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The Largest Calendar in Print Volume 1, Issue 2. Feb 29-Mar 13, 2012
Page 22
Student Explorer’s Guide Page 12
Helpers Go To Haiti Page 5
Art And The Aging Page 30
Marathon Crazy Page 20
IS IN THE EYE OF THE BUSINESS OWNER Mixed Reviews (And Troubles) On Gaines/ PAGE 6
B-Sharp’s Returns! Page 21
Photo by Bob O’Lary. Pictured are those -- among the 150+ who have supported Villager since its conception, either as a contributor or funder through our Kickstarter.com campaign -- who were available on the same day for a photograph. We call this strong and amazing list of people our “Founding Supporters.” Back row, left to right: Dr. A. Charles Hazelip, Dr. Andy Opel, Joe Berg, Natalie Minish, Mary Jane Ryals, Tracy Horenbein (in the fencing mask), Amanda McCormick, Cathy Schroeder, Kristie Kennedy, Daniel Whelan, Robert Daffin, and Mickey Adair. Front Row: Michael Trammell, Tim Berg, Dan Wester, Jeannine Gonyon, Lisa Beverly, Jina Malek, Darla Winn, Anne Michelle Harvey, Lauren Manders, and Rebecca Kelly. Behind the camera: Bob O’Lary.
OUR TEAM AND SUPPORTERS We’re back! (And we’re biweekly.) This “Official Launch” issue of Capital City Villager -- which kicks us off after our holiday concept issue -- would not have been possible without the hundreds of contributors and founding supporters who have given of their talents and resources to nurture an independent, local voice for Tallahassee. I am deeply grateful to every single individual, group,
and business that has helped Villager become a reality, and we wanted to recognize their unique support here. We truly are an organic community newspaper, and would not exist without the support of these and so many other community members who want to see their hometown thrive and flourish, and who share our vision. Not shown here is our list of (ever expanding) advertisers, and the 90 (as of this writing) contributors who help fill our pages with information,
knowledge and art. And as much as every other person, we thank you for reading us, sending us your letters or news tips, submitting your events (FREE!), passing us along to friends or talking about something you read in our pages, joining as a contributor, carrying our paper in your store (FREE!), considering an advertisement, and for recycling the paper when you are done with it. We could explain the Villager vision more -- and it’s pretty big -- but it’s
probably better if we just show you! We hope you will check back every two weeks. And finally, we can only include what we know about. Please consider Villager when you see something that should be reported, or know of events in your community, or have news of your own to share!
Sincerely,
Joe Berg, Publisher
Supporters from Kickstarter.com: • Dan Wester • Bernie Gandy • Alisha Morgan • Green Door Studio • Briana Hall • Kelly Samek • Nancy O’Farrell • Darla Winn • Rebecca Kelly • Robert Daffin • Mina Ford • Tuning Fork Café • Kim McShane • Brett Law • Nancy Conoly • Matt Dicksin • Daniel Whelan • Jennifer Proffitt
• Thomas Campbell • Donna Marie Nudd • Peggy Brady • Carla Reid & Black Dog Café • Andy Opel • Bill & Elaine Grace • Margaret Clark • Anne Harvey • Lisa Beverly • Bob O’Lary • Stephen Thomas • Mo Murray • Wendy Devarieux • H.A. Scott • Helene • Melissa Jane Bamford • Brandy Davis
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• Carey Fee • Michael Litzenberger • Jenn Bronson • Jennifer Clark • Jina Malek • James VanRiper • M. & M. Steinman Arendsee / MANDEM • Mickey Adair • Mike & Francoise King • Reed Odeneal • Jessica Briggs • Sarah Turner • Zan Bielec & The Other Side Vintage • And many more…
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Tickets to The Underscore Orkestra at All Saints Hop Yard on April 4 At 5pm On Wednesday, March 28, Villager will be randomly selecting the
winners of 30 tickets to see Underscore Orkestra from the list of our registered
online users. Tickets will be awarded as follows: 10 winners will be given two tickets to the April 4 concert, and two winners will be given five tickets each to
bring a group of friends. To qualify for the drawing, simply visit TallyVillager.com and register with the site. No purchase is necessary.
Winners will be notified via their registered email on Thursday, March 29, and
will have a deadline in which to respond before tickets will be forfeited. Good luck!
Letters to the Editor Shame on Villager...
... Shame on the circus.
I am saddened and disappointed that the Villager supported the Ringling Brothers/ Barnum and Bailey Circus at the Leon County Civic Center by offering a ticket giveaway. Animal abuse by Ringling is well-documented. Ringling uses cruel techniques to train elephants, including ropes, chain, electric prods, and bullhooks. Ringling was even fined over $275,000 last year by the USDA for animal abuse - the largest fine ever handed to a circus. Elephants are incredibly smart, sensitive creatures, and there is a wealth of evidence showing that elephants feel pain and emotion. Elephants have even been shown to grieve when a member of their pride passes away. The Capital City Villager should not support or publicize events that exploit animals for entertainment. As the premier voice for Tallahassee entertainment, the Villager should behave more ethically and responsibly. I also urge Villager readers to never attend circuses that use animals. There are a number of entertainment options in Tallahassee that do not involve animal abuse. Circuses like Cirque du Soleil are dazzling, fun, and most importantly, do not cause unnecessary animal suffering.
PETA people can be so obnoxious, right? I’m usually really turned off by the whole idea of PETA and their crazy antics, but this time I have to give them a bit (and I mean only the smallest pittance possible) of credit. On my way into the Ringling Bros. Circus this weekend, I passed a lone PETA protester who stood at the entrance to the Civic Center quietly holding a sign that read, “Elephants are Abused.” Watching the elephants perform, I couldn’t help but think of that protester’s sign and wonder exactly how Ringling gets the elephants to do those tricks. The image on the sign of the baby elephant tied up and being yanked in opposite directions haunted me during the whole show. I went home that night and watched the undercover footage of Ringling employees beating their elephants with “bullhooks.” I had never even heard of such a thing before - it looks like a fire poker. I vowed right then and there NEVER to spend another dollar on circuses that use animals. Join me, Tallahassee, and stand up for the elephants! Boycott Ringling Bros. Circus next time they come to town!
Megan S.
Trevor S. (Not the same last name as the previous letter writer.)
You WILL find the gift she loves... In the Cottages at Lake Ella. QuarterMoonImports.com
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SPRING EVENTS FOR OUR SILVER ANNIVERSARY YEAR! t Wednesday, February 29th
t Friday, April 6th
t Saturday, March 24th
t April 13-14th & 20-21st
Best of Faust Radio’s Original Skits on V89 Dead Mouse Unveiling and Interactive Party to kick off our anniversary season.
Railroad Square’s First Friday with previews of Best of Faust Cabaret. Best of Faust Cabaret.
t Friday, May 4th
Railroad Square’s First Friday with dedication of the Adelaide Schnittman Room (a climatecontrolled black box theater.)
MICKEEFAUST.COM
623 McDonnell Drive in Railroad Square, 32310. Feb 29, 2012/ vol. 1 iss. 2/ CapitalCityVillager/3
Local News Briefs (850) 320-7806 Tallahassy@Gmail.com TallyVillager.com Joe Berg Publisher
Natalie Minish Too Much For a Title Andy Francis Staff Writer Paul Haney News Intern
Contributors In This Issue: Adam Bois, Agnes Furey, Briana Hall, A. Charles Hazelip, Ph.D., Alice Maxwell, Natalie Minish, Dr. Jennifer Proffitt, and all of our advertisers and the hundreds of businesses who distribute Villager. About Us:
Villager is a free, independent and locally owned publication for arts, culture and news in Tallahassee. We publish every other Wedsnesday and are free to readers and distributors, supported solely by our advertisers -- many of whom are small, local businesses. Our goal is to bring all of Tallahassee together in one place. You can learn more about our mission and history online at TallyVillager.com
Copyright, 2012 Views expressed do not necessarily represent the views of Villager. Free calendar submissions, advertising information, distributor sign-up (free!), interactive content, and more online at TallyVillager.com
Advertising Inquiries: Joe Berg at Tallahassy@gmail.com or 850.320.7806 Letters to the Editor: Letters of relevance to Villager content should be addressed to Tallahhassy@Gmail.com, and must include your full name and phone number for confirmation (although this information will not be published.)
North Florida Government Officials Urge Citizens to Appeal for Return of Passenger Train Line Representatives from the cities of Tallahassee, Pensacola, and Quincy - and Leon, Madison, Gadsden and Wakulla counties, along with numerous other local governments throughout North Florida - congregated at the Tallahassee Amtrak station Monday, hoping to convince transportation officials at both the state and federal level to approve funding that would repair Hurricane Katrina-caused damage to the Sunset Limited Route, which spans the gap between New Orleans and Jacksonville. “Reestablishing Amtrak passenger service through North Florida will strengthen our local economies and offer new opportunities for our citizens,” said Tallahassee Mayor John Marks. “North Florida communities have waited nearly seven years for the restoration of passenger rail, and we respectfully urge Congress and the legislature to resume this service.” Monday’s meeting follows the state’s decision last fall to commit $118 million towards expediting Amtrak passenger service between Jacksonville and Miami. Marks is establishing the Sunset Limited repairs as an important goal of his administration; an “Initiatives” page on talgov.com provides a link that easily allows citizens to petition their federal and state-level representatives to support the funding.
City Offers Grants for Homeowners Looking to Beautify Lawns in EcoFriendly Way
The City of Tallahassee is offering a reimbursement grant that allows homeowners to spruce up their property while helping prevent pollution of local water. Through the City’s Think About Personal Pollution (TAPP) initiative, residents can obtain the materials needed to install plants that would create pollution-filtering and decorative “rain gardens” -- so called because the plants clean rain water before it can transport pollutants to sensitive waters.
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The grants are being offered to residents inside Tallahassee city limits on a first-come, first-serve basis. Interested parties can apply online at TAPPWater.org until March 31. “Planting a rain garden is easy, and they are an effective way to improve local water quality,” said Karen Rubin, TAPP project coordinator. “City-sponsored grants can help homeowners create a beautiful improvement to their property and help the environment, at nominal cost.”
Entrepreneurial Education Program Hosted by FSU, Seeks Students & Sponsors
FSU will be hosting a 3-day event designed to help students in the Tallahassee area who have an idea for a technology company but lack the practical know-how to implement their plans. The event is part of an entrepreneurial education program known as 3-Day Startups (3DS). Founded in 2008, the program has already seen seven companies -- that were facilitated through similar events in four different countries -- accepted into business incubator programs. “We brainstorm Friday and pick the best idea for a software startup, and release a minimal prototype by Sunday night,” said Jonathan Adams, an associate professor in the FSU School of Communication who is serving as the event’s local organizer. The deadline to apply for the program is March 2nd. Applications can be filled out online at fsu.3daystartup. org. Forty applicants will be accepted to the program, and students from any institution in Tallahassee are encouraged to apply. Representatives from various businesses and organizations around the city will be mentoring the potential future entrepreneurs. Businesses can sponsor the event through monetary donations, mentorships, or contributions of goods or services.
LGBT Group Promotes Equality at FAMU
The lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered community at Florida A&M University has recently been speaking out in a major way against discrimination at the school. Two high-profile
student deaths have brought the issue of homosexual discrimination to the forefront of the University’s consciousness. Drum major Robert Champion died on November 19 from injuries sustained during an alleged hazing incident. And FAMU Ladies Basketball player Shannon Washington died September 4 from a wound to the neck; she was allegedly stabbed by her lover. Both students were homosexual. The University’s non-discrimination policies include no mention of sexual orientation. The student body voted last week to change this. FAMU’s Board of Trustees has yet to vote on changing the policy. “These things should have always been addressed by the university,” Jubilee Jackson told The Famuan, FAMU’s campus newspaper. Jackson is president of the school’s Student Pride Union, which held a rally on February 23 on campus in support of the change to FAMU’s non-discrimination policies.
Drug Testing Bill Targets Florida State Workers, Excludes Lawmakers
A bill that would allow state agencies to adopt random drug testing for their employees – with or without reasonable suspicion – is headed for a final vote in the State Senate after passing a State Affairs Committee hearing on Tuesday, February 28. The bill – which is supported by Governor Rick Scott – would not require drug tests for elected officials and state representatives. Scott issued a separate executive order last March requiring state employees to undergo random drug tests; that order is on hold while a Federal judge in Miami considers whether or not it violates the Fourth Amendment, as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is arguing. “For the consent [to the search] to be valid, it has to be voluntary,” ACLU lawyer Shalini Goel Agarwal said, according to The Miami Herald. “This blanket drug testing is unconstitutional.” Under the requirements of the bill, state employees would have to take the drug test or be fired. Compiled by Andy Francis
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EXCLUSIVE: MEMBERS OF FSU MEN’S B-BALL TEAM INVOLVED IN BRAWL Racial epithets thrown; Eyewitness telling, police report differ
A grainy photograph taken at the scene (and blown up in the right image) shows party goers on the balcony of an apartment -- where suspects were seen retreating -while police were on the scene in the parking lot below. The police report does not identify that any investigative efforts were made to this building -- to locate suspects or potentially injured persons.
By Joe Berg, Publisher Members of the FSU men’s basketball team were involved in a parking lot brawl — in the early morning hours of Sunday, January 22 — in which racial epithets were exchanged and at least one person sustained injuries. The fracas occurred at an apartment complex near Doak Campbell Stadium, only hours after FSU’s white-knuckle victory over Duke in Durham, NC that ended that team’s 45-game home winning streak. According to police reports and an eyewitness, the 3am brawl involved one group that contained members of the FSU basketball team — who live in an open-front, multi-level apartment building on Chapel Drive — and unidentified revelers who had gathered at a parallel apartment building. (The two buildings are identical, face each other, and are connected by a stretch of parking lot.) However, there are discrepancies in detail between the police report — which relies on statements from persons involved with the brawl — and an eyewitness’s account.
According to the official incident report, Officer Brian Githens of the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) was responding to an unrelated call on the street when he “observed a large crowd of people (approximately 2030) standing in the road fighting.” As Officer Githens approached the scene in his patrol car, the crowd dispersed and “seemed to be divided between the two separate buildings in the complex,” which matches the eyewitness account. When exiting his vehicle, Officer Githens “observed a white male standing in the parking lot with a cut to his left ear,” according to the report, and the man — listed as the first victim in the report — was identified as Patrick O’Connell. (O’Connell is not on the official basketball team roster, and his affiliation with the program, if any, is unknown.) The witness, who spoke to Villager on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution, disagreed with the description of “a cut” to O’Connell’s left ear, stating that enough blood was flowing from O’Connell’s ear and nose to be staining his t-shirt in two places.
No police photographs were taken of the injuries. Officer David Northway, public information officer for TPD, stated in a later interview that there is no requirement for police to compel medical treatment so long as the person in question is conscious and coherent. The report does not mention if medical attention was offered to O’Connell or if it was refused. According to Officer Githens’s report, “O’Connell told me that he arrived home with [FSU forward/center) John Kreft [sic] and they were walking up to the apartments when a group of people started calling out to them. “One of the individuals called out to Kreft and called him a seven foot ogre. Kreft made some comments back to the suspects that were calling up to him and both parties exchanged disparaging comments.” The eyewitness verified that words were exchanged by Kreft and persons that were attending a large party on the top floor of the opposing building — across the large parking lot — but could not identify exactly how or when the verbal spat began or what was
said — only that heated words were exchanged. The report continues, “Kreft told the suspects to stand by while he put some shorts on and he would show them who the seven foot ogre was. Kreft walked into his apartment and walked back out to the parking lot to confront the suspects. “O’Connell saw Kreft walking downstairs to confront the people calling out to them and he followed Kreft in an attempt to stop Kreft from confronting them. “When O’Connell went downstairs some other basketball players (Jeff Peterson, Ian Miller and Mr. [Antwan] Space) saw the crowd forming and followed suite [sic]. The crowd became hostile and the suspects started to shove the basketball players and a fight ensued.” The witness, who did not speak with police, told a differing story than the one given by O’Connell and relayed in Officer Githens’s report. “It was fast. But people were running to fight. [The partygoers] were yelling [the n-word] at the basketball players right before the crowd met, and they were yelling [hateful words] back. Everyone was yelling. You could tell a brawl was about to happen.” The witness stated that the partiers from the opposing building were primarily — if not entirely — white, and that several of the members of the basketball team gathering that participated were black. The report continued, “According to O’Connell the fight had only been going on for a few seconds prior to the patrol cars arriving on scene. O’Connell said all of the suspects took off running to the other building and the witnesses that remained on scene were unwilling to provide any information of what really happened.” The report lists O’Connell and Kreft as victims — along with two female witnesses — and is culled entirely from O’Connell’s telling. The report does not indicate that any steps were /Cont’d on page 10
Feb 29, 2012/ vol. 1 iss. 2/ CapitalCityVillager/5
Feature
Mixed reviews and crossed fi ngers for Gaines Street improvements part II, and some serious complaints. As Phase Two of the Gaines Street Revitalization project gets under way, local business owners have mixed feelings. Some recall the hardships during Phase One (or the neighbors who went out of business), others accuse the city of neglecting local character and businesses in the interests of development, and still others remain optimistic. At the same time, Seminole Boosters Inc. has broken ground for CollegeTown at the west end of the Gaines Street construction zone as the city’s most recognizable arts district becomes gentri�ied. Villager spoke with local business owners to get the view from the ground — as life on Gaines Street becomes heavily disrupted once again — and we explore how well the established character of this artistic district meshes with the City’s plans for the future.
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By Paul Haney Phase Two construction of the Gaines Street revitalization project began on January 16 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day), and plans call for nearly a half-mile of “revitalization,” which will first address the area east of Railroad Avenue — where Phase One ended — and then continue half a mile west to Stone Valley Way (a block from the FSU Intramural fields, and one block south of the familiar Terror of Tallahassee haunted house and the future site of the CollegeTown complex). According to a quote in a January 12 article on UrbanTallahassee.com from Tallahassee’s Director of Public Works Gabriel Menendez, “this first part of
the work [should be] substantially completed in approximately 120 days.” Meanwhile, businesses can’t wait for the improvements to be done with. “It’s all about profit, and it always will be,” Russell Taylor -- owner of Voodoo Dog on Macomb Street, just south of Gaines -- wrote in an email interview with the Villager. “[T]here has been very little communication for both phases. Had I not contacted the City myself [regarding both phases] I would not have been notified of what to expect”. When asked his thoughts about the rerouting of traffic, Taylor says, “The routing has made it difficult for anyone coming from the west part of town. We expect to see as steep a loss in revenue
as we did during Phase I, if not more.” “I’m crossing my fingers,” says Heather Wade, owner of Avant Garb, a vintage clothing store on Gaines Street just east of Railroad Avenue. She says that the first phase of construction left her sales basically intact, and hopes for the same results the second time around. “We’ve always had more foot traffic, anyway. I’m lucky to be here between the two schools.” Still, the prospect of another protracted road project makes Wade uneasy. “I hope we don’t get impacted in a negative way. I’ve heard some people say, ‘I just don’t take Gaines anymore’.”
After eight months of onelane, westbound traffic, Sick Boy Vintage had to shut its doors.
On a late January weekday around 5pm, the impact of construction on this shopping district is clear. Traffic cones and barriers have closed down all eastbound lanes for half of a mile, snarling traffic for blocks in every direction — far more than usual at rush hour. Antsy commuters at the busy intersection of Gaines Street and Railroad Avenue, eager to get through the light when a chance presents itself, honk regularly to encourage others to move faster. On the open lot at the southeast corner of the intersection — where a food truck has been established for some time — commuters don’t dare to get out of line for a spot of dinner. Employees of the food truck frantically wave signs at waiting vehicles on northbound Railroad Avenue, promoting discounted options from the curb. But there are no takers. For westbound vehicles approaching from downtown, there are occasional breaks in the construction barrels and blue road signs that say “business entrance.” Construction crews have torn up the sidewalks along that stretch, and wooden planks act as makeshift walkways to the front doors of some businesses. For any visitors from west of Railroad Square who are driving to these shops, the trek would require taking a detour at the FSU Intramural fields, traveling around the construc-
tion zone, and coming back south to Gaines Street at the east. “It was a great place to have a shop before all that stuff happened,” says Devon Pyles, former owner of Sick Boy Vintage, whose store suffered from flagging sales during Phase I construction and closed. “Gaines Street was four lanes, so there was a lot of traffic on that road. It was a big artery in terms of getting from one side of town to the other.” After eight months of one-lane, westbound traffic, Sick Boy Vintage had to shut its doors. “What made it so difficult to close was that we got so much feedback from the community,” Pyles says. “There was a really serious outcry of displeasure when we announced that we were closing.” “I hated to see Sick Boy go,” adds Wade. “We’re all comrades here.” Now Gaines Street has a new comrade in unique apparel — Olde Fields Clothing Company — which opened on February 4, 2011 in the midst of the first road closures. “We’re a new business,” says Josh Williams, co-owner. “We don’t know the full potential of the store, but [the construction] didn’t kill us.” For some businesses on Gaines Street, daytime closures aren’t the problem. St. Michael’s Pub had business hours that coincided with much of the construction during Phase I. “They did it mainly at night,” said Jen Miller, a bartender at St. Michael’s, “which was good for some businesses, but not for us.” However, like Wade, Miller can’t report a noticeable dip in patronage, either. She says, “Our clientele is pretty loyal.” Many of St. Michael’s customers also live in the area and travel to the popular bar on foot.
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(the design team for the Gaines Street Corridor), the city extended the project from one phase to two when they ran into permitting issues. “The first segment of the project was able to be constructed without permitting delays…. But the second segment, 5–6 blocks, required right-of-way acquisition.” This explains why the construction that made it difficult for customers to get to these businesses for more than a year stopped short of actually improving the scenery at the heart of the shopping district. But some business owners say city officials did not make the reasons for the delays absolutely clear. “There were numerous attempts to meet with the business owners collectively and individually about any concerns they had,” Sullivan says. But some business owners disagree. “There was no effort [at communication],” said Sick Boy’s Pyles. “They had
town meetings once a month at 2:30 in the afternoon, but we were never able to attend those. We were always at work, so it made it kind of hard for us to participate in the decision making.” While those representing the city disagree with local business owners about the quality of communication and execution in the Gaines Street project, Wade has already noticed a difference in the city’s handling of the two phases. “They’ve spoken to me about Phase II,” she says. “I think they’re trying to communicate more. I’m keeping my fingers crossed. I have faith that they’ll do it better this time.”
“IT’S ALL ABOUT PROFIT, AND ALWAYS WILL BE.” On Friday, August 26, after much of the Phase I construction had been completed, the City of Tallahassee hosted the Gaines Street Block Party
COMMUNCATION PROBLEMS
Businesses on Gaines Street don’t seem to have a problem with customer loyalty, but there may be a breakdown in communication between owners and city officials. Wade continues, “I’m still peeved that they didn’t go all the way up to my door [in Phase I].” The development stopped only yards up the road. “What sense does that make?” Now her business is facing more financial risks over what she believes should probably have been completed in the first go-round. According to James P. Sullivan, senior vice president at Genesis Group
Jeremy Matlow and Mike Hurley are co-owners of Olde Fields Clothing Company, which opened during Phase 1 construction. They said they have had a productive relationship with the city, and that construction didn’t kill them in Phase 1 -- although their store is too young to measure how construction has impacted sales. Feb 29, 2012/ vol. 1 iss. 2/ CapitalCityVillager/
to showcase the beautified stretch of road and, according to a quote from an August 24 article on kccitallahassee.com from event coordinator Lizzie Kelley, “to say thank you to the community and businesses on the street for their patience through all the construction.” According to that same article, the event featured “arts, crafts, food and bike vendors … exhibits by local government and community organizations…. Local bands … art demonstrations … bicycle challenges … and a special ‘Geopardy!’ game.” But for Russell Taylor at Voodoo Dog, the event only affirmed his perception that the city has disregard for the existing Gaines Street commercial district. “The block party actually had nothing to do with the businesses of Gaines,” Taylor says. “The City allowed other businesses from areas throughout Tallahassee to set up tents and sell the same products that were available
had paid for the privilege to set up on Gaines and we had the opportunity to pay for a spot ourselves. My immediate reply was: ‘We’re located on Gaines Street … we pay to be here every month’.” Taylor concluded, “It was proof that the city was not in the slightest bit interested in the encouragement of Gaines Street’s businesses. It’s all about profit and always will be.” “The majority of the vendors were local,” said Kelley. “And the rest were from just outside of Tallahassee and the surrounding areas.” “Plans for a Phase II block party are still up in the air,” she said.
from Gaines [Street] businesses.” During a phone interview with Villager, Lizzie Kelley said she considered the event a success. “We were told to estimate 500 people,” she said. “And 2,000–2,500 showed up to an area where street festivals hadn’t been held before.” “We asked the local businesses to take part by keeping their doors open late,” Kelley says, “which most of them did.” Even so, suggests Taylor, why would an event that expected only 500 people in a few blocks need two hot dog vendors? “A city official instructed a hot dog competitor of ours to set up their cart directly across the street from our location,” Taylor says. “We contacted the city about the situation and [were] sternly told that [our competitor]
sidewalks, irregular curbs, and a dearth of city-maintained vegetation, shoppers perused the latest water pipe designs in Papa Smokes and the eclectic offerings at Avant Garb; they got needled at Euphoria Tattoos and What’s The Point? Body Piercing Studio. Across the street, a cluster of young people gathered outside Retrofit Records, talking and laughing while they watched their friends load music equipment — a drum set, amplifiers, mic stands — into a red van. Fat Sandwich and All Saints Café did their normal high volume of business, and members of this underground, alternative community interacted cheerfully. Not 100 yards to the east of this main intersection, the weathered road becomes a nicely paved avenue with generous parking spaces, medians
WHERE WILL ALL THE NONCONFORMISTS GO?
On a Friday in January before Phase II construction began, the intersection at Gaines and Railroad bristled with activity. Despite cracked and uneven
“A city official instructed a hot dog competitor of ours to set up their cart directly across the street from our location,” Taylor says. “We contacted the city about the situation and [were] sternly told that [our competitor] had paid for the privilege to set up on Gaines and we had the opportunity to pay for a spot ourselves.
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A frame from the city’s “Change is Coming to Gaines Street” video. containing young palm trees, and “bioswales” on either side — drainage ditches ornamented with rocks and bushes. The sidewalk becomes smooth and level, and if you need to cross the street, a button will activate a set of blinking yellow lights so cars will stop and let you safely across the brick crosswalk. The contrast is unmistakable. There’s an urban, edgy aesthetic to the west, and a mass-marketable, gentrified aesthetic to the east. Soon both sides will be homogenized under one commercial vision. Paul Rutkovsky, an art professor at FSU, owns a studio at 517 West Gaines — between Olde Fields Clothing and St. Michael’s Pub, just to the edgy side of this divide. He remains optimistic about the benefits the Gaines Street project will bring. “In my view, [business and aesthetics] are inextricably linked. My view as an artist is to look at it holistically.” With the help of his students, Rutkovsky maintains a bright and verdant alleyway that connects his studio to the now-defunct Engine Room. His holistic vision merges art and commerce to create “a richer environment that will attract not only local people but, who knows, some people might want to come from outside of town as well.” However, Rutkovsky realizes this revitalization comes with a cost that can’t be measured monetarily; there are intangibles at stake. He admits that Gaines Street is in danger of losing “Some of the edginess.” “There are tradeoffs,” he said.
In an effort to enhance and preserve the creative space around his studio, Rutkovsky is sponsoring a mural competition where the winner will paint the side of his building, which faces the St. Michael’s Pub parking lot. If a public mural exposes visitors to local artistry and helps them understand the personality of a district, then Rutkovsky’s contest should represent the current denizens of Gaines Street well. However, he’s in competition with what the city calls “the Gaines Street mural,” found on banners and control boxes up and down the street. The city’s mural displays a ribbon of film, a painter’s palette, and drama masks – all generic. It wraps the whole spectrum of arts and culture into a tidy package that represents a more uniform vision of artistic expression. While Rutkovsky may be willing to accept a compromise between free expression unfettered by capital interests and increased foot traffic, other current and former business owners foresee a loss of the area’s identity that outweighs any monetary benefit. “While I support the maintenance of Gaines Street, I do not support the ‘beautification process,’” said Voodoo Dog’s Russell Taylor. “I fear it will slowly whitewash the area of the character we have always been known for.”
CHARACTER — ANOTHER INTANGIBLE Thinking back to her time in Tallahassee, Devon Pyles laments, “It’s kind of a small, transient town, but there’s
a lot of really cool, innovative, do-ityourself people there. Unfortunately … [the city] wants corporate America. They want big business. There’s no emphasis on local culture. You’d find a lot more people settling down if there was more innovation and individuality.” To promote the area’s development, the city produced a “Gaines Street Flash Mob” commercial in May 2010 at the beginning of Phase I and posted it on YouTube. Flash mobs, at their core, are digitally organized events that give the appearance of spontaneity in order to surprise onlookers with sudden choreography In contrast, the city’s video features a group of city officials (including Mayor John Marks), a girls’ soccer team, various pedestrians, over-excited construction workers, a trio of middleaged professionals in their shopping gear looking out from the Residence Inn, and hard-hearted policemen who eventually soften to the scene. Despite the conspicuous absence of the nonconformist class that defines the area, all these demographics in the video eventually converge in the middle of the intersection of Gaines Street and Railroad Avenue, waving their hands in joyful unison because “Change is underway on Gaines Street.” A glance through conceptual sketches from the Genesis Group and others offers visible (and to some, harrowing)
glimpses at what the city has planned for this stretch of road. A man walks his dog down a spacious sidewalk; a man in a tucked-in green polo gestures to an item in a store’s window; a woman confidently holds a yellow purse out to her side. The modern buildings depicted are at least three stories tall and the traffic flows with ease on each side of a leafy median. And there are no Bohemians in sight. In the publication “Urban Design Guidelines for the Gaines Street Design Review Districts,” the Tallahassee/ Leon County Planning Department spells out adopted regulations for the Gaines Street District — everything from storefronts and building heights to pedestrian walkways and usability. The vision centers on creating a “sense of place” in the Gaines Street District and stems from the desire for an “18hour” downtown. (This plan was adopted in its basic form in 2001, with several revisions since, and is available on the website of the Economic Development Council — which has also listed properties along Gaines Street that are open for development.) The 2001 plan envisioned the entire stretch of Gaines Street from Woodward to Railroad Avenue as a dense yet openly designed urban core, with mixed-use properties — housing, retail/commercial space, and outdoor spaces that encourage an active com-
“The Gaines Street Districts, looking east over Doak Campbell Stadium. From the Gaines Street Revitilization Plan Final Report adopted in 2001.” - From Urban Design Guidelines For The Gaines Street Design Review Districts publication by the Tallahassee/Leon County Planning Department.
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A conceptual rendering of the CollegeTown plaza. munity presence. Early sketches from the 2001 plan envision neighborhoods of uniform, multi-level units that resemble a major suburban development. The concept drawings are far from any identity now held by the area, even though the guidelines state, “Citizens have expressed concern over losing Gaines Street’s offbeat, unconventional character and reputation, unique in the city and fundamental to its sense of place now. In no way should these guidelines be interpreted as ‘gentrifying’ any businesses essential to the character of the neighborhood. Their architecture may not be what the regulations and guidelines call for in new construction, but new development should strive for the kind of identification with the neighborhood that these established places enjoy.” The operative word in those guidelines is “should,” defined elsewhere in the publication to mean “actions or features that promote the intention for the district, but that are not necessarily required by or included as standards in Land Development Regulations.” Beautification, then, truly is in the eye of the beholder.
A GATEWAY FROM FSU TO DOWNTOWN
Conceptual drawings for CollegeTown — “a distinctive living, dining and entertainment district designed to link downtown Tallahassee and Florida State University in a vibrant ‘Main Street’ setting” that broke ground on January 17 — paint an equally gentrified scene at the west end of the Gaines Street project. These images depict a distinctly feminized complex — there are few men in sight, and the women imagined fit into neat stereotypes: the cheer-
ful, giggling girls jumping in the air; the chic young lady with her hand on one hip and matching handbag in the other; the tall, skinny girl talking on her cell phone; the older ladies with hands full of shopping bags; the girl whose Pomeranian wears a sweater. The wisdom of the CollegeTown development — a project spearheaded by the Seminole Boosters Club — has been questioned by some in the local business community, including those who are outside of the Gaines Street area.
BASKETBALL Continued from Page 5
taken to investigate the suspects or their well-being, even though both Officer Githens and O’Connell identified in the report the building to which the group retreated. The eyewitness, who only intermittently witnessed the scene while police were present, did not see any officers approaching the fourth-floor apartment where the large party had been held and to which the eyewitness watched several members of the brawl retreat. The eyewitness noted that the brawl took place on the far end of the parking lot away from where the suspects fled. The stairwell to the fourth-floor apartment — as well as the entrance to the apartment — is in the open air, well lit, and in plain sight of where the patrol car stopped. And Officer Northway could not speak to what exactly Officer Githens saw when he arrived on the scene. It is unknown if anyone besides
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In the January 30 edition of FSView, Jon Jusco, the owner of AJ’s Sports Bar on West Tennessee Street, was quoted as saying “I think it will obviously hurt business for the first 18 months. Then I think it will change to hurt businesses during home football weekends.” (Once CollegeTown is open, it will compete with other local nightlife venues, and plans envision an open-air stage venue for special concerts and events.) “Why hurt what’s already here?” Jusco was quoted.“… I admire what they’re trying to do ... I don’t think they’ve talked to people in the market. … I just wish it would have been discussed with local people before.” When completed, the Gaines Street revitalization will connect downtown Tallahassee with CollegeTown, encircling with development several blocks of mostly dilapidated buildings that rest above Gaines Street and below other developed areas. Already along Madison Street — which forms the north border for CollegeTown, running parallel to Gaines Street — several broken-down properties are fenced in, labeled for future high-end condo developments. And a new mixed-use condominium/retail building has already been constructed across Gaines Street from the future site of CollegeTown.
There is little doubt that CollegeTown and the Gaines Street revitalization will have an effect on property values in the area, but some business leaders question to what end it will affect the non-conventional, bohemian character that defines the city’s most notable arts district. And with the City’s projections for a Gaines Street imbued with the same products and amenities available in many other cookie-cutter shopping districts in America, one has to wonder: Where will all the nonconformists go?
O’Connell sustained injuries in the brawl. Officer Northway stated that it is not uncommon for police to arrive at a scene where no one wants to talk, particularly when alcohol is involved. Officer Northway added that the police were not there to witness the brawl as it occurred. Procedures call for the officer on the scene to attempt to conduct interviews, and determine if there is enough information for a criminal investigation. When asked if this incident possibly received preferential treatment because it involved FSU basketball players, Officer Northway denied this was the case and said, “We don’t have a dog in this fight. We don’t want one side to win. … Sometimes it’s hard to get people to say what’s going on. But I can’t say how many people were interviewed.” The incident report closes, “O’Connell contacted the FSU basketball coaches to let them know what was going on. Sergeant Taylor spoke with Coach Hamilton and let him know what the outcome of the investigation
was.” Officer Northway stated that he didn’t know exactly why Sergeant Kevin Taylor was called to the scene, but that sergeants themselves are out on patrol during shifts and get called to special scenes — such as when large groups are involved or when there are special circumstances. “The basketball team would be one of those situations,” he said. “A sergeant was called,” Northway said, “and called the coach, and told him what was going on. If anyone came out unscathed, it was those not found. I’m sure Coach Hamilton was not happy.” Officer Northway stated that he could not address an eyewitness’s account because of the anonymous nature of the comments and because he had not spoken to the witness directly, but encouraged any witnesses with information about this or any incidents to come forward, anonymously if they desire. The investigation was closed on the same day as the incident and no charges were filed.
... but some business leaders question to what end it will affect the nonconventional, bohemian character that defines the city’s most notable arts district.
Local News
TallyVillager.com
TCC HEALTH TEAM VOLUNTEERS IN HAITI
TCC’s Holly Lofland assists at the clinic. By Alice Maxwell, TCC Director of Communications
!
“I realized my problems back home were so minute that they might as well not even exist,�reflected Melton Barkley, who accompanied Tallahassee Community College pharmacy technician and nursing program faculty and students on a trip to Haiti in December. In this extremely impoverished country, the Tallahassee Haiti Medical Team volunteers found new meaning for “the gift of giving� during the holiday season. Founded by Dr. Woodrow Smith, the Tallahassee Haiti Medical Team includes volunteer doctors, nurses, emergency medical technicians, medical students, nursing students, pharmacy technician students and laypersons, all from Tallahassee and the surrounding areas. The team’s mission is to bring needed medical supplies and services to a clinic located in the city of Dumay, but the ultimate goal is to build the Dumay Regional Medical Center and provide a training site for future medical professionals. Shortly after Haiti’s tragic earthquake in January 2010, the group conducted a fundraising drive to collect medical supplies. Since then, several
trips have been made by Tallahassee area residents. Some of the volunteers on the December trip had made the journey to Haiti before; all of them said they hope to return. Calvin Gilbert, TCC Pharmacy Tech faculty member, said he plans to return in June and looks forward to helping more people in need. According to Holly Lofland, pharmacy technician coordinator, this is a “truly wonderful and life-changing experience.� “While in Haiti, our students’ primary responsibility was to run the onsite pharmacy,� said Lofland, who added that her students served as the “advance team� and arrived a day before the rest of the medical team to set up the pharmacy and records areas. To reduce patient wait time and increase the number of patients served, students were also entrusted with seeing patients with minor illnesses – much to their surprise. “The problems were things that required overthe-counter medications to treat, but some still needed a professional look,� said Melton Barkley. He continued, “This experience was priceless.� For more information or to join one of the team’s upcoming trips, please contact Holly Lofland at loflandh@tcc. fl.edu, or visit MyHaitiTeam.org.
A video -- featuring interviews with the volunteers after their return, and slideshows of images they took in Haiti -- is available online. Search YoutTube.com for “TCC Healthcare Haiti� to find the video.
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Feb 29, 2012/ vol. 1 iss. 2/ CapitalCityVillager/11
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STUDENT EXPLORER’S GUIDE You’re already here, and you’ve already seen the Student Ghetto from every angle (say, from the gutter on the strip to the cheap seats in the stadium.) So why not check a few local treasures off of your bucket list before graduating? You might find out that our town is pretty cool -- although we would never expect you to say so. This is a new series that will appear in each issue of Villager.
• Bradfordville Blues Club You WILL find the gift she loves... In the Cottages at Lake Ella. QuarterMoonImports.com
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Though the trip from FSU to the BBC lasts a mere 20 minutes down Thomasville Road, when you pull onto the dirt road leading to the venue, you’ll feel like you’re worlds away from the Tallahassee grind. Outside the club, a low-hanging mist blankets the ground; a shadowy canopy of oak trees draped with Spanish moss looms overhead; strange noises come from the surrounding forest. And when you step inside the intimate dance hall adorned with portraits of blues legends and assorted psychedelia, you’ll swear you’ve been transported to the Louisiana bayou. The guitar player sits on a stool and taps his foot before hitting on a blues lick, just a few notes but full of soul. The band strikes up behind him, and anything in the club with a pulse begins to move — everything else just pulsates. With renowned blues acts from the South, Chicago and beyond, the music is hot and the atmosphere authentic. The dance floor is the place to be, especially if you go when J.B.’s Zydeco Zoo is playing. With accordions, washboards, calypso beats and Cajun accents, conga lines are a virtual certainty. Don’t miss the pahtee. Grab a plate of fried mullet, collard greens and hush puppies at the door. Note the sign that reads “No drinking from your car,” and abide unless you want a hoodoo hex laid on your head. Besides, there’s beer and wine at the bar. Between sets, go chill out by the bonfire and watch spirits dance in the flames. If you’re ever feeling closed in by the confines of Capital Circle, wrangle a group of true blues enthusiasts, or
people who just like to dance, and make the journey. Go online ahead of time for tickets and scheduling. Cash in on a nice student discount. You’ll be glad you stepped out of town for a night and into this other dimension of bluesdom.
• Sex Manatee
Those who claim that all humans came from monkeys have never encountered the Sex Manatee, a local fixture on Tallahassee’s bar and music scene. This walking paean to “sex rock” is the only entity in town more libidinous than our capital building and its dome balls as viewed traveling westbound on Appalachee Parkway. Last we saw the Sex Manatee, he was peeling off his Celtics jersey on stage at The Filling Station, exposing his monumental girth and floating into the audience to deliver lap dances to giddy girls during a Catfish Alliance show, the band for which he sings, raps, and makes hype. Their latest album, Sex, Manatees & Rock ‘N’ Roll, was recorded at the Blackbird Studio in Nashville, Tennessee and was released last July. It is unclear whether other humanmanatee hybrids of his kind exist. Legend has it that he crawled out of Wakulla Springs one winter and walked straight onto Tallahassee’s music scene. Find him at a Catfish Alliance show in Midtown, seek him out while tailgating at football games, or run into him at last call. Like pure-bred manatees, he loves it when you scratch his belly.
• Wakulla Springs
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dent ghetto since. When you go home for Christmas, you retrace this route. You feel like you should venture forth and see some of that world-famous Florida wildlife, but the nearest beach is so far away. Get thee to Wakulla Springs! If you drive 30 minutes south of downtown, into the rural land of forest and sandy underbrush, of church signboards that entice with air conditioning and salvation, of long-embedded native Floridians who shoot at bears that rummage through their trash cans, you’ll eventually get to Wakulla Springs, which, according to its website, is “one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world.” Never mind that it’s in what the locals call “We’ll Kill Ya’” County. They need your patronage, really. Bring a towel, bathing suit, even a snorkel, and swim in the consistently 72-degree water that bubbles up from the Florida aquifer. A two-story diving platform will tempt the braver of your crew. In the wintertime, you can watch manatee bob and graze along. While you’re there, check out one of the park’s well-kempt hiking trails. The boat tours are a real treat. You’ll see wild birds, alligators, stunning fauna, and maybe even the Creature
from the Black Lagoon (which was filmed here, along with several early Tarzan films). If you get the chance, take the glass-bottom boat, because there are mastodon skeletons at the bottom of the springs. Yeah you heard us — freaking mastodons. Bet you don’t get that in your student ghetto.
• Science Salon at Waterworks
Let’s face it: nerding out has replaced loitering in the Wal-Mart parking lot as the new cool. If you get your kicks by discovering how fire ants communicate, or how your ears work, or how dark energy affects the constant rate of acceleration of our expanding universe, then you’re cool in our book, and Waterworks’s Science Salon on Thursday nights is the place for you. One evening last fall at the Science Salon, we were met by a quartet of owls, ranging from small and ghostly to large and regal. Sandy Beck from the St. Francis Wildlife Association informed us of her rescued owls’ eating and mating habits, their eternal battle against outdoor cats, and when
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she told us that her horned owl could hear each of us breathing individually, we collectively held our breaths. All the night owls at the tiki-themed bar scrambled to get a view of their namesakes, while the rest of us stayed poised in case we needed to shield our eyes from a hungry raptor in flight. The Science Salon is free, but 21+. The bar serves mean mixed drinks, has an extensive beer list, attracts bands and DJs on many weekend nights, and serves hefty hoagies and appetizers late into the evening. (Wanna know a secret? Get your freak on at the Space Bar on the backside of Waterworks each Thursday through Saturday — the décor is what the future looked like 60 years ago.)
• Tuesday Readings at The Warehouse
You like to write. Sometimes you steal away when no one’s looking and express yourself in written language. You keep your musings in a notebook in your closet or in a secret folder on your computer’s desktop. A couple years ago, you alerted Facebook to the blog you set up and planned to post to at least once a day. Two and a half posts later, that blog collects digital
A recent reading at The Warehouse’s Lit Night, where it could go either way at any time. (Photo by Andy Francis.) dust in a cobwebby corner of the internet. How do we know this? Don’t ask. We just do. We also know that the timid, inconsistent writer inside you could use a kick in the butt from a supportive writing community to get after those pages and bring them to the light of day.
Or maybe we’re wrong. It’s happened before. Maybe you just like to take in other people’s creations, because, let’s face it, who doesn’t like art? Either way, it’s time you took your bad, tortured artist self down to the Warehouse on a Tuesday night and see what all the talk’s about. The show starts at eight, when graduate students and faculty from FSU’s Creative Writing program, as well as acclaimed authors featured in the English department’s visiting writers series, present pyrotechnics of poetry and prose to the members of Tallahassee’s robust literary scene. Visiting authors read from their published work, and heavyweights such as Yusef Komunyakkaa, Bob Butler and Elizabeth Stuckey-French have recently graced the stage. Graduate student readings usually pair a poet with a prose writer, and the introductions verge on the obscene. Grab a pitcher and a pun from Leonard, grab a table in the A-framed venue lit with candles
and Christmas lights, and try not to look directly into the spooky, vacuous eyes of the 30-foot owl hanging from the rafters and posed in mid-swoop. On February 21, Villager was in the (ware)house to hear poetry from Timothy Welch and a novel excerpt from Adam Boles. The place was packed with under-the-influence undergrads, grizzled grad students escaping their paper grading caves, a few townies with their Marlboros and moccasins, and tenured FSU faculty members looking dapper in their furs. Tana Welch gave the first introduction, speaking of her husband’s seductive hands and what they do to her body. Then Timothy Welch spat out poetic lines to make you buckle your knees and jangle your keys. One poem, “We Lost the Avant-Garde to Mass Culture,” Welch self-effacingly said was “about breakfast.” Another, “The Hot Siberian,” said, “If a poem begins with seduction, it ends in forced prostitution / If it begins in marriage, then it ends in miscarriage.” We shifted in our seats and laughed. When Welch was done, we ordered more beer. After the intermission, Spencer Wise read a lighthearted, fictional narrative about Adam Boles’s prior career as a snack shop operator turned Iron Chef. Then Boles, in his tight jeans, tie, and Dilbert glasses, read from his novel in progress about a family on a Nebraska farm — rural residents with real-life conflicts. His deep, cloud-splitting voice conveyed the “vast confinement” of the region, the internal isolation of these residents of a landscape that jumps into character — ubiquitous, challenging, testing the mettle of its denizens — and complicates communication. Because in Nebraska, “you don’t say what you mean.” When the evening was over, we made sure to bring our glasses back to the bar, because the deal is if you leave your glasses in the back room, Leonard lays claim to your first born child.
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Commentary: Achieving Higher Ground
“Hurt People, Hurt People,” and silence kills. By Agnes Furey Last time, I talked about jumping into experiences — trying to make sense of them and making a difference. About a year ago, I began participating in a peer-facilitated program with inmates at Wakulla Correctional Institution. Many of these men have been in prison for decades, and some will spend the rest of their lives incarcerated. And it has been a privilege to spend time with them as they committed their time and energy in trying to make a difference in the outside world. They listen to the news and see younger men being admitted to prison, and they try to change the hearts and minds of the young inmates so they don’t again hurt someone and return to prison. The peer-to-peer program is intense and healing, and men who will never walk free are making a difference. But unfortunately, some prisons prohibit peer-to-peer programming. Some of my life experiences validate the concept. When I worked in addiction treatment, a very young person was occasionally admitted, and some in the community worried that older, more dysfunctional addicts might corrupt these young folks. But I saw something very different. Often those who had been living with addiction the longest would try hard to convince the younger ones to change while they still could. They’d share their stories of when they were young and fearless and relay the journey of the pain and destruction in their lives. Many years ago, in Jersey City — while parts of this country were burning and people were being killed in riots about race and war — we had what we called brotherhood in action. Hundreds of people would gather in auditoriums and gymnasiums and talk, sharing stories. It was sometimes difficult, but always powerful. Some problems were solved, but most of all, we got to know each other. And although we had incidents in Jersey City, we did not have widespread rioting like our neighboring communities. As Jacqui Banaszynski Wrote: Stories are our prayers/ Stories are our parables/ Stories are history/ Stories are music/ Stories are our soul
Now in our community a number of people with varied interests and stories have come together in One Voice Coalition. Oneness is about discovering similarities and respecting diverse opinions, bringing people of different walks of life together to build a better community and a future for our youth. And this overlaps with my role in restorative justice an approach to justice that focuses on creating healing and restoration as an outcome of crimes rather than only on retribution and punishment. It focuses on crime being an assault on the individual and the community, rather than upon the state. Restorative justice is a way of life, and Pam Marsh — US attorney for Northern Florida — brings this direction to the problems of drugs, guns and violence in our community. She brought together a coalition of law enforcement agencies — local, state, and federal — to arrest 14 people in the southern part of Tallahassee on federal charges recently. Four of those young people with lesser charges and no prior record were given a second chance. A community meeting, hosted by Pastor Rudy Ferguson, was held at New Birth Tabernacle of Praise Church on January 26, attended by Ms. Marsh, Florida State Attorney Willie Meggs and Tallahassee Police Chief Dennis Jones. At the meeting, Ms. Marsh stated that we can’t arrest our way out of this problem; it requires the community to come together and believe. We’ve had enough. TPD Chief Jones said that team partnerships are needed. Our young people need role models and mentors. He referred to prevention enforcement. “Every time someone needs to be arrested, somebody failed.” During the meeting, several residents asked questions and expressed concerns. Several talked about reporting activity to law enforcement and getting little response. Chief Jones said that while community members might not always see the response, the police department needs them to keep calling. “If you see something, say something,” he said. Several people expressed concern about the accountability of the owners
of the convenience store at which the 14 suspects had been arrested in the drug sting. State Attorney Willie Meggs expressed frustration with some of the systems of criminal justice. He reported that he had prosecuted a person with 300 pounds of marijuana, but a jury convicted them of misdemeanor possession. And that when someone is arrested for prostitution, they are released after 14 days. “That doesn’t solve the problem. They need help.”
...who believes that much of young male violence is related to unresolved grief, and many conversations with adolescents and young men have made me a believer.
Ms. Marsh cited a 50% recidivism rate and how important reentry into society is. “We need to provide a support system when they return” from prison. One of my learning experiences was with Dr. Ronald K. Barrett, who believes that much of young male violence is related to unresolved grief, and many conversations with adolescents and young men have made me a believer. Grief is experienced often, not only when someone dies. It can be vicarious exposure to violence, or through the incarceration of a parent or sibling. On January 30, I attended a discussion of the Anti-Bullying Task Force. A panel including Dr. Rachel Sutz Pienta, Octavia James representing Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, Rep. Dwight Bullard, Dr. Jay Reeve, Leon County Commissioner Akin Akinyemi,
A Slideshow of images from the community meeting -as well as previous articles from “Achieving Higher Ground” -- is available at TallyVillager.com Blythe Newsome, and Lisa Sprague –candidate for the office of Leon County Sherriff. Panelists discussed bullying, hazing as bullying, and suicide resulting from bullying. Commissioner Akinyemi shared that a 13-year-old boy had committed suicide that past weekend. And the discussion also acknowledged that often bullies are in need of help. As one young man commented, “Hurt people, hurt people.” I was reminded that much of what I heard was a variation of things I wish I learned years ago. In the early days of the AIDS epidemic, those most affected reminded the rest of us — not yet affected — that “Silence Equals Death” and wetook care of each other. In so many ways, that is true today. With homicide, suicide and all violence, silence kills. We are all affected. Let’s take care of each other. A suicide remembrance service will be held February 15th at 6pm at 1940 N. Monroe in Northwood Mall. Big Bend Hospice and the statewide suicide prevention task force are sponsors of the event. Agnes Furey is an advocate of “restorative justice” — an approach to justice that focuses on creating healing and restoration as an outcome of crime rather than only retribution and punishment — and facilitates the online group “Achieving Higher Ground” (www.facebook.com/groups/achievehigherground). She also facilitates a peer support group at Wakulla Correctional Institution — the prison which houses the murderer of her daughter and grandchild.
Feb dec 29, 14, 2012/ 2011/ vol. 1 iss. 1/ 2/ CapitalCityVillager/15
Commentary: The Media Doctors
When Silence Speaks Volumes By Dr. Jennifer Proffitt
There are many examples of corporate media blackouts of news stories that concern their economic interests. For example, NBC was largely criticized for failure to report that corporate owner General Electric earned $14.2 billion in profits globally ($5.1b domestically) in 2010 and paid no federal taxes -- as first reported by The New York Times.
On January 18, 2012, Wikipedia and other sites shut down for 24 hours, and outlets such as Google and Craigslist provided what CNET called “exhortations to contact members of Congress” to protest the Stop Online Privacy Act (SOPA). SOPA was one of two anti-piracy bills under Congressional consideration that would allow the U.S. government and corporate copyright holders the power to block access to -- and sue -- offending and potentially offending websites that enable piracy, the publication of trade secrets, and the sale of counterfeit goods -- essentially forcing search engines to be copyright police.
Support for the bill included Big Media corporations Comcast/NBC and Disney, powerful media industry trade associations, and hundreds of other corporate entities that sought to protect their economic interests. In light of the blackout, objections sent to politicians by millions of voters, and President Obama’s announcement that he would not support the bill as written, the legislation has been shelved … for now. This bill had been on the radar of digital media outlets since its introduction in October 2011, but it wasn’t until the Internet blackout that the mainstream media covered the story in any depth. This case demonstrates once again mainstream corporate media’s primary conflict of interest: economic motives versus public interest responsibilities. There are many examples of corporate media blackouts of news stories that concern their economic interests. For example, NBC was largely criticized for failure to report that corporate owner General Electric earned
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$14.2 billion in profits globally ($5.1b domestically) in 2010 and paid no federal taxes -- as first reported by the New York Times. Though NBC denied that this lack of coverage had anything to do with its parent company, the network’s silence when other outlets covered the story speaks volumes. As reported in the Washington Post, Fairness & Accuracy in Reporting’s Peter Hart “cited a series of GE-related stories that NBC’s news division had underplayed over the years, from safety issues in GE-designed nuclear power plants to the dumping of hazardous chemicals into New York’s Hudson River by GE-owned plants.”
In another telling example that is closer to home, in 1998, ABC News killed a 20/20 story based on the book Disney: The Mouse Betrayed that criticized parent company Disney’s lax security and hiring practices at Disney World. This included allegations, as reported by the Washington Post, that the park “fail[ed] to perform security checks that would prevent the hiring of sex offenders” and that it “ha[d] problems with peeping Toms.” Disney dismissed the book as a “hatchet job of the first order,” and ABC denied that the story was squashed based on the interests of the parent company. But this is difficult to believe when one considers that former Disney CEO Michael Eisner stated on NPR’s Fresh Air, “I would prefer ABC not to cover Disney.” In yet another example, the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) congressionally mandated review of its media ownership rules in 2002 led to contentious debates about media competition and concentration. Critics
contended that modification or elimination of ownership rules regarding broadcast media would lead to drastic concentration of ownership, which would have detrimental effects on diversity and localism, while industry supporters argued that elimination of rules were necessary to increase competition. As reported by the American Journalism Review in February 2003, when the deliberations were “in full flower,” a Pew Research Center for the People & the Press survey “found that 72 percent of Americans had heard ‘nothing at all’ about it. Only 4 percent said they had heard ‘a lot’.” By mid-May 2003, the print media could no longer ignore the issue when columnists such as William Safire of the New York Times and Brian Lowry of the Los Angeles Times began to speak out against the potential modifications to the ownership rules and corporate control of the media, and when influential organizations such as the National Organization for Women and the National Rifle Association became involved in the struggle. However, broadcast media were virtually silent on the issue until just a few days before the FCC’s June 2, 2003 decision. Perhaps ironically, in a May 28 Nightline report, Ted Koppel stated that the FCC’s impending action was “a big step that has received relatively little attention and almost no national debate,” and that now “it appears to be a done deal.” As journalist and scholar Ben Bagdikian notes, the reason people do not rail against the media monopoly is not because they don’t care, but because they are unaware of it, as the corporate media tend to avoid stories that are detrimental to the bottom line. This is especially problematic when many Americans still rely on mainstream media for their news. The Internet, of course, opens up space for such news to proliferate, but as the SOPA debate and others suggest, attempts to limit the democratic promise of the Internet in the name of corporate profit continue, and we must find ways to keep the public aware and engaged.
These listings are a small sampling from COCA’s Weekly E-Mail Blast, a free e-mail newsletter for cultural organizations and amateur and professional artists, musicians, writers, dancers, actors, and creative people in all disciplines. To receive the complete COCA weekly email, sign up at www.cocanet.org. COCA’s mission is to serve as a catalyst for development and support of arts and culture in Florida’s capital region.”
The Leon Anderson Quintet The Music of the Modern New Orleans Jazz Masters Ellis Marsalis, Harold Batiste, Alvin Baptiste & James Black. Saturday, March 17 @8pm
Leon Anderson, drums With
Ricardo Pascal, saxophone Waldron Dunkley, trombone David Meder, piano
Rodney Jordan, bass
Visual Arts Instructor Wanted for Kids and Teens The Thomasville Center for the Arts is seeking a Visual Arts Instructor with a passion for their work who desires to enrich the lives of children through art. A candidate for this job must be creative, resourceful, enjoy working on a team, collaborating with other artists/teachers, and have experience in the field of art education. For more info, e-mail hmavity@thomasvillearts. org.
Theatre TCC! Accepting Director Applications (Deadline: April 2) Theatre TCC! is now accepting director applications for its 2012-2013 theatre season. Shows include A.R. Gurney’s “Sylvia,” John Patrick’s “The Curious Savage,” and “FAME-The Musical.” Please email nielsene@tcc.fl.edu for an application.
Seeking Arts and Crafts Vendors (Deadline: March 19)
MusicFest 2012: Sounds of Hope is looking for up to 15 established arts and crafts vendors who are interested in selling their high quality, familyfriendly wares during the upcoming music festival on April 15 to benefit Refuge House. Visit http://www.MusicFestTally.com for more info.
Cover 15
B Sharps Jazz Club 648 W Brevard St www/b-sharps.com 850-577-0748
Scotty Barnhart and Friends Friday, March 23 @8pm Cover 15
B-Sharp’s is BACK!
NOTES FROM
Intergalactic Aliens Needed for the Opera House Stage Company (Audition Dates : March 4 & 5) The Opera House Stage Company announces auditions for Murder: The Next Generation...Dinner at Deep Space Noir. Characters include 5 men, 2 women, plus numerous aliens of all sexes, species and sizes. Trek fans are encouraged to use their creative talents to develop characters, including costumes and makeup. For more info call Kathleen Osgood at 850-997-4010 or 850-485-4905.
Angela Durant Turner, Ed.S., NCC
Mental Health Counseling 3201 Shamrock Street South, #103, 32309 850.545.8463 | AngelaDTurner.com
Helping individuals, families, couples and groups achieve positive, sustainable and desired change in their lives! Feb 29, 2012/ vol. 1 iss. 2/ CapitalCityVillager/1
Theater Arts
Behind The Scenes: Full Monty at FSU, Part 3 First rehearsal for crew Publisher’s Note: This article, the last of a behind-the-scenes series about FSU School of Theater’s Spring musical, was originally published at TallyVillager.com, and the show recently ended its run. To explain some of what went into that show for those who may have seen it, and to expand education about theater arts in general, we have decided to publish the story here. Information about upcoming shows can be found at theatre.fsu.edu, and the previous two parts of this series can be viewed at TallyVillager.com, along with slideshows of progress in the months before the �irst curtain.
By Andy Francis Staff Writer “Ethan Girard” - a character in FSU’s spring production of The Full Monty – has just mimed pulling his pants down on stage. Various male members of the cast react with shock to the size of his – well -- male member, as he waddles upstage towards them, his back to the audience and his hand extended for a greeting. Director Tom Ossowski -- sitting with various department heads about ten rows back from the stage -- leans over to Kris Peterson, the show’s head costume designer, and murmurs, “His pants go down to his ankles?” She nods intently as others take notes or whisper comments back and forth, scrambling about to fulfill their duties during this first “crew watch” rehearsal. It’s just sixteen short days before the curtain rises on February 17, and this is the first time the department heads will view the rehearsal in full – on the stage -- to make sure their plans and the director’s work together. The Full Monty – a staged musical adaptation, set in America, of the hit 1997 British film -- is centered around a group of unemployed former steel workers who try to raise money by starting a male stripping troupe. But this is not a play intended to simply raise eyebrows or elicit blushes. “It’s not all about stripping,” said Peterson, as we stood in the theater’s
Costume Designer Kris Peterson Shows Off A “Stripper Cop Outfit” In Front Of Her Conceptual Sketches -Which Have Now Become Costumes. (Photos By Andy Francis.) jumbled costume shop. “These guys all have struggles, a lot of issues and pain that they’re working through.” Those issues – ranging from custody rights to homophobia to suicide – lend a strong foundation to the laughterfilled musical. Before the start of this rehearsal it felt like a musical had broken out in the seats. A few students were singing energetically and loudly. Others were sitting in chairs or in the aisle, stretching or lounging. And various members of the crew ran about on stage and behind it, preparing for the run-through. Then Technical Director Ree Seminole led the cast and crew in a fire drill that showcased the group’s dramatic side; a female student screeched her best fire alarm impersonation as the others ran wildly away, screaming and flailing their arms. The mood was light and the theater filled with laughter, much like the cast hopes it will be over
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the two weekends of performances. Some folks were already under heavy stress, and Stage Manager Ashley Squires was chief among them. During our brief conversation, Squires – a fast-talking, brown-haired FSU senior - greeted a few students, received a call from one running late (“Make sure you sign in when you get here!”), and conferred with Peterson about coming up with two more show-time assistants for the costuming department. It’s all just a tiny peek into the art of Stage Management. “Up until now I was more focused on scheduling, communication, acting as a liaison between all the departments,” Squires said. “Now that’s still my job, but it’s adding layers on top of it as we get into tech.” Incorporating the technical aspects of the show is an assignment that looms large over the cast and crew, and many things have yet to be done:
the show’s scenery was not yet installed, although it had been constructed; folding metal chairs took the place of the actual set pieces; sliding tracks that will carry large scenic panels across the stage were still not up. Director Ossowski did not hesitate in naming tech as the biggest challenge left, but that is what tech weeks are for – meshing together the work of all the departments that has been going on behind the scenes since November. Once the electrical rigging is done, set pieces and scenery can be installed. Then the stage crew can choreograph its movements. Lights can be fixed where they are needed, and the sound department can do its work. And on and on until the first curtain rises. One complication to the technical side of the show is also one of its coolest features: the stage “revolve” -- a large circular section of the floor can be made to rotate with the push of a
button. This feature makes for some entrancing and complicated dance sequences, and even creates amazing transitions from scene to scene. The front half of the stage hosts the present action while the back half is prepared for the next scene. Then the furniture and scenery simply rotate away at the end of a scene, and the new setting comes to the forefront. It’s a great element of the show, but smoothly incorporating it presents a huge challenge, as Ossowski – a friendly man with a simultaneously firm and gentle voice – explained. “You can’t picture it in your head,” said the director. “How do you block someone in your head when they’re moving and talking and walking, and whether they’re going against the stream of the revolve or with it?” It’s another wrinkle in a show already loaded with technical challenges. “We’re using the revolve, we’re using tracking, and we’re using flying,” Ossowski said, referring in the latter to rigging above the stage (the “fly”) that allows set pieces to enter and exit vertically. “And they all happen at the same time, and they’re all timed to music, and the actors dance through these transitions with the revolve going around.” He flashed a wry smile. “So yeah, it’s going to be tricky the next few days.” Seminole -- a third-year graduate student with an easy air of confidence and the tall, muscular build normally associated with football, not theater -- oversees the show’s technical elements. The quality of his work over the next two weeks will go a long way towards determining the show’s success. “There’re about fifty scenic transitions, and they only repeat locations three or four times,” Seminole said, discussing just one of the many challenges he must deal with. “If each of the transitions takes a minute, that’s fifty extra minutes added to your show. If we get them down to thirty seconds, even then that’s twenty-five extra minutes.” He also noted that this show was different than others he’s worked on because of the need for mobile scenery. “Building a set isn’t really hard, but building one that moves is.” When asked about the challenges posed specifically by the revolving floor, Seminole came up with some interesting comparisons. “It’s sort of like Frogger. Or, you know how people tell you to pat your head and spin your hand around?,” he asked, proceeding to pat his head and rub his stomach. “It’s like that, but with five different people
controlling different parts.” Other departments have their challenges as well. Head costume designer Peterson – working on her first show for FSU’s main stage – has had to deal with some peculiar assignments for this stripping-centered musical, as she demonstrated when showing me the rented tear-away cop outfits. She would not show me the g-strings (“No one sees the g-strings,” she intoned),
Adults 50+ are Invited to Attend Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at FSU For Sping Classes
but I was lucky enough to see one in action during the run through. This reporter will confirm: yes, definitely a g-string. While some outfits were rented, many others were made from scratch specifically for the production. This is a lengthy process that begins with Peterson’s own drawings, which are then created into patterns by an /Cont’d on page 31
THE
GREEN DOOR STUDIO
10 Years Old Or Older SAT. 10a - 2p
presents...
The Perils of Plein Aire Painting
ALL-REQUEST You Call The Shots FRI. 11p - 2a
WORLD MUSIC
OLLI at FSU is a unique six-week program providing academic short courses to adults 50+ taught by faculty from FSU, TCC, FAMU and leaders in our community. You don’t need a degree or to be an FSU graduate to join - and there are no tests or homework! For just a $60 membership fee, you can participate in field trips, noontime lectures, a book club, a writers group and other special events. Class fees range from $30 to $55.
From Around The Globe SUN. 4p - 6p
SUNDAY JAZZ New & Traditional SUN. 6p - 8p
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at The Florida State University For a list of all spring activities and to register online please visit our website at olli.fsu.edu. Call 644-7947 Email taaronson@fsu.edu
TIME MACHINE
WVFS Fine Arts on commission (850) 878-0412
Tallahassee 89.7 FM
Senior citizens, check out art opportunities at the Tallahassee Senior Center
The Voice of Florida State
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Athletics and adventures
Local Psychos Take On Tough Mudder Course On February 11, a ragtag team of Tallahasseans who had been training for months ran the Tough Mudder Marathon in Washington, GA. Dubbed “probably the toughest event on the planet” by organizers, these 10-12 mile marathons -- which are held around the world, and are designed by “British Special Forces to test each person’s strength, stamina, mental grit, and camaraderie” -- poke, prod, shock, freeze, and dare each runner to quit. Our local team filed this journal report.
By Briana Hall There is no amount of training that can adequately prepare you for the shock of jumping into what is essentially a giant Slushee, more ice than water. As you climb up the plywood ramp and peer down over the edge of the dumpster, every fiber of your being is screaming at top volume: “this is a horrible idea!” Sure, you’ve taken cold showers, maybe even jumped into the ocean or a cold pool just to see what it’s like. You’ve read about how the body responds to the cold, and you’ve got a strategy for minimizing the time you have to spend in the water. But that second after you cannonball into the abyss, when your body hits the ice, everything. simply. stops. There is no conscious thought, no deliberate movement. For the next few seconds, your entire existence is nothing but instinct, pure survival. Your body shuts off from your brain and you just go. Opening your eyes is pointless, as they’re too frozen to even focus properly. Your head is wrapped in a vise, as though your brain were made of ice. If you’re lucky, you find yourself scrambling up and out of the dumpster before you lose every last nerve of feeling. When you finally manage to claw your way free, emerging into howling 30-mph winds, you realize you’ve still got 11 miles and over 20 obstacles ahead of you. And only then does it hit you: “I must be out of my mind.”
Slideshow at TallyVillager.com
Member’s of the team from Tallahassee -- the Rabid Bobcats -- had it so easy they were taking photos as they ran the Georgia course. A photo slideshow is available at TallyVillager.com.
Welcome to Tough Mudder
On the morning of The Event (as we came to refer to it), our team was nervous, but confident. We anxiously checked the weather reports and ran through our packing lists over and over. Compression gear? Check. Shoes? Check. Gloves? Check. Warm clothes and blankets for later? Got it. We had signed our Death Waivers back at the hotel before we left, so registration was a breeze. Each runner had their bib number written on their forehead, arm, and leg to assist with identification in case of collapse or worse. “You may see a fellow mudder laying out on the ground. They are NOT just enjoying nature,” the emcee reminded us. A brief jog around the parking lot kept us warm until our start time arrived. In order to even get to the chute, we had to scale over a six-foot wall. On the other side lay the beginning of what would turn out to be the most difficult thing any of us had ever done.
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Go Time.
“As a Tough Mudder I Pledge That… • I understand that Tough Mudder is not a race but a challenge. • I put teamwork and camaraderie before my course time. • I do not whine – kids whine. • I help my fellow mudders complete the course. • I overcome all fears.” The pledge still echoing in my mind, I was exhilarated as I took my first steps out of the gate. After a nice quarter-mile jaunt, we hit our first obstacle: a series of muddy trenches, about 2–3 feet wide. We hopped, skipped and bounded over them without incident. The trail then snaked through the woods and over puddles of mud and leaves. I took every opportunity to relish the feeling of wet mud squishing through the toes of my Vibrams. In this moment, I was truly alive. A low crawl under barbed wire and a short sprint later, we faced a series of 12-foot walls separated by tractor tires. In preparation for The Event, our
team built a wall to practice on. We’d spent many hours working together to lift each person up and over, devising a strategy to ensure those who needed the most help had someone there to support them. The course walls seemed easy by comparison. Our training kicked in, and we built our pyramid and scaled the wall just as we had practiced. We were up and over in no time with military precision. It was while riding on the high of this early victory that we encountered the Slushee from hell known as Arctic Enema, not even a mile into the run. It helped wash off the layer of mud we had all recently acquired. We all made it through, but there was a definite change in the atmosphere. The ice had reached into our very core, weighing us down and dampening the excitement of the morning. After our ice bath, we had the pleasure of a sprint through a corridor of burning hay bales, topped off with a leap over flames licking at our feet.
/Cont’d on page 31
Music Underground
Jazz Cornerstone B-sharp’s Cafe Returns By Tracy Horenbein For as far back as I can remember, I have always romanticized jazz music. In retrospect, I have to attribute my idyllic notions to the fact that my earliest memories as a child are of the jazz records my parents played in our home. Growing up, I heard stories about how my parents met and fell in love, with the golden era of jazz as their soundtrack. It was the late 50s–early 60s. Dad was running an advertising agency, and Mom was an airline stewardess. While dating, she’d sneak him on flights and their dates would end up at legendary jazz clubs along the east coast. It’s safe to say that jazz probably played a role in my conception. When I reached the status of young adult, I followed in my parents’ footsteps and set out on my own path of musical discovery. Wanting to look beyond what was readily available and safe, I became immersed in the 80s punk scene. But no matter how brilliant, theatrical, or political that punk scene was, jazz would always remain my first love. Jazz musicians were my astronauts. They were the players that were out there doing the heavy, deep-space exploration. They had created some of the most beautiful music during some of the ugliest times in our country. Lucky for me and my fellow punk rockers, there was a flourishing jazz scene right here in Tallahassee that was developing alongside the early indie rock scene. And it was during this time that I first met trumpet player Scotty Barnhart. Barnhart was a music student at Florida A&M. He had a house on Kissimmee Street across from FAMU’s campus, which he shared with several other young jazz musicians. Apart from the fact that we played different styles of music, the tight-knit music community all shared one common bond: we all needed a place to play. The rock musicians had house parties, and several old buildings off of Gaines Street had been converted into music venues. But the jazz musicians found their refuge at a rather unlikely bar located in a Ramada Inn on the north side of town near I-10. For several years, the Ramada Inn
North bar was the place to go in Tallahassee to hear up and coming — as well as world-class — jazz musicians. My friends and I saw young legends Wynton Marsalis and Marcus Roberts alongside future greats from FAMU and FSU, like Scotty Barnhart and Bill Peterson. We’d witness professors like FAMU’s Lindsey Sarjeant and FSU’s Bill Kennedy preparing their students for a lifetime of discipline and discovery. It was truly magical and memorable times. Then it was gone. People graduate and start careers, fans move on, and management changes. For jazz lovers in Tallahassee, it seemed like there was a long period of time with a lack of many live music options. Occasionally someone would come to Ruby Diamond Auditorium, but the intimate clubs were few and far between. It made me sad to think about kids not getting the chance to experience live jazz. Drummer Art Blakey said “jazz washes away the dust of everyday life,” and that was certainly something we could all benefit from. Especially now, in the modern era of mean-spirited politics, reality television and immediate uploads of super-important stuff that really isn’t that important. I mean it’s one thing to walk into a museum and look at a masterpiece and say “wow!” It’s another thing altogether to be able to sit five feet away from the artist and watch him paint it. Fortunately, B-Sharp’s Jazz Café owners Gerri and husband Clarence Seay renovated the historic old house at 648 West Brevard and opened their doors in 2008 so jazz lovers could see and hear the difference. Fast forward to the present. It’s a perfect Saturday night in Tallahassee and an amazing sold-out Christian McBride concert has just ended at Opperman Music Hall and people are making their way over to the after-party at B-Sharp’s, newly reopened after a several-month hiatus. The air is buzzing with energy from a historic performance not uncommon to the hallowed Tallahassee grounds that were once home to Nat and Cannonball Adderley. A student quintet is heating up the listening room as people begin to fill up the cozy space. Tonight’s crowd is
Jazz royalty Christian McBride and band members play a jam session at the newly returned B-Sharp’s Jazz Cafe on February 4 as co-owner Gerri Seay looks on. a wonderful mix of jazz fans, music students, and School of Music faculty. Jazz royalty Marcus Roberts and the entire Christian McBride band have also made their way over to the club for a jam session. For students, the opportunity to play alongside the best performers in their field is an incredible experience. Students in Florida State University’s jazz program already know how lucky they are. Their professors are not just teaching the music they love, they’re also living it. Professor Scotty Barnhart is a Grammy Award–winning trumpet player who released the critically acclaimed solo album Say It Plain in 2009. Do yourself a favor and check out the recording session video for Say It Plain on YouTube. It’s some of the best nine minutes and twenty seconds you’ll spend online, and features Barnhart with Delfeayo Marsalis, Herlin Riley, Rick Lollar, and fellow FSU faculty Bill Peterson, Leon Anderson, Jr., and Rodney Jordan. But to ensure that this gem of the live music scene stays vibrant, jazz lovers should continue to check the calendar at B-Sharp’s for future performances and attend events as often as possible.
For jazz lovers in Tallahassee [back then], it seemed like there was a long period of time with a lack of many live music options. Occasionally someone would come to Ruby Diamond Auditorium, but the intimate clubs were few and far between. More Music News at TallyVillager.com
Feb 29, 2012/ vol. 1 iss. 2/ CapitalCityVillager/21
Concerts & Recitals Wind Orchestra Feb. 29-Mar 2 8:00 PM FSU College of Music Westcott Building www.music.fsu.edu//Concerts-andEvents Capital Chordsmen Barbershop Chorus rehearsals: Join us! Ongoing Thurs 7:00-9:30 PM Tallahassee Senior Center 1400 North Monroe Street capitalchordsmen.org
Concert by American Chamber Players, Miles Hoffman, Artistic Director Mar. 1, 8:00 PM Thomasville Center for the Arts Auditorium 600 block, E. Jackson Street (Bus. US319) www.TEFconcerts.com Benefit Concert with Barrage Mar. 1, 7:00 PM Ruby Diamond Concert Hall Westcott Building www.tallahasseeyouthorchestras.org
Kids Go For B’roque Concert Mar. 4, 3:00 PM Dohnanyi Recital Hall Housewright Music Building FSU Campus www.tallahasseebachparley.org
Trans-Siberian Orchestra “Beethoven’s Last Night” Mar. 9, 8:00 PM Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center 505 West Pensacola Street www.tlccc.org Enhak? Quartet Mar. 11, 4:00 PM Opperman Music Hall Kuersteiner Music Building FSU Campus www.TheArtistSeries.org
Tallahassee Bach Parley Guest Artist Concert: Echoing Air Mar. 11, 3:00 PM St. John’s Episcopal Church 211 North Monroe Street www.tallahasseebachparley.org Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra Presents St. Patrick’s Day Concert
Mar. 17, 8:00 PM Ruby Diamond Concert Hall corner of Copeland and College www.tallahasseesymphony.org University Singers - FSU Mar. 18, 4:00 PM Ruby Diamond Concert Hall Westcott Building 850-645-7949
Bela Fleck & the Flecktones Mar. 21, 8:00 PM Ruby Diamond Concert Hall Westcott Building www.sevendaysfestival.org
Exhibits Youth Success - Gallery of Education and Innovation Thru Mar 31, 8:00 AM Juvenile Justice Foundation and DISC Villagen 500 S. Bronough Street www.florida-arts.org Winter 2012 Exhibitions Thru Mar. 9, Hours Vary Thomasville Center for the Arts 600 East Washington Street http://www.thomasvillearts.org
Alternatives to Unconsciousness Sara May Love Gallery Thru Apr. 28, Museum Hours Gadsden Arts Center 13 N. Madison Street www.gadsdenarts.org Fantasy Expressions Sara May Love Gallery Thru Apr. 28, Museum Hours Gadsden Arts Center 13 N. Madison Street http://www.gadsdenarts.org The Color of Light Zoe Golloway Exhibit Hall Thru Apr. 28, Museum Hours Gadsden Arts Center 13 N. Madison Street http://www.gadsdenarts.org
Kids Go for B’roque
The Tallahassee Bach Parley has hosted a competition for young musicians called Kids Go F or B’roque, and the top pieces will be performed at 3 p.m., Sunday, March 4th in the Dohnanyi Recital Hall of the Florida State University College of Music. In addition, the Tallahassee Bach Parley will perform three concerts of baroque music, played on period instruments closely replicating the way the pieces were performed more than 300 years ago. Free and open to the public, visit www.tallahasseebachparley.org 22/ CapitalCityVillager/ Feb 29, 2012/ vol. 1 iss. 2
The FAMU Faculty Show Thru Mar. 2, Museum Hours Florida A&M University The Foster Tanner Fine Arts Gallery http://www.famuart.com/fostertannergallery.htm Recent Abstract Paintings by John Richey Thru Mar 29, 12:30 PM Tallahassee Community College www.tcc.fl.edu
“Civil Right”
A display of artwork that pays tribute to the civil rights movement through the work of local artists, including the late Karl Zerbe. With portraits by Mickey Adair of prominent civil rights demonstrators in Tallahassee and nationally. Includes enlargements of national wire service newspaper photos and stories about the Tallahassee civil rights movement. Through March 10 at the Lemoyne Center for Visual Arts. Lemoyne.org Jack Adams, Boston Georgia’s Native Son Ongoing, 6:00 PM The Accidental Gallery 106 N. Main Street sandi.shaw444@gmail.com New Gifts from the Archives of Judy Chicago - Exhibition Thru Mar. 25, 9:00 AM FSU Museum of Fine Arts 530 W Call Street www.mofa.fsu.edu Mark Fletcher’s Critter Talk: A Solo Exhibit Thru Mar. 26, 8:00 AM ArtPort Gallery Tallahassee Regional Airport www.cocanet.org/artport-gallery/ Highwaymen Art Presentation Ongoing, Museum Hours Museum of Florida History 500 S. Bronough St. www.museumoffloridahistory.com
Civil Right Thru Mar. 10, 10:00 AM LeMoyne Center for the Visual Arts 125 North Gadsden Street www.lemoyne.org
By Design: Faculty Exhibition Thru Mar. 2, 8:00 AM FAMU School of Architecture 1938 S. Martin Luther King Blvd dlagrasse@yahoo.com
Creativity in Oils and Acrylics Thru Mar. 23, 9:00 AM Tallahassee Senior Center for the Arts 1400 North Monroe Street Leslie.Puckett@talgov.com The FAMU Faculty Show Thru Mar. 2, Varying Hours The Foster Tanner Fine Arts Gallery located on FAMU’s campus http://www.famuart.com/fostertannergallery.htm
Presenting Recent Abstract Paintings by John Richey Thru Mar 29, 12:30 PM Tallahassee Community College Turner Auditorium 444 Appleyard Drive www.tcc.fl.edu Fantasy Expressions: Paintings by Tom Busbyl Sculpture by Barbara Balzer Thru Apr 28, Varying Hours Gadsden Arts Center 13 N. Madison Street www.gadsdenarts.org
A Dance with the Camera Mar. 3-28, 2:00 PM Jefferson Arts Gallery 575 W. Washington St. www.jeffersonartsgallery.com
Contributions of Archaeology Mar. 8, 6:00 PM Governor Martin House 1001 de Soto Park Dr (850) 488-7334
Third Saturday at Railroad Square Mar. 17, 1:00 PM 621 Gallery 621 Industrial Drive www.621gallery.org Rummage Sale Mar. 3 - 10, Varying Hours/Days Panhandle Pioneer Settlement 17869 NW Pioneer Rd. www.panhandlepioneer.org
Family & Mature Living
Brienenart Mar. 29, 10:00 AM Mockingbird Cafe 1225 N. Monroe www.brienenart.com
2012 National Poster Art Competition for Children Each Sat., 2:00 PM The Dream Cottage 820 E. Park Ave., Bldg. A-10 www.daretodreamyoungirls.com
First Friday - Three Exhibits and an Artist Talk Mar. 2, 6:00 PM 621 Gallery 621 Industrial Drive www.621gallery.org
Pets and Their People - a family event Sat. Mar 3, 9:00 AM Proctor Suburu 1707 Capital Circle NE www.lchs.info
Digital Diversity Council on Culture and Arts Exhibit Thru Mar 12, 8:00 AM City Hall Gallery 300 South Adams Street www.cocanet.org
“Thicket” by Guerra de la Paz with Florida State Department of Art Ongoing, 1:00 PM 621 Industrial Drive www.621gallery.org Body of Art Thru Mar. 30, Varying Hours 1020 Art 1020 East Lafayette Street 1020art.com/blog/
2nd Saturday Family Program 11:00 AM Museum of Florida History 500 S. Bronough St www.museumoffloridahistory.com
Thu. Mar. 8
PFLAG Tallahassee Monthly Meeting - 2nd Thurs Each Mth 6:00 PM St. John’s Episcopal Church 211 N. Monroe Street www.pflag-tallahassee.org
“Getting To Know BPW” Professionals - annual business meeting 11:30 AM Logan’s Roadhouse 750 Apalachee Parkway www.bpwtallahassee.com
Sat. Mar. 10
Madeline’s Magic Shoes Workshop 1 Join Madeline in her Circus Adventures 9:30 AM Thomasville Center for the Arts 600 East Washington Street www.thomasvillearts.org Madeline’s Magic Shoes Workshop 2 Join Madeline in her Broadway Adventures 10:30 AM Thomasville Center for the Arts 600 East Washington Street www.thomasvillearts.org
Saturday Space Mission 10:00 AM Challenger Learning Center 200 South Duval Street www.challengertlh.com
Second Saturdays in Historic Apalachicola 6:00 PM Historic Apalachicola Main Street 86 Water Street www.historicapalachicola.com
Summer Camp Splash event will showcase over 100 summer camp programs 10:00 AM Northwood Centre 1940 North Monroe Street
Festivals
2012 Spring Artbrary at Strozier Thru Apr. 16, 9:00 AM Florida State University Libraries 116 Honors Way www.lib.fsu.edu
Black Powder Musket Firings Saturdays, 11:00-12:00 PM Mission San Luis 2100 West Tennessee Street www.missionsanluis.org
Mon. Mar. 5
Kids Night at Fuzions 4:00 PM Fuzions Frozen Yogurt 1870 Thomasville Rd Tallahassee, FL Edible Garden Club 6:00 PM Winthrop Park
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Fundraisers Headshots for Tallahassee area Non-Profits Mon. & Tues through 2012, 3:00 PM Mickey Adair 565 E. Tennesseee St. www.availablelightphoto.com/headshots
Sat. Mar. 3
Orphan Logistics and Relief Fundraiser 9:30 AM Boot Camps to Go 2815-2 Industrial Plaza Dr. find on facebook
Tallahassee Jewish Food and Cultural Festival
On Sunday, March 11, from 10:30am to 4:00pm ,Tallahassee’s third annual Jewish Festival will once again host live music, crafts, and food. Music and dancing will go on throughout the day, with craft vendors, a children’s area, and a kosher wine sale for the 21+ crowd. As well as Carnegie Deli food straight from New York City with plenty of knishes, strudel, and corned beef!
1st Friday @ Railroad Square Art Park 6:00 PM Railroad Square Art Park 567 Industrial Dr communityatrailroadsquare.org Spring Fling Mar. 2 –3, 5:00 PM Fellowship Presbyterian Church 3158 Shamrock St. (850) 228-5190
Antiques Show & Sale Mar. 3-5, 10:00 AM Tallahassee Senior Center and Killearn Antiques 1400 North Monroe Street andrea.personett@talgov.com
Downtown MarketPlace Tallahassee Every Saturday Thru Dec., 9:00 AM Monroe St at Park Avenue Tallahassee FL downtown 117 E Park Avenue www.tallahasseedowntown.com Ambassadors for Aging Spring Fling Wed., Mar 7, 6:00 PM Tallahassee Senior Center 1400 North Monroe Street www.talgov.com/seniors
SouthWoodstock Music Festival Sat. Mar 10, 11:00 AM John Paul II Catholic High School southwoodstock.org Jesus River Festival Sat. Mar 10, 1:00 PM Sopchoppy City Park 252 Park Ave jesusriverfestival@live.com
Tallahassee Jewish Food and Cultural Festival Sun. Mar 11, 10:30 AM Temple Israel 2215 Mahan Drive Tallahasseejewishfoodfestival.com Breakfast in the Park Wed. Mar 14, 6:30 AM Bloxham Park on Park Avenue Monroe Street & Calhoun Street staff@springtimetallahassee.com
3rd Saturday @ Railroad Square Art Park Wed., Sat 17, 3:00PM Railroad Square Art Park 567 Industrial Dr communityatrailroadsquare.org St Patricks Day Downtown Tallahassee Wed., Sat. 17, 4:00 PM Adams Street Commons 228 S Adams St www.tallahasseedowntown.com
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Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser for Leon County Reading Council with Hot Tamale live 8:00 AM Applebees 1355 Apalachee Pkwy (850) 222-1254 Cattle Barons’ Ball for the American Cancer Society 6:00 PM Tallahassee Antique Car Museum 6800 Mahan Drive (850) 297-0588
Fri. Mar 9
“Support the Girls” Breast Cancer FUN-draiser 5:00 PM Orleans @ Midtown 1240 Thomasville Rd find us on facebook
Princess House Fundraising Awareness Event Thru Mar 31, Every Friday Lake Ella South Lake Ella Drive The Nutcracker Golf Classic with the Tallahassee Ballet Mon. Mar. 12, 11:00 AM SouthWood Golf Club 3750 Grove Park Drive www.tallahasseeballet.org
History
Girl Scouting in the Sunshine State: Celebrating 100 Years Thru August, Museum Hours Florida Historic Capitol Museum 400 S. Monroe Street www.flhistoriccapitol.gov
Black Wings: American Dreams of Flight Thru Apr. 22, Varying Hours Museum of Florida History 500 S. Bronough St. www.museumoffloridahistory.com Tallahassee’s Knott House Thru June 30, Museum Hours Museum of Florida History 500 S. Bronough St. www.museumoffloridahistory.com Exhibits at Mission San Luis Thru Dec. 31, 10:00 AM Mission San Luis 2100 West Tennessee Street www.missionsanluis.org
Forever Changed: La Florida, 15131821 Sat. Mar. 3, 10:00 AM Museum of Florida History 500 S. Bronough St. www.museumoffloridahistory.com
The History and Future of The Grove Sat. Mar 3, 10:30 AM Mission San Luis 2100 West Tennessee Street www.missionsanluis.org 17th Century Military Muster Sat. Mar 10, 10:00 AM Mission San Luis Fort 2100 West Tennessee Street wwww.missionsanlui.org
Second Sunday Archaeology Lab Tours Sun. Mar 11, 11:00 AM Mission San Luis 2100 West Tennessee Street www.missionsanluis.org Turkomen Jewelry Thur. Mar. 29, Museum Hours FSU Museum of Fine Arts 250 Fine Arts Building www.mofa.fsu.edu
Lectures/ Readings Signs and Treatment of P.A.D. Wed. Feb 29, 5:00 PM Capital Regional Medical Center www.capitalregionalmedicalcenter. com
Edible Flowers and Herbs in the Kitchen Fri. Mar 2, 12:00 PM Goodwood Carriage House 1600 Miccosukee Rd
Eat Healthy, Live Longer Wed. Mar 14, 7:45 PM New Leaf Market 1235 Apalachee Parkway www.newleafmarket.coop
First Sunday at the Refuge Series presents The Fungus Amongus Sun. Mar 4, 2:00 PM St. Marks Refuge @ Environ. Educ. Center 1255 Lighthouse Road 850.925.6121
Tallahassee Writer’s Association Thur. Mar 15, 6:30 PM American Legion 229 Lake Ella Dr. http://www.floridalegionpost13.org
Free Planetarium Show Sat. Mar 3, 10:00 AM Challenger Learning Center 200 South Duval Street www.challengertlh.com
P.A.S.T. - Archaeology Month, B. C. Jones Center for Archaeology Tue. Marr. 6, 7:00 PM Gov. Martin House 1001 DeSoto Park Drive, FSU Literary Readings Every Tuesday, 8:00 PM The Warehouse 706 W Gaines St. (850) 222-6188
Make Your Own Kombucha for Less Wed. Mar 7, 7:45 PM New Leaf Market 1235 Apalachee Parkway www.newleafmarket.coop Contributions of Archaeology to Historic Preservation Thur. Mar. 8, 6:00 PM Governor Martin House 1001 de Soto Park Drive www.taltrust.org Vegetables from the Sea Thur. Mar. 8, 7:45 PM New Leaf Market 1235 Apalachee Parkway www.newleafmarket.coop
The Art, Science of Compassion by Cathryn Lokey at PFLAG Thur. Mar. 8, 6:00 PM St. John’s Espiscopal Church 211 North Monroe Street Restorative Yoga by Namaste Yoga Sat. Mar. 10, 2:30 PM New Leaf Market 1235 Apalachee Parkway www.newleafmarket.coop Pesto & Gluten-Free Pasta Mon. Mar 12, 7:45 PM New Leaf Market 1235 Apalachee Parkway www.newleafmarket.coop
Collecting on a Budget Thur. Mar 15, 6:00 PM 621 Gallery 621 Industrial Drive http://www.621gallery.org
621 Salon Reading Series organized by Appalachee Review Sun. Mar. 18, 4:00 PM 621 Gallery 621 Industrial Drive http://www.621gallery.org Get Healthy, Stay Healthy! (free, for women) Tue. Mar 6, 6:30 PM Pyramid Studios 1770 Thomasville Rd find us on facebook
Music
Wed. Feb. 29
Bob Night: All Bob Dylan, All Night Long 7:30 PM American Legion Hall 229 Lake Ella Drive www.floridalegionpost13.org C. S. Holt - Blues/Americana 6:00 PM Barnacle Bill’s 1830 North Monroe St. barnaclebills.com/
Thur. Mar 1
Open House Conspiracy Each Thursday, 10:00 PM The Warehouse 706 W Gaines St. (850) 222-6188
First Thursday Open Mic and Taco Blues Jam 7:30 PM American Legion 229 Lake Ella Dr. www.floridalegionpost13.org/
Community Calendar & Blogs • Free Classifieds • Professional Pointers • Coupon Connection • Gas Prices • Kids Eat Free List • And More! A service of FSU Credit Union. Feb 29, 2012/ vol. 1 iss. 2/ CapitalCityVillager/25
American Chamber Players 8:00 PM Thomasville Center for the Art 600 E. Jackson St. www.tefconcerts.com
Sun. Mar. 11
The Ned Devines 7:00 PM Finnegan’s Wake 1122 Thomasville Rd. www.facebook.com/theneddevines
Fri. Mar. 2
Phillip Solomon Stewart & the Palace Band 9:00 PM Amen-Ra 812 S. Macomb Street www.KINGPent.com
Tue. Mar. 13
Johnnie Marshall contemporary soul/blues 9:30 PM Bradfordville Blues Club 7152 Moses Lane www.bradfordvilleblues.com
Saltwater Music with Del Suggs Varying Hours Dixie Theatre 21 Avenue E DixieTheatre.com
Wailin’ Wolves Shake, Rattle, and Roll 9:00 PM Putney Oyster Bar 2408 Liberty Expy Se wailinwolves.blogspot.com
Co-op Cafe Night Jim Crozier and Friends - Americana and blues 6:30 PM New Leaf Market 1235 Apalachee Parkway www.newleafmarket.coop Steady Rollin’ Bob Margolin “old school” Chicago Blues 7:00 PM Bradfordville Blues Club 7152 Moses Lane www.bradfordvilleblues.com
Sat. Mar. 3
The Mayhaws a mix of folk, honky-tonk, soul, bluegrass and more Various Showings Dixie Theatre Foundation 21 Avenue E, Apalachicola DixieTheatre.com Blow It Up w/ Artifas Club Episodes 8:00 PM Club Episodes 2122 West Pensacola Street www.blowitupband.com
Midnight Chainsaw Farewell Show 9:00 PM Club Episodes 2122 West Pensacola Street www.blowitupband.com
Thur. Mar. 15 Yellow Bird & Finch House Music Event
Check out this found poetry; Grounded. Hyena. Cats in the Basement. MoonLasso. Great Valley. No, that isn’t refrigerator magnet poetry, it’s the musical lineup for a show being hustled by Yellow Bird Records. (MoonLasso -- pictured -- and Grounded are local favorites.) Friday March 23rd, at 9PM, $4 at the door - 715 Caliark Street. For more information and a listen look up on facebook. Wailin’ Wolves March Madness 9:00 PM Krewe De Gras 1304 B North Monroe St wailinwolves.blogspot.com
Chick Willis ~ the Don of the blues 10:00 PM Bradfordville Blues Club 7152 Moses Lane www.bradfordvilleblues.com/ Jeremih Live - R&B/Hip-Hop 10:00 PM The Coliseum 1833 W Tennessee St find on facebook
Mon. Mar 5
Ukulele jam session open session for all levels 4:00 PM Finnegan’s Wake Mid-town at 5th Street find on facebook
Fri. Mar. 9
Maharajah Flamenco Trio Latin American/Caribbean rhythms Varying Hours Dixie Theatre 21 Avenue E Apalachicola DixieTheatre.com
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Gilrs On Film with Room Full Of Strangers 10:30 PM Mockingbird Cafe 1225 N Monroe St find on facebook Trampled Under Foot 7:00 PM Bradfordville Blues Club 7152 Moses Lane www.bradfordvilleblues.com/
Sat. Mar. 10
The Intoxicators with Spring Break 82 11:00 PM Mockingbird Cafe 1225 N Monroe St find on facebook Sarah Mac Band Varying Hours Dixie Theatre Foundation 21 Avenue E Apalachicola DixieTheatre.com Locals Live! 8 bands 4:00 PM Coliseum 1833 W Tennessee St find on facebook
Karen Lovely “stunningly soulful” 8:00 PM Bradfordville Blues Club 7152 Moses Lane www.bradfordvilleblues.com/
Night Life/ Dance Sue Boyd Country Dance Lessons Wednesdays, 6:30 PM American Legion 229 Lake Ella Dr. www.floridalegionpost13.org Open Mic Night! Thursdays, 9:00 PM What ? Cafe 1940 N. Monroe St. #76 www.whatcafe.com College Night Wednesdays, 10:00 PM The Moon East Lafayette Street www.222moon.com/
Open Mic Every Wedsnesday, 8:00 PM The Warehouse 706 W Gaines St.
Little Black Dress Night @ L8 Wednesdays, 9:00 PM Hotel Duval 415 North Monroe Stree www.hotelduval.com/
The Moscow Ballet - FAMU Lyceum Series Thur. Mar. 1, 7:30 PM Lee Hall Auditorium 1601 S. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. www.famu.edu/lyceum
Salsa Dancing Fridays and Saturdays, 11:00 PM Margo’s 451 West Gaines Street find on facebook
Quarter Moon Women go WILD with ART! Fri., Mar. 2, 7:00 PM The All Saints Hop Yard Behind the old Coca Cola Building on All Saints www.quartermoonimports.com Stetsons On The Moon Fridays, 10:00 PM The Moon East Lafayette Street www.222moon.com Sing Sing Karaoke Fridays, 8:00 PM What ? Cafe 1940 N. Monroe St. #76 www.whatcafe.com
DJ and Dancing Fridays and Satyrdays, 10:00 PM Waterworks 1133 Thomasville Road waterworkstallahassee.com/Daily_ Specials Grown Up Nights Saturdays, 10:00 PM The Moon East Lafayette Street www.222moon.com
Out & Out LGBTQA Party Saturdays, 10:00 PM Paradigm 115 W College Ave find on facebook
XAC After Party! Sat., Mar 3, 11:00 PM Cancun’s sports bar & grill 2549 West Tennessee St www.XacFighting.com
Jungo! a bingo type game Sundays, Waterworks 1133 Thomasville Road waterworkstallahassee.com/Daily_ Specials
Booze and Brains Trivia with Hank Mondays, 10:30 PM Mockingbird Cafe 1225 N Monroe St www.mockingbirdtallahassee.com/ Hospitality Night Mondays, 5:00 PM Waterworks 1133 Thomasville Road waterworkstallahassee.com/Daily_ Specials Tallahasse Swing Band Tuesdays, 7:00 PM American Legion 229 Lake Ella Dr. www.floridalegionpost13.org
Latin Soul 10 member Salsa Band and Salsa, Merengue dancing classes Sun. Mar. 8, 8:00 PM La Fiesta 2329 Apalachee Parkway (850) 656-3392
SPRING EVENTS FOR OUR SILVER ANNIVERSARY YEAR! t Wednesday, February 29th
t Friday, April 6th
t Saturday, March 24th
t April 13-14th & 20-21st
Best of Faust Radio’s Original Skits on V89 Dead Mouse Unveiling and Interactive Party to kick off our anniversary season.
Railroad Square’s First Friday with previews of Best of Faust Cabaret. Best of Faust Cabaret.
t Friday, May 4th
Railroad Square’s First Friday with dedication of the Adelaide Schnittman Room (a climatecontrolled black box theater.)
MICKEEFAUST.COM
623 McDonnell Drive in Railroad Square, 32310.
Sports &Rec
Thur. Mar. 1
Tally Men’s Rugby Practice meets twice a week 6:00 PM Fairview Middle School 3415 Zillah St. www.famu.edu
FAMU Rattlers Vs. Morgan State 5:30 PM Al Lawson Jr. Center 1800 Wahnish Way www.famu.edu FAMU Lady Rattlers Vs. Morgan State 5:30 PM Al Lawson Jr. Center 1800 Wahnish Way www.famu.edu/
Support Your Community & Buy Locally.
Forrest Lee, bartender at Fermentation Lounge. Photo by Darla Winn.
Science Salon Every Thur., 9:00 PM Waterworks 1133 Thomasville Road waterworkstallahassee.com
Tallahassee Ballroom Dance w/ DJ Mondays, 7:30 PM American Legion 229 Lake Ella Dr. www.floridalegionpost13.org
Presented By:
Club Bellydance Thur. Mar 1, 7:30 PM The Moon 1105 E Layfayette www.thewbcenter.com
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Mon. Mar. 5
Theatre/ Cinema
Fri. Mar 9
Star Trek Murder Mystery Auditions Mar. 4 – 5, 6:00 PM Monticello Opera House 185 W. Washington St. 850-997-4010 or 850-485-4905
Capital City Runners Weekly Monday Group Run 6:00 PM 1866 Thomasville Road 32303 FSU Men’s Golf - Seminole Intercollegiate All Day Southwood Country Club www.seminoles.com
Kordorkovsky
The true rags-to-riches-to-rags story of Mikhail Khodorkovsky, the former Russian oligarch who spoke out against state corruption, only to be arrested and convicted on transparently false tax and embezzlement charges. Stolen twice from the filmmaker’s office before its Berlin premiere, this is investigative journalism as political thriller. Showing March 9th at 6:00pm, the 10th and 11th at 5:00pm, at All Saints Cinema (918 ½ Railroad Square; inside the Amtrak Station)
Fri. Mar 2
Lady T-wolves North Florida Classic Softball 1:00 PM Messer South Complex www.chilessoftball.com/
Sat. Mar. 3
Train w/ Police Tactical Unit for charity! 9:00 AM Boot Camp Fitness 2815 Industrial Plaza Drive www.BootCampFitnessandTraining. com XAC: First Rite, MMA Fights! 6:00 PM Tallahassee Community College 444 Appleyard Drive www.XacFighting.com FSU Seminole Baseball 2:00 PM Dick Howser Stadium Chieftan Way www.seminoles.com/
Red Hills Horse Trials 8:00 AM Klapp-Phipps Park 1700 Miller Landing Road www.rhht.org
Sat. Mar. 10
Tallahassee Taekwondo Tournament 8:00 AM Lincoln High School 3838 Trojan Trail (850)878-3900 Tallahassee United Fotbul Club 2012 Soccer Tournament 1:00 PM FSU Main Campus FSU Intramural Sports Complex
Tue. Mar 13
Sand Volleyball FST vs. Tulane TBA Tallahassee www.seminoles.com/
Take Shelter Feb. 29, Two Evening Showings Student Life Cinema 942 Learning Way movies.fsu.edu
FAMU’S Tribute to African-American Films Premiere of “Think Like a Man” Feb. 29, 7:00 PM AMC Tallahassee Mall 20 2415 North Monroe Street www.famu.edu/lyceum To Kill a Mockingbird Feb 29 – Mar 4, Varying Hours Young Actors Theatre 609 Glenview Drive www.youngactorstheatre.com
Pro Bono and the Arts Feb. 29., 7:00 PM Tallahassee Little Theatre 1861 Thomasville Road www.tallahasseelittletheatre.org
Thur. Mar 15
To Kill a Mockingbird Feb 29 – Mar 4, Varying Hours Young Actors Theatre 609 Glenview Drive www.youngactorstheatre.com
Capital City Senior Games Variety of Locations and 14 Sports Various Times over 4 days Tallahassee Senior Center 1400 North Monroe Street www.visittallahassee.com/seniorgames
Hello (it’s been great letting you get to know me) Mar. 1-3, 8:00 PM Mickee Faust Clubhouse 623 McDonnell Drive john6385@gmail.com
Men’s Tennis FSU vs. USC 4:00 PM Tallahassee www.seminoles.com
Sat. Mar 17
Women’s Tennis FSU vs. Georgia Tech 11:00 AM Tallahassee www.seminoles.com
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National Theatre Live’s The Comedy of Errors Mar. 1, 7:00 PM Fathom Events 1501 Governors Square Blvd. www.fathomevents.com
Tomboy Mar. 2 – 4, Varying Times All Saints Cinema 918-1/2 Railroad Avenue Inside the Amtrak Station www.tallahasseefilms.com
Extremely Loud/Incredibly Close Mar. 2 – 11, 1:00 PM Movies8 2810 Sharer Road www.movies8tallahassee.com Once Upon a Mattress Mar 2-4, Varying Times Quincy Music Theatre 118 E. Washington Street http://qmt.org
Watch Theater with a Mission at Museum of Florida History! Mar. 3, Various Showings Theater with a Mission 500 S. Bronough St. luz_antigua@earthlink.net
Khodorkovsky Mar. 9-11, Varying Times All Saints Cinema 918-1/2 Railroad Avenue Inside the Amtrak Station http://www.tallahasseefilms.com MET: Ernani Mar. 14, 6:30 PM The Movies at Governor’s Square 1501 Governors Square Blvd. http://www.fathomevents.com Romeo & Juliet Mar 15- 25, Varying Hours Young Actors Theatre 609 Glenview Drive ccshakespeare.webs.com
Downtown Marketplace
The market is back! Open every Saturday, March through November from 9am until 2pm, on the park between Park Avenues and Monroe. Featuring fresh homegrown produce and organic items. Fresh bread, meats, and eggs are available. Look for fresh cut flowers and native plants. These are our local farmers offering Mother Nature’s best. Local musicians play, authors and poets present readings of their latest books, and regional artists show their arts and fine crafts.
Workshops Learn how to design your Custom Home or Addition Mar 2 - 41:00 PM Tallahassee Leon County Civic Center 505 West Pensacola Street www.tlccc.org Building Bat Boxes Mar 3, 1:00 PM Tallahassee Museum 3945 Museum Drive tallahasseemuseum.org
Homemade Baby Food Mar 3, 9:30 PM New Leaf Market 1235 Apalachee Parkway www.newleafmarket.coop
A Lesson on Florida’s Snakes Mar 3, 10:00 AM Tallahassee Museum 3945 Museum Drive tallahasseemuseum.org Blacksmithing for Beginners 1st Saturdays of the Month Mar 3, 10:00 AM Mission San Luis 2100 West Tennessee Street www.missionsanluis.org Colonial Crafts for Children 1st Saturdays of the Month Mar. 3, 12:00 PM Mission San Luis 2100 West Tennessee Street www.missionsanluis.org
Bavarian Folk Art Painting Mar. 3, 9:30 AM Thomasville Center for the Arts 209 W. Remington Ave www.thomasvillearts.org
Plein Air in the Good Winds Farm Oil Painting Workshop Mar. 3, 8:00 AM Good Winds Farm 5660 Bradfordville rd 32309 www.artgalleryvera.com
Crochet / Knitting Meet! Tuesdays starting Mar 6, 6:30 PM What ? Cafe 1940 N. Monroe St. #76 www.whatcafe.com
Seven Essential Attitudes for Mindfullness Practice Mar 6, 7:45 PM New Leaf Market 1235 Apalachee Parkway http://www.newleafmarket.coop Free Photography Class Mar. 7, 9:00 AM St. Marks Wildlife Refuge 20 Kornegay Way (850)925-6121
Corks and Cakes - A cake decorating class Mar. 8, 6:30 PM The Space at Feather Oaks 6500 Miccosukee Road www.thespaceatfeatheroaks.com
• 850.445.5064 • www.DarlaWinn.com • www.etsy.com/shop/thePhotoZoo
12 Angry Men Run starts Mar 2, Varying Times Tallahassee Little Theatre 1861 Thomasville Road www.tallahasseelittletheatre.org
ImprovTastic designed to enhance acting techniques Each Saturday Mar. 3, 4:00 PM PACT 2028 N. Point Blvd www.TallahasseeActingClasses.com
Darla Winn Photography
The Matchmaker Mar. 16-18, Varying Times All Saints Cinema 918-1/2 Railroad Avenue Inside the Amtrak Station www.tallahasseefilms.com
The Joys of Keeping Chickens Mar 10, 11:00 AM Tallahassee Museum 3945 Museum Drive tallahasseemuseum.org
Growing Here – A Series of Workshops Mar 11, 1:00 PM Turkey Hill Farm Full Earth Farm www.rhomarket.com
Shakespeare Performance Workshop Mar 11, 2:00 PM PACT 2028 N. Point Blvd www.TallahasseeActingClasses.com
Waters Journey: Following the Water to Wakulla Springs Tour Experience Mar 17, 8:00 AM Departing from Tallahassee Community College Southward route from Tallahassee to Wakulla Springs www.PalmettoExpeditions.com
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Mature Living
ART AND THE AGING POPULATION By A. Charles Hazelip, Ph. D. At seventy-plus years of age, I find myself immersed in yet another career field, my third. I am in my eighth year as an instructor in the Art Department of the Tallahassee Senior Center. During my employment in this capacity, I have worked with close to 100 seniors, male and female, who have chosen to participate in oil or acrylic painting. My experience as an art teacher has convinced me that older people who participate in artistic activities gain undeniable benefits. This article provides some insight into the area of senior aging and attempts to connect art to positive outcomes that help make growing older more enjoyable in spite of the aches and pains inherent to that process. Human development is of paramount concern to researchers in the Social Sciences. While many studies have found links between the arts and positive cognitive, behavioral, and social outcomes, most research is small-scale and short-term. There are major gaps in federally sponsored arts research, such as how the arts influence both youth and aging popualtions.1 Having lived as long as I have, I can attest to the trials of aging. Younger readers, in spite of their belief that they are immortal (as I did when young), would be wise to read and comprehend the following findings in a 2008 monograph from the Americans for the Arts organization.2 • During the period, 2008–2010, the United States was expected to have as many people over the age of 65 years as there were under the age of 20 years. • In 1999, the number of people over age 65 equaled 12.7% of the US population. By 2030, that percentage is projected to have increased to 28%. • Between 2000 and 2040, the number of people aged 85 and older will more than triple, growing from 4.3 million to 19.4 million. An obvious question is what will all these “gray heads” be doing? It is not too far-fetched to assume that all people wish to grow older with dignity, living independently and purposefully for as long as possible.3 At least part of the solution to making this happen can be found in creative activities. There
has been a shift in paradigms regarding older people. In earlier views, aging people were defined by a “deficit” approach,4 which was based on the premise that the common “ailments” associated with aging (illness or reduction in physical activities) were all that most older people could hope for. Essentially, the focus was on losses. More recently, the approach to older people focuses on their strengths, potential and achievements.5 Dr. Gene Cohen, author of The Creative Age, asserted that while problems certainly accompany aging, “what has been universally denied is potential. The ultimate expression of potential is creativity.”6 Recent research has shown that social and recreational activities (including artistic ones) can help older adults live longer, healthier lives. Lately, neuroscience research has radically challenged conventional assumptions about the aging brain. While it is true that the brain loses neurons throughout life, research has shown it is not the number of neurons that determine intellectual capacity, but rather the connections (known as dendrites) between the neurons.7 Dendrites grow and develop when the brain is exposed to a rich, stimulating environment. Studies have shown that, between a person’s early fifties and late seventies, the number and lengths of dendrites actually increase.8 An NEA-sponsored multi-year study evaluated the effects of participation in cultural programs on older adults’ mental health, general health, overall functioning and sense of well-being. Painting, pottery, dance, music, poetry and drama were among the activities observed in the study. The statistically significant results demonstrated that arts participants had better health, fewer doctor’s visits, less medication usage and increased activities and social engagement.9 Specific, in-depth research regarding benefits of art participation to people of advanced age is sparse. There are, however, some anecdotal observations worthy of notice. During my years facilitating art classes for senior oil and/ or acrylic painters, I have observed class participants make quantum leaps forward in their attitudes and capabilities, not to mention their confidence as artists and earnest desire to continual-
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This oil painting -- titled “Going to the Fair” -- was created by Mary Hafner, an 87 year old art student of the author, Dr. A. Charles Hazelip, in a class he teaches at the Tallahassee Senior Center. ly improve their work. The social benefits of senior artists working together to produce art of their own choosing is obvious. There is strong camaraderie among the members that often grows to personal concern about each others’ well-being. They form close friendships and are quick to assist each other with support, advice, and even by sharing their artist materials when necessary. Another positive outcome from art activities for older Americans pertains to their medical providers’ awareness of the creative aspects of their patients. For several years, artists from classes at the Tallahassee Senior Center have volunteered to display their work in the hallways of the Medical School at Florida State University, notably where students are learning about geriatric medicine. The students observe the work hanging in the hallways and
often take the time to enter highly laudatory praise for the work in a logbook maintained at the exhibition. The artwork is routinely changed several times per year, keeping an ever-changing reminder of the ongoing creativity of active seniors before the future doctors who may treat them as patients. Significantly, some of the comments entered in the logbook have described individual medical students’ greater appreciation for the capabilities of artists of advanced age. Such realizations will hopefully aid the future physicians as they consider treatment plans for their older patients. Even in the absence of vast empirical research, there is sufficient reason to conclude that art participation in advanced years can have positive effects, both mental and physical — a win-win result.
1. The National Endowment for the Arts Announces a New Federal Interagency Task Force to Promote Research on the Arts and Human Development, November 30, 2011. 2. Creativity Matters: Arts and Aging in America, Gay Hanna and Susan Perlstein, Americans for the Arts Monograph, September 2008, p.2. 3. Op. cit. p1. 4. Ibid. 5. Ibid. 6. Ibid. 7. Op. cit. p3. 8. Ibid. 9. Op. cit. p4
FULL MONTY Continued from Page 19
outside party and ultimately become many of the costumes seen on stage. The costume building process is over, but Peterson’s work is not. “[The costumes] sometimes look differently after you watch actors and their portrayal of their character,” Peterson said. “Sometimes that makes you go ‘I need to rethink this’, or ‘I need to change something.’” Up to this point most of the effort put into the play was done in small, concentrated groups. The actors worked primarily with other actors, the musicians worked mostly only with the other musicians, etc. The challenge in these last two weeks is integrating these factions together for a quality final product. “We all have to work together as a whole to make the show a cohesive unit,” said Peterson. “It’s a give and take. You have to be flexible and you have to be very fluid.” Ossowski echoes those sentiments, and feels confident about this group’s ability to come together: “We have fabulous teams. It’s a team on every element. It’s a team backstage on the revolve and the moving of the furniture. It’s a team that works with lights and follow spots. And it’s a team that works with the technical elements of putting that all together.” As for the actual on-stage product, the run through went well with only a few minor snags. Actors dropped some lines, each time prompting a shouted reminder from an assistant stage manager who was following along with the script. A couple of times laughs from the high-spirited crew were “walked over” by an actor who didn’t wait for the guffaws to subside. There were frequent reminders that this is simply a rehearsal, the show not yet perfected. And there are sixteen days left to get it right before opening night.
A Slideshow of images from this series -- as well as previous articles -- is available at TallyVillager.com
TOUGH MUDDER
Continued from Page 20 This offered a rare chance to warm up and dry off, although it wasn’t nearly enough to fend off the biting chill from the 30-mph winds. Running through the trails, we began to feel the first ill effects of the damp and the cold. Toes and fingers were numb, gloves were soaked. Before we knew it though, we’d powered our way through a couple of miles. The next couple of hours saw us through another ten obstacles and several more miles. It seemed to go by in a blur. We bounded our way up a stack of hay bales like life-sized Q*Berts. We rolled ourselves across cargo nets and trudged through what seemed like a mile of shin-deep, viscous, soft mud. The mud reached up to swallow a great deal of footwear that day, but most of us made it through with our shoes still on our feet. We squeezed through narrow, gravel-filled tunnels, climbed greased monkey bars over freezing water, and faced several more mud- and climbing-related obstacles. Our bodies were aching, cold and beginning to tire out.
The Cold, Hard Reality of the Situation
Around mile eight, things started to change. The next obstacle was to carry a large log over a tire agility course, but by this time we couldn’t even feel our hands to grip the wood. The cold was fast becoming the most formidable obstacle of all, and one of our teammates was going downhill fast. She shivered uncontrollably, and looked incredibly pale. For the next half-mile, we bundled around her as best we could until we found a fire barrel to warm up. When we got there, she was confused and shaking even harder. After flagging down an EMT, we realized it would be in her best interest to abandon the course and be taken off to the triage tent. They bundled her up in a shiny silver thermal blanket in the back of a golf cart, with another human burrito up front. I had to fight back tears as we started off toward the next obstacle without her. At that moment, the purpose of the entire event really hit me. Tough Mudder was created to support the wounded warrior foundation, whose rallying motto is “leave no man behind.” Moving forward without our teammate didn’t seem right, but at this
Those dangling chords through which Alice Bobcat is crawling (pictured above) are delivering powerful electrical shocks. Again, the question is not “if” but “why”. point we realized the only thing we could do was push on and finish. The next few miles, we faced more climbing and mud, and our first set of voluntary electrocution. Shocks on the Rocks resembles a slip n’ slide under downed power lines, and is just about as painful as you’d expect. I don’t know if it was the continued electric shock to the head I’d received when the live wire got stuck in my ponytail, or the complete lack of feeling in my extremities, but when another teammate started showing signs of hypothermia, I was ready to be done. We sought out the EMTs once again, and as I said goodbye to my husband, I briefly considered going with him and ending my journey right then and there. But at mile 10, the finish was tantalizingly close. With two men down, our team’s morale was dropping, but it was in this darkest moment that we did what we do best as a team: we hardened the f*&k up and pushed each other to finish. We skipped all the remaining obstacles, forgoing additional dunks into ice-cold water and a climb up a slippery quarter-pipe. When the finish was in sight, we almost broke down like hysterical children. But there was one obstacle left to conquer. I’d taken too much of a beating already, but I cannot tell you how proud it made me to see my remaining teammates facing the final challenge with a smile on their face. Linked arm in arm, they boldly made their way through a minefield of dangling live wires, even higher voltage than we’d faced before. They stumbled several times as they
collectively received kick after kick of 10,000 volts. But they all made it through, and we finished as a team. Were we insane to even attempt it? Maybe. Was it worth it? I can’t even begin to tell you how much doing something that I never thought I would be able to do has changed the way I feel about myself. If I can conquer this, then I can do anything. Would I do it again? Let’s just say that Team Rabid Bobcats have got a score to settle against Big Mudder. We’ll see it again in Tampa.
Feb 29, 2012/ vol. 1 iss. 2/ CapitalCityVillager/31