Folio Vol. 37, Issue 8

The Arc Jacksonville: Empowering Individuals With Intellectual Developmental Differences Since 1965

LETTER

It’s easy to feel lost and unimportant. In a world that feels more and more chaotic; A country that divides in a pursuit to conquer; A state full of equal parts sunshine and shadiness; And a city that has so much to offer yet fails on too many promises. And yet; THEY persist… who, you ask? GOOD PEOPLE — that’s who.

People, groups, communities and organizations who see the lost, the forgotten, the cast aside, the sick and the oppressed. And they give.

The gifts need not be monetary (though make no mistake there are many charities and organizations that need your financial support). Gifts can also be small acts of kindness, service, acceptance, time, mentorship and so many other ways that are too numerous to name.

Despite the constant onslaught of negativity, the fear-mongering and vicious attacks that some endure every single day just to survive, there are people right here in our community who are fighting back and sharing love for others.

I encourage you to find ways to give back, to give of yourselves — open yourself up to someone’s situation you might not understand, open your heart and mind, and find ways to help and support so many who are in need.

I’m including, for your consideration, a very short list of the many charities and organizations right here in Jacksonville that would be so grateful for an extra hand and heart in these trying times. If you don’t see a group here that speaks to you, then do some research and find one that does! I promise there are people right here in our community who you have the power to make an impact on for good — whether you realize it now or not.

The Child Cancer Fund offers support for families fighting childhood cancer. childcancerfund.org |

904-396-4223

(My husband and I met at a Child Cancer Fund event in 2011.)

The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge at Mayo Clinic provides a free home away from home for cancer patients and their caregivers undergoing treatment who do not reside near their treatment center. Cancer.org | 904-674-6640

Lutheran Social Services offers services to those in need of assistance with food insecurity, refugee services, HIV care and education, financial coaching and employment services. lsjax.org | 904-448-5995

The Arc Jacksonville serves and advocates for individuals with intellectual and developmental differences to achieve their full potential and to participate in community life. arcjacksonville.org | 904-355-9616

(Read more about The Arc in this issue.)

JASMYN supports LGBTQIA+ teens and young adults with resources, education, leadership, advocacy and a safe, affirming community. jasmyn.org | 904-389-3857

The Empowered Kitchen encourages and enables women to find independence through a career in the food industry through training and mentorship in all aspects of culinary and business education. theempoweredkitchen.org | 904-665-6603

HOROSCOPES

April brings with it a surge of energy and a strong desire to take action in your life. You may find yourself feeling more confident and assertive than usual, which can be a great advantage when it comes to pursuing your goals and ambitions. This month is about channeling your Aries spirit and harnessing your energy to achieve your goals. Stay focused, stay motivated and don’t be afraid to take risks.

ARIES TAURUS

The cosmos are encouraging you to focus on your material possessions and financial stability. It’s a great time to set goals for your financial future, whether it’s creating a budget, starting a savings plan or investing in something that can bring you long-term gains. Beware of becoming too stubborn or set in your ways. While it’s important to have a strong sense of self, it’s also important to be open to new ideas and perspectives.

April is going to be an adventure-filled month for you, Gemini! With your usual charm and wit, you’ll be the life of the party at every social gathering. But be careful not to overcommit to too many events or you might end up with a case of “FOMO-flu” (fear of missing out combined with exhaustion).

CANCER

The month of April brings a lot of emotional energy and opportunities for growth. You may feel a sense of nostalgia and sentimentality but also a desire to move forward and create new memories. Take the time to process your feelings and work through any unresolved emotions that may be holding you back.

April brings a lot of positive energy and opportunities for you, Libra. You may feel a sense of balance and harmony in your life, which can help you to navigate challenges with ease. With this newfound sense of balance and confidence, you may find yourself drawn toward aesthetic pursuits, such as art or home decor. Allow yourself to indulge in your sense of creativity, as it can help you to express yourself and bring a sense of harmony to your surroundings.

SCORPIO

Your magnetic aura will draw all sorts of interesting characters into your life this April, including some truly eccentric ones. Just be prepared for some awkward encounters that might leave you scratching your head and wondering, “Did that really just happen?” Remember to keep your sense of humor handy, Scorpio, and embrace the unexpected with a mischievous grin.

SAGITTARIUS

Spring is all about blooming and becoming the best version of yourself. Being that Sagittarians thrive off of new experiences and traveling, you may find yourself drawn toward travel and exploration this month. Consider taking a trip or planning an adventure, as it can help you to broaden your horizons and gain new perspectives. While it’s important to embrace adventure, it’s also important to consider the consequences of your actions and make responsible decisions. Trust your instincts, communicate clearly, and enjoy the journey of self-discovery.

April is going to be a month of unexpected detours and comedic plot twists for you. Your meticulous plans might go awry, and you could find yourself scrambling to keep up with the unexpected curveballs life throws at you. But fear not, oh, responsible one, for laughter is the best medicine! Embrace the chaos with a sense of humor and let go of your need for control.

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

Hey there, Leo! This April, you’ll be in the spotlight like never before. Your natural flair for drama and attention-grabbing antics will have everyone’s eyes on you, and you’ll soak up the attention like a sunbathing lion. Just be careful not to go overboard with your diva demands or you might earn the title of ‘drama king/queen.”

LEO

This month, the cosmos are encouraging you to focus on your personal growth and self-improvement. Take the time to reflect on your strengths and weaknesses and work toward becoming the best version of yourself. Allow yourself to explore new ideas and expand your knowledge base.

VIRGO

This month you may find yourself drawn toward community involvement and activism. Consider getting involved in causes that are important to you, as it can help you make a positive impact on the world around you. Embrace these opportunities and use your unique perspective to find creative solutions.

PISCES

April is going to be a month of creative inspiration and emotional depth for you. Your intuitive nature will be heightened, and you might find yourself drawn to artistic endeavors or deep introspection. This is the perfect time to let your creativity flow freely and express yourself through your unique artistic vision. Just be careful not to get too lost in your own world that you forget to pay attention to the practical matters around you.

In 2017, April was recognized as second chance month. As a returning citizen, I have been successful in my second chance despite the second sentence that we are sentenced to with the label of felon.

T H E MAIL

My name is Tanaine Jenkins, in 2010 I was sentenced to 2 years prison and 5 years of probation for defrauding a financial institution. I ended up giving the Florida Department of Corrections 10 years of my life. During those 10 years I did not live, I only existed. Paying off my probation in 2020 lifted a weight off my shoulders that I didn’t realize I was carrying. Since paying off my probation, I have spoken on the steps at the Florida Capitol for National Advocacy Day (2022), graduated with my public certification certificate from Dr. Eric “ET’ Thomas, been on several podcasts, spoken at multiple prisons, been featured in Forbes, and was a 2022 TEDxJacksonville speaker; I also own two successful businesses that I boat-strapped myself.

In the month of April, I ask that you highlight individuals like myself, returning citizens and justice involved individuals who despite a second sentence, have become successful. There are 600,000 men and women released from prison each and every year, another 9 million cycles through the local jails. These individuals cannot be what they cannot see...so show them people like me.

I have included a link to my TEDx talk for your viewing pleasure.

[QR Code]

Thank you so much for your time, I hope that you all consider telling my story and others like it.

To Our Success,

BOUQS & BRICKS BOUQUETS BRICKBATS

To DVI for organizing another round of Jacksonville River Jams. The month-long concert series held at Riverfront Plaza features free concerts every Thursday in April with national headliners and local/regional openers. There are two concerts remaining: Grouplove with Faze Wave and Liza Attic on April 20 and Chris Lane with Cumberland and Dylan Gerard on April 27.

To the Florida Senate for passing the controversial sixweek limit abortion bill. No government should have any right to control women’s bodies or their reproductive choices, let alone put a time limit on it, especially when most women who become pregnant don’t even find out until after six weeks. Granted, there are exceptions for victims of rape and incest, but legal documentation would be required, complicating issues even further. As of press time, the bill was headed to the Florida House of Representatives.

Tanaine Jenkins

Weird Wild Stuff

Words by Shelton Hull

The only April showers we’re bringing here this month are showers of nonsense, starting with our fellow Floridians, who really need to tighten up their game. According to a study by Innerbody Research, out of the 100 U.S. cities with the highest STD rates, seven of them are in the Sunshine State, including three of the top 25. Among them, Jacksonville ranked No. 16, followed by Miami at No. 17 and Fort Lauderdale at No. 19. Orlando (No. 53), Tampa (No. 59), West Palm Beach (No. 83) and Daytona (No. 87) also made the list. Overall, Memphis finished first, if you wanna call it that.

Speaking of winning at losing, do you work out? It’s OK to say no; we’re not judging you. But we are judging this new cadre of gym bros who, according to TikTok, are just way stoked about the outlandish amount of protein in commercial dog food, and they are just out there, getting that work. Now, by “getting that work,” I mean that they’re slamming cans of dog food on social media, and that is just stupid. Best part is that certain culinary trends are developing, debates on flavors, and at least some casual discussion of the fact that they’re eating dog food, and maybe perhaps NO? Buzzfeed has a whole article about this. Don’t read it.

Here’s a tale of two marathoners who couldn’t just compete like regular folks. The first one Takanobu Minoshima finished the Tokyo Marathon in early March in 3 hours, 28 minutes, a remarkable achievement by any standard, but especially while wearing “Geta,” traditional wooden platform sandals worn in Japan and parts of China for thousands of years. He finished an hour behind, but at least he finished. Same goes for DJ/producer Diplo, who was apparently inspired by Oprah Winfrey to run the L.A. Marathon in late March. Problem was, he had only run 10 miles at any one time in his life. His solution — literally — was to put five drops of pure liquid LSD into his water bottle the night before. Diplo finished in 3 hours, 55 minutes — not bad for any 44-year-old, especially one in his state. (We could go into a whole discussion of psychedelics in various forms of exercise and physical activity but not today.)

Australian surfer Blake Johnson recently set a new record in his sport, spending 40 consecutive hours on his board in the ocean off Cronulla Beach in Sydney. He duly demolished the previous record of 30 hours, 11 minutes and taking it to a level that may prove too dangerous to even attempt breaking. Stopping only briefly for sunscreen, snacks and eyedrops, he rode over 700 waves (sometimes in total darkness) while dodging jellyfish and multiple varieties of sharks. Best of all, he raised nearly a quarter of a million dollars, all of which was donated to mental health charities in his community. This is the way.

Legendary comedian Dick Van Dyke has cheated death yet again, and thank God for it. The 97- year-old caught a wet patch of them Malibu streets that sent his Lexus LS 500 skidding into a gate at considerable speed on March 22, leaving his nose and mouth bloodied plus a concussion. We think. No one is sure, however, because he went home, instead of the hospital … because he’s Dick Van Dyke. It’s only funny because the man is clearly indestructible and has lived his golden years with no f*cks given.

This accident comes a decade after his Jaguar blew up on an L.A. freeway. Onlookers pulled him out of the burning car, unconscious, after which he signed autographs and went home, instead of the hospital … because he’s Dick Van Dyke. (He later tweeted a picture of the wreckage, offering the destroyed vehicle for sale, cheap.) He almost died again, a few years later, when he fell asleep while surfing in Virginia Beach (at age 91), then drifted out into the ocean, where he was saved by a group of porpoises that gently nudged him awake before he could drown or be eaten by sharks. He noted that, although he was beyond sight of land, the porpoises pushed him to shore. That poor gate in Malibu had NO chance!

FOLIO WEED: SMOKE TWO JOINTS

Curaleaf collabs with Fab 5 Freddy

Words by Shelton Hull

Last month, we talked about celebrities getting involved in the cannabis market, and how “it would seem inevitable that one of these firms would get into the endorsement game.” And now, this month, let’s hear from a celebrity who is just getting into that game now: Fab 5 Freddy, a legit founding father of hip hop, who’s done pretty much everything in this world except fly an airplane or run for public office.

Fred Braithwaite Jr. was born in Bed-Stuy, NYC, in August 1959, and from almost his earliest days, he’s been a witness to history. He was barely 21 when Debbie Harry referenced him in Blondie’s 1981 classic “Rapture,” but he was already established throughout New York via his own extensive graffiti work and his crucial role in bringing that culture into the percolating art scene downtown. This brought him into league with Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, etc.

His godfather was jazz drummer Max Roach, and it was Freddy who introduced him to hip hop, resulting in a key 1983 performance at The Kitchen with the Rock Steady Crew, marking maybe the first official crossover between the two genres. His own song “Change the Beat” from 1982 is widely considered one of the most-sampled rap songs ever and also maybe the first ever released in French. He collaborated with Die Toten Hosen in 1983 for the first rap-punk crossover, which helped spark a nascent rap scene in Germany.

Freddy was a pioneering underground broadcaster, as early as Glenn O’Brien’s “TV Party” in the late ’70s. He co-starred in “Wild Style” in 1983 and founded “Yo! MTV Raps,” which had an exceptionally influential run from 1988-1995. He also did serious work behind the camera. From 1988 to 1990, Freddy directed videos for Boogie Down Productions, Stetsasonic, EPMD, Queen Latifah, Kool G Rap, Gang Starr and Brand Nubian. He later added videos for folks like Nas, Snoop Dogg, Shabba Ranks and Ini Kamoze.

Freddy’s been hanging out in South Florida here and there for decades, but his only trip to Jacksonville came 30+ years ago, when MTV sent him here to direct a video for MamaDue, a legendary local female rapper who helped mentor many future legends herself. He’s been in the room or in the streets for the entire 50-year history of hip hop, a culture that he played a key role in helping develop into a global brand in the 1970s. He was an established elder statesman in the industry by the time he was 30.

His latest venture is the new B NOBLE brand of prerolled joints, developed in partnership with Curaleaf and artist Brandon Noble, who got a 13-year prison sentence after being caught with two joints in 2010. Noble was released after seven years, which was still

seven years too many, and the law is slowly catching up with reality. Braithwaite and Noble both grew up under the infamous Rockefeller drug laws in New York, which became part of hip hop’s origin story, not unlike Prohibition and the Chicago Outfit.

Having directed the Netflix documentary “Grass Is Greener” in 2019, Freddy is already a veteran of the cannabis game. When it comes to celebrity involvement in cannabis, the degree of involvement can vary widely, and he would be among the more hands-on celebrities, as far as engagement.

The B NOBLE brand launched in New York in 2021, in conjunction with Curaleaf’s “corporate social responsibility program,” called “Rooted In Good,” but only now has the product been made available in Curaleaf’s 58 dispensaries across Florida, one of 19 states they operate in, and now the ninth state serving the B NOBLE brand. Ten percent of proceeds from B NOBLE sales are going to GreenBook Academy, an online portal that offers professional training and networking assistance for would-be cannabis pros with an emphasis on underserved and marginalized communities.

B NOBLE is sold in packs of two pre-rolled joints, for obvious reasons. It comes in two strains: PB Souffle, an indica that’s “marked by dense purple flowers with a sweet, creamy aroma,” and Lady Madonna, a hybrid, that’s “a fruity, uplifting combination of Gushers and Strawberry Banana.” (Pro tip: Buy a pack of each — you’re welcome!)

Current laws require official packaging for cannabis products to be basically black and white, so customers here won’t get to sample the design elements at work in other markets, which is a shame. As you know, packaging has become almost as important as the product itself, given how extremely saturated the market already is and how much so it is certain to be. For Curaleaf, having access to a veteran tastemaker like Freddy is a real benefit, one that’s already paid significant dividends for all involved. Curaleaf CEO Matt Darin agrees.

“We are thrilled to expand our B NOBLE partnership into Florida,” he said, “and we know this market will celebrate the brand’s causebased mission. B NOBLE’s thoughtfully crafted products coupled with its mission to address the impact of the War on Drugs make it a perfect fit for Curaleaf and the Sunshine State alike.” To their credit, the major dispensary companies are all generally quite sincere about their commitment to social justice, and while they are still large corporations, they are definitely doing the work.

Carmen and Ambar Take on Pole Dancing

Words by Ambar Ramirez and Carmen Macri

CARMEN: A few weeks ago, Ambar brought up taking a dance class together. I think she meant ballet, but obviously, that’s not where my mind went. No, I went straight for pole dancing.

AMBAR: Listen … I’ve always dreamed of being a ballerina, but that dream was crushed by Carmen when she said pole dancing.

CARMEN: Sorry, but I didn’t think I was elegant enough to be a ballerina … I also found out I’m not elegant enough for pole dancing either.

AMBAR: But we were gritty enough.

CARMEN: We reached out to the owners of Alt Fit Jax and asked if we could take one of their beginners classes, thinking, “How hard could this actually be?”

AMBAR: Hard. Very hard. Excruciatingly hard.

CARMEN: Let me set the scene: walking into the building I was met by colorful lights and rows of poles. I was the first of the class to arrive, so I was able to have a chat with our eccentric instructor, Ali Marchese (@stealingpeas on Instagram). She walked me through what to expect from the class (and taught me how to properly use a hula hoop).

AMBAR: That was quite a scene to walk in on. Like watching a baby take their first steps.

CARMEN: OK, rude.

AMBAR : After celebrating Carmen’s first time properly hula hooping, we signed our waivers and headed to (drumroll, please) the poles.

CARMEN: Fun fact: The poles spin. This whole time I thought these girls were just spinning themselves. No, the poles actually spin. Anyway, Ali was quick to start the class, forgetting that Ambar and I are true beginners.

AMBAR : Like any other fitness class, we started with a warm-up. But unlike other fitness classes, our warm-up consisted of learning how to twerk and sensually strut around a pole.

CARMEN: Again, the poles were spinning. I wasn’t sensually strutting … I was basically running around the pole like a chicken with its head cut off.

AMBAR : After our alternative warm-up, we got into the routine portion of the class. The first move was a backward spin. I’ll try my best to explain this: Basically, you wrap one leg around the pole and hold on for dear life while you catapult yourself backward, lifting both legs up.

CARMEN: By the time Ambar finished her first spin, I was on my sixth. I was literally giving myself vertigo. After we mastered the backward spin, our next hurdle was cat tails … I don’t even know where to start with these. Think of a bull kicking its front legs before charging.

AMBAR: But in a sexy way. As our instructor put it, “Bend over, I wanna see your ass.” After embarrassing ourselves with that move, we went into learning how to do the step-around.

CARMEN: This was probably the easiest move of the class. While gripping the pole for dear life, you throw one leg around the pole, squat and spin.

AMBAR : I like to call it the stripper version of a “bend and snap” from “Legally Blonde.” If you know, you know. The “squat and spin” then led us into one of the more classic spins where you keep one leg wrapped around the pole and the other is held out (the shoulder spin). Again, Carmen was going 10 mph.

CARMEN : I really thrusted myself into it, lapping Ambar almost 10 times. And apparently, because we were doing “so well,” Ali decided to teach us an advanced spin: the genie. (R.I.P. the backs of my legs.)

AMBAR: The genie was the final move of our routine. You basically had to grip the pole with one of your legs, bend horizontally enough that you could kiss your knee then push yourself backward while simultaneously wrapping your other leg around the pole to semi-form the letter “G.”

CARMEN: Once you are in “G” formation, you (attempt to) spin around the pole. Ali encouraged us to take away one of our hands for “pizzazz,” but that just resulted in me slowly sliding down to the ground. After a few failed attempts, we started to get the hang of it.

AMBAR : Once we slid down from that formation, we ended the routine on the ground, spread eagle, shaking what our mama gave us.

CARMEN: Allegedly.

AMBAR: Despite being encouraged to shake our booties and get down low, the class emphasized unleashing our inner goddesses above all else. We had a chat with the boss ladies of Alt Fit Jax, Jaime Clark and Lorien Anderson, who spilled the tea on the journey of snagging their space in the first place.

CARMEN: They explained how difficult it was to rent out a place because of the stigma surrounding pole dancing/pole fitness, even though that is not all they focus on. They offer roller pole, dance, hoop fitness and tons of other alternative fitness courses. Personally, I thought these classes were way more exciting than just hitting up a regular old gym!

AMBAR: Not to mention how rigorous it was. I mean, I was sore for the whole week following the class.

CARMEN: Same, but that’s not saying much since I’m winded just walking up the stairs. But in all honestly, this was such a fun class. I highly recommend.

FILM REVIEWS

Words by Harry Moore

“Air”

Hollywood’s one-time golden boys Ben Affleck and Matt Damon have collaborated once again to give us what is arguably the best film of the year so far. Following the consecutive releases in his directorial career of “Gone Baby Gone,” “The Town” and “Argo,” which won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2013, Affleck was hailed as one of the most exciting and accomplished filmmakers of his generation. Unfortunately, his career behind the camera stalled after agreeing to play Batman for Zack Snyder, and it has been almost a decade since his last, not-as-well received outing as a director, “Live by Night.”

Having now retired as the caped crusader, Affleck is able to return to what is undoubtedly his true calling as a director, and for his comeback, the actor/auteur has delivered a compelling and crowd pleasing look at a corporation’s efforts to secure the endorsement of an up-and-coming athlete. Sure, the brand and athlete in question are Nike and Michael Jordan, but it is a testament to Affleck’s skill as a filmmaker, as well as Damon’s presence as a movie star, that a film that is essentially about marketing and corporate strategy is as compelling as “Air” is.

Set in 1984, Air follows Sonny Vaccaro (Damon), a basketball talent scout working for Nike who is tasked with finding a soon-to-be drafted NBA player to build the company’s fledgling basketball division. After watching some tape of the top draft candidates, Sonny decides that Nike must put all their chips into pursuing the expected third pick in the draft — Michael Jordan. But with Jordan preferring both Adidas and Converse, it will be an uphill battle for Sonny to convince the future superstar to join the flailing Nike corporation.

While almost everyone knows how this story plays out, Affleck, Damon and the excellent ensemble manage to keep the proceedings enthralling thanks to an engaging and well-paced debut screenplay from Alex Convery. Every member of the cast is at the top of their game including Jason Bateman, Chris Tucker, Chris Messina and Oscar winner Viola Davis — who was handpicked by MJ to play his mother, Deloris. While Affleck steals scenes in front of the camera as Nike’s dichotomic founder and CEO Phil Knight, it is Affleck as a filmmaker who proves to be the real star of “Air,” deftly turning what could have been rather dry material in other hands into a captivating film that effortlessly manages to pull off the inconceivable feat of making Nike into an underdog that is rooted for by audiences. The director does a remarkable job in contextualizing where both the NBA and Nike were positioned at that point in time and gives Air Jordans the reverence as a clothing item that changed both fashion and sports culture.

“Air” is an excellent comedy drama made for adults that underlines the importance of talented directors and compelling movie stars in order to make old school, crowd-pleasing features.

“The Super Mario Bros. Movie”

From the quarter-powered arcade machines to modern consoles, Super Mario has been a giant in the video game world for decades now. And with what is, somewhat shockingly, only the second attempt to bring Nintendo’s Italian plumber to the big screen, Illumination Studios, the animation powerhouse behind “Despicable Me,” has given Mario a competent if uninspired family movie.

The story finds Brooklyn based plumber brothers, Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day), sucked down a magical pipe in the sewers, that transports them to a magical land. Mario arrives in the Mushroom Kingdom, which is led by Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy), while Luigi is unfortunately dropped in the Dark Lands, which is ruled by the evil Koopa King Bowser (Jack Black) who has ambitions to take over the Mushroom Kingdom and marry the princess. It’s then up to Mario, Peach and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key) to defeat Bowser, saving Luigi and the kingdom along with the help of Donkey Kong (Seth Rogen) and the Kong Army.

The film succeeds at being a colorful and innocuous distraction for kids but doesn’t reach or even seem interested in achieving the artistic heights of other recent films in animation that have pushed the artform forward such as the surprisingly excellent “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish,” “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” or any number of releases from Pixar. At a brisk 90 minutes, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” burns through its plot at a breakneck pace, allowing no room for scenes to breathe though the endless expositions and tired jokes that have been done to death in kids movies since at least the days of “Shrek”. It isn’t just the jokes that are recycled: The list of needle drops in this movie couldn’t be more played out from Beastie Boys and AC/DC to “Holding Out for a Hero” and “Take on Me,” the soundtrack is only noticeable for how regurgitated from other animated kids fare it is. It even uses the famous “Battle Without Honor of Humanity” from “Kill Bill,” a reference that had been overly parodied at least 10 years ago. Many of the creative decisions just reek of staleness and little ambition.

What does work for the film is its sublime animation, a string of Easter eggs that are bound to have any longtime fans of the video game series smiling and a game ensemble voice cast that are all stronger than the screenplay seemingly deserves, particularly Black who steals the show as Bowser with his comedic rocker sensibility, while Pratt rises above the naysayers to give a solid performance as Mario. But there is just a sense of hollowness to this film that has nothing remarkable to it beyond its iconic and beloved characters. While Super Mario may have failed to make the jump to cinematic greatness, the film’s demolition of the worldwide box office in the shadow of the recent superhero bombs “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” and “Shazam! Fury of the Gods,” as well as the runaway success of HBO’s “The Last of Us,” has signaled there is a changing of the guard in Hollywood taking place before our eyes with video games levelling up as the new hottest properties in the film industry.

JACKSONVILLE'S LOL JAX FILM FESTIVAL AND 48

HOUR FILM PROJECT: BRINGING LOCAL TALENT TO THE FOREFRONT AND BEYOND

Words by Ambar Ramirez and photos by Mattéo

I think it’s safe to say that we’ve all been to the movie theaters a fair amount, and I think we can all agree that something a bit magical happens every time we step into the dimly lit theater with a large popcorn and cherry (or whatever flavor preference) slushie. The ASMR-like rollercoaster introduction is playing, and before the movie even starts it’s like you are being transported to another world. But still, even after the mesmerizing experience of watching a film on the big screen, we tend to overlook the efforts that go into its making. The lengthy credits that roll by with countless names hardly catch our attention, let alone make us wonder about those individuals who worked behind the scenes to bring the film to life. But in Jacksonville, the LOL Jax Film Festival and the 48 Hour Film Project are bringing those names we see in the credits at the end of a movie to the forefront. Or should I say, taking those names internationally.

Adam and Monique Madrid, co-founders of LOL Jax Film Festival, met while they were in high school. For as long as Monique can remember, Adam always had a passion for film and filmmaking. He recalled his love for film began when his cousin took him to see “Jurassic Park.” He was “fascinated” by how the film portrayed the fabricated dinosaurs in such a realistic way. This moment opened up a door in Adam’s mind where he began to really think about how films were made, which ultimately led to thinking about how he could make films himself.

But it wasn’t until 2007 when Adam and his friends decided to participate in the 48 Hour Film Project, a nationwide film festival where contestants have to make a short film in just 48 hours, that their lives would change forever. After winning that contest, they were able to build valuable connections ultimately leading them both to not only becoming 48 Hour Film Project city producers but also creating LOL Jax Film Festival.

“He’s always wanted to be a filmmaker since I’ve ever known him,” Monique shared. “He’s such a dreamer in the clouds, but he makes them a reality. Anything he says, he makes happen, and, you know, it’s very infectious, and it has helped me to be able to dream too. And that’s kind of how ‘LOL’ was born. LOL Jacksonville was born because I asked the dreamer, ‘Could it be a reality? If we did a comedy film festival …’ and he said ‘yes,’ and the rest is history.”

LOL Jax Film Festival is an annual event that highlights Jacksonville’s local talents, specifically filmmakers, actors/actresses and comedians. It was born out of the shared love and respect for the filmmaking process, but more importantly for the locals. Funnily enough, “LOL” has a double meaning: the obvious “Laugh Out Loud” as well as as “Love Our Locals.” Like any film festival, there has to be a theme and submission rules, LOL Jax Film Festival’s only rule is that films have to be funny … laugh out loud funny.

“So we kind of created this ecosystem of a festival to where all, all artists can be celebrated and hopefully allow them to not only celebrate each other but [also] network with each other and realize the power of collaborating to build a bigger project, a better project by listening and working with one another,” Monique said. “So it’s kind of more than just a festival now, which is really cool.”

Deneux

As much as it is about creating a hub for local talents and their fans to connect, it’s just as much about putting them in the spotlight and giving them a platform to do what they love. And just maybe, being in the spotlight at a local Jacksonville film event can take you across state borders or even across the country.

Jaron Wallace, a Jacksonville native, has always been an actor and filmmaker at heart.

“I remember when I was a kid I would, with whatever famous actor was around in the ’90s, I would cast my own movies with like actors,” Wallace recalled. “I’d write it out on paper, and I’d go in the backyard and act the whole thing out.”

Following in Adam’s footsteps from 2007, Wallace and his team, along with director and writer Thomas Siedle, produced and submitted a short film to the 48 Hour Film Project. Their film “Threshold” was chosen to be showcased at this year’s Filmapalooza in Los Angeles, where they were thrilled to learn that not only did their film win, but it would also be screened at the Short Film Corner during the Cannes Film Festival.

“Being invited to showcase our film at the Short Film Corner in Cannes while the festival’s going on is a big honor to us,” Siedle shared. “A lot of eyeballs will see it and a lot of eyeballs of people who understand the film industry that can help us grow and take the next step in our creativity is a real opportunity. So this is hopefully going to open up some doors for us that we won’t burn down at the end of the movie.”

While this is a huge accomplishment for Wallace, Siedle and their team, it’s an accomplishment for all of Jacksonville and our local talents. Just as Adam and Monique bring local talent’s names to the forefront through their comedy film festival, the team behind “Threshold” are putting Jacksonville on the map across the nation and the world.

Artimus Pyle, a legendary musician and former drummer of the iconic Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, has left an indelible mark on the world of rock music. With his distinct style and thundering beats, Pyle’s contributions to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s enduring legacy are undeniable. From his early days as a session musician to his time with Lynyrd Skynyrd during their heyday in the 1970s, Pyle has experienced the highs and lows of the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle. In this exclusive interview, we delve into Pyle’s musical journey, his memories of Lynyrd Skynyrd, and his lasting passion for music that continues to resonate with fans around the world.

The band formed in Jacksonville in 1964 when lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, drummer Bob Burns and guitarist Gary Rossington played baseball on rival teams. After Van Zant “accidentally” hit Burns in the head with a baseball, the trio held an impromptu summer afternoon jam session in the garage of Burns’ parent’s house. And the rest was history.

Born in Kentucky and raised in Tennessee riding horses and working on the family farm, Pyle was able to find rhythm in just about anything. He was a natural-born drummer, referring to the doctor spanking his bum after birth as “a downbeat.”

“It went like spank, 2, 3, 4 … spank, 2, 3, 4” Pyle explained.

When Pyle was 12 years old, his father gifted him his first drum: a red sparkle sling drum. Before that he was known for finding music in anything, the way his father would pat his hands to the music on the dashboard or using his mother’s pots and pans as a makeshift drum set.

“Having the gallup of hooves on a horse and the sound of a diesel engine on a Caterpillar bulldozer set up all these rhythms under me. I am definitely a natural drummer,” Pyle said. “Sitting next to a babbling brook and listening, you know, to the rhythms. There’s rhythm in rain. There’s a rhythm in wind. There’s a rhythm in lightning and storms. It’s all around us.”

After a lifetime of casually playing drums, Pyle’s passion for music took a serious turn when his father died. In memory of his late father, Pyle made the decision to leave the Marine Corps and return to Columbus where he enrolled at Ohio State University. He also threw himself into his drumming, joining not one, but five different bands.

Pyle joined Lynyrd Skynyrd as their drummer in 1974 after Bob Burns’ health began to decline. Knowing he had a reputation to uphold, Pyle gave it his all. As a member of Lynyrd Skynyrd, he found himself stepping out of his comfort zone. He contributed his background vocals on the song “Trust” on the 1976 album “Gimme Back My Bullets.”

MUSIC IS THE MESSAGE AND ARTIMUS PYLE IS THE MESSENGER

He also collaborated with Van Zant on “The Smell,” one of the band’s best known songs.

Pyle’s time with the Lynyrd Skynyrd was cut short by a devastating plane crash in 1977. Just three days after the release of the band’s album “Street Survivors” on Oct. 20, 1977, Lynyrd Skynyrd was en route from Greenville, South Carolina, to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, when their chartered plane ran out of fuel and crashed in the woods, just five miles outside of Gillsburg, Mississippi. The crash claimed the lives Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, backup singer (and Gaines’ sister) Cassie Gaines, road manager Dean Kilpatrick and both pilots. This tragic event marked a turning point in Lynyrd Skynyrd’s history and had a profound impact on Pyle and the music world as a whole.

“I was on that plane. I went down with the band in Mississippi,” Pyle shared. “It’s been 45 years, and I still think about it every single day. I really miss my friends.”

Despite the harrowing experience of the plane crash, Pyle miraculously survived with a broken rib. Showing incredible resilience, he managed to pull one of the victims out of the wreckage before setting out to find help. Pyle spotted a farmhouse in the distance and made his way there seek-

ing assistance. However, in his bloodied and unrecognizable state, he was shot by a farmer who was protecting his family. This unforeseen turn of events added yet another layer of tragedy to Pyle’s already traumatic experience and left a lasting impact on his life.

Ten years after the crash, the remaining band members reunited. Pyle continued to play with what was left of Lynyrd Skynyrd until 1991 when, according to an interview in “Modern Drummer” he left the band due to his bandmates’ “massive, gluttonous consumption of cocaine and alcohol.”

Even though Pyle stopped playing with the band, he never stopped spreading their legacy. He created APB (which he says stands for “All Points Bulletin” but is commonly known and marketed as “Artimus Pyle Band”) 15 years ago with a few of his friends. The idea was never to try and become Lynyrd Skynyrd, as he notes there can be no Lynyrd Skynyrd without Ronnie Van Zant or Gary Rossington, but to honor the his former band and bandmates. APB delivers performances that pay homage to Lynyrd Skynyrd with sets that are exclusively dedicated to the their timeless music known around the world.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Pyle found an avenue to share his story in the film “Street Survivor: The True Story Of The Lynyrd Skynyrd

Words by Ambar Ramirez and Carmen Macri

Plane Crash.” Pyle not only lent his voice as the narrator of the film, but he also contributed original music to the film’s soundtrack. And the last living survivor of the crash (and someone who lost his own father in a mid-air plane collision), Pyle is the only person who can share a first-hand account the horrific realities before, during and after the accident.

“I can say music has actually saved my life,” Pyle said. “Being the drummer of Lynyrd Skynyrd has saved my life because there were many times when I felt like giving up, you know, and then music would bring me back.”

He has also revealed that a new album paying tribute to the late Ronnie Van Zant and the original lineup of Lynyrd Skynyrd will be released sometime this year. “Artimus Pyle and the Artimus Pyle Band Honors Ronnie Van Zant and Lynyrd Skynyd” will feature a cover of “Freebird” by Dolly Parton with the unmistakable guitar riffs played by Rossington himself.

The album also served as a reunion for Rossington and Pyle, who had drifted apart over the years. Their unexpected collaboration also reignited their shared love for music and allowed them to reminisce about the cherished memories they shared during their time together in the band, creating a heartfelt moment of reflection and nostalgia.

“Gary said, ‘I miss your family. I love you. I miss you. Let’s get together,’” Pyle expressed. “I knew in my heart that if things worked out that at some point after the album came out, Gary and I would probably have lunch together one day and talk over old times. I will cherish for the rest of my life these texts between Gary and me.” Sadly, Rossington passed away earlier this year at the age of 71.

Another important aspect of the new album, Pyle mentioned, is the proceeds will benefit the families of the former members of Lynyrd Skynyrd who have passed away.

“I didn’t do [the album] for money. I did it because I love the music, and I love the band members and our girls, you know,” Pyle expressed. “There’s a higher purpose than just trying to make a buck.”

Even being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, as Pyle was as a member of Lynyrd Skynyrd, doesn’t mean as much to him as the brotherhood he shared with his bandmates and friends — and also the music, which he says speaks for itself and will always live on. For him it was never about the money or the fame.

“Music is the message. Music is the messenger, and it brings so much joy,” Pyle said. “Throughout the history of mankind and, to me, all of the songs send love and talk about love and that’s the message. That’s the only thing that’s gonna save this planet is love.”

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS

TUESDAY, APRIL 18 – SUNDAY, APRIL 23

Friday, April 21, 7:05PM SWEDISH FURNITURE NIGHT

It’s Swedish Furniture Night, and we’re seeing which fans can build flat-packed Swedish furniture the fastest! Additionally, enjoy Friday Night Lites with $2 12oz. Miller Lites, presented by Miller Lite, and Friday Night Fireworks, presented by Gate Express Car Wash.

Saturday, April 22, 6:35PM COMIC HERO DAY

Join the Jumbo Shrimp as they take the field in their special Comic Hero jerseys and caps for Comic Hero Day, featuring Captain Crustacean and Dr. Cocktail Sauce. Be sure to be one of the first 2,000 fans through the gates and you could be going home with a pair of Comic Hero Socks, presented by First Coast News. Plus, stick around after the game for Saturday Night Fireworks!

Sunday, April 23, 3:05PM PRINCESS DAY

It’s Family FUNday and we’re hosting our annual Princess Day, where you can meet princesses on the concourse before the game! Head out to the center field gate where we will host catch on the field until 20 minutes after the gates have opened. Kids can also feel like the pros after each Sunday game by running the bases once the field is clear. Plus, face paint, balloon animals & more, presented by Baptist Health.

TUESDAY, APRIL 25 – SUNDAY, APRIL 30

JACKSONVILLE JUMBO SHRIMP

EASY BEING GREEN

Celebrating 90 years of Bunky Green

Words by Shelton Hull

Bunky Green turns 90 this spring, and that is cause for celebration among his friends and family, as well as the fiercely loyal fanbase he’s cultivated over the course of seven decades in the music business, the last 30 of which has been spent mostly here in Northeast Florida. That legacy is being celebrated with a special tribute concert at UNF Music Department’s Recital Hall on April 23 at 4 p.m. That show, which is free, will feature many of Green’s former students, colleagues and friends, as well as fans, of which he has plenty.

“Bunky’s influence and impact on jazz music and jazz education has been tremendous, not only in Jacksonville but throughout the world,” says Al Maniscalco, a veteran saxophonist and UNF alum who is organizing the event, which is built around a rhythm section featuring Kevin Bales on piano, Ricky Ravelo on bass and Peter Miles on drums. “It is only fitting that there be an opportunity for the many students, friends, and colleagues he’s inspired through the years to have the chance to celebrate and pay tribute to him as he turns 90.”

Vernice “Bunky” Green was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on April 23, 1933. He got his nickname from the comic strip “Bunky.” “My mother had one of those old hats over my head in the push-buggy; this was a long time ago. My mother and her friend were taking a walk with me, and her friend said ‘Helen, he looks just like Bunky in the funny papers!’ And it stuck.”

You can find articles about Green dating as far back as September 1957 and as recently as right now. Green’s big break came when he was given the Herculean task of replacing alto saxophonist Jackie McLean in the Charles Mingus band. From there, he went to Chicago and began leading his own groups, while also gigging with masters like Louie Bellson, Andrew Hill, Yusef Lateef and Sonny Stitt. Like every horn player of his era, Green was strongly influenced by Charlie Parker, but his mature sound was forged in the crucible of club life, in the jam sessions and cutting contests that are still the proving ground for new jazz talent.

According to JazzDiscography.com, Bunky Green’s first recording session took place in Chicago for Vee-Jay Records on April 11, 1961. He had already been doing sideman work for the label dating back to the previous year. Since 1965 he’s made 15 albums under his own name for a variety of labels like Arco, Cadet, Delos, Exodus, Label Blue, Leonard Productions, Mark, Pi, Vanguard and Vee-Jay. In fact, the first five were released between 1965 and 1967. Decades later, his groups did a series of radio broadcasts in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland. He also played on a couple dozen albums by other artists.

The list of names in Green’s CV is dense and diverse: The Dells, Randy Brecker, Donald Byrd, Hiram Bullock, Jimmy Cobb, Steve Coleman, Bob Cranshaw, Art Davis, Eddie Gomez, Jimmy Heath, Steve Jordan, Bob Cranshaw, Joe Lovano, James Moody, Jason Moran, Lewis Nash, Lonnie

Plaxico, Larry Ridley, Pete Laroca Sims, Sonny Stitt, Nasheet Waits. He also did sideman work for Richard Evans, Eddie Harris, Elvin Jones, Herb Lance, Travis Shook, Ben Sidran, Billy Stewart, Clark Terry, Willie Thomas and The Soulful Strings, as well four split singles with singer Fontella Bass in 1965 and 1966; he also played on her debut album in 1966.

Bunky was always cool, a solid, reliable pro with none of the bad habits that destroyed so many of his peers. As he approached his 40s, Green got off the road and became one of the very first notable jazz artists to take up a spot in academia. He taught at Chicago State University from 1972 to 1989 before taking the chair of Jazz Studies at UNF in 1990.

Jazz education has been a thing for many, many years, but it’s really only been about 40 or 50 years that it was codified into its own particular discipline. What began with private, informal study under selected legends or the occasional diversion from the traditional pedagogy has long since evolved into a tightly-knit network of jazz education programs established at colleges and universities all over the country, institutions both large and small.

Here, that process really began at the University of North Florida in 1987. The program was founded by the late great Rich Matteson (1929-1993), a skilled pianist and master of most “low brass” instruments who holds the peculiar distinction of being one of only a handful of euphonium specialists in all of jazz history.

The UNF School of Music was established in 1972, and it remains the thing for which the university is best known for. Today it’s run by pianist Lynne Arriale, drummer Danny Gottlieb and trombonist Dave Steinmeyer, all of whom also count Green as a mentor. The school is housed at the Fine Arts Center, a $22 million complex that opened in 2001. It is the house that jazz built, and it remains a centerpiece of a university that has never stopped growing since its founding in 1965. Hundreds of artists have come through the program, and they can be found almost everywhere that jazz is being played in America.

“I was super fortunate to land myself a weekly private lesson with Bunky for an entire semester,” says singer Angela Roberts, an early protégé of Green’s who went on to become a fixture of the New York scene. “Those were magical hours. Later, when we lost William Brown [a beloved singer and vocal coach, who died in 2004], our beloved Bunky took all of his students under his wing and gave us weekly workshops while we tried to heal from such a heavy loss. Nobody else could have helped fill that void.”

From the start, UNF’s jazz program was known for producing not only great artists, but more importantly, solid professional musicians who have gone on to become top soloists and bandleaders in their own right. The famously competitive New York jazz scene, for example, always has a few UNF

alumni in the mix and the same can be said about the music scenes in several other cities.

Other professors playing key roles in the program over the years include trumpeter J.B. Scott (who was the very first graduate of the UNF Jazz Studies program, back in 1989) his wife, singer Lisa Kelly and multi-instrumentalist Bill Prince. Each of these legends has their own specific sphere of influence, and their own cadres of Padawans, but it has always been Bunky Green who stirred that particular drink.

He remained at UNF for over 20 years before retiring in 2011, but he retains a presence on campus, emotionally if not always physically. “He always used to tell us students that he learned from us all the time,” said tenor saxophonist Michael Emmert. “I really didn’t get why he would say that when he was already considered a master of the music, but I started to figure it out after many years of teaching myself.”

Green was a major figure in the growth of the jazz education community in that era, serving a term as president of the International Association of Jazz Educators (IAJE), and later being inducted into its hall of fame. (That group, which was founded in 1968, disbanded in 2019, and has since been effectively replaced as the Jazz Education Network.) Green was also inducted into the Jacksonville Jazz Festival Hall of Fame, along with a number of his UNF colleagues and students. Visitors to downtown can see his image every day while walking up the staircase that curves up the back of the Main Library.

“When I started at UNF,” said Roberts, “there were no jazz voice majors. By the time he left us, [William] Brown had six jazz vocalists in his studio.” Green’s presence helped draw more resources to the program, as well as a number of jazz legends who came there for concerts and master classes, a trend that continues to this day.

“Bunky wrote letters of recommendation for me, important towards music career advancements,” said Lisa Kelly, who’s been among the most successful of his students. “Performing with Bunky was equally as special. Dot, Suzanne and I sang his original songs in a dedicated concert, he played with us. Presenting my debut CD release party at Partners in 1997, Bunky came and performed on it. I put together a special UNF tribute set for the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, performing with him, and a UNF Faculty/Alumni group for a packed out room at the Roosevelt Hotel Blue Room in NOLA for the Jazz Educators Conference.”

It’s not just students and other teachers at UNF who love Bunky Green, but also administrators, who have fully embraced this aspect of the school’s history. “Bunky is an international jazz legend, quietly teaching in Jacksonville for over two decades,” said John Delaney, mayor of Jacksonville from 1995 to 2003, who then served as president of UNF until 2018. “As a person, he is kind, gentle, warm, friendly. Face to face, one would never know of his musical pedigree — he was not into braggadocio. Students absolutely loved him, as did everyone who met him. It was quite a gift to have him teaching at UNF.”

Green saved some of his very best work for late in his career. He released the album “Apex” on the avant-garde Pi label in 2010 — at age 77— in collaboration with tenor saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa. It was one of the

most highly-regarded jazz albums of the 21st century, and for a generation of younger jazz fans and artists, it was their introduction to the music of Bunky Green. It was also his introduction to their music, which he considers just as important.

“You’re always moving forward from the tradition,” said Green. “At first it was a lot of chord changes and then that became stagnant. And then they played music in from other countries: Latin sounds, African sounds, Indian sounds, Asian sounds. Everyone is using music from other countries — you draw from the best, if you can. In some cases, it’s hard, hard work; sometimes it’s easy. It’s a matter of learning the learning process itself.”

“Bunky is the greatest human I’ve had the honor to be close to,” said Roberts, who repeats a sentiment that came up often when discussing Green with others: He has many fans all over the world who have never been to Florida and know little or nothing about his teaching career. The Society for the Promulgation of the Music of Bunky Green is a Facebook group that currently numbers 454 people. Jazz is a niche market, but one whose fans are fiercely, ferociously loyal, and he is a case in point.

“I don’t really follow that,” he said. “The things that I’ve done, that’s behind me, and I try to move forward, staying in the game, not on top of the game. There’s so many great players out there, and that’s encouraging, just to know that guys are creating different things and moving on, respecting the things that were done before but not staying there. Reaching for the stars, really.”

Jazz has always been a business where people either die way too young or else they live damn near forever. After all that Bunky Green has accomplished over the past 90 years, who knows what he’ll do with the next 90.

Scan

UNBROKEN RESOLVE

UKRAINE’S STRUGGLE AGAINST INJUSTICE AND CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY

Words by Carmen Macri and photos by Elvis Rey

On Feb. 24, 2022, Ukraine was invaded by Russia, and more than a year later, the conflict persists. The battle has led to widespread suffering, displacement, and loss of life. The global community has responded with empathy and support for Ukraine. People from all over the world have come together to stand side by side with Ukraine as they bravely endure the atrocities of war and crimes against humanity. Among those who have shown unwavering support for the Ukrainian people locally is a dedicated board member of Heal-Corp, a nonprofit organization that focuses on providing crucial emergency and humanitarian aid to communities affected by conflict, war or disaster. Despite the risks involved, he has repeatedly put his life on the line to stand in solidarity with Ukraine.

Elvis Rey, a war veteran himself, has traveled to Ukraine three times since the outbreak of war. With a heart for serving those in need, he has been providing much-needed relief to the brave soldiers on the front lines and the vulnerable families suffering at home. With a dedicated team behind him, Rey comes prepared with essential supplies such as Meals Ready to Eat (MREs), generators and medical provisions, ensuring that those affected by the war can still receive the critical aid they desperately need.

“Back in 2022, when I first heard about the invasion of Ukraine, I was deeply concerned about the people and the personnel that were involved because of the crimes against humanity that were about to take place,” Rey explained. “The Russian government wasn’t going to go down without a fight.”

Upon learning about the conflict, Rey wasted no time. With over 15 years of experience as a security specialist instructor in anti-terrorism and force protection with the U.S. Navy, he was no stranger to war, though, the devastation of Ukraine still hit hard. Without hesitation, Rey and his team boarded a flight and headed straight toward the war zone. As they arrived at the scene, they knew that the road to rebuilding and recovery would be a long and arduous journey.

“There was way more that we needed to do,” Rey explained, “to help source and outfit our personnel to not only take care of these people physically but also mentally because of all the trauma that they have endured and that they’re gonna continue to endure for probably the next decades to come, unfortunately.”

Despite his extensive military experience, this particular mission struck him in a far more personal way, leaving an indelible mark on his heart and mind. In addition to leaving his loving wife at home, he also had to say goodbye to his 6-week-old daughter and 2-year-old son.

“I’d never experienced this before. This was the first time that I was a father going into this kind of environment,” Rey expressed. “Before it didn’t quite affect me like it did … Just seeing the hardship that the families and the women and, most of all, the children went through. There are people that have been without power since this war started … I had to take a step back and, and really gather my thoughts and understand, you know, why I was there.”

Witnessing the plight of women and children in distress hit him on a deeply personal level this time. It also brought home the gravity of the situation and intensified his sense of responsibility to make a difference.

In addition to Heal-Corp, numerous other organizations, as well as local residents and communities, have extended their support to Ukrainian refugees. Many families selflessly opened their doors to provide shelter, while communities rallied together to offer aid in the form of meals, money or generators. Rey voiced that there is a huge community of Ukrainian refugees here in Jacksonville. Even though the fight is overseas, local people are doing what they can in support.

Something important to note is how the narrative has begun shifting since the beginning of the war. When Russia initially invaded Ukraine, the entire

world was up in arms in support of Ukraine. At first, contributing funds or equipment toward the cause was not a major concern. But as the war has dragged on and media coverage began to shift (with social media beginning to take jurisdiction over people’s perspective), some people have a completely different outlook on America’s role in the foreign conflict.

“It continues to change narratives. In the beginning of the war when everybody was exposed to the genocide and the crimes against humanity, everybody was pro-helping Ukrainians,” Rey explained. “Now because of the billions of dollars that [the U.S. has] funded this war, it’s turned to a point where it’s become very political. Especially with the way our economy is going.”

Rey acknowledges that it may be challenging for those who have not experienced a proxy war firsthand to grasp the significance of our role in the conflict. While the primary focus is on providing aid to Ukraine, Rey emphasizes that it is also about combating communism or what he refers to as “the communistic world of Russia.” Despite the significant financial support being sent to Ukraine from the United States, Rey stresses that there is a broader perspective at play.

“That’s why I do what I do, and that’s why we have to do as a country what we are doing right now,” Rey said. “This isn’t about our country and what we’re going through. This is about our world. I think as Americans we owe it to each other to find a medium where we can all get along and come to solutions that are necessary for us to prosper as a country.”

Rey explains how it is imperative for our country to find solutions to thrive and become a global example. Whether it involves extending aid to countries in need or fostering meaningful relationships with other nations to establish a common ground to promote peace and maintain the stability of our nation. The last thing we want for America is to be forced into another war.

To learn more about the situation in Ukraine and what you can do to help, visit heal-corp.org.

“THIS ISN’T ABOUT OUR COUNTRY AND WHAT WE’RE GOING THROUGH. THIS IS ABOUT OUR WORLD.”

THE ARC

JACKSONVILLE

Photo by The Arc Jacksonville

Empowering Individuals With Intellectual Developmental Differences Since 1965

Words by Ambar Ramirez

When like-minded parents and citizens come together with the common goal of fostering independence and equality for individuals with intellectual and developmental differences (IDD), remarkable things can happen. One such result of this collaboration is The Arc Jacksonville, a nonprofit organization established in 1965 to assist and advocate for those facing daily challenges associated with IDD. Over the years, The Arc Jacksonville has positively impacted the lives of countless individuals and families through its support and services.

I had the pleasure of meeting with Lacey Rumberger, who serves as the director of development at The Arc Jacksonville Village. One standout aspect of The Arc Jacksonville is the presence of The Village, a unique community that distinguishes it from other IDD-focused organizations. While it may appear similar to other elevated neighborhoods from a distance, The Village is much more than that. Situated on Hodges Boulevard, this affordable and independent-living community was designed to promote community inclusion for adults with IDD.

During my visit, Rumberger took me on a tour of the neighborhood’s clubhouse, which serves as the central hub of the community and provides residents with a diverse array of services. Among the offerings are a fitness center, computer lab and a movie room, as well as a dining hall, arts and crafts room, and a charming cafe. One aspect of the cafe that particularly captured my attention was the opportunity for residents to volunteer and serve as baristas for a day. While the clubhouse services offer additional resources like transportation, mental health and physical therapists, this community is specifically designed to support independence, meaning that residents of The Village are encouraged to freely live their lives and not feel they are being held back by their differences.

Aside from The Village, The Arc Jacksonville offers other residential locations throughout the city for individuals or families with IDD, including five community homes that offer 24/7 care with onsite nutritionists, therapists and medical care, if needed. Regardless of which community an individual chooses, each place of residence is designed to offer independence, a sense of community and security.

“I think what makes The Arc Jacksonville so different from not just other nonprofit organizations but organizations that serve individuals with IDD is that we’re truly always innovating,” Rumberger shared. “And I think it’s really important to be always looking for new ways to serve the individuals that we do because the challenges that they’re facing are always changing.”

In addition to providing housing options for individuals with IDD, The Arc Jacksonville also offers various programs, including the on-campus

transition (OCT) program at the University of North Florida. This program is tailored to meet the unique needs of each student or young adult with IDD and provides them with a complete college experience. Apart from the OCT, this nonprofit organization provides several other programs such as Strive which supports participants in achieving their individual goals, adult day training, mental health services and experiential services that enable individuals to acquire practical skills in a wide range of areas, including community and employment skills.

“I think The Arc Jacksonville is known … statewide and even, I would say, nationally … [as] being very innovative and not afraid to think [outside] of the box,” Kari Bates, president/CEO of The Arc Jacksonville. “So if you think about, you know, some of our programs like the on campus transition program that’s at the University of North Florida or The Village, those were programs that —at the time they were being created — really didn’t exist anywhere else, and that took board members’ leadership at the time; everyone really being open to taking risks and trying different things that felt like it just gave people more of a choice.”

As Bates and Rumberger highlighted, The Arc Jacksonville is at the forefront of being innovative and creative with their programs and services, important components for any nonprofit, but especially with a organization that deals with individuals with IDD. New information involving IDD and how it affects individuals is continually being discovered, meaning new programs are constantly being created at The Arc to ensure they are setting up their participants with everything they need to succeed.

“Our tagline right now is ‘Answering what’s next,’” Bates explained. “So dementia, for example, presents very early in someone with Down Syndrome, and so we’re developing a program specifically for people at risk or already maybe diagnosed with dementia. So it’s constantly like answering what’s next.”

In addition to its extensive range of programs and services, The Arc Jacksonville’s innovative approach and emphasis on promoting independence among individuals with IDD make it even more special. Also, there are many ways for members of community to get involved in supporting The Arc Jacksonville’s mission and services. Local businesses, organizations, donors and volunteers are all welcome with open arms, the same way The Arc Jacksonville welcomes all of their residents and program participants.

For more information about the organization that is shifting the way we view and treat individuals with IDD, visit arcjacksonville.org.

PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS

Solve this puzzle like a regular sudoku, but instead of using numbers, use the letters N-AT-G-L-O-V-E-R (for Nat Glover, Jacksonville’s first Black sheriff) to fill each row, column and box.

Dear Dumbs, Dear Dumbs,

I see where Terry has a new podcast. I’m looking forward to hearing it. I just hope you never stop doing Gang of Two.

I’ve been married for 11 years. This past Saturday I went with my husband to his work’s Easter party. He works at a car dealership and has been there for years. He often speaks highly about a female co-worker of his. She’s 25 years younger and from what I’m told has had a pretty rough life. For some reason, my husband wants to counsel her, and after seeing her I know why. She’s drop dead gorgeous. I usually don’t go to his events so I got to meet a lot of new people.

Here’s where my problem lies. He introduced me to every single one of them with the exception of this young woman. She stayed by his side the entire time, so I decided I would break the ice and introduce myself. She could barely look me in the eyes. Before I let my mind run wild about what their relationship really is, I thought I’d get your take and maybe some advice on how to deal with it.

SM

Orange Park

TERRY: Oh, boy. My gut reaction is pretty powerful on this one. Let me take a deep breath here.

SHARI: OK, SM. I hate to tell you, but this doesn’t sound good. I was giving him the benefit of the doubt until you said the woman wouldn’t look you in the eye. She clearly has something to hide. It may be she’s ashamed. If she is mashing your husband, she would have plenty to be ashamed about.

TERRY: Especially because he’s 25 years OLDER! Ewww. This is where SM needs to ask herself one simple question: Based on what you know, SM, if your best friend came to you with a similar situation, what would you tell her?

SHARI: I can tell you, Terry. She’d tell her bestie that he’s cheating, plain and simple.

TERRY: It sure has that vibe. I really hope we’re wrong, SM. I definitely don’t want to accuse him. If you have had a good 11 years, you should relax a little and just ask some questions. Like, “Why did your coworker act so weird when I introduced myself?” His answer and body language will help paint a better picture for you.

SHARI: Good idea, Terry. You should definitely confront him. If you don’t, this affair (or whatever it is) will continue, unabated.

TERRY: Shari is right. Although I’d be careful with my plan of attack on how to bring it up. “Confront” seems a little confrontational to me. Although it doesn’t look like it, it may be more innocent at this stage.

SHARI: Agreed. I would suggest a calm, orderly discussion, followed by a screaming fit if you don’t get the answer you want.

TERRY: BINGO! We will be thinking of you and hoping for the best.

14 FLORIDA BALLET

16 THE PSYCHEDELIC FURS WITH EVAN DANDO FROM THE LEMONHEADS

20 THE FLORIDA THEATRE BALL: BIG EASY STYLE PRESENTED BY DEX IMAGING

29 THREE BILLY GOATS GRUFF FREE SUMMER THEATRE

30 DAVE KOZ AND FRIENDS SUMMER HORNS 2023

17 THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS: LOST IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM FOR SCHOOLS 19 SCOTT BRADLEE’S POSTMODERN

23 BRIT FLOYD: CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON

31 BAD FRIENDS WITH ANDREW SANTINO & BOBBY LEE