Florida Keys 3-10 Monroe County News 11-12 Cover Story 13 What's Happening 14 Real Estate 26
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FEBRUARY 20 - 26, 2020
Key West History Comes Vividly to Life
in the Pulitzer Prize-Winning “ANNA IN
THE TROPICS” at The Studios of Key West
Florida Keys 3-10 • Monroe County News 11-12 • Cover Story 13 • What's Happening 14 • Real Estate 26
Photo: Johnny White / MileZeroKeyWest.com • Cover: JT Thompson
FLORIDA KEYS
Girls Build to Strong Success
ALEXANDRA MUCCI AND ELLA HALL class and hopefully going to districts.”
KONK LIFE STUDENT WRITERS Coach Pillari was pleased with the
large number of girls qualifying for
A s the winter sports season is com-
ing to an end, the girls weightlift-
ing season is finishing their second year
Districts. Another main goal for Coach
Pillari this past season was “making
this sport send out a message to other
at Key West High School (KWHS). girls and inspiring them as well.”
The coach of this fine team, Stac- Weightlifting is not just fun, but
ey Pillari, got the group of 22 girls
it also has many long-term benefits.
ready for this past season in various
“It helps your performance in other
ways. “I push them more on proper
sports and burns muscle fat. As you
form and technique. Then once that
build muscle, you can build and sculpt
has been established, we’ll push them
a physique that you desire,” says Coach
strength wise and fitness level,” ex- The girls at their last meet for the 2019-2020 season during senior night at Key Pillari. She prepared the girls this sea-
plains Pillari. West High School. Top row left to right: Teresa Gaitan-Palencia, Coach Stacey Pil-
lari, Alekandra Turek, Nina Bowen, Felicia Leamard, Imani Moore, Chloe Knowles, son by teaching them “how to lift safe-
Heaven Rodriguez, one of the
Heaven Rodriguez, Ocean Leto, Rosa Nafrere, Breanna Allen. Bottom row left to right:
weightlifters, talks about her seasons Danna Correa, Mica Camay, Rosanee Joseph, Kaylee Perez, Emily Bracher, Ella X Continued on page 4
goals of “being the top of my weight Hall, Marina Goins. Not pictured: Bailey Renner, Madonna Pierre, Valerie Thene.
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www.konklife.com • FEBRUARY 20-26, 2020
KEY NEWS
Key West must step up lobbying for state funding
City Manager Veliz tells Commissioners
BY TERRY SCHMIDA in the far-flung state capital included the City Manager added, is a “master
KONK LIFE STAFF WRITER the ever-present affordable housing plan” that can be used to successfully
crisis, and the gathering climate cri- move allocations to the Southernmost
A t the Feb. 5 City
Commission meeting
City Manager Greg Veliz
sis - in which South Florida has been
described as “ground-zero,” due to its
elevation, in the United States.
City through the political apparatus in
Tallahassee. It’s too late this year, with
the legislature already seated, but put-
had a sobering message That latter issue, climate change, ting together such a coherent lobbying
for the city: More must be done to se- has been on Veliz’ mind a lot lately, as front in the state capital appears to be
cure state funding, including money he surveys the situation on the ground, high on Veliz’ to-do list, given the mil-
for climate change-related projects in in his home town. lions of dollars at stake.
Monroe County. “I’ll admit that I was a little late to Given the reception Veliz received
“We’re just returned from Tallahas- City Manager Greg Veliz the party,” Veliz added in a recent in- from the commissioners and mayor
see,” Veliz told commissioners. “We on the day that they cut the Key Lime terview. “but I’m a believer now. We’ve it’s likely that he’ll move in the near
had several rounds of meetings that I Pie and serve the seafood is not going had flooding and other weather events future to begin the search for one
feel were hopefully productive . . . I to suffice any longer. We’re going to in the past, but not like we’re seeing or more experts who can help shape
think we laid some very good ground- have to go up there and make our pres- now. The evidence is all around us.” proposals to fit the city’s needs in a
work while we were up there, and I ence felt, because there’s a lot of people So is the water. professional manner to expedite their
think we realized that we’re going to up there making their presence felt.” “Exactly,” Veliz said. “We’re on an is-
have to have an expanded presence in Among the issues Veliz said were land, so we’re getting it from all sides.” X Continued on page 4
Tallahassee. I think one time going up raised during “Florida Keys Week” Ultimately what Key West needs,
A Strong Back Float Can Save Your Life!
Most drownings
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if we relax
on our back!
We need to practice
the back float
every time
we swim!
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3
www.konklife.com • FEBRUARY 20-26, 2020
f e b r u a r y 20 - 26, 2 0 2 0 FLORIDA KEYS
Published Weekly
Vol. 10 No. 8 Tennessee Williams Birthday
Celebration begins with two
PUBLISHER/EDITOR
Guy deBoer
NEWS WRITERS
Pru Sowers
Terry Schmida
events on March 1
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Ralph DePalma, Bill Klipp, Guy deBoer
T he 2020 Tennessee Williams Birthday Celebra-
tion, an annual, month-long festival that hon-
ors the Pulitzer Prize winner who made Key West
his home from 1949 until his death in 1983, begins
DESIGN
its March events on Sunday, March 1. Up first is a
Nand K. Pandey, konklifedesign@gmail.com
2:00pm curator tour at the Tennessee Williams Mu-
PIXEL WRANGLER seum, located at 513 Truman Avenue, led by Dennis
JT Thompson Beaver, followed by a limited-ticket fundraiser hosted
by Beaver and Bert Whitt from 6:00pm – 8:00pm.
CONTRIBUTORS
The museum curator tour marks the seven-
Jeff Johnson &
Paula Forman ty-fifth anniversary of the 1945 Broadway opening
Short Answers
Ian Brockway X Continued on page 6
Tropic Sprockets
Tammy Fox-Royer
Florida Keys SPCA
Sylvia Bogart Key West must step up.. even more attractive idea.
Astrologically Yours X Continued from page 3 “Who wouldn’t want to come down here and
Joanna Brady say, spruce up Duval Street, which hasn’t been done
Reviewer
chances, rather than just “throwing money” ran- since 1976?” Veliz asked. “Who wouldn’t want that
SUMMER INTERN domly at flooded streets “with no rhyme or rea- line on their resume?”
Emily Bracher son” as to an ultimate policy. The same reasoning can be applied to plans for
“You have my full support for a consultant,” climate crisis mitigation, Veliz said. Part of the
ADVERTISING Mayor Teri Johnston said. “I think that’s the only problem at the moment is the amount of planning
Ashley Williamson – 410.999.4917 way that we’re going to bring these projects for- going on that doesn’t take the climate into consid-
305.296.1630
ward and see them to completion is to have some- eration, something a master plan should help with.
Advertising Deadline Every Friday body that’s dedicated specifically to that project.” “We allocate curbs and sidewalks, but with no
PRINT-READY advertising materials due by Responding to a question from District Three plans to raise them up,” he said. “We have not mit-
Friday every week for next issue of KONK Life. Commissioner Billy Wardlow regarding the city’s igation plan. That has to change.”
Ad Dimensions
Horizontal and Vertical:
paid lobbyists in Tallahassee, Veliz reminded com- The City Commission meets next at 5 p.m., on
Full, 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, 1/8 page, bizcard missioners that lobbyists don’t formulate policy. Wednesday, Feb. 19. n
Ad Submissions The money to pay for such a consultant could
JPG, TIFF, PDF — digital formats only even be reimbursed Veliz suggested, making it an keysscribe@aol.com
Send to production@konklife.com
CIRCULATION Girls Build... on to Districts. The dreams for Coach Pillari are
Kavon Desilus ASSISTANT X Continued from page 2 quite clear for this team. “Having a large number
Ben Neff ASSISTANT qualify for Districts as we did last year, and we al-
ly and correctly during preseason. Then once the ready do have several showing that they can achieve
KONK Life is published weekly by KONK season started, we focused on the two technical that.” Coach Pillari made her dreams for this sea-
Communications Network in Key West, Fla. lifts in which they compete in.” son a reality as Key West High School had a district
Editorial materials may not be reproduced Rodriguez comments on her favorite lift, clean and champion, Marina Goins, as well as several that
without written permission from the network.
jerk, which is one of the two technical lifts. While this placed and moved on to regional competition. If
KONK Communications Network sport can be fun, some Pillari explains that her “first the program continues to grow at the current pace
(305) 296-1630 • Key West, Florida priority is keeping them safe and injury free.” with success, it will meet the goal of having girls go
www.konklife.com The season is officially over, and the girls went to state level competition. n
4
www.konklife.com • FEBRUARY 20-26, 2020
FLORIDA KEYS
Priscilla Coote opens show, Island Dream on Feb 22
P riscilla Coote opens her much-an-
ticipated show this year, Island
Dream, on February 22. It is a jour-
magazine. Her work has been select-
ed for two major exhibitions, most
notably the American Society of Ma-
ney to the imagination for some, and rine Artists’ 18th National, scheduled
for others lucky enough, a journey to to travel to five museums around the
those places evocative of actual loca- country over the next two years.
tions they have visited. Recent exhibitions have included
Her paintings dive yet deeper into Channel Islands Museum, CA; Visu-
the water that surrounds us, exploring al Arts Center’s Biennial; Coos Bay,
the flash of light and the nuances of WA Museum; and Mystic Maritime
reflection that we find there. There, at Museum. She is represented by gal-
the interface of sea, sand and sky, the leries in Key West, Naples, West Palm
eye can linger with delight upon the Beach, Nantucket, Maine, Williams-
motion of a wave and the patterns it burg and Nantes, France. Priscilla has
weaves across the sea floor; the colors recently been featured in Southwest
revealed by brilliant tropic light; and Art, Fine Art Connoisseur and Sail
the play of clouds across blue skies. magazines, and has had paintings
Priscilla’s work contains these ele- shown on Netflix’ Bloodline and
ments and more, but is not about the HGTV’s Island Hunters. She is a Sig-
actual elements. They are merely visu- image you will remember forever. painting event taking place in March nature Member of the American So-
al cues which she skilfully combines in Priscilla’s work has continued to and featured in Fine Art Connoisseur ciety of Marine Artists. n
her larger pieces in order to create an garner awards and accolades over the
overall effect, rather than a focus upon past year since her previous show,
a particular object. To look at her paint- (which has sold out except for a few
ing is to be transported to that place small pieces). Alongside the top plein
that resonates, and stirs memories and air painters on the nation, she took
dreams from within. Through her years major awards in one national and one
of study on and in the water, she is able international event this summer. She
to translate a moment of time into an has been juried into an elite outdoor
Physician Assistant
Michael Quirk
celebrates retirement
P hysician Assistant Michael Quirk recently en-
joyed a surprise retirement party at the non-prof-
it medical center. The beloved practitioner (and fa-
ther to Board President Colleen Quirk, pictured) has
worked as a Physician Assistant for over fifty years
and has provided Primary Care Medicine at Woman-
kind since 2013. For more information about Wom-
ankind’s many services, visit WomankindKeyWest.
com, call 305-294-4004, or stop by at their center
located across the street from Bayview Park, open
Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm.
5
www.konklife.com • FEBRUARY 20-26, 2020
FLORIDA KEYS
The 55th Old Island Days Art Festival
February 22 & 23, 2020 • 10 am to 5pm, Whitehead & Caroline Streets
O ne of the Keys’ largest and most
iconic cultural events is right
around the corner. The 55th Old Island
Bring the whole family and stop by
the Children’s Art Booth at Whitehead
and Greene Streets to create an art
Days Art Festival takes place Saturday, piece for a $5 donation.
February, 22nd and Sunday, February, We recommend parking at the City
23rd from 10 am to 5pm each day. of Key West garage on Grinnell & Car-
Over 70 local and national artists will oline Streets or the parking lots along
line the streets at Whitehead and Caro- Caroline Street and hopping on the
line Streets. The Presidential Gates will free Duval Loop. There will be a conve-
be open to welcome guests to view the nient drop-off at Eaton & Whitehead
artists along the Truman Annex Entry. Streets to begin your tour of the show!
Fine two dimensional and three di- The Key West Art Center sponsors
mensional artists travel from as far as the show as an extension of its support of
Oregon, Minnesota, Illinois and along of paintings from watercolor to oil and “Buy supporting these artists, you local arts and to help maintain their his-
the East Coast to showcase their work. acrylic, decorative sculpture, photogra- are in turn, supporting the mission of toric building at 301 Front Street. The
Many of the community’s favorites will phy and other fine arts from the select- the sponsoring organization The Key Art Festival committee acknowledges
be returning, along with a number of ed artists. Tropical themes are abundant West Art Center and the maintenance the City Of Key West, and the Truman
new and exciting artists. Visitors can here, but contemporary and traditional of its historic building,” said Show Di- Annex for their assistance. For more info
leisurely browse the beautiful displays styles make something for everyone! rector Grace Epperly. visit www.KeyWestArtCenter.com. n
Tennessee Williams Birthday... will also enjoy a short excerpt from one
Old
X Continued from page 4 of Williams’ legendary plays presented
by local actress Diane May. Tickets are
of “The Glass Menagerie,” the mem- for the fundraiser are $100 and can be
purchased at kwahs.org, click ‘tickets.’
Island Days
ory play featuring characters based
on his mother, absent father, and his “All proceeds from the soiree sup-
beloved sister Rose. Beaver will share port not only the festival’s program-
information about the play, Williams’ ming, but also the continued acquisi-
relationship with his sister, and her tion of artifacts that tell the story of
Art Festival
55th life in the Von Phister Street home the great playwright’s thirty-four years
he purchased for her. The tour is free of living in Key West,” says Beaver.
to Key West Art & Historical Society Over time, Beaver, a Williams’ aficio-
members, $5.00 for nonmembers. To nado, acquired a significant collection of
register for the limited-ticket tour, vis- memorabilia and materials by and about
February 22 & 23, 2020 it kwahs.org, click ‘tickets.’ the famed playwright and artist who for-
tified Key West’s strong literary tradition
Whitehead & Caroline Streets That evening, March 1, from
6:00pm- 8:00pm, Tennessee Williams and solidified the island as a cultural
Over 7 0 Local 10am - 5pm Museum founders, Dennis Beaver and mecca. His collection eventually became
ts!
an exhibit, and after a merger with Key
s
Bert Whitt, host their annual, limit-
i o n a l A r t i
& Nat Bring the kids to create an art piece
ed-ticket fundraiser at their private West Art & Historical Society in 2017,
residence. The soiree features an open The Tennessee Williams Museum.
bar, delectable hors d’oeuvres, mu- For more details and to register for
at our Children’s Art Tent! sic by DJ Jimmy Jamz Productions, a these and other limited-ticket events,
chance to win show tickets and dinner visit kwahs.org/events/tennessee-wil-
Sponsored by: at an outstanding local restaurant, and liams-birthday-celebration, or contact
301 Front Street gift bags filled with creative treats re- Key West Art & Historical Society at
www.KeyWestArtCenter.com lated to the iconic playwright. Guests 305-295-6616. n
6
www.konklife.com • FEBRUARY 20-26, 2020
FLORIDA KEYS
COMPUTE$ Prizes Take a peek
Hit $25,000 Mark behind the
MCSD Middle School Students Earn Microsoft Certifications in
Record Numbers garden gates
M ONROE COUNTY, Fla. – “Middle school
students led the district in Microsoft Office
Specialist industry certifications,” according to
of private
homes in
Acting Superintendent Theresa Axford. “Middle
school students were responsible for 80% of 23
Microsoft certifications earned this month.” Plan-
tation Key School led the way with eight students
earning the highly coveted industry certifications,
worth three college credits, plus $250 from COMPUTE$.
“Students in grades 4-12 in all Monroe County
schools have the opportunity to earn industry com-
T he Key West Garden Club hosts a walking
tour of four beautiful, diverse, gardens on
Friday and Saturday, February 28th and 29th
puter science certifications in Microsoft, Adobe, Au- from 10 AM to 3 PM. Key West Garden Club
toCAD, IC3 Digital Literacy and many more,” said Plantation Key School middle school computer science docents will be at each garden with detailed
students proudly display their $250 awards from Mon-
MCSD Career and Technical Education Coordina- plant lists and horticultural information. On
roe Computes for earning their Microsoft Office Special-
tor, Sibba Mira. “ COMPUTE$ awards ist certifications. In addition to the cash incentives, the both days there will be a talk about orchids
each student with cash incentives from $50 to $250, students also earned three college credits. at 11AM at 1131 Johnson St and a talk about
depending on the difficulty of the certification. The COMPUTE$ has pledged over $100,000 in incentives for the garden at 1225 South St at 2PM. Tickets
Monroe County School District students earning comput-
incentives motivate the students to earn as many certi- er science certifications. Pictured (L to R): MCSD Board are a $25.00 donation and are available at all
fications as possible.” Member Sue Woltanski, Cole Davis, Monroe Computes the gardens on the days of the Tour and in
“A total of 336 prizes worth nearly $25,000 have founder, John Padget, Logan Sena, Brookelyn Zlockie, advance at West Martello Tower, 1100 Atlan-
instructor, Aimee Gilman, Ashton Prosek, Ambrose San-
been earned by our students so far this year,” Super- chez, Ignacio Arias, Enzo Blanco, and Elias DeLaTorre.
tic Blvd. Tickets may also be bought on line
intendent Mark Porter said. “We anticipate a large in- at keywestgardenclub.com. Keep your email
crease in the third quarter of the school year.” tion that supports COMPUTE$. The as receipt to show at the Gardens. The tickets
“I’m thrilled watching students studying at their mission of the Golden Fleece Foundation, founded are good for both days. Information at 305-
own pace and earning multiple certificates,” explained by Padget and Jacob Dekker, is to “enable transfor- 294-3210 or keywestgardenclub.com. n
John Padget, founder of the Golden Fleece Founda- mations” in education. n
Friday Feb 28
rd ort
s
en
Ga pp
Saturday Feb 29
llo u
te s s
ar ed
t M ce
es ro
10am–3pm // $25.00 Donation
W ll p
Garden
A
Tours 2020
7
TICKETS AVAILABLE AT ALL THE GARDENS ON THE DAYS OF
THE TOUR AND IN ADVANCE AT KEY WEST GARDEN CLUB,
1100 ATLANTIC BLVD. OR AT KEYWESTGARDENCLUB.COM
www.konklife.com • FEBRUARY 20-26, 2020
FLORIDA KEYS
CoffeeMill’s Young Dance Collective pre-professional
student dance company wins awards at convention
M embers of the Young Dance Collective, CoffeeMill Dance Studios’ nonprof-
it, preprofessional dance company for students aged 8-17, pause between
workshops and competitions at this year’s prestigious NUVO Dance Convention
in Orlando. YDC took home many awards and scholarships for their group and
solo pieces, including Standout in Jazz & Contemporary awardees Vivian Carper
and Novalie Marsh, Standout in Ballet awardee Siarah Singh, and High Gold for
Ballet Soloist Isabella Nodal. Led by the classically-trained ballet dancer Joseph
Goodman and assistant director Kara Querio, the dancers are offered an acade-
my-like study and discipline with a rigorous syllabus in the Russian-based Vagano-
va technique and rehearse six days a week for multiple performance opportuni-
ties throughout the year, including a performance featuring excerpts from “Swan
Lake” on April 4 at Tennessee Williams Theater. Performance proceeds support
the company’s costs of attending workshops and competitions like NUVO that
help them develop their powerful company repertoire and performances through-
out Key West and Monroe County, and allows them to build upon their current
programming to offer new outreach programs. To make a tax-deductible donation
to support the Young Dance Collective, contact Penny Leto at 305-296-9982. n
8
www.konklife.com • FEBRUARY 20-26, 2020
FLORIDA KEYS
Raschèr Saxophone Quartet to perform Impromptu
Classical Concert on Feb. 23
T he famed Raschèr Saxophone
Quartet will perform an Impromp-
tu Classical Concerts presentation at
important composers as Jacques Ibert,
Darius Milhaud, Paul Hindemith and
Philip Glass.
Elliot Riley, Tenor Andreas van Zoel-
en, and Baritone Oscar Trompenaars,
think of themselves as a musical de-
4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23, at St. Paul’s Raschèr retired from the group in mocracy: in contrast to most other
Episcopal Church, 401 Duval St. 1981 and died in 2001 and was eulo- chamber ensembles, the Quartet has
The ensemble, formed in 1969, is gized by the New York Times as a mu- no leader. The ensemble has inspired
named for its late founding member, sician “. . . who showed the sax could over 350 composers to write pieces
Sigurd Raschèr, regarded as one of the be classy.” dedicated to them.
foremost concert saxophonists of his The ensemble of four saxophones The Austrian newspaper, Wiener
time. Raschèr was an American saxo- which continues to bear his name, Zeitung, declared the Raschèr Quartet
phonist born in Germany to a Swedish performing classical and modern the “Uncrowned Kings of the Saxo-
father and English mother. He eventu- music, celebrated its 50th anniversa- phone . . . and if there were an Olym-
ally settled in the United States where in the development of the 20th Cen- ry in September of last year, with a pic discipline for virtuoso woodwind
he taught at Julliard, the Manhattan tury repertoire for the classical saxo- well-received celebratory concert in playing, the Raschèr would definitely
School of Music, and the Eastman phone, and to augment the limited Freiburg, Germany. receive a gold medal.”
School of Music. repertoire of the instrument, success- The performers of the Quartet, in-
X Continued on page 15
Raschèr became an important figure fully began soliciting works from such cluding Soprano Christine Rall, Alto
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305.296.6196 Key Largo 99501 Overseas Highway
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9
www.konklife.com • FEBRUARY 20-26, 2020
FLORIDA KEYS
CoffeeMill Dance Studio to offer 35th Annual
informal performances during Wrecker’s Cup
Walk on White with “hIPSO facto” Race Series!
C
CALL TO ALL WRECKERS!
offeeMill Dance Studio, Key West’s premier instruc-
tional dance studio for 37 years, joins the “Walk on
White” gallery stroll with an open house and free live dance
A hoy Mates! It’s time to clean the bottom
and pile on the sails.
The 35th Annual Schooner Wharf Bar Wreck-
presentation at their 804 White Street studio, The Annex.
er’s Cup Race Series is set for Sunday, February
Hosted by CoffeeMill Dance Studio Founder Penny Leto,
23rd. This all-in-fun race series recalls the tradi-
the February 20 “hIPSO facto” salon of dance begins at tion of the wreckers in the Key West of the 1800’s.
8:00pm sharp, with doors opening at 7:45pm. Racers compete in different classes; Classic,
The monthly event gives audiences a glimpse of the Schooner, Multihull, Monohull over 40 feet,
work underway at the studio’s two locations, featur- Monohull 30 – 39 feet, Monohull 29’ and Under,
ing performances and demonstrations from students, other categories may apply depending on entries.
teachers, YDC members, and more. This month’s per- The Wrecker’s fleet consists of 16’ Hobie Cat’s to
formance will feature new Belly dance choreographed by 105’ Schooners! All sailing vessels, local sailors and
The Southernmost Shimmies and led by Artistic Direc- Among some of the dance featured in this month’s “hIP- visiting yachtsmen are welcome to join the regatta.
tor Judith Sahirah Cisneros, who teaches at the studio on SO facto” performance at the CoffeeMill Dance Studio 1st, 2nd & 3rd place will be awarded in each
Monday Evenings at 7:00pm, Salsa and Zumba demon- during Walk on White, February 20 is Belly dance choreo-
graphed by The Southernmost Shimmies led by Artistic division, with trophies, a Bottle of Pusser’s Rum,
strations, and more. Light refreshments will be served. Director Judith Sahirah Cisneros, who teaches at the stu- Schooner Wharf Bar Tabs & Wrecker tee shirts
“We are so happy to be part of this wonderful dio on Monday Evenings at 7:00pm. The salon of dance as prizes. Captains’ Meeting is held Saturday,
monthly event that recognizes creativity,” says Leto. begins at 8:00pm sharp, with doors opening at 7:45pm. February 22nd at 7:00 p.m. in the Schooner
“It’s a great opportunity for us to share the art of dance and understanding of movement, rhythm, choreogra- Wharf’s Sail Loft with complimentary Pusser’s
and connect with our island community.” phy, and connection to classmates. Rum Punch and hors d’oeuvres from the Schoo-
A cultural haven in the dance community, the While the evening is free and open to the public, ner Wharf Galley.
CoffeeMill offers professional dance instruction for any donations twill support the Young Dance Collec- All participating vessels will receive up to 4
all ages and skill levels with weekly classes in Ballet, tive (YDC), the studio’s non-profit and pre-profession- BBQ dinners for captain & crew to enjoy at the
Pointe, Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, Tap, Lyrical, al dance company comprised of student dancers ages Awards Party & Ceremony. The race is video
HipHop, and Creative Movement, along with work- 8-17 that have garnered numerous awards at NUVO taped, see yourself under sail on the big screen!
shops, private lessons, performance opportunities, and Dance Competition in Orlando. Entry fee for each vessel is $40.00
recreational classes for adults. Instructors lead with a For more information, visit coffeemilldance.com. For more information visit our web site
blend of discipline and fun, allowing students to ex- call the CoffeeMill Dance Studio at 305-296-9982, or www.SchoonerWharf.com/20wreckersrace2.
plore, enjoy, and grow while cultivating an awareness email coffeemilldance@aol.com. n htm. or call 305-292-9520. n
10
www.konklife.com • FEBRUARY 20-26, 2020MONROE COUNTY NEWS
First Code Compliant TODD BONITA and
Tiny Home in Pilot PAM FOLSOM show on
Project Breaks Ground February 24
in Monroe County T ODD BONITA earned his BFA with honors with the Art Institute of
Boston in 1996. His post-baccalaureate study of classical painting con-
tinued at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia. Todd has
T he first Monroe Coun-
ty approved tiny home
received a permit this week
periodically continued hi private study the the French Academy drawing and
painting tradition. His career began as an illustrator creating works for news-
papers, magazines, book publishers and design firms.
in Key Largo. The pilot PAM FOLSOM’S Landscape paintings are personal interpretations of
project is one of two planned homes the scenes she is drawn to as she works out doors year-round. Author John
the Monroe County Board of County Berger shares her vision in a quote About Looking: “Shelf of a field, green,
Commissioners approved in December with each reach the grass on it not yet high, papered with blue sky through
2018 to serve as code-compliant mod-
which yellow has grown to make pure green, the surface color of what the
els for residents who are rebuilding after
basin of the world contains, attendant field, shelf between sky and sea,
losing their homes during Hurricane
fronted with a curtain of printed trees, friable at its edges…field that Have
Irma. It is a great product to consider as
a replacement to a mobile home. The always known”. n
Commissioners wanted to be creative
and find products that are wind and The first code compliant tiny home in
flood resistant homeowners can consid- Monroe County’s tiny home pilot project
er as replacements after Irma. The home will be delivered in mid-March. Sitework
has began at the Key Largo property.
will be delivered to Jenny Lane in Key
Largo, in about three weeks and will be option for those struggling to own or
open to public to view and tour after rebuild their home. They provide their
it is hooked up to utilities and the in- clients several floorplan options, which
spections are finalized. This home is one are all Florida Building Code compli-
bedroom and one bathroom, a little less ant and can withstand winds up to 180
than 400 square feet, code compliant, mph. John Gallant, Broker at Engel &
and starts at $85,000. Völkers Islamorada, helped with permit-
“I am very excited about this proj- ting. “The officials in Monroe County
ect,” said Monroe County Assistant are forward thinking and we appreciate
County Administrator Christine how proactively they’re working to solve
Hurley. “More than 4,000 homes the affordable housing dilemma,” said
throughout the Keys were destroyed Kim. “The Cornerstone team is honored
or majorly damaged by Hurricane to place one of their homes in Key Largo
Irma, and these tiny home prototypes and hopefully many others once the tiny
are code compliant, more resilient al- home pilot program in Monroe County
ternatives to mobile homes.” proves successful.”
The County solicited vendor propos- RAS Engineering also developed
als to design and build different resilient plans and is in the permitting stage
code compliant prototype tiny homes on for an elevated storage container-type
County-owned land. Cornerstone Tiny tiny home to construct on Big Pine
Homes owners Kim and Brett Hilt- Key. The homes will be used as afford-
brand had a vision to create safe, small able housing after being opened to
footprint homes that would be a viable the public for viewing. n
11
www.konklife.com • FEBRUARY 20-26, 2020MONR
F LO OE RCI O
DAU NKTEYY SN E W S
Key West International Airport to Hold Full-Scale
Emergency Exercise
K ey West International Airport and
Monroe County Fire Rescue will
be conducting its triennial full-scale
sevelt Boulevard. The exercise is not
open to the public.
The Federal Aviation Administra-
Patrol, City of Key West Police and
Fire Rescue, Trauma Star, Naval Air
Station Key West Emergency Services,
and the local community’s response in
the event of an aircraft disaster.
“It will be a challenging and over-
disaster exercise to review the Airport tion requires the airport to conduct the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Lower whelming exercise this year for the
Emergency Plan on Thursday, Feb. review at least once a year, but every Keys Medical Center, Monroe County participants,” said Monroe County
20 from 6 to 11 p.m. The airport will third year, the airport must perform a Health Department, and other critical Airport Battalion Chief Alvin “Cab”
remain open throughout the event full-scale exercise during the review. emergency agencies. Bentley. “Although a disaster of this
and there will be no interruptions to Monroe County Fire Rescue’s Air- More than 75 volunteers will vol- size is unlikely, this will truly test the
scheduled flights or the communi- port Station 7 will lead the full-scale unteer as injured passengers and play limits of the airport’s emergency re-
ty. The community should be aware exercise. Other participating agencies a critical role in the success of the ex- sponders. It also will enable the airport
there will be activity going on near will include Monroe County Emer- ercise. The drill is designed to test the to better evaluate its readiness in the
the airport entrance on South Roo- gency Management, Florida Highway emergency responders at the airport event of a real emergency.” n
12
www.konklife.com • FEBRUARY 20-26, 2020COVER STORY
Pulitzer prize Profile of an actor: Mira Negron
winning play “Anna
in the Tropics” at The
Studios of Key West
A chapter from Key West’s rich history
comes to life on stage precise. They hired a “lector” to educate
and entertain the workers, and through-
out the day, he would read news, horo-
scopes, recipes and literature, so in a way
K ey West actress Mira Negron couldn’t be
more perfectly suited to play Ofelia, the
wife of a cigar factory owner in “Anna in the
the workers did get a bit of an education.
A Colorful History
Key West was once the largest producer of
Tropics.” Her abuela was a “stuffer” (cigar Cuban cigars in the country. By 1880, there
roller), at the factory in Ybor City, Florida were 57 factories and eventually Key West
(Tampa), and growing up, she loved to lis- was producing 62 million cigars a year
ten to the stories her grandma and aunts In 1885, a labor strike crippled the
told of working in the factories. Combined industry forcing many manufactur-
with Mira’s deep passion for history, Mi- ers to pull up stakes to move to Ybor
ra’s family’s stories were able to inform the City (Tampa). Then, a devastating fire
From left: Aramis Ikatu (Cheche), Christian Haler (Santiago), Mira Ne-
choices she made for the role. started in one of the factories and swept
gron (Ofelia), Daniel T. Bochlas (Juan Julian), Francesca Silva (Conchi- How did your family come to across the island, destroying over 50
ta), Mathias Maloff (Eliades/Palomo), Nayem Cardenas-Lopez (Marela). Key West? buildings, many of them cigar facto-
K ey West history comes vividly to the workers fall under the book’s My great grandparents moved from the ries. Eventually, the rolling process was
life on stage when The Studios powerful spell, and they begin to Canary Islands to Cuba in the 1900’s mechanized which eliminated the need
of Key West presents “Anna in the experience subtle and profound where they had nine kids. They needed for hand rollers.
Tropics,” the Pulitzer prize-winning emotional changes, wreaking hav- to support a big family, so they came to Mario Sanchez (1909-2005) was a Cu-
play by Cuban-American playwright oc in their marriages and lives. Key West looking for work in the tobacco ban-American folk artist from the Key
Nilo Cruz. Set against the backdrop The New York Times says,“… industry. Eventually, bigger factories were West cigar-making neighborhood known
of a cigar factory during the Pro- Anna in the Tropics reaches for built in Ybor City so that’s where the fam- as “Gato’s Village.” A self-taught artist,
hibition Era, the show is directed the artistic heavens.” ily moved. With so many kids everyone Sanchez made his art from whatever ma-
by Dennis Zacek, Artistic Director “Anna in the Tropics” opens had to pull their weight, and so my aunts terials were on hand, and often used pa-
Emeritus of Victory Gardens The- February 19 at The Studios of Key all rolled cigars, too. per bags and cedar wood boards in his
ater in Chicago, and runs from Feb- West’s Helmerich Theater, 533 Ea- How well does the play reflect the work. He specialized in depicting scenes
ruary 19-February 29 at the Helmer- ton Street, and runs Wednesday stories you heard growing up? of everyday Key West in bas relief wood
ich Theater, 533 Eaton Street. through Saturday nights through The writer of “Anna” describes the cigar carvings painted in vibrant colors. One
The play recounts the tradition February 29, with shows at 8pm. factory as “a city within a city,” and from of Sanchez’s most iconic works is “The
of the “lector,” a person hired to Ticket prices range from $100 to the stories I heard, I would say he got Reader and the Cigar Makers,” a depic-
educate and entertain workers $45 (plus a $10 discount for Stu- it right. The buildings were situated just tion of Mario’s father, a lector, reading
by reading to them as they hand- dios’ members), and can be pur- within the residential areas, and whole to factory workers at the Eduard J. Gato
rolled cigars. As the story opens, chased at tskw.org or by calling communities grew up around them; Cigar Factory, which stills stands at 1100
a new lector arrives at a factory 305-296-0458. Discounted tickets people’s lives were centered around the Simonton Street. The historic intaglio
run by a family of Cuban immi- are available for teachers and spe- industry. The rollers worked hard and it now hangs in the Smithsonian American
grants. When he begins to read cial interest groups by contacting could be tedious, but you still had to be Art Museum. n
Tolstoy’s “Anna Karenina” aloud, Elena Devers at elena@tskw.org. n
13
www.konklife.com • FEBRUARY 20-26, 2020W H AT 'S H A P P E N I N G
Schooner Wharf Bar ISLAND TIME DUO
202 Williams St., (305) 292-3302 6:30pm - 11pm
SchoonerWharf.com
n
Thursday 02/20
Michael McCloud
Noon - 5:00 pm
MAGIC OF FRANK
EVERHART
9:00 pm - 1am
Annual Schooner Wharf Wrecker’s
Cup Race & Awards
A KEY WEST FAMILY TRADITION of FINE FOODS -- SINCE 1926
Monday 02/24
CUSTOM PLATTERS ISLAND TIME DUO Raven Cooper
AND PARTY SUPPLIES
DREAM IT UP... CALL US UP... PICK I U!
T P
! 6:30 - 11pm Noon - 5:00 pm
MAGIC OF FRANK
We make Party Platters effortless...
simply order 24 hours in advance EVERHART
and ENJOY YOUR EVENT 9:00 pm - 1am
along with your guests! And
we love your custom requests!
Friday 02/21
522 Fleming Street • 305.296.5663 • Faustos.com MICHAEL McCLOUD & FRIENDS ZACK SEEMILLER
noon - 6pm 6:30 - 11pm
RAVEN COOPER BAND
6:30 - 11:30pm
MAGIC OF FRANK Tuesday 02/25
EVERHART GARY HEMPSEY
9:00 pm - 1am noon - 5pm
Saturday 02/22 TOM TAYLOR
6:30pm - 11pm
MICHAEL McCLOUD & FRIENDS
noon - 5pm
Tuesday 02/26
TONY BALTIMORE
RAVEN COOPER BAND
noon - 5pm
6:30 - 11:30pm
MAGIC OF FRANK
EVERHART
9:00 pm - 1am
RAVEN COOPER
6:30 - 11pm
CAPTAINS’ MEETING
Sunday 02/23 MAGIC OF FRANK
MICHAEL McCLOUD & FRIENDS EVERHART
noon - 5pm 9:00 pm - 1am
14
www.konklife.com • FEBRUARY 20-26, 2020W H AT 'S H A P P E N I N G
Whats Happening
X Continued from page 14
Little Room Jazz Club
821 Duval Street,
Raschèr Saxophone...
X Continued from page 9
Atlanta’s Mike
Key West FL 33040
littleroomjazzclub.com As part of the ensemble’s trip Veal Band at the
The Smokin’ Tuna
Hog’s Breath
n to Key West, group members will
4 Charles St., (305) 517-6350 conduct a workshop for students
smokintunasaloon.com Thursday 02/20
Saloon
at Key West High School, in
n Piano Bar Happy Hour with Coffee the band room, at 3 p.m. Mon-
T
Butler 5:30-7:30 day, Feb. 24, funded by a gener- he Mike Veal Band, Atlanta’s favorite
Thursday 02/20 Peter Diamond & Co. 8-11 ous grant from the Community party band brings its energy and ex-
Scott Kirby 5pm Foundation of the Florida Keys. citement to the Hog’s Breath Saloon, 400
It is free and open to the public
Caffeine Carl & The Buzz 9:00pm Front St., Feb. 20 – 23, rocking the night
Friday 02/21 Tickets for the concert cost $20,
stage from 9pm – 1am. n.
Piano Bar Happy Hour with Larry and are available at www.keystix.
Friday 02/21 The band plays a hot combination of
Smith 5:30-7:30 com, or at the door on the afternoon
of the event. Cash, checks, or credit/ blues, rock, and funk. Diverse musical
Scott Kirby 5pm Ericson Holt 8-11
debit cards accepted. Students will backgrounds and regional influences color
Caffeine Carl and Friends 9:00pm each member’s contribution to the tight
be admitted free. Seating is on a
first-come, first-served basis. sound for which the band is admired.
Saturday 02/22
Saturday 02/22 For more information visit www. Atlanta partiers and club patrons
Piano Bar Happy Hour Peter
Scott Kirby 5pm keywestimpromptu.org. n throughout the Southeast know the band. n
Diamond 5:30-7:30
Caffeine Carl and Friends 9:00pm
John Simon Quartet 8-11
Saturday 02/23
Charlie Miller and Friends 8pm Sunday 02/23
Piano Bar Happy Hour with Any
Mayo 5:30-7:30
Saturday 02/24
Barry Cuda & The Sharks 8-11
Myles Mancuso & Friends 8pm
Saturday 02/25 Monday 02/24
Andrew Duhon 8pm Sing-A- Long Piano Bar Happy
Hour with Malathi 5:30-7:30
Saturday 02/26 Christine Cordone Jam Session
Andrew Duhon 5pm 8-11
Caffeine Carl & The Buzz 9:00pm
Tuesday 02/25
Bottlecap / Blue Room Piano Bar Happy Hour with Gayla
1128 Simonton St., Morgan 5:30-7:30
(305) 296-2807 Bluesday Tuesday with
bottlecapkeywest.com Larry Baeder 8-11
n
Thursdays-Fridays 7:30pm Wednesday 02/26
Professional Standup Comedy— Piano Bar Happy Hour with Karen
doors open 7:30pm. Heins 5:30-7:30
Blue Room available for private parties Victoria Horne 8-11
15
www.konklife.com • FEBRUARY 20-26, 2020TROPIC SPROCKETS
IAN B R O C K WAY
of course. Ferrell is exuberant but also
preoccupied, a bit like Clark Griswold Fantastic Fungi his Apple II computer, he appears as
a Steve Wozniak of the mushroom
in the “Vacation” franchise. Dreyfus as realm. His energy is palpable. Hear-
the wife and mother is kind yet har- ing him talk of a mushroom’s heal-
ried. The family has a full and happy ing properties would inspire anyone.
morning on the slopes. Emotional it is to hear that turkey
Then they stop to eat at an outdoor tail mushrooms helped cure Stamets’
cafe with a grand view. mother of cancer.
The pivotal scene is done wonder- The film also examines our su-
Downhill fully containing an ample amount of perstition of mushrooms. Although
the first film’s suspense. Suddenly,
dad is absent in the ensuing panic,
nowhere to be found. In this version,
I t is well known that people are
generally afraid of fungi. Like a
strange entity or an invader that one
revered by the Mayans, psilocybin
mushrooms were once demonized
by the Nixon establishment as weird
dad Peter nonchalantly walks back, sits cannot describe, it often seems that or dangerous for causing insanity or
down and orders soup, unfazed. fungi is something sinister or scary mania. Science has now proven the
What follows is a gradual withdraw- beyond our understanding. If you reverse is true. Psilocybin helps with
al from Billie. Where Tomas is eaten up have these feelings or even a curios- anxiety and depression and even can-
from the inside in the 2014 film, Fer- ity about fungi, a documentary by cels out the fear of death or dying in
rell’s Peter is clueless and incredulous. Louie Schwartzberg “Fantastic Fun- clinical studies. Timothy Leary and
This is a kind of “Curb Your Enthusi- gi” is the film for you. Dr. Andrew Weil were at the forefront
F
“ orce Majeure” by Ruben Östlund
is a masterpiece of existential-
ism. In that film, the singer Johannes
asm” take on Östlund’s great work.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ portrayal is
the strongest of the two. Her resent-
Fungi is far from scary. One could
even argue that fungi is benevolent.
It is one of the fundamental elements
of this understanding, a new way of
handling human obstacles through
fungi. Fungi can help a viral bee colo-
Bah Kuhnke plays Tomas, a passive ment has real force while still possess- of life and it runs through all living ny and even store energy for batteries,
husband wracked with guilt for not ing some comic timing. Ferrell’s range things. Fungi, a decomposer and re- a natural resource.
protecting his family from potential within the film, just doesn’t change be- cycler of both the vegetable and the Segments of the film are narrated
danger during vacation. Lisa Loven yond either a mania or a stunned dis- animal, has existed since life began, by Brie Larson which make this film
Kongsli is equally excellent as Tomas’ belief. Kuhnke’s performance was so setting the foundation for earth. The about the weave-world of fungal my-
wife Ebba, who grows increasingly re- nuanced in the original, it makes this building blocks of fungi known as my- celium seem part of the Marvel Uni-
sentful. Half of the wonder of that film version seem flat. celium are the vegetable parts of a fun- verse, as numinous as Doctor Strange.
is its marvelous cinematography by It is fun to see the actor Kristofer gal colony that create a vast network As the film asks, if humans pass
Fredrik Wenzel with its sweeping blue Hivju who played Peter’s friend in the that reaches over the entire earth like a away what will we become? Will we
and white views of the French Alps, as first film. Here, instead of being mild force field that holds us together. be a hybrid of the human and the
if Tomas and Ebba are distant astro- mannered, he plays a taciturn and Mycelium brings forth mushrooms, fungal world (like a scene in a Da-
nauts on an obscure planet, barren and blunt customer service supervisor. the odd spongy growths that we put vid Cronenberg film) with various
strange. Added to this is a striking and Overall, the visual potency of the on pizza, soup or salad. mushroom like appendages sprout-
ominous tone reminiscent of Stanley initial film is dispensed with in favor The film is an analysis of how vital ing from everywhere? Perhaps it is
Kubrick with its depictions of long ho- of embarrassing situations: a libidi- the fungal world is to human beings best not to ponder.
tel corridors and children who glare at nous and bossy concierge, a Don Juan and more importantly, to our world. Whatever the case, in the here and
their father in reproach. ski-instructor and a cringing dad who In bursts of florid color, one is now we can all rejoice that mycelium is
Now we have the American remake is then poker faced or feverish with his shown many different mushrooms. here to stay, protecting us and holding
of Östlund’s film, titled “Downhill” frat-type bro (Zach Woods). There are orange, purple and red ones. us in, bonded for life.
directed by Nat Faxon and Jim Rash. As a conceptual exercise, “Downhill” Some resemble anemones, while oth- Like Kali, an intelligent fungal realm
The film closely mirrors the original in works fine. It is only that the first film is ers look like meat. lords over all, a creator, a destroyer and
events but not in tone. so striking in its emotive power and ap- In the film, Paul Stamets is a fun- the ultimate refresher, part and parcel
Will Ferrell and Julia Louis- Drey- prehension that it turns its distant cous- gal enthusiast, a scientist and a lover of all carbon based organisms. n
fus are husband and wife on a ski trip, in to mere powder by comparison. n of mycelium. As a young man with Write Ian at ianfree11@yahoo.com
16
www.konklife.com • FEBRUARY 20-26, 2020T H E AT E R R E V I E W
Hit “Twice Told Tales” Returns to The Studios
Normally relegated to the heart of amis Ikatu, Kathy Russ, Donna Sta- “It’s a fun, surprising, and often il-
a play, or made a tool of directors for bile, and Tim Dahms. luminating evening of theatre,” said
auditions, the monologue – one actor, Here’s how it works: Bowersox, “and the audiences have re-
solo on stage, delivering a single speech Monologues are chosen by the ally loved the show. And it shows how
that hopefully has power, emotion, directors – the subject can be any- direction and actor interpretation can
message, and connection – is seldom thing. Each can be two to four min- completely change a piece of writing.
allowed to stand alone center-stage as utes long. Each director is given two It really shows the magic of theater.”
the sole star. actors, who may be of different gen- “It’s utterly wonderful, and com-
T hree years ago, TheatreXP’s Bob
Bowersox came across an in-
triguing new theatrical idea he real-
Until now.
“Twice Told Tales” is an evening of
monologues, each delivered twice….
ders or sexual orientations, but two
actors of the same gender could also
be used. The directors then work
pletely entertaining,” said the Studio’s
Rosi Ware, who has seen all three pre-
vious versions of “Twice Told Tales”.
ly loved. Called “Twice Told Tales”, once each by two different actors, with each actor separately in rehears- “Don’t miss it.”
he decided to give it a go at Sum- guided by a single director in two al, developing the monologue in two Tickets for the one-night-only event
mer Stage 2017, produced under completely different directions, re- completely different ways…meaning are available at theatrexp.ticketleap.
his TheatreXP banner. It turns out sulting in two completely different interpretation or delivery or emotion com or 302-540-6102. They will also
his summer theater fest customers outcomes for the monologue and for or intent or all of them. be available at the door that evening.
loved it as much as he did. It was a the audience. The evening of the performance, For more information, visit Theatr-
smash hit. He repeated the evening Directors for this year’s show in- each monologue is then delivered in eXP.org or call TheatreXP at 302-540-
at last year’s Summer Stage, with the clude top Key West helmers Tony its dual iterations, back to back. The 6102 or The Studios of Key West at
same results. Konrath, Mathias Maloff, John Mc- results are sometimes startling. 305-296-0458. n
So this year, “Twice Told Tales” – a Donald, Carole MacCartee, Melody
night of contrasting, dueling mono- Moore, Karen Leonard, Tom Murtha,
logues – will make its in-season de- Diane May, and Bowersox himself.
but for two nights only, March 6 and Actors will include Wayne Dapser,
7, at 8 pm in the Helmerich Theater Melody Moore, Mira Negron, Rich-
at the Studios of Key West, 533 Ea- ard Quint, Peggy Montgomery, Archil
ton Street. Tickets -- both VIP and Megrelishvili, Janet Harwell, Sarah
General Seating -- are limited and Goodwin, Su Nubia, Ellen Rickert,
can be had at tskw.org or by calling Daashia Cooper, Barbara Mundy,
305-296-0458. Daniel Bochlas, Peggy Guidotti, Ar-
“Eighteen actors deliver different renditions of nine monologues in the smash hit
theatrical event “Twice Told Tales”, set for March 6 and 7 at The Studios of Key
West.” The photos are by Larry Blackburn
17
www.konklife.com • FEBRUARY 20-26, 2020IN THE KEYS
FLORIDA KEYS SPCA
Rescue Tail From a humane perspective, reloca-
tion is often NOT a “happily ever after”
Opossums: Part 2 story for the removed animal. The new-
comer is thrown into unfamiliar terri-
BY CATHY BAIER tory, often very different from where it
came, with sources of food, water, and
T here’s nothing better than having
good neighbors! But what happens
when you’re not a fan of the neighbor
shelter not immediately known. The
search for those survival needs can bring
the newcomer into conflict with those
who just moved in? That can happen animals already established. The results
sometimes when the new neighbor has can be stress, injury, and often death as
four legs, a pointy nose, and big teeth. the new guy on the block fights to sur-
We’re talking opossums. In last week’s vive with others. Also, a relocated animal
Rescue Tails, we described the unique may be put at greater risk from cars and
and special qualities of opossums with Often, homeowners don’t want an may be influenced by many factors, such predators as it attempts to find its way
the hope of giving our only North opossum on their property out of concern as the ability to regenerate the food, water, back to the familiarity of its native area.
American marsupial a bump upward for their pets (addressed in last week’s col- atmosphere, or other necessities that popu- So what do you do if you find your-
in appreciation and respect. umn) or to avoid property or landscape lations need to survive.” When an animal self not wanting to remove an opossum
But even in the best of worlds, destruction, but also don’t want any harm appears to be healthy and thriving, that’s out of respect and kindness, but don’t
sometimes their presence is neither to come to the animal. They often just usually an indication that the habitat is want to live with one as your neigh-
appreciated nor practical to allow. So want the animal to be relocated. While capable of supporting it. bor? Consider why the opossum wants
this week we’re offering some humane this sounds like a simple and humane But if an area is already at maximum to be your neighbor in the first place,
ways to encourage unwanted opos- solution, it often isn’t! Plus, it’s usually carrying capacity with an established and then individually address those is-
sums to “move on” without causing just a temporary fix. As long as there’s a population, relocating new animals sues. Here are some suggestions:
undue pain or harm. standing invitation (available food) on into the area can create an unhealthy • Close the restaurant! It’s not fair to
Before doing that, though, we the property, the next opossum in line competition for resources. This has the invite someone over for a free meal
should explain some of the realities will just move in. More about that later. potential to throw the whole ecosys- and then punish them for showing
that shelters and animal control facil- From a biological standpoint, wildlife tem out of balance. Plants and animals up! Feed cats and dogs inside or
relocation can be problematic and count- can all pay the price. In addition, here during the day, and leave no food
ities face when dealing with unwant-
er-productive. All natural habitats have in the Keys, it’s possible to transmit out at night. Keep in mind that bird
ed opossums. Our goal is that, with
what is called a carrying capacity, which disease from one population to anoth- seed also attracts opossums, so use
greater understanding, people will re-
is “the number of organisms that an ecosys- er by moving an animal to a different feeders that limit spillage. Secure
consider their choices and not demand
that an animal be summarily trapped tem can sustainably support. An ecosystem’s island, again affecting much more than
X Continued on page 20
and removed. carrying capacity for a particular species just the single animal in question.
18
www.konklife.com • FEBRUARY 20-26, 2020T H E AT E R R E V I E W
Priscilla Begins It’s Journey at The Waterfront
sical will guarantee to bring out the characters, as well as incidents of ho- the threesome, Bernadette, Tick and
fabulous in everyone! mophobia, while widening comfort Adam. The Weather Girls will be
With a book by Australian film di- zones and finding new horizons. played by Sabrina Fosse, Belle Jam-
rector-writer Stephan Elliott and Allan It will star Christopher Peterson,
P riscilla Queen of the Desert will Scott, using well-known pop songs Dave Bootle and Connor Cook as X Continued on page 20
roll out it’s run in Key West at the as its score it is adapted from Elliott’s
Award Winning Waterfront Playhouse 1994 film The Adventures of Priscilla,
beginning March 5. Performances are Queen of the Desert, the musical tells
at 8pm Tuesday through Saturdays the story of two drag queens and a
through March 28, with discount- transgender woman, who contract
ed previews on March 3 and 4. Call to perform a drag show at a resort in
305-294-5015 or visit waterfrontplay- Alice Springs, a resort town in the re-
house.org for tickets. mote Australian desert. As they head
Filled with disco era hits such west from Sydney aboard their pink
as I Will Survive, It’s Raining Men, bus, Priscilla, the three friends come
MacArthur Park, Girls Just Wanna to the forefront of a comedy of errors,
Have Fun and many more, this mu- encountering a number of strange
Photo by Larry Blackburn
19
www.konklife.com • FEBRUARY 20-26, 2020You can also read
