning to break ground in January or February. Out on Norh Roosevelt Boulevard, the former Days Inn, Lexington, Comfort Inn and Quality Inn have been refashioned into four new hotels. Rising on the same 17-acre parcel is a Hilton Garden Inn, a Fairfield Inn and Suites, an independent boutique hotel called e Gates, and a Hampton Inn. e Gates and the Fairfield Inn are slated to open first. e Hampton Inn and Hilton Garden Inn will open later this winter. n Key West is in the middle of a hotel renaissance. e Historic Architectural Review Commission (HARC) on Dec. 16 unanimously gave the goahead to a proposed 22-room boutique hotel on the 1200 block of Simonton Street between United and Louisa streets. A brand new hotel built by architect Pritam Singh, e Marker just opened its doors on Dec. 12. And two of the four new hotels on North Roosevelt Boulevard are slated to open shortly. e Marker is the first all-new hotel, as opposed to a renovation of an existing property, to be built in Key West in the past 20 years. Singh said the Caroline Street hotel has been built just off the Key West harbor, where the city’s history was written. e low-set hotel presents four different views from each of its four sides and the rooms all have high ceilings, moldings and small wooden porches. “e theme we’re after is the beautiful classic sea captain home in the city,” he said. “We have created a conch hotel, a Key West classic hotel.” e new hotel at 1212 Simonton will be named H2O and will feature dramatic lighting and a waterfall fountain in the front. e HARC commissioners signed off on the major development plan after architects submitted new designs on Dec. 16 that spread the buildings out more than the original design. “I’m very pleased with the design. I think it’s outstanding,” said HARC Commissioner Richard Logan. “And I think it fits the scale of the city very well because of the way you’ve broken up the massing.” e existing buildings that will be demolished to make way for H2O include the Spindrift Motel and a commercial building that used to house Bad Boy Burritos and Bella Salon. ose businesses have found new locations. 4 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 25-31, 2014 HEALTH CITY COMMISSION Smooth transition in home health care planned Sightseeing tour operators fight back against new regulations BY C.S. GIBERT KONK LIFE STAFF WRITER Was anyone else concerned and disquieted by the fact that the Visiting Nurse Association chose not to bid for the 2015 county contract for in-home health care? Well, not to worry. Island Home Care Agency, Inc., a Medicare-certified, accredited home health agency in business in Key West for almost four years, has stepped up to provide a seamless transition to continuing service. Initially the agency intended “to stay small and serve only the Lower Keys,” explained Kristin Wheeler, director of private duty and special programs. But it didn’t turn out that way. “Our owner, Kim Wilkerson, has over 25 years of home health experience; prior to moving to Key West with her family, she owned a large home health agency in Houston, Texas,” said Wheeler. “Island Home Care’s team of nurses, therapists and home health aides, coupled with Kim’s long-held principle to only provide the highest quality care, have made us the most sought-after home care in the Keys. So many patients have requested us that we have been growing steadily, particularly over this past year. We added our private duty arm, Island Private Care, in January 2014 and will be expanding into the Middle and Upper Keys at the start of 2015.” Acquisition of the county contract, of course, will require additional staffing to cover the added geography. “We currently have approximately 35 staff members in the Lower Keys and are expecting to bring on an additional 20 to 30 with the acquisition of the contract with Monroe County In-Home Services (MCIHS),” she said. is is the contract previously held by VNA, which they chose not to renew. BY PRU SOWERS SPECIAL TO KONK LIFE After the city rolled out a strict new proposed ordinance regulating Key West trolley and train sightseeing tours, officials backed off after hearing complaints from the tour operators. Key West City Commissioners and City Attorney Shawn Smith indicated at a special meeting Dec. 15 that they were willing to be flexible on some of the new tour regulations that commissioners debated on a first reading. e 17-page proposed ordinance calls for significant changes in how the tour vehicles can be operated, including the number of vehicles allowed on city streets, which streets the trolleys and Conch Trains can use for their narrated tours, and a clause that states the tour narration must not be audible outside of the vehicle. “e take-away from us is the city may be trying to fix something that isn’t really broken,” said Chris Belland, CEO of Historic Tours of America (HTA), which operates the Conch Train and Old Time Trolley Tours in Key West. “Most people appreciate the sightseeing companies and what we’ve done for Key West.” e proposed ordinance was drawn up by the city’s legal department after three public hearings where officials received an earful of complaints from dozens of residents over tour operations. Chief among the grievances was the sound level on the narrated tours, followed by complaints of the congestion on city streets caused by the dozens of trolleys and Conch Trains operating at the same time. Owner Kim Wilkinson, left, and Kristen Wheeler, director of private duty and special programs, discuss Island Home Care Agency, Inc. “My understanding is that VNA chose not to submit a proposal to extend the contract, citing loss of funding, she said. “We will transition all of those clients on Jan. 1 and are currently waiting for client information from VNA and MCIHS in order to ensure a timely and seamless transition.” Specifically, “the contract that Island Home Care has been awarded is between us and Monroe County In-Home Services and it provides assistance with homemaking, personal care, Respite — basically, adult day-care — and companionship for elderly. e clients’ case management will still be handled by staff in the county social services department and our staff will provide the actual in home assistance. I expect a very smooth transition for all of these clients — most of them will have their same caregiver on the same days as they’re used to.” Wheeler gave assurances that Island Home Care was highly qualified for the task. “IHC currently offers a full range of skilled and private duty services. MCIHS clients are all case managed by the county case managers through funding from the Alliance for Aging. Our staff will provide the actual | Continued on page 26 5 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 25-31, 2014 At those hearings, HTA and its competitor, City View Trolley Tours, made minimal comments. But now that the ordinance is before city commissioners, the gloves came off. As a result, commissioners voted to approve the ordinance on first reading, but directed staff to meet with tour operators to accommodate some of their requests in the second reading version. Both Belland and Michael omas, president of City View Trolley Tours, objected to a clause that would require them to operate tour vehicles that are at least 50 percent full. e idea, according to City Attorney Smith, is to maximize the number of trolley and train occupants in order to minimize the number of vehicles on the street “so you are providing the service with the least impact possible,” he said. But omas said this would be virtually impossible to do because his trolleys offer a hop on-hop off service that changes occupancy rates at every stop. “Many times we intentionally leave seats empty to accommodate the hundreds of customers seeking to reboard at the stops they hopped off earlier,” he said. “is is micromanaging,” complained Belland. “You’re simply making a good service bad and may very well put us out of business.” Belland also protested against having to eliminate all sound from the narrated tours outside of the vehicles. His Conch Trains have more of an issue with this because of the speakers located on the long, open-air trains. He said his company has just started experimenting with a | Continued on page 10 CITY COMMISSION NEWS Latest N. Roosevelt complaint? Look up BY PRU SOWERS KONK LIFE STAFF WRITER information on how the trees were going to be maintained, but has not received a response. Before the reconstruction, when the city was maintaining the palms, they were regularly watered and fertilized, she said. “e palm trees on N. Roosevelt are required to be maintained by the DOT. It’s obvious that they’re not,” De Maria said. De Maria added that she has done her own spot check of several of the trees and found that the heart of the tree, where the palm fronds shoot out, is green and healthy. But the third or fourth row of fronds are turning yellow. She was unsure whether that was normal for a transplanted tree that was establishing itself in a new area or because the trees are along the water where wind and salt spray are regular occurrences. “ey’re in a very abusive area,” she said. “ey need love!” Reached by telephone, Jacki Hart, the project engineer working with the DOT, said the DOT has been out to North Roosevelt Boulevard “several times” and that Arazoza Brothers is required by contract to maintain the trees on a quarterly basis. She said Arazoza was on site until the beginning of October, when the construction was finishing up, but she was unsure whether the trees had been watered at that time. However, Hart said Arazoza was planning on coming to Key West during the week of Dec. 15 to douse each tree with liquid fertilizer. ey will return On top of all the resident grumbles about the completed reconstruction of North Roosevelt Boulevard — not enough/too many traffic signs, not enough room for bikers — the latest complaint involves looking up. Key West City Commissioner Mark Rossi first noticed that the newlyplanted palm trees along the boulevard looked sick. Palm fronds on several of the 176 new trees were yellowing and falling to the sidewalk below. Commissioner Billy Wardlow, who has a family background in horticulture, concurred. “Is there a problem with the Flexi-Pave,” he asked at a recent city commission meeting, referring to the porous material laid around each tree that allows water to sink into the tree roots. “ey’re turning yellow. I’m more worried about the limbs falling off the trees than the coconuts because there are very few coconuts on them.” Assistant City Manager Greg Velez said city workers would go out to pick up the fallen fronds but that the state Department of Transportation was responsible for the health of the trees. e DOT subcontracted the job out to Arazoza Brothers Corp., a Miami-based landscape installation and maintenance firm. Arazoza has guaranteed to maintain the trees for a one-year period, ending on Sept. 16, 2015. But warranty aside, the yellowing palm trees also concerned Karen De Maria, the city’s urban forestry manager. She began asking the DOT in June for | Continued on page 8 6 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 18-24, 2014 Advertise your restaurant here! (305) 296-1630 K E Y W E S T L OU COMMENTARY TO THE EDITOR Serling had an effect Christmas . . . A legal holiday BY JOE DIETRICH | PALM SPRINGS, CA To The Editor: I thoroughly enjoyed Mark Howell’s piece in Howelings on Rod Serling. Good to learn some new tidbits about Mr. Serling of which I was not aware, resulting in my even greater admiration for him. Serling’s brilliant writing and directing in his iconic “Twilight Zone” series had a huge effect on me during my formative teen years. e series opened up my mind about human behavior and ethics (disregarding the shows Sterling containing “sell your soul to the devil” nonsense). Here’s a little historical trivia for you: Rod Serling was in the 11th Airborne during World War II in the Philippines. My father, Arthur J. Dietrich Sr., was also in the 11th Airborne in the Philippines at that same time. My father, like many war veterans, could not talk about what happened over there, so I never heard him mention any names of fellow soldiers. I thank you, Konk Life, for stirring the memories. n BY LOUIS PETRONE KONK LIFE STAFF WRITER e first was by Washington Irving. In 1809, he wrote e Sketchbook of Geoffrey Crayon. It portrayed n this wonderful Christmas as a peaceful loving holiday. Christmas Day 2014, Many attribute Irving’s novel as setting most of us are sitting back happy with the mood for present day Christmas. ourselves. In a joyous festive mood. Irving actually created with words ankful for family and friends. Christmas Day as we know and Pleased by gifts and food. celebrate it. He mentally conceived And we might believe that his concept of Christmas and wrote it Christmas in the United States has on paper. Christmas to that point had always been such. at Christmas not been as he portrayed it. as we know it always existed. About the same time, there was Shockingly, it did not! another writing. A Christmas Carol by Let’s go back to the Puritans. ose Charles Dickens. is, too, captured hearty immigrants from England to the the American imagination. shores of Massachusetts. ose who During the 1830s, several southern gave us anksgiving. states legalized December 25 Christmas Christmas they did not give to us. Day as a legal holiday. e first was In fact, they took Christmas away from Alabama in 1836. us. e earliest Scrooges of record! e South continued to favor and From 1659 to 1681, celebrate Christmas up to Christmas was outlawed the time of the Civil War. in Boston. By the Puritans. Whereas the North basically ey believed Christmas paid little attention to the was not consistent with their day. Christmas had become Puritan ideas and religious a Southern thing. reforms. So one of their acts Now comes the Civil War. was to abolish Christmas! Lincoln wanted to demoralChristmas remained a ize the Confederate troops. no-no through the American He wanted to show that the Revolution. e English South’s Santa Claus was on LOU influence in the colonies the side of the North. He PETRONE prevailed. Christmas could authorized a famous artist COLUMNIST not regain its foothold. late in 1862 to do a drawing A few years after the Revolution, of Santa Claus watching over Union the colonists, rid of the English troops. e picture was the front influence, started celebrating cover on Jan. 3, 1863, of a prominent Christmas. But it was not Christmas national magazine. It was sort of a God as we know it. is on our side thing. Some believe it e early 1800s found Christmas achieved Lincoln’s desired effect. being celebrated in a bit of a rowdy President Ulysses S. Grant is given fashion. Much like Mardi Gras and credit for making Christmas a national Fantasy Fest. holiday. I question the accuracy of the en came a couple of books which representation. In 1870, Grant signed a influenced the situation. | Continued on page 10 O later, there are now two Castros in power. Repeating the same action while expecting different results is one definition of insanity, and that’s exactly what we’ve been doing for half a century. Because Florida is a key political swing state, with substantial electoral votes, the conservative anti-Castro first and second generation Cuban exile votes in the past were critical to both political parties. Today, amidst the rise of moderate third and fourth generation Cuban-Americans, close to 70 percent of all Floridians and Cuban-Americans have no problem with diplomatic, commercial and humanitarian relations between our two nations. Finally, on Dec. 17, President Obama boldly did the right thing for the people and the economies of both countries by restoring diplomatic relations and opening international travel and commerce. is step was long overdue. Mayor Craig Cates and other local visionaries had the foresight to predict and begin planning for just this economic and cultural opportunity, and the long-term benefits to our community could be substantial. All dynamic sectors of Key West (the arts, tourism, commerce, import/ export, healthcare, transportation and education) should be burning the midnight oil thinking of creative ways to turn this opportunity into reality. Viva Cuba, Viva the United States. n LATEST N. ROOSEVELT COMPLAINT | Continued from page 6 Finally BY ROGER C. KOSTMAYER | KEY WEST To The Editor: After more than 50 years of abject failure, the Cuban embargo is in the process of being lifted. e original goal was to economically force regime change — meaning get rid of Fidel Castro. e truth is, not only is Fidel still around, but nine U.S. Presidents 8 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 25-31, 2014 in March to do the same, she said. “ey [Arazoza Brothers] are still very involved with [the trees.] He’s not going to walk away from anything he is responsible for,” Hart said. And if anyone is wondering what happened to the previous palm trees that were removed to make way for the bulldozers, all of them were transplanted to either the triangle or the bridal path off South Roosevelt Boulevard. All of the trees are thriving, De Maria said. n THE BIG STORY Viva Cuba! BY RICK BOETTGER KONK LIFE STAFF WRITER Both of the above were certainly true, and have already paid off with realized and unrealized gains for me in a-ching! at’s the sound the high six figures, which will make it of my ringing up another into seven with my third reason finally $100,000 increase in the value of my coming true, the opening up of direct house due to President Obama’s opentravel to Cuba. e Castro death watch ing up Cuba. I’d been beginning to has proven futile — at this point, I’m wonder why I voted for him, but now prepared to believe he is immortal — I’m in love again. but finally one American leader, and In 1996 I justified to my then-wife only one in the last 50 years, has had spending a cool quarter million bucks the guts to slap down the biggest on my first house here in Key Haven wing-nut whack job lobby in the with half the square footage of our history of the United States, nay, McMansion in Fort Worth by arguing in the history of the world. how prices were going to rise a lot in e Cuban oligarchs have successKey West. For three reasons: fully forced America to do what is First, it’s a great sports town. I’d arguably the stupidest international been to my 25th reunion of my MIT embargo I can think of in the history pledge class of my jock fraternity (just of, as above the United States and booted off campus due to drinking world. Please, tell me if any other violations — I am actually proud of country has done anything so useless them), and these guys didn’t realize how and harmful to both the people of the much money they had because they still other country and ourselves, while the had multiple kids in expensive colleges. rest of the world has ignored us because Some would buy in Vail, we are so dumb-ass stupid. etc., but there are lots of e Cuban oligarchs ski communities. ey and were smart — they really their ilk would love Key did have a chance of West for the same reason reclaiming multimillionI did — great free diving, dollar properties if Cuba tennis, and any other sport caved. It actually did you want to play instead happen in Eastern Europe of watch. after communism collapsed. Second, we’re a favorite Large landowners got with gay couples. I learned mansions back from not in my San Francisco days RICK only the state but from BOETTGER to follow gay guys as they successor private owners. COLUMNIST choose great places to live What has been so dumband make them better, as in ass is that we have let these the Castro district where I first lived one-hundredth of one-percenters make when I moved there. I admit to having the rest of us suffer on behalf of their prejudice towards gay men in expecting own lottery-like fantasies. them to have great taste and make ey earned it the hard way: Voting properties more beautiful wherever they as a block, and killing offending jourmove, and improving property values nalists. I salute them, and boo the with both their taste and their fortunes. wussy politicians who have caved to Not — in the old days — having to pay them for half a century. to raise kids, they can afford more | Continued on page 10 for fine housing. K 9 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 25-31, 2014 TOUR OPERATORS FIGHT BACK | Continued from page 5 “state of the art” directional speaker that might reduce, but not eliminate, sound. omas, however, took the opportunity to take a shot at his competitor, saying what he has heard throughout the community is that the Conch Trains are the problem. “is may be due to the vehicle design, in the length, which would require more speakers than the trolleys and Ducks. A thought would be to shorten the trains by removing two of their cars. at would reduce the amount of speakers,” he said. omas also objected to another clause in the proposed ordinance aimed at eliminating a glut of added vehicles during the busy tourist season. e proposed number of vehicles requested by an applicant must be placed into service within 60 days of the date of the agreement. If they are not, the number of vehicles permitted in the agreement will be reduced by the number not placed into service. “I’m not sure I can order a hot dog cart and put it into service in 60 days,” said omas. “ese are custom vehicles that are not readily available for purchase and take 12 to 24 months ordering time.” Belland said he had no problem with the 60 day clause. n LOU PETRONE | Continued from page 8 bill into law regarding Christmas Day. e new law read that Christmas “...shall be a holiday within the District of Columbia.” e District of Columbia is not the whole of the United States. However, Grant is usually given credit for making Christmas a national holiday by that act. e last state to legalize Christmas as a legal holiday was Oklahoma in 1907. I suspect that it was the combination of Grant’s signing regarding the District of Columbia and all of the states legalizing the holiday that finally made Christmas Day a national holiday. Christmas Day received a further boost by the 1897 editorial in the Sun of New York. We all know it. “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.” Christmas was practiced and recognized as a holiday through World War II. For whatever reason, it received its most gigantic step forward recognition and celebration wise following World War II. Everyone got into the act after the war! Maybe because people were happy and grateful to have won. Such is the story of the legalization of Christmas Day. n 10 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 25-31, 2014 RICK BOETTGER | Continued from page 9 It’s fantastic! We have one of the only places arguably more magical than us a quick plane ride and pleasant boat trip away, closer than even to Miami. Economically, I think it’s better than having say, Google, move from Silicon Valley into your county. Way more valuable than monster cruise ships, and at absolutely no cost to us. e Tourist Development Council is probably hyperventilating right now. e only downside I can see was brought up by my dainty wife Cynthia. She wanted me to point out that now we can import Cuban cigars. I know she gave up cigarettes decades ago. I had no idea she craved Cuban cigars. I guess I’m going to have to get used to keeping my mouth closed when I kiss her. n Olive oil worth knowing more BY KERRY SHELBY KONK LIFE STAFF WRITER live oil is something that most of us take for granted. Most recipes usually start off with “heat a tablespoon of olive oil” or something along those lines, but we rarely think about the oil, where it comes from or what it means to people all over the world. Recently my friend Mary asked me to recommend a good olive oil and, while I did mention my go-to, a Spanish brand called Zoe, I realized that I really didn’t know much more to suggest. I use most any brand when cooking, since the heat breaks down the oil and nuance is less important. Some experts even prefer oils without the extra virgin designation, since they are usually more full-bodied and are considerably less expensive. Quality really comes into play, though, when you are using it as a finishing dressing on, say, salads or vegetables. ose are the times to pay up and get a good extra virgin olive oil with plenty of fruit but with a light, clean finish. During the 2014 growing season, the olive crop worldwide was hit particularly hard with drought, disease and insect damage that severely limited the crop and, thusly, the economic viability of a great number of olive growers. Sources indicate that we may be seeing a much more limited supply of olive oil in the coming months and almost certainly higher prices. O Quality may come into question as well as some suppliers may use lesser oils to extend their supply. Check labels closely for proof of authenticity, particularly on oils from Italy and Spain, two of the hardest hit regions. Ideally, the label will say “produced and bottled by” which, by law, means that the olives | Continued on page 26 Kerry Shelby is a food enthusiast, cook, forager, adventurer and a hungry consumer of life. He is creative director and host of Kerry Shelby’s Key West Kitchen, a food and lifestyle brand appearing at kwkitchen.com and on the Key West Kitchen channel on Youtube. 11 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 25-31, 2014 KEY BUSINESS KEY WEST B U S I N E S S L A W 1 0 1 Exceptions to the Civil Rights Act BY ALBERT L. KELLEY KONK LIFE STAFF WRITER here are exceptions to the Civil Rights Act. If an employee makes a claim of discrimination, the employer can prevail if they can show that the discriminatory practice is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification (BFOQ). is means that the protected trait (sex, race, national origin or religion) is necessary to do the job. If the practice (or trait) is a true BFOQ, it will be allowed. How can a discriminatory behavior be an occupational qualification? Let me give a real life example. A few years ago, a group of men filed suit against the Hooters restaurant chain alleging that Hooters practiced discrimination by not hiring the men to be waiters. While the restaurant would hire men to work as kitchen staff, they only hired women for the wait staff. e men argued that waiters have the potential to make higher incomes than the kitchen staff. ey argued that this was discriminatory as you do not have to be a woman to serve food and beverages. e restaurant claimed that sex was a true BFOQ. ey argued that customers didn’t really go to the restaurant for the food (no big surprise there); they went there for the ambiance, mainly to see women in short shorts and tight tops. e restaurant argued that if they were required to bring in male waiters, it would destroy the main theme of their business. is was similar to an argument raised years earlier when the airline industry was sued for not hiring men as stewards. e airlines had argued that women had a calming influence over the passengers. e court, however, stated that the “calming influence” was not the central part of the stewardess job; serving drinks and giving safety instructions were. is could be done just as easily by men as by women. us, sex was not a BFOQ. e airlines lost. Unfortunately, before the court could rule on the Hooters case, the parties reached a settlement so the answer will never be known. T Hooters did, however, make some front of the house positions gender neutral. Religion may be deemed a BFOQ if the employer is a religious organization. For example, a Roman Catholic school can require its principal to be Catholic. Even National Origin can be a BFOQ. A French restaurant was allowed to only hire French chefs. Race, however, can never be a BFOQ. (ere is a First Amendment exception to Title VII in artistic works where race is an integral part of the story or is necessary for artistic purpose). A BFOQ will serve as a defense to a claim of discrimination unless the court finds there is a less restrictive alternative. As an example, if a business hires men because they are taller and can reach items on high shelves, there may be an alternative of using ladders or stepstools. If, however, the alternative would be unduly costly or burdensome (like renovating entire portions of a building), the BFOQ may be upheld. We will be looking more at the issue of less restrictive alternatives when we discuss the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). n ALBERT L. K E L L E Y, Esq. COLUMNIST Al Kelley is a Florida business law attorney located in Key West and previously taught business law, personnel law and labor law at St. Leo University. He is also the author of “Basics of Business Law” and “Basics of Florida’s Small Claims Court” (Absolutely Amazing e-Books). is article is being offered as a public service and is not intended to provide specific legal advice. If you have any questions about legal issues, you should confer with a licensed Florida attorney. 12 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 25-31, 2014 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 talking on his cell phone in a theater. Which one of us is right? Dick Dear Dick: is has nothing to do with age. You can be as nasty as you wish — and your wife can nice it up as she sees fit. No right, no wrong — do what’s comfortable. Strategic avoidance Dear Short Answers: If a friend of yours has really bad table manners — I mean REALLY bad — is it better to point this out and risk losing a friend? Or should I just avoid eating with this person if I can? Disgusted Dear Disgusted: Assuming this friend is old enough to vote, we suggest go with option 2. Queen for a day rowing blind eye Dear Short Answers: I have a friend who, I think, has a serious drug problem. I’ve never mentioned it to him, because I believe that addicts can only cure themselves. But now I’m starting to wonder if by ignoring it, I’m enabling him. His other friends and I have talked about this and not sure what to do. TWL Dear T: You are right that only addicts can tackle their own problem, however, one of the lies they often tell themselves is that they are functioning very well and that no one else notices. In fact, they may think they are especially vivacious, charming or way cool. You can’t cure him, but you probably should let him know that he isn’t fooling you. Shame isn’t the worst motivator for change. Dear Short Answers: Every fall there is a big festival in town, and they crown a “queen” who rides in the little parade that we have. Usually, the queen is a former cheerleader or prom queen or something like that. It’s not supposed to be a “beauty” contest — but, of course, the queen is always one of the prettiest girls in town. e problem is that a good friend of mine found out that there is no age limit to enter the pageant, so she is going to do it this year. She’s well over 30 and, by far, not one of the hottest girls in town. How do I and my other friends stop her from making a fool of herself? A Buddy Dear Buddy: Leave her alone. Maybe it’s not a beauty contest and maybe it is — and maybe it’s all in the eye of the beholder. n Cutie, curmudgeon Dear Short Answers: My wife and I are both in our late 60s and have completely different points of view about what it means to be getting older. I believe that age gives you the right to be truly honest and tell people what you really think. Why beat around the bush if someone is annoying you? In fact, why bother to deal with people who annoy you in the first place? My wife, on the other hand, feels that she has to be nice to everybody from the rude person in line at the grocery store to the jerk who’s PAULA FORMAN & JEFF JOHNSON SHORTANSWERS SHORTANSWERS Life is complicated. “Short Answersisnt. 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. 13 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 25-31, 2014 THE LOCAL OBSERVATION HOWELINGS Sup?!!! ich Nhat Hanh lives! BY CHRISTINA OXENBERG KONK LIFE STAFF WRITER ’ve watched punters standing, or sometimes sitting, on “paddle boards,” and honestly, I have always suspected this was not quite a “sport.” Until I tried it, and I loved it! Everything was contrary to my expectations. It is not boring! It is not difficult! After my few years here, the notches I count on my belt are sightings of eagle rays, of manatees, of dolphins and miniature deer and sunsets. e paddle boards, for anyone not familiar, are as big as your average house, essentially a surfboard for a giant. My guide told me that I could expect to fall off the board and not to panic, but above all else, not to lose my paddle. I got all suited up in one hundred layers of sunscreen. CHRISTINA Of course I fell right in. OXENBERG After rebooting, I followed my guide across a channel LEiGH VOGEL photo with houseboats and egrets and pelicans and on the way we saw a nurse shark sleeping, only a few feet below, and then the manatees. ey filled up the space beneath my board, and then some. My guide recommended we sit quietly and watch over the side as these paved roads silently passed beneath, elephants ending in a wall of tail, like an exaggerated bumper. A tail so strong these peaceable sea cows, with one flick, can move from zero to invisibility. Next, we entered a tangle of mangroves, and here the world changes. Narrow passageways too tight to paddle, so that you pull yourself along by the imploring fingers of the mangrove trees. And where the limbs cross low over the path, you lie back on the board and allow the woven works to pass above your eyes, and an ethereal peacefulness infiltrates. Light dapples and shadows contort, and from deep within you quieten. An interior peace I’ve heard of, but seldom experienced. My well-informed guide pointed out the strangest of sea life from purple starfish to white snowflake-shaped jellyfish and tiny balls of silver hair pulsating to beats of their own. For a good time on the water, I recommend Stand Up Paddle at SUP! INFO www.supkeywest.com, (305) 240-1426 I BY MARK HOWELL ich Nhat Hanh has published more than 100 books, including at least 40 in English. He KONK LIFE STAFF WRITER is a proponent of “engaged Buddhism” and has long been active in the peace movement, hich Nhat Hanh, known by his promoting non-violent solutions to conflict. acolytes as ay, is a personal friend He also refrains from animal product of Key West developer and Buddhist Pritam consumption as a means of non-violence Singh, has visited the Keys and made a number towards non-human creatures. of friends and followers here who have attended It was in 1960 that Nhat Hanh came to the his retreats. United States to study comparative religion On Nov. 11, the Vietnamese-born Zen at Princeton and was subsequently appointed Buddhist monk, teacher, author, poet and peace lecturer in Buddhism at Columbia. He has activist, experienced a severe brain hemorrhage gained fluency in French, Chinese, Sanskrit, and was brought to a hospital where he Pali and Japanese in addition to English continues to show signs that a full recovery and his native Vietnamese. may be possible. In 1963, he returned to Vietnam to aid his e monks and nuns of Plum Village, the fellow monks in their non-violent peace efforts. Dordogne Monastery where Nhat Hanh lives in He has established two monasteries in France and from where he travels internationally Vietnam and several “dharma centers” in the to give retreats and talks, have recently commuUnited States, including Magnolia Village nicated to Keys residents that “ay continues Practice in Mississippi. to surprise the doctors with his strong vital signs Students of Nhat Hanh include author and and steady, peaceful breathing. ey are still teacher Natalie Goldberg, Joan Halifax, founder amazed that he has been able to survive and of the Upaya Institute, and environmentalist even to show small signs of progress.” Stephanie Kaza. One of the doctors shared that “ay is an Pritam Singh is editor of several enigma,” another said they were “witnessing of Nhat Hanh’s books. a miracle.” In 2014, for the first time in In recent days, Howelings has history, major Anglican, Roman heard that the ailing monk has been Catholic and Orthodox Christian showing “some indications of wakeleaders, as well as Jewish, Muslim, fulness but continues to remain in a Hindu and Buddhist leaders including deep coma. representatives of Nhat Hanh, met ere have been times when he to sign a shared commitment against has had his eyes open for more than modern-day slavery; the declaration two hours, and is responsive, but he they signed calls for the elimination is not yet showing clear signs of slavery and human trafficking MARK of communication.” HOWELL by the year 2020. n e doctors say it may be weeks COLUMNIST or months before they can understand the damage caused by the hemorrhage and discover the extent of healing ***** that may be possible.” Every day, nurses help him sit in a chair while Quote for the Week acupuncture and massage attendants join physiotherapists in activating his body. e “Eternity can be touched in the present moment monks sing to him and share chants and the and the cosmos in the palm of your hand.” — sounds of nature. ich Nhat Hanh T 14 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 25-31, 2014 IN REVIEW ‘e Last Night of Ballyhoo’ knocks your socks off BY DIANE JOHNSON KONK LIFE STAFF WRITER assy and compelling “e Last Night at Ballyhoo” Louisiana boy who loves to tease and will knock your socks off. You know have fun. you’ve experienced a fine production Rock Soloman’s performance when all your worries slip away as you reflected the values of those Jewish immerse yourself in the show, now immigrants who were not born into playing at e Red Barn eatre. money. His role as Joe Farkas was the Alfred Uhry is a brilliant playwright portrayal of someone who has embraced who has won an Academy Award, a and is proud of his Jewish heritage. Tony Award and the Pulitzer Prize for Seth Yates played Uncle Adolph dramatic writing. “e Last Night at Freitag, the hardworking guy who Ballyhoo” is his second play in the displayed the patience of a saint living Atlanta Trilogy. “Driving Miss Daisy” with four women. was his first in the trilogy and why he e setting is Atlanta in 1939 on won the Pulitzer. Habersham Street, where only two Joy Hawkins did a fabulous job Jewish families live. It is Christmastime, directing this dramatic holiday and the Levy’s have a tree a.k.a. production with sensitivity and finesse. Hanukkah bush in their front parlor. She masterfully integrated new cast ey are also preparing for Ballyhoo, members with experienced ones an end of year celebration creating a seamless fit. the Jewish community has invented for Lisa Elena Monda made their young adults. her Key West debut and Being Jewish can be a chaldelivered a lively performlenge, whether you were born ance as Lala Levy, a highin the United States or came spirited young woman in over from Germany or Eastlove with Clark Gable and ern Europe. We all have the Gone with the Wind. need to “fit in” but to deny Jessica Jackson, another your roots is the real tragedy. DIANE newcomer to Key West, took When the performance J OHNSON on the role of Sunny Freitag, ended, I had tears of joy COLUMNIST a college girl challenged by in my eyes. her professors to think outRJ Conn did an admirable side the box. job with the set and lighting, and Laurie Breakwell’s performance is Carmen Rodriguez delivered period always a delight. She was perfectly cast appropriate costumes and props. for the part of Reba Freitag. Laurie’s I loved the women’s shoes! comic timing is extraordinary and Treat yourself to the unique and reminded me of Gracie Allen. captivating production of “e Last Karen Grant let her emotions run Night of Ballyhoo,” now at Red Barn free in the role of Boo Levy, the matrieatre until Jan. 17. eatre is located arch of the extended family. Her acting at 319 Duval between Eaton and Carowas spot on as the critical yet caring line in Old Town. Tickets available onmother and sister. line, www.redbarntheatre.com or call Kaleb Smith is back at the Red Barn the box office, (305)296-9911. n after a hiatus. He played the part of INFO Sylvan Peachy, a nice rich Jewish redbarntheatre.com S 15 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 25-31, 2014 WHAT‘S HAPPENING Schooner Wharf Bar Paul Cotton Schooner Wharf Bar 202 Williams St., 292-3302 n Thursday 1225 Island Time Duo 7pm-Midnight Longtime Keys’ resident and one of the area’s favorite steel drummers, Dave Herzog, joined by friend Chuck Fox on guitars and steel drums. Tight harmonies to perform a repertoire of island hits, beach music and oldies. Friday-Saturday 1226-27 Paul Cotton Band Band 7pm-Midnight As main songwriter, lead vocalist and lead guitarist for the country-rock band Poco, Cotton’s 45-year career has yielded countless albums and acclaim, and his staying power is endless. Born in the Deep South and Schooner Wharf Bar Southern Drawl Band raised on the south side of Chicago, the soulful influences of his roots can still be heard in his songs. Backed by local musicians Russ Scavelli, Joel Nelson, Greg Shanle, and Din Allen, Paul performs classic favorites and some new originals. Sunday 1228 The Doerfels 6:30-11pm Monday-Tuesday 1229-30 Southern Drawl Band 7-11pm Southern Drawl Band is a melting pot of sound and attitude. Country, southern rock, trop rock, reggae, bluegrass, Americana. Bring own brand of music and high energy. They started a few years ago as a duo in Knoxville and evolved into a five-piece group while becoming one of the Southeast’s premiere bands. Wednesday 1231 Taylor & Clayton 5-9pm Southern Drawl Band 9:30pm-2:30 a.m NEW YEAR’S EVE: LOWERING OF THE PIRATE WENCH Smokin’ Tuna Saloon 4 Charles St., (305) 517-6350 n Thursday 1225 Caffeine Carl/Holt Ericson 9pm Friday 1226 Nick Norman 5pm South Carolina singer-songwriter tours many of the club scenes in his native South Carolina as well as in North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Saturday 1227 Clint Bullard/Alfonz 5pm Caffeine Carl and Friends 9pm Sunday 1228 Leetu 5pm Rusty Lemmon Band 9pm Singer-songwriter Rusty Lemmon Monday 1229 Scott Kirby 5pm Key West troubadour/songwriter (see highlight at right) Caffeine Carl/Nick Norman 9pm Tuesday 1230 Scott Kirby 5pm Chad Burtch and Friends 9pm Wednesday 1231 Scott Kirby 5pm Key Lime Pirates 5pm | Continued on page 20 18 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 25-31, 2014 Scott Kirby 5 p.m. Dec. 29-30-31 Key West troubadour/songwriter: Kirby’s music can be heard regularly on Jimmy Buffett’s Margaretaville Radio on Sirius Radio. www.smokintunasaloon.com Key Lime Pirates 5 p.m. Dec. 31 Since their worlds collided in Boston 2010, Claire Finley and Jeff Clark have entertained with their infectious musical take on living the good life. Combined they have played countless solo, duo and full band shows in the Florida Keys, as well as other national and international destinations. WHAT‘S HAPPENING | Continued from page 18 Hog’s Breath Saloon 400 Front St., (305) 296-4222 n Thursday-Sunday 1225-28 Chad Burtch/Tim Williams 5:30-9:30pm Tim and Chad come together four weeks a year at the Hog to put on high energy, comedic, acoustic duo show. Classic rock, modern country, singer/songwriter and Top 40. Key Lime Pirates 10pm-2am Since their worlds collided in Boston, in 2010, Claire Finley and Jeff Clark have entertained with their infectious musical take on living the good life. Combined they have played countless solo, duo, and full band shows in the Florida Keys, as well other national and international destinations. Monday-Wednesday 1229-0103 Dennis McCaughey 5:30-9:30pm Lead vocals, rhythm guitar and harmonica for trop-rock band Tropical Soul. Formed Tropical Soul 12 years ago, and prior to that, has been a member of the duos, Double Play and Jigsaw, including a solo career that lasted several years. Dan Harvey Band 10pm-2am Hog’s Breath Dennis McCaughey High-energy show keeps rockin’ New Year’s Eve. With more than a 1,000 song-set list, it’s the perfect blend of ‘80s, ‘90s rock. His musical talent earned him the opportunity to travel and play on Six Man Cruises with such bands as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Zac Brown and Sister Hazel. | Continued on page 22 Hog’s Breath Dan Harvey 20 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 25-31, 2014 WHAT‘S HAPPENING | Continued from page 20 Sunset Pier Zero Duval St., (305) 296-7701 n Thursday 1225 C.W. Colt 1-4pm Rolando Rojas 5-7pm Friday 1226 Rolando Rojas 1-4pm; 5-7pm Saturday 1227 The Doerfels 1pm Happy Dog 4:30-7:30pm Sunday 1228 Nina Newton Band 1pm Robert Albury 5-7pm Monday 1229 C.W. Colt 1-4pm Robert Albury 5-7pm Tuesday 1230 Tony Baltimore 1-4pm Robert Albury 5-7pm Wednesday 1231 BURLESQUE | RALPH DE PALMA The Survivors n Din Allen La Te Da A true survivor BY RALPH DE PALMA KONK LIFE COLUMNIST in Allen came to Key West from New York City in 1978 to play jazz at the Rose Tattoo (currently, Bagatelle). He stayed because he believes Key West is the best place to work. Din has seen other musicians leave Key West and struggle in new environs. Key West has plenty of work, plenty of places to play, he says. “I could work every day if I wanted to.” And, he added, “It’s warm in February.” e Survivors started as a trio at the Pier House in 1979, playing calypso and junk-a-noo music. e trio stayed in town during the lean summer months when most bands would leave and travel north to Maryland and Virginia. e Survivors would play gigs D Well known for his big sound and hilarious antics on stage, Bootle is the ultimate entertainer and enjoys a great following who knows he lives up to his slogan “sing, dance, laugh . . .” Tuesday 1230 Cabaret: Randy Roberts LIVE! 9pm Piano Bar: Dave Bootle, 9pm Wednesday 1231 Cabaret: Christopher Peterson EYECONS, 9pm Christopher Peterson is a master of impersonations, and his comic timing is impeccable. The show is all live, no lip-sync, and audiences will be thrilled with his characterizations of Joan Rivers, Better Midler and more. Piano Bar: Dave Bootle, 9pm 1125 Duval St., (305) 296-6706 n Thursday 1225 Piano Bar: Debra and Patrick, 9pm This dynamic pair entertains with their Jazz, Blues and Pop repertoire. Worked the international club circuit from New York and Miami to Italy and the Middle East. Friday 1226 Piano Bar: Debra and Patrick, 9pm Cabaret: Randy Roberts LIVE! 9pm The Randy Roberts Show is an all live tribute to some of the world’s most loved performers. Randy’s uncanny impersonations of Cher and Bette Midler have kept him in the spotlight for over 20 years. Saturday 1227 Piano Bar: Debra and Patrick, 9pm Cabaret: Christopher Peterson EYECONS, 9pm Sunday 1228 Tea Dance with DJ Rude Girl , 4-7pm Key West’s infamous Tea Dance, every Sunday at La te da. Music and dancing with resident DJs Rude Girl and Molly Blue. Piano Bar: Debra and Patrick, 9pm Monday 1229 Piano Bar: Dave Bootle, 9pm wherever they could find them and just “survived” the summer, thus the name of the band. e Survivors grew to a ninepiece band with two vocalists. e band played mostly reggae and then moved into Latin music, later downsizing to five pieces. When the Survivors started playing at Mangrove Mamas, a horn was called for, and Marty Stonely and his amazing sax came along. One night while playing trombone with brother Woody Allen, and Marty Stonely on sax, with Barry Cuda on keyboards at the Private Ear, Dan Simpson’s recording studio, the Survivors were trying really hard to get the New Orleans R&B sound that Barry wanted. e recording session lasted for hours and required a few libations to complete. Barry said after that night they were called | Continued on page 30 22 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 25-31, 2014 La te da Dave Bootle McConnell’s Irish Pub 900 Duval St., (949) 777-6616 n Mondays 8-11pm — Eric from Philly Tuesdays 8-11pm — Fiona Malloy Wednesdays 8-11pm — Tom Taylor Thursdays 7-9pm — Trivia Mania 9pm-1am — Chris Rehm/Open Mic Fridays 8pm-Midnight — Love Lane Gang Saturdays 9pm-1am — Eric from Philly Sundays (Brunch) 11am-2pm Rick Fusco/Oscar Deko/Kerri Dailey 9pm-2am — Industry Appreciation Pinchers n 712 Duval St., (305) 440-2179 Carl Hatley 1-5pm Bobby Enloe 1-5pm Carter Moore 7-11pm COMMUNITY CALENDAR n Dec. 27-28 Architecture, atmosphere showecased in house tours From its cigar-makers’ cottages to its Victorian mansions, Key West architecture is as individualistic as the island itself. Explore houses exemplifying that rich architectural tradition, as well as contemporary Keys’ design, during weekend house tours in Decem- ber 2014 and January, February and March 2015. Now in its 55th year, annual tours are presented by nonprofit Old Island Restoration Foundation, established in 1960 to promote the restoration and preservation of Key West’s historically significant buildings. e island city’s Old Town contains what is believed to be the largest predominantly wooden historic district in the United States with 3,000 structures. e first tour is Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 27-28, spotlighting five Old Town homes and gardens for the holidays. Featured properties on self-guided 4-7 p.m. excursions include a tropical colonial residence renowned for its over-the-top holiday lights displays. Also planned are tours Friday-Saturday, Jan. 16-17, Feb. 13-14 and March 13-14. Each showcases homes chosen for significant historic buildings, creative renovations or examples of Keys’ lifestyle. Discover interiors with art collections and antiques and lush gardens and imaginatively designed outdoor living areas. January tours 4-8 p.m. Free transportation aboard select Conch Tour Trains. Train seating limited; early reservations encouraged. Tour tickets $30 and include list of houses and map. n (Home listing, see below) INFO oirf.org LI V E M U S I C U PDATE Love Lane Gang gigs scheduled SPECIAL TO KONKLIFE he Love Lane Gang is a homegrown band that charms and thrills locals and visitors with their rollicking raucous ruckus. With an age range among the members of over 30 years, they bring a wide variety of experience and musical tastes to bear and appeal to music lovers of all ages. ey’ve brought back skiffle and updated it for the present. It’s impossible to keep from smiling amidst their mirthful musical mayhem! e emphasis is on ragtime and swing from the 1930s and 1940s, done in a refreshing new style that melds Hot T Club gypsy jazz with island flourishes. Also, Dust Bowl ballads, old school country from Hank Williams and Dolly Parton, rockabilly and surf music classics and rarer gems, tunes from Sixties stars like e Beatles, e Kinks and e COMMUNITY CALENDAR n ORIF House tour, Dec. 271-7 Featured homes are: • 523 Eaton St. and Simonton Court — Victorian houses arose in lots cleared by the great fire, including this home of a woman born in e Oldest House. Pass through this stately Gay ‘90s mansion and go back in time to a cigar factory village of workers cottages. Now transformed into tropical Christmas wonderland. Rolling Stones, and carefully chosen songs from current artists like Andrew Bird, Mason Jennings and e White Stripes all fit in alongside original songs that sound like they could have come from any of those eras. 721 Eaton St. — After the 1846 hurricane scoured the harbor areas, Bahamian seafarers and carpenters built homes uphill from the shoreline. is example of shipwright craftsmanship rehabilitated as single-family residence after years of service as apartments. • 320 William St. — is old house has gone through many changes in 150 years. Converted from large family domain to apartments, one home and garden for its proprietor and local journalist, Barbara Bowers. • 730 Eaton St. — Among hardy Bahamian émigrés, a few carried their homes with them. is grand dame has stood strong ever since her legendary arrival in 24 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 25-31, 2014 Offbeat instrumentation, including mandolin, fiddle, accordion, ukulele, washboard, and a kazoo horn section, added to familiar guitar, bass, and harmonica, creates a broad musical palette which they use to color their performances. ey play regular gigs at McConnell’s Irish Pub on Fridays at 8:30 p.m., Saluté On e Beach on Sundays at 5 p.m., and Sunset Pier on Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. Some other appearances in the next few weeks: • McConnell’s Irish Pub And Grill, 900 Duval St. — Friday, Dec. 19, 8:30- 11:30 p.m.; • Saluté On e Beach, 1000 Atlantic Blvd. — Sunday, Dec. 21, 5-8 p.m.; • Sunset Pier, 0 Duval St. — Wednesday, Dec. 24, 4:30-7:30 p.m.; • McConnell’s Irish Pub And Grill, 900 Duval St. — Friday, Dec. 26, 8:30-11:30 p.m.; • Saluté On e Beach, 1000 Atlantic Blvd. — Sunday, Dec. 28, 5-8 p.m.; • Sunset Pier, 0 Duval St. — Wednesday, Dec. 31, 4-7 p.m. n 1847. She has endured “facelifts” since the 1960, but the old mahogany bones remain from Green Turtle Cay. • 600 Elizabeth St. — “Casa Sapodilla” has been a perennial winner in the holiday lights competition. Surprises abound inside this tropical colonial package which, despite its traditional appearance and towering trees, was built in 1996. Find owner/artist Fran Decker cheerfully creating in her studio. (is is the last year for the delightful decorations crafted by Bob Decker, so plan on enjoying the exterior display after sunset.) n CULTURE VULTURE By C.S. GILBERT KONK LIFE STAFF WRITER Culinary art, theater and . . . otally unexpectedly, I was treated to a culinary delight in what seemed to me an unlikely venue: Sippin’ Internet Cafe. It’s a place for coffees, smoothies and wifi, right? Well, yes — but they also have a small but interesting menu that, in terms of one item, reaches the sublime. After that virus, I finally ventured out to Sippin’ for a book signing for “e Funerals of Key West” by Edgardo Alvarado-Vazquez (see CV for Dec. 11). Having eaten little during the infection, I was surprised and pleased to see a modest but very appealing menu offering items for breakfast (8 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and lunch (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) — although baker and chef Cynthia said she was happy to make whatever one wished for when she was on duty Tuesdays through ursdays. e “chef ’s choice” omelet, pancetta, rosemary and brie served with a grilled tomato and homemade multigrain toast, sounded wonderful and was. ere would be a new menu after the first of the year, she said, but the savory omelet and yummy, homemade bread would remain. Sounds like a lovely lunch before a matinee at the Tropic. T *** It’s Broadway in Key West, or as close as we get. e Fringe has already closed a fine first production and is set to open Arthur Miller’s classic, “e Price,” on Dec. 26. For details go to www.fringetheater-keywest.org e madcap “Noises Off” opened Waterfront Playhouse’s 75th season Dec. 18 and runs to Jan. 10. Box office: (305) 294-5015. And something a bit more unusual (and to me more interesting), “e Last Night of Ballyhoo” opened the Red Barn’s 35th season on Dec. 16 (305-296-9911). For anyone who isn’t into Christian family Christmases, B’nai Zion has reserved the entire 80 or so seat theater for Dec. 25; if there are seats left, you’re welcome to join them — -and start with dinner. How lucky are we to have so much good theater in what is really quite a small town? Enjoy! *** ere’s a reason performing artists and the people who produce their performances aren’t journalists. Normally, our skill sets are different. Maybe our perception of time is different as well. Weekly newspapers set a deadline almost a week before publication for receipt, editing and processing of news. Too many of you whose work I respect and enjoy have a habit of slipping me info that just misses our print deadline. To miss out on coverage is no doubt distressing to you, but not to be able to provide interesting coverage drives me nuts. As Christmas falls on ursday, this edition of the paper comes out Dec. 24. Skipper Kripitz hosted the amazing Tim Mayer this past Sunday and Tuesday, with the bonus of Larry Smith and Christine Cardone. Tuesdays, featuring Skippo’s League of Crafty Musicians at Virgilio’s, always offer good music and a welcoming dance floor, but they’ve grown even more popular with Smith’s fans from Sunday Showcases at the Pier House days flocking to the friendly club when Smith and Cardone appear. I’m picking on Skippo here, but he’s far from the only one. Especially maddening is Key West’s favorite crooner, Peter Diamond, who never, never does press on himself. at’s carrying modesty too far. Dears, as a holiday gift, give me a little more advance notice, okay? | Continued on page 26 25 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 25-31, 2014 O N STAG E HOME CARE PLANNED | Continued from page 5 services — homemaking, personal care, respite, pallative care — as authorized by the county.” e usual payments will be accepted for care. “For skilled and private duty services, we accept Medicare, Medicaid, all commercial insurances, long-term care policies and private pay,” she said. “We are happy to provide consultations for anyone wishing to learn more about any or all of the services provided,” concluded Wheeler. n INFO Island Home Care, (305) 735-4460 KEY WEST KITCHEN “Noises Off’ cast | LARRY BLACKBURN | Continued from page 11 ‘Noises Off’ has audiences rocking with laughter have been grown on the estate that is selling them. Better yet are bottles marked with a harvest date. Chef Evan Funke of Bucato in Los Angeles makes a spicy, garlicky olive oil mixture that in a recent Tasting Table article he calls his “secret weapon.” He essentially combines the chili-infused olio santo or “holy oil” used in southern Italy with bagna cauda, the garlicky anchovy oil from the north. He refers to it as battuto, an Italian word (roughly meaning “beaten”) that seems to be generically used when referring to chopped herbs or vegetables. It makes a great base for Caesar salad dressing, a marinade for sturdy white fish or drizzled over vegetables and cheeses on antipasti. See kwkitchen.com for more on how use this “secret weapon.” White anchovies are available at Fausto’s on Fleming in the refrigerated section across from the meat counter. ey are absolutely delicious! n Through Jan. 10 SPECIAL TO KONK LIFE “Noises Off” has audiences shaking with laughter at Waterfront Playhouse, where it is being staged at 8 p.m. Tuesdays to Saturdays through Jan. 10. is beloved comedy is full of shocking surprises and gut-busting humor. New York Magazine says “‘Noises Off’ is as side-splitting a farce as I have seen. Ever? Ever.’” is manic romp centers around an ambitious director and his cast of itinerant actors rehearsing a flop farce called “Nothing On.” Doors slamming, on and offstage intrigue, missed cues, sniping actors and multiple plates of sardines all figure into the plot of this hilarious and classically comic play. Check the website for the holiday schedule: WaterfrontPlayhouse.org. Key TV is sponsoring “Noises Off.” Directing the high-energy production is the Waterfront’s Managing Artistic Director, Danny Weathers. He has assembled an amazing cast that includes David Black, Brandon Beach, Carolyn Cooper, Matt Hollis Hulsey, Tony Konrath, Erin McKenna, J. B. McLendon, Joan O’Dowd and Susannah Wells. Each of them deliver a tour-de-force performance, and they have the bruises and scrapes to prove it! e two-level set has been designed by the Waterfront’s resident set designer, | Continued on page 32 26 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 25-31, 2014 Battuto Adapted from Chef Evan Funke of Bucato Combine a cup of good extra virgin olive oil with 6 white anchovy filets, 2 gloves of garlic, 1 seeded red jalapeno and a scattering of red pepper flakes in a blender. Pulse until smooth, then whisk in another cup of olive oil. Season with a little salt and refrigerate for up to a week. n CULTURE VULTURE | Continued from page 25 *** Reminder to artists: Deadline for submitting work for the 2015 Anne McKee Fine Art Auction (set for Feb. 8 at East Martello) is fast approaching with the new year (Jan. 1), and the popular sale will be limited to 60 works. Online submission: mckeefund.org Click Call to Artists button. Artists split the sale price of their work 50-50 with the grants awarding organization. *** Another heads up for the new year: Sunday, Jan. 4, the Key West Poetry Guild features a fine, new established poet from Tavernier, Elizabeth Elliott. Meetings, still the first Sunday of every month come what may, are now at Andy’s Cabana, 308 Petronia St., at 7 p.m. ere is always at least one lightening round for poets in attendance to read an original work. at’s all for now. Gotta fly! n MARK THE CALENDAR Artisan Market Jan. 4 Green & Sustainability edition Feb. 1 Key West Food & Wine Festival Wine Market March 1 Free Wheelin’ edition and Custom Bicycle Show April 5 Mote Marine Ocean Fest edition May 3 (tentative) Conch Republic Days edition O N STAG E LOCAL SERIES Fringe ‘e Price’ opens Dec. 26 at the Garret n All is true: The Naked Girl in the Treehouse I worry and I wonder A Serial Novel by MARK HOWELL THE FINAL CHAPTER, CHAPTER XIV I was alone with Hadi in the Plymouth. David had gone off with Winona in their pickup. “Did I ever tell you you’re my hero?” said Hadi for the umpteenth time. “Yeah, you did,” I said. “Your hand feels OK?” “No. I won’t want to try that again. I’ve got teeth marks on my knuckles.” “You won’t have to do that again,” she said. “You’ve already earned your ticket to heaven.” “You believe in heaven? You, a Lakota?” “My dad is Lakota. My mom’s from Poland.” “So, you’re part Indian,” I said. “I’m not part anything,” she said. “I’m double.” “You are so smart,” I said. “I am really glad I met you.” “I’m glad I met you,” she said with a smile that put me in heaven. “So why did you and Win just doubt us both?” I asked. “You said we weren’t Rolling Stones!” “Because you’re too nice to be the Stones. At least until you punched that punk in the mouth.” “e Stones aren’t nice?” “e Rolling Stones are Satanic,” she said. “So,” I said. “Now you believe in Satan?” “We live in evil times, Brian Jones,” she replied. “e vice president just shot the president, remember?” I swerved to the curb and pulled on the hand brake. n Dec. 26-28, Jan. 2-4, Jan. 8-11 “It was Oswald shot Kennedy,” I said, gazing at her, wide-eyed. “And Johnson set it up,” she insisted. “Now, we’re in hell. You’d better believe it.” It was then, while we were parked, that she made me the deal. It took a while to absorb. But I was fully committed by the time I was ready to share it with David, a.k.a. Keith Richards. Here’s how I put it. “You’re not gonna believe any of this, so you gotta let me explain it slowly, okay?” “Okay, okay,” he said. So breathlessly I revealed the deal. “Hadi has this uncle on her mother’s side who’s built this treehouse on a hillside in Marin County, which is north of San Francisco Bay in the state of California! And he lets Hadi stay there whenever she wants. And she wants to go now! And she wants me to join her because I stood up for her! And whenever she stays there she’s always naked!” “Whoa!” gasped David. “Count me in on this! Don’t abandon me now!” And so it was. We told Hadi we’d be at her treehouse within 10 days, a direct shot from Laramie through Salt Lake City, Reno, Sacramento and directly into Marin by the back way. We even gave the Golden Gate Bridge a miss! “What’s the rush, fellas?” she asked. “Oh, you have no idea!” said David. And thus it was. Equipped with phone numbers and addresses ‘supplied by Hadi, we set on the SPECIAL TO KONK LIFE Fringe eater of Key West is presenting Arthur Miller’s “e Price” at the Garret, otherwise known as the attic at the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, for three weekends — Dec. 26 to Jan. 11. “Fringe eater Key West, where you expect the Un-expected, has gained access to the museum attic which has never been open to the public. is secret space is quite a gift for local theater enthusiasts. e architecture contains historic furniture and other treasures. e immersion seating style, with the audience seated among the museum pieces, serves as the play’s set,” says Artistic Director Monnie King. Arthur Miller’s “e Price” involves estranged brothers. Old scores. An ancient furniture appraiser. A look at family relationships, price of furniture and the price of one’s decisions. “…An American masterpiece…” “e Price” begins when Victor Franz (Michael McCabe) and his wife Ester (Melody Moore) arrive at the attic of the family residence to dispose of old family furniture. ey begin wondering whether Victor’s estranged brother, Walter (Bob Bowersox) will show up. Victor is a policeman who sacrificed his education and a promising career as a scientist to care for his ruined, invalid father. Walter is an eminent surgeon who walked out on the demands of family to concentrate on medicine and personal success. Victor has arranged for Gregory Solomon (Peter King), a crotchety, humorous, and wise-old furniture dealer, to purchase the items in the attic. Little does he know that Solomon — long since retired — is thrilled to be back in the game and is in no hurry | Continued on page 32 27 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 25-31, 2014 | LARRY BLACKBURN Michael McCabe and Bob Bowersox star as estranged brothers in “The Price.” to set a price without giving the brothers his prolonged views on them and the value of used furniture. e brothers parry and thrust, revealing their characters to themselves, each other, and the audience with surprising poignancy. e truth — as each of them sees it — is ultimately revealed. e production will be staged Dec. 26–28; Jan. 2–4 and Jan. 8–11, all at 8 p.m. in the Garret of the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum; 200 Greene St. Tickets are $39 (opening night; reception, $67) at keystix.com or (305) 295-7676.n Florida Keys Celtic Festival • 2015 IN THE ARTS Key West Seminar explores ‘Literature of Spirit’ n Marathon Community Park, Jan. 9-10 Performances by some of America’s most celebrated Celtic musical masters at the second annual Florida Keys Celtic Festival, Friday and Saturday, Jan. 9-10. A return of the Scottish band Albannach highlights a diverse musical lineup for the family-friendly event. Other standout performers include international super group Rathkeltair, e Screaming Orphans and West of Galway. A “Kilts in e Keys” celebration kicks off the weekend, featuring Irish music by Bernie and Stephen of the band West of Galway 8-10 p.m. ursday, Jan. 8, at Marathon Grill and Ale House, Mile Marker 53. Other attractions include the bagpipes and drums of St. Andrew’s Pipe Band of Miami as well as men’s and women’s Scottish Highland athletics demonstrations. Music fest at Marathon Community Park, Mile Marker 49, 3-10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9, and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10. Single-day tickets available $12 Friday night and $17 Saturday. Children age 12 and under admitted free with a paid adult. Parking free. n INFO celticheritageproductions.com Seventeen leading contemporary writers are to offer insights into literature’s relationship to the inexplicable during the 33rd annual Key West Literary Seminar. Scheduled ursday-Sunday, Jan. 8-11, the seminar is themed “How the Light Gets In: Literature of the Spirit.” e novelists, journalists, poets, essayists and others scheduled to speak include Marilynne Robinson, author of the Pulitzer Prize–winning “Gilead”; Wally Lamb, who has penned five New York Times bestselling novels including “We Are Water”; Barry Lopez, who earned a National Book Award for “Arctic Dreams”; celebrated poet Marilyn Nelson, recipient of Newbery and Coretta Scott King honors; and Pico Iyer, whose books include “e Open Road” about his annual travels with the Dalai Lama. Most presentations are to take place at Key West’s historic San Carlos Institute, 516 Duval St. e seminar begins with a keynote address by Iyer 7:45 p.m. ursday, Jan. 8. Following the keynote, the Paul Winter Consort jazz ensemble is to take the stage to present “Unbridled Joy,” a blend of musical and literary performance that incorporates the voices of poets including seminar presenters Mark Doty, Jane Hirshfield and Marie Howe. Both events are scheduled at the Tennessee Williams eatre, 5901 College Road. Subsequent days feature readings, lectures, informal talks, panel discussions, book signings, receptions and gatherings where seminar attendees and authors can mingle. Highlights are to include a Saturday night presentation by Robinson titled “Grace” and a Sunday session with Iyer and Lopez titled “Wonder: Entering and Exiting the Great Mystery.” In conjunction with the seminar, 11 writers’ workshops are planned Sunday through ursday, Jan. 11-15. While the 2015 seminar is sold out, each year’s program includes Sunday afternoon presentations open to the public. ese include readings and commentary by several of the seminar’s featured writers, and admission is free with first-come, first-served seating. n INFO kwls.org, (888) 293-9291 e Key West Literary Seminar welcomes readers and writers to this subtropical island city. Our flagship program is the annual Seminar, a four-day readers’ event that explores a unique literary theme each January. At the Seminar, readers from all over the world join the best writers of our time for the conversations, readings, lectures, and events that make up today’s smartest and most high-spirited literary gathering. Writers’ Workshop Program also takes place in January but is distinct from the Seminar; writers of all levels meet in small groups with esteemed faculty to share their work and explore the craft of writing in a focused and nurturing environment. During the years Tennessee Williams lived in Key West, he swam at South Beach each morning before sitting down to write. “I work everywhere,” Williams said of Key West, “but I work best here.” | KWLS.ORG 28 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 25-31, 2014 TROPICSPROCKETS Interstellar irector Christopher Nolan, of the popular “Dark Knight” films, hits us again with a punchy, existential outer space epic that is one part cowboy film and one part enigmatic voyage. Astronaut Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) is a former pilot and farmer, coping with the spoils of his land. While the location is never explicitly identified, it is safe to say that it somewhere Midwest. e main crop, after all, is corn. All is not the Emerald City, however. e field is under a blight. Nolan consulted documentarian Ken Burns (e Dust Bowl) in creating these details and, in its interpretation of a menacing Nature, Nolan’s “Interstellar” is nothing short of marvelous. | Continued on page 30 D Wild ean-Marc Vallee (“Dallas Buyers Club”) gives us another collaged and stream of consciousness trip in “Wild.” Both the book and the film are based on the memoir by Cheryl Strayed, detailing her life on the Pacific Crest Trail as she journeyed up it in the effort to reassemble and reassert her being. Reese Witherspoon plays Strayed as a pale, hatchet-like hiker who is both worried and fearless. Every gesture, every motion she makes brings pain, and in this incarnation Witherspoon is an indigenous, ambulatory Christ figure, her blood mixed with the thorny berries that she picks from a tree. Strayed is driven, each individual act is a hindrance or an obstacle. Her pack, named Monster, is gargantuan. Like a huge man-hand, it presses upon her, squashing her into a blonde thimble. If that is not enough, her foot is a bloody pulp, blistering and scorched. Still, she carries on. rough it all, her mother (Laura Dern) sustains her, a spirit of memory. True to form, director Vallee delivers wondrous poetic verve, at times almost reaching the anxiety of a phantasmagoria. Strayed is both driven and pursued by the element of blood. e blood of an unfortunately killed horse, the blood jabbed from a needle during her drug addiction, and the blood of her mother, dream-drenched by guilt. A hiker she is, but she is also a dream walker, half voodoo princess, half day-of-the-dead observer and participant. e film is subversive in the fact that even under a heroin haze, Strayed remains in control and powerful with J her quest clearly in place. e men in the film, from Cheryl’s ex Paul (omas Sadowski) to fellow hiker Greg (Kevin Rankin) and farmer Frank (W. Earl Brown) are either passive, neutral or generic. And if the men are not in retrograde they are quickly stripped of desire under Cheryl’s gaze as in the case of the hopeful ranger (Brian Van Holt) or the predatory and wolfish T.J. (Charles Baker). is is a film where women are made for power and men are either meek, mundane or seen as abusive. e omnipotence of feminine power comes to the fore. Vallee gives a tribute provocatively as well: In one scene, a fox appears, fixing Strayed with a piercing but questioning look. Given the heavy snow and the dark-pointed woods, this moment is right out of Lars von Trier’s “Antichrist.” e film can also be seen as a more benign and naturalist version of “Gone Girl.” Like Amy, Cheryl is constantly patronized, though all the while, she alone has a plan in her head. Mystery is paramount and, just as in Gillian Flynn’s story, the men here remain stumped and mystified by Cheryl’s resilience in a desert terrain. “Wild” creates a rich satisfying prism of a woman walking between the shades. It is Reese Witherspoon’s strongest film, and under Vallee’s direction her fun-loving debutante persona all but disappears. 29 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 25-31, 2014 Reese Witherspoon plays Strayed as a pale, hatchet-like hiker who is worried and fearless. Her pack, named Monster, is gargantuan, squashing her into a blonde thimble. TROPICSPROCKETS DIN ALLEN | Continued from page 22 “e Mount Gay Horns.” Apparently, quantities of the famous Jamaican rum seemed to be the only way to get that sound. Roberto’s Cafe was a Mexican food restaurant that occupied part of the property currently called the Smokin’ Tuna. e Survivors played a regular gig there for quite a while. en one night when the band arrived for what was supposed to be their gig, they saw Dave Pike, a jazz bebop legend in the 1960s, already playing the vibraphone. Din asked proprietor Roberto what was going on and he said, “I book him, too, so you will play good together.” Roberto was right. e double booking led to a year-long association between the Survivors and Dave Pike that worked out very well. e ownership of the venues can be an important factor in the type of music played there. In the late 1970s and 1980s, owners such as Danny Knowles of Captain Hornblower’s really cared about the music in their clubs. Danny would often sit in with his famous flugelhorn. Some owners liked to make a personal statement with their club and its music. Roberto’s Cafe became Boston Billy’s Blues Club, where the current Smokin’ Tuna is located. e owner was in the club every night making sure the club met his expectations for music. Din’s brother, Woody Allen, left town in 1995 and that was the end of the active Survivors band. Din’s two sons, Janiah and Jamiel, and a nephew, Zeph, come down from Virginia, and Din plays bass with their band, the Alliens. ey will be in town playing gigs at Virgilio’s on New Year’s Eve, then Jan. 1-2 at Schooners Wharf and at e Green Parrot on Jan. 6. Last year, Din had three generation of Allens on stage at the same time, including Uncle Billy and a grandson playing drums. Din continues to play gigs with the Paul Cotton Band and others in Key West and remains a survivor. n INTERSTELLAR | Continued from page 29 Cooper cannot make ends meet and his family is becoming ill. Despite this being the age of the iPad, we may as well be in the realm of Dorothy Gale’s sepia Kansas. is gives the film a striking and evocative edge. Nostalgic, poignant and emotional, the visuals quote directly from a diverse film history. When seeing a drone, Cooper flips out and runs for the fields. His daughter Murphy (McKenzie Foy) thinks she sleeps with a poltergeist, as books and toys fly off the shelves occasionally. In the manner of an M. Night Shyamalan film, Cooper becomes obsessed and drives to NORAD. Murphy hops on board. Cooper approaches the fence. ere is a jolting buzz and a blinding terrible white light. But our hero, Coop, is fine. As it turns out, he is being briefed by NASA and asked to participate in a mission: Earth is becoming extinct and another planet must be found suitable for human residency. Although the film evokes E.T., 2001, and 3:10 to Yuma with its suspenseful tension and Western style climaxes, the philosophical puzzles are uniquely Christopher Nolan. McConaughey is terrific as the bronze space traveler as torn apart from being a single dad as he is from G force. Another highlight is the forceful | RALPH DE PALMA Three generations of Allen’s making music — the Alleins 30 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 25-31, 2014 battle of life and death between Cooper and the egotistical Dr. Mann (Matt Damon) all set on the wastes of a hostile ice planet, which in reality, is set in Iceland. “Interstellar” in the mode of a 21st century cliffhanger will never fail to keep you guessing. Yes, the casting of Anne Hathaway is reminiscent of a certain Sigourney Weaver heroine and certain set pieces imitate the “Alien” franchise but Nolan still has enough sleight of hand in his quantum thrills to make it both contemplative and tense. e sight of a single huge wave, Lucifer horned like a leviathan is a sensation, and the last of “Interstellar” sneaks up on us with an unexpected punch, making a fitting retro “Twilight Zone” episode, while also speaking of our primal human impulse of love and the perils of loss.n Write Ian at [email protected] Tropic Cinema Four Screens in Old Town. Rated Best Cinema in Florida. www.TropicCinema.com (877) 761-FILM IT‘S YOUR ENVIRONMENT Off the beaten path Sprawling Deer Refuge protects numerous species BY ROBIN MAYER KONK LIFE STAFF WRITER I went for a walk in the woods today, through a slash pine forest on No Name Key. e trail led me past marshlands to a large man-made lake where I held a one-sided conversation with a small alligator. On my way, I saw a cardinal, numerous turkey vultures that watched me carefully, and at least eight Key deer. e deer were no surprise, as the area I walked in was part of the National Key Deer Wildlife Refuge, and as a former resident of Big Pine Key, I know how brazen these little beggars can be. But some might be surprised at the diversity that can be found in this area, aside from the endangered Key Deer. e National Key Deer Refuge encompasses more than 8,000 acres on 25 islands. It is home to 22 endangered animals and crucial Keys habitats including pine rockland forests, tropical hardwood hammocks, freshwater wetlands and salt marsh wetlands. e refuge is critical habitat for hundreds of species, 17 of which are endemic to the Keys. Just a few of the rare animals in this area include the Lower Keys marsh rabbit, the silver rice rat, rare frogs and turtles, according to Park Ranger Kristie Killam, who works at the Florida Keys Refuges Complex. Killam says time and patience and a willingness to follow the refuge’s numerous foot trails are all that is needed to see plentiful wildlife. Key Deer (Odocoileus virginianus clavium) are an endangered subspecies of the White-tailed deer. As adorable and approachable as the deer might be, Killam reminds you not “You just have to get off the beaten trail.” Park Ranger Kristie Killam to feed them. “If we could eat candy and cookies and ice cream every day, we would, too.” Intern Lauren Breza, who works at the refuge, added that the deer are not starving. ey can find hundreds of plant species they love to eat that grow naturally here, such as red mangroves. Feeding the deer is what makes them unafraid of humans. Killam said that about 150 Key Deer were killed by cars in 2014. When I pulled my car off the road on No Name Key, the deer crossed the road to greet me. e Key Deer story began as long as 20,000 year ago, when white-tailed deer roamed from Virginia to Florida with the waters much lower around the Florida Peninsula. As the Wisconsin Glacier began to melt, the sea level rose and trapped some of the deer that had migrated south. As the land area diminished, so did the food. Key Deer, out of necessity, adapted to survive on less food and water and became a smaller species (about 55-80 pounds). e first written record of the Key Deer was in 1575 by a Spaniard held captive by Keys Indians. Ship logs from this century collaborate the deer’s existence. During the early 20th Century, new residents in the Keys hunted the deer to near extinction. An editorial cartoon by Ding Darling sparked national interest in the plight of the Key Deer. Ding Darling was a Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist n More than Key Deer You will find more than Key Deer if you take time to explore any random trail on Big Pine Key or No Name Key. Upcoming Events Friday, Dec. 26 Bike Refuge at Saddlebunch Key (8 miles), offroad Friday, Jan. 2 Marsh Meander, Big Pine Key (2-3 miles) Wednesday, Jan. 7 Outdoor Film Series: Get Vegucate Saturday, Jan. 3 Full Moon Kayak (monthly) Friday, Jan. 9 No Name Key pinelands and hammocks (2 miles) Saturday, Jan. 17 Big Pine/ No Name Historical/Natural History Bike Ride (13 miles) on road Wednesday, Jan. 21 Outdoor Film Series: A Fierce Green Fire 31 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 25-31, 2014 and a key player in the early conservation movement of this nation. e cartoon, which called them “Toy Deer,” led to the state legislature banning hunting them in 1939. Hunting continued, however, and the deer population had dropped to about 25 by the mid-1940s. In 1947, 11- year-old Glenn Allen from Miami organized Boy Scouts and others in a letter-writing campaign that led to the establishment of National Key Deer Refuge in 1957, according to an Endangered Species Bulletin published by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife. Killam said there are now between 800 to 1,000 deer living on Big Pine Key. e deer now range from Sugarloaf Key to Bahia Honda State Park. “e Key deer are a success story,” she said. “When you protect an area for a species like the Key deer, you protect it for everybody.” She said the refuge shelters hundreds and possibly thousands of different species. A bright and colorful visitor center for e National Key Deer Refuge and the Lower Keys Refuge Complex tucked away in the back corner the Big Pine Key Plaza. Volunteers like Bob Mundro and Carol Houserman answer questions from visitors. e refuge offers regular guided walks, bike rides, film series and moonlight kayak trips, among numerous other activities. For regular updates, search for the Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges Complex or call the refuge, (305) 872-2239. You will find a lot more than key deer if you take the time to explore any random trail on Big Pine Key or No Name Key. “You just have to get off the beaten trail,” Killam said. n FOR THE HOLIDAYS! n New Year’s Eve Going to the Dogs! Some 200 short-legged, tail-wagging canine “revelers” are to stage a promenade before thousands of spectators Wednesday, Dec. 31, during the 10th annual Key West Dachshund Walk. e procession of pooches and human companions begins noon at the corner of Whitehead and Fleming streets in downtown. e walking route encompasses the 400 block of Fleming Street, 500 block of Duval Street and one-block length of Appelrouth Lane. e 2013 “wiener walk” included 200 dogs, many costumed, including miniature and standard shorthaired, wirehaired and longhaired dachshunds. Since pedigrees aren’t checked, even “wiener wannabes” can strut their stuff. Dogs accompanied by a supply wagon carrying water for thirsty walkers and plastic bags for quick cleanup of any accidents — as well as providing transport for dogs that get tired along the way. No cost to participate but donations of dog and cat food requested for the community pet-food pantry operated by St. Mary Star of the Sea Outreach Mission. Spectators can meet the canines on Fleming Street between Whitehead and Duval. INFO [email protected] A KW New Year’s Eve Southernmost City celebrates with a conch shell drop at Sloppy Joe’s Bar, 201 Duval St.; the descent of a supersized red high-heel shoe carrying drag queen Sushi at Bourbon St. Pub, 724 Duval St.; the lowering of a pirate wench from atop a tall ship’s mast at Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William St.; and the splashdown of a Key lime wedge into a giant margarita glass at Ocean Key Resort and Spa, 0 Duval. INFO www.sloppyjoes.com www.bourbonstpub.com www.schoonerwharf.com www.oceankey.com ‘NOISES OFF’ | Continued from page 26 Michael Boyer. David Bird has designed the lights and Carmen Rodriguez designed the costumes and props. Trish Manley acts as stage manager and traffic cop. Tickets are $40 for regular performances.ere are discounts for students, military and seniors as well as the Friday night special of two tickets for $60. Season sponsors for the 2014-15 season are Digital Island Media, Royal Furniture and Key West Web Design. n INFO WaterfrontPlayhouse.org (305) 294-5015 IN THE TREEHOUSE | Continued from page 27 last lap of our Rolling Stones tour across the United States of America. We stuck stubbornly to our three cardinal rules on this final leg. No. 1 was never to let slip our real names when addressing each other while in the company of strangers. David was always Keith. om was always Brian. Rule No. 2 was never overlook daily hygiene. Which meant an upper-body splash bath and shave each morning in the men’s room of the nearest gas station. Rule No. 3 was to endorse, every single day, om’s idealization of Mary, the vicar’s daughter back in England whom he foolishly forsook as the true love of his life, the lovely lady who actually managed to get Lawrence Durrell to use om’s name and Jack Kerouac’s name in the same sentence. is last was required even as we roared through three states to reach that treehouse in Marin where the adored Hadi awaited us unclothed. But something rather strange happened in Utah. David insisted that we stop outside a hotel in Salt Lake City so he could make a phone call. But we never made phone calls, let alone overseas phone calls, which he finally admitted he just had to make. “You’re not asking your parents for money, are you?” I asked. “We don’t need that.” “Nah,” he said. “Just some private business.” is was the first private business to have come between us. e rest of the journey became a blackand-white blur. Our anticipation sped up the passage of time, melting the day into night, sun into moon, blacktop into waves we surfed through dawn and beyond. Like crusaders we fought our way over Battle Mountain and on into the plush warmth of inland California. We rarely talked, too much of the unmentionable weighing on our brains. We just counted the hours until we reached the woodlands of Marin. It was stunning country, a Cinerama mix of cool Mediterranean and Technicolor. Now, all that lay between us and the lapping sea was the naked girl in the treehouse. Soon we were spending agonizing time in roadside phone booths trying to contact Hadi’s uncle or Hadi herself. Eventually we connected with each, but to me there seemed something amiss. Hadi told us the location of the treehouse, precisely to a fault, although she could have just met us nearby and walked us in. David, however, seemed to tolerate all these twists and turns and finally we did have exact directions and a proposed time of arrival. en it was David who started acting funny. He insisted I get out of the car on this gravel drive that led to the treehouse and told me to go ahead and scope it out alone. I got out of the car, looked back at him through the windshield and shrugged my shoulders. He leaned out of the window and said, “Go ahead. Go up the ladder. She’s made a new one just for us.” “How sweet of Hadi,” I thought. And how uncharacteristic of David to let me take the lead. A premonition struck home as I reached the bottom of the ladder. Life can be quite dreamlike if you let it. As I climbed up the ladder I heard, bubbling through the open door above, the distant 32 www.konklife.com • DECEMBER 25-31, 2014 echo of chiming bells. Quite a sexy sound. French perhaps. I took off my shirt and left it on the bottom rung. I heard a girl singing. Looking back at David, I saw him wave his hand, encouraging me to keep going. “Whenever we kiss” I heard the voice sing, “I worry and wonder.” My heart leaped at this. Worry and wonder! Precisely the way I have lived my life. And that voice…! “Your lips may be near,” it sang, “but where is your heart?” She was talking the words now. “It’s always like this, I worry and wonder.” “Me too!” I cried out, getting near the top rung. “You’re close to me here,” went the voice, “but where is your heart?” My voice joined hers. “When we kiss, do you close your eyes?” we sang. “Are you pretending I’m someone else?” I mounted the top of the ladder and peered into the shadows. “You must break the spell,” we sang. “Won’t you tell, darling, where is your heart?” I sprang up now through the doorway and into the treehouse. Standing there, smiling, was Mary. I rushed to her, reached my arms around her to embrace her bare naked body. We stood face to face, kissing deeply, our eyes closed. en softly, she sang again. “Are you pretending to be someone else?” she murmured. “You must break the spell, this cloud that we’re under. So please won’t you tell, darling, where is your heart?” I told Mary then that I loved her. She told me that David and Hadi — miracle of miracles — had conspired to send her a return ticket from London to San Francisco. Hadi had told her that she she owed me, and David had told her he’d promised to make things right for me after I’d fallen to my knees at a car crash. “And I’m singing ‘Where Is Your Heart’” she said, “because Connie Francis was our favorite singer. “Do you remember?” n THE END Happy holidays, everyone! Legal Rum Distillery One Year Anniversary LARRY BLACKBURN | PHOTOGRAPHER 33 www.konklife.com • December 25-31, 2014 Homeless Memorial Service at Key West Cemetery RALPH DE PALMA | PHOTOGRAPHER 34 www.konklife.com • December 25-31, 2014 Parrotheads Annual Foundation Gifting RALPH DE PALMA | PHOTOGRAPHER 35 www.konklife.com • December 25-31, 2014 Magical Sunset Key Home by C. S. GILBERT KONK LIFE REAL ESTATE WRITER here are magical moments here during sunset,” said realtor Bob Cardenas, gazing out across Key West harbor from the large, covered balcony off the majestic master bed/sitting room of 33 Sunset Key Drive. “All of a sudden the water turns black and the buildings across the harbor turn pink in the reflection of the setting sun. Then,” he went on, “the lights come twinkling on. It’s magic.” The balcony is conveniently large enough for a massive double chaise lounge and a tall cocktail table and stools for two, however one might wish to enjoy the show. Relatively small by Sunset Key standards, this beautiful three bedroom, four bath home has all the bells and whistles, and then some. Entering the small, bricked courtyard, the first surprise is a small, free-standing garage—very nice for storage and the resident golf cart, a necessary convenience of the motor vehicles-prohibited island. The home has a lot of storage space and no expense was spared in its design and construction, said Cardenas. The next notable touch is the mahogany sun-ray patterned entrance deck paired with a handsome front door of the same wood and design. Once inside, the surprise is a full bath with a gorgeous slate wall and sink set “ T 33 Sunset Key Drive has its own, free-standing mini-garage for the family golf cart, mandatory on the motor-vehicles-prohibited island. into an antique wooden side table immediately to the right. Down two steps is a comfortablelooking den/media room with a couch that, Cardenas suggested, was actually a sofa bed to accommodate an overflow of young guests—hence the full bath nearby. Furnishings, he noted, were negotiable. All are handsome and perfectly suited to the home. A top-of-the-line eat-in kitchen is opposite the den, sporting a marble island/ breakfast bar in the middle of a large, serene room of custom cabinetry, which extends onto the refrigerator/freezer. Of note is a deep, porcelain double sink. Also notable is the roomy This lovely Sunset Key home is just steps from the homeowners-only white sand Crescent Beach. 36 www.konklife.com • December 25-31, 2014 Note the banquet-sized dining table in the spacious great room, with its wonderful water view. Key West Harbor is only steps from the back gate. The handsome, top-of-the-line kitchen is designed for convenient cooking. The cathedral-ceilinged master bed/sitting room opens onto a large covered balcony overlooking the harbor, where sunsets are reported to be magical. laundry room off the kitchen, which itself has a pantry closet, a second storage closet and lots of cabinet space. All flooring is pale beige-toned marble tiles, with a decorative, darker border in the great room, down another two steps from the covered rear porch and, another step down, the brick-patterned pool deck. The pool, which Cardenas said was one of the largest private pools on Sunset Key, is just long enough to be a lap pool and contains a comfortablelooking sitting ledge. Beyond the pool area is a rolling den/kitchen level. A high-ceilinged room of royal proportions, this room, open at the far end to the water view, is big enough for a banquet-sized dining table in addition to comfortable living and lounging space. Through the tall French doors is a 37 www.konklife.com • December 25-31, 2014 lawn leading down to the water and, immediately to the right, to Crescent Beach, a white-sand beach private to all homeowners. There are two other beaches on the island, one serving the Sunset Key Resort, the other also private to homeowners. Continued on next page. Magical Sunset Key Home Cardenas noted that the resort, with its two or three bedroom cottages, pool, beach, tennis courts, gym, spa and gourmet restaurant, had been named among the top ten in the country by both Amex Platinum and Travel and Leisure magazines. Describing this home’s three second floor bedrooms is rather the frosting on the cake. The two large family or guest rooms, facing the street, each have en suite baths and small, private, rear-facing balconies; they are mirror images of each other with only a variation in closets and baths; one has an extra closet and an enclosed tub as well as a shower. That majestic master suite includes, in addition to the bed/sitting room and spacious covered balcony with the water view, a soaring cathedral ceiling, unusual for a second floor, a walk-in closet with built-ins and a marble bathroom with double sinks and a generous vanity, a jacuzzi Continued tub and a water closet with a pocket door. All homes on Sunset Key were built to the highest standards of wind protection and are above flood level, Cardenas said, which makes insurance on the property Each of the mirror-image family or guest bedrooms has its inexpensive. While a part of the ensuite bath and covered balcony. Historic District of Key West, they were able to take the nightlife of a sophisticated, small advantage of modern protections such city that is fast becoming an arts as hurricane-rated impact glass. destination. Sunset Key is only five “We don’t sell real estate,” minutes from town and launches run Cardenas said of the 60-home enclave. 24/7. This magical home is offered “We sell a lifestyle. People want by Engel & Völkers Florida Keys. privacy and quiet, but they also want Reach listing agent Cardenas access to an international airport” and at (305) 304-8292. 38 www.konklife.com • December 25-31, 2014 Even the bathrooms have extra storage space. 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]. 1 3 2 Featured Home Locations 4 Sugarloaf Key 5 2 1 3 Key Haven Stock Island Featured Homes – Viewed by Appointment Map # Address 1 911 United St., Key West #BR/BA Listing Agent Phone Number Ad Page 3BR/2.2BA Frank Kirwin, Preferred Properties Key West 305-294-3040 305-304-5253 40 2 2601 S. Roosevelt Blvd., 204C, Key West 3BR/2BA Dawn Thornburgh, Beach Club Brokers, Inc. 305-294-8433 800-545-9655 40 3 1931 Sugarloaf Blvd., Sugarloaf Key 3BR/2BA Roberta Mira, Florida Keys Real Estate Co. 305-797-5263 40 4 530 Grinnell St., Key West 2BR/1BA Doug Mayberry, Doug Mayberry Real Estate 305-292-6155 42 5 846 Olivia St., Key West 3BR/3BA Doug Mayberry, Doug Mayberry Real Estate 305-292-6155 42 41 www.konklife.com • December 25-31, 2014 Key West Association of REALTORS® keywestrealtors.org Phone (305) 296-8259 Listing Agency Lower Keys Coldwell Banker Schmitt Coldwell Banker Schmitt Rose Dell & Assoc Coldwell Banker Schmitt Coldwell Banker Schmitt Keys Commercial Coldwell Banker Schmitt Waterfront Keys Realty Inc. Coldwell Banker Schmitt Coldwell Banker Schmitt Prudential Knight & Gardner Doug Mayberry Real Estate Key West Coldwell Banker Schmitt Sellstate Island Properties Coldwell Banker Schmitt Richard Padron And Assoc Coldwell Banker Schmitt Engel & Voelkers Century 21 Schwartz Coldwell Banker Schmitt Truman & Co. Conch Realty Royal Palms Realty Doug Mayberry Real Estate Century 21 All Keys Truman & Co. Selling Agency Sold Date List Price Sold Price Datashare Office Internet Realty Coldwell Banker Schmitt Realty World Coldwell Banker Schmitt Keys Commercial Coldwell Banker Schmitt Waterfront Keys Realty Coldwell Banker Schmitt Century 21 Schwartz RE/MAX All Keys Beach Club Brokers 12/15/14 12/12/14 12/17/14 12/17/14 12/16/14 12/12/14 12/16/14 12/15/14 12/15/14 12/15/14 12/12/14 12/17/14 $ 110,000.00 $ 345,000.00 $ 515,000.00 $ 345,000.00 $ 100,000.00 $ 379,000.00 $ 600,000.00 $ 229,000.00 $ 449,000.00 $ 125,000.00 $1,499,000.00 $1,475,000.00 $ 93,000.00 $ 325,000.00 $ 450,000.00 $ 325,000.00 $ 100,000.00 $ 349,000.00 $ 600,000.00 $ 210,000.00 $ 440,000.00 $ 87,000.00 $1,475,000.00 $1,300,000.00 Coldwell Banker Schmitt Preferred Properties Engel & Voelkers Century 21 Schwartz Tropics Reall Estate Engel & Voelkers Engel & Voelkers Coldwell Banker Schmitt Truman & Co. Conch Realty Truman & Co. Doug Mayberry Real Estate Coldwell Banker Schmitt Truman & Co. 12/12/14 12/12/14 12/15/14 12/18/14 12/16/14 12/16/14 12/16/14 12/17/14 12/15/14 12/12/14 12/15/14 12/16/14 12/17/14 12/17/14 Street # 31323 3644 29555 3928 29565 25032 518 701 22934 10 1 15 Fax (305) 296-2701 Street Address Island Built Description Bdrms Wtrfrnt MM Avenue F Landers St Lucrecia St No Name Rd Big Pine St Palm Ln S Airport Dr Spanish Main Dr #238 John Silver Ln Picard Ln Tiburon Cir Sea Lore Ln Big Pine Key Big Pine Key Big Pine Key Big Pine Key Big Pine Key Summerland Key Summerland Key Cudjoe Key Cudjoe Key Cudjoe Key Shark Key Shark Key 1975 1979 1977 1972 N/A 2014 1981 1997 2014 N/A 1988 2003 Mobile Home Single Family 3-4 Units Duplex Lots Single Family Single Family Mobile Home Single Family Lots Single Family Single Family 2 2 3 4 0 3 2 2 3 0 3 4 No Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 31 29 29 29 29 25 25 23 23 23 12 11 2000 2005 1999 1987 N/A 1967 1964 1963 1943 2003 1991 2000 1933 1933 Condo Single Family Townhouse Townhouse Boat Slip Condo Condo Duplex Condo Single Family Condo Single Family Single Family Condo 2 3 3 2 0 2 2 4 1 3 3 2 1 1 No Yes No No Yes Yes Yes No No No No No No No 4 4 4 4 4 3 2 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 $ 259,900.00 $ 255,000.00 3675 Seaside Dr #240 Key West $ 549,900.00 $ 622,000.00 37 Seaside South Ct Key West $ 466,000.00 $ 453,000.00 44 Spoonbill Way #2 Key West $ 264,500.00 $ 262,000.00 3325 Pearl Ave Key West $ 80,000.00 $ 75,000.00 5555 College Rd #Lobs9 Key West $ 339,000.00 $ 332,500.00 2601 S Roosevelt Blvd #218C Key West $ 410,000.00 $ 410,000.00 2601 S Roosevelt Blvd #509A Key West $ 262,800.00 $ 312,900.00 1319 2nd St Key West $ 330,000.00 $ 310,000.00 815 Pearl St #3 Key West $ 295,000.00 $ 275,000.00 3 10th Ave Stock Island $1,250,000.00 $1,255,000.00 409 Emma St Key West $ 679,000.00 $ 659,500.00 327 Virginia St Key West $ 365,000.00 $ 360,000.00 717 Galveston Ln Key West $ 450,000.00 $ 395,000.00 526 William St #4 Key West Based on information provided by the KWAR MLS from 12/11/2014 to 12/18/2014 Good Deeds sponsored by 4 5