Passion Projects by Folio Weekly

2 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JANUARY 22-28, 2020

THIS WEEK // 1.22.20-1.28.20 // VOL. 32 ISSUE 43

MAIN FEATURE

PASSION PROJECTS

Community-backed restorations keep Jacksonville’s history alive Story by Courtney Stringfellow, Cover photo by Josh Wessolowski

COLUMNS + CALENDARS MAIL GUEST EDITORIAL OUR PICKS SPORTS PICKS MUSIC

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ARTS + EVENTS CONCERTS PETS CROSSWORD NEWS OF THE WEIRD

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ASTROLOGY WEED CLASSIFIEDS BACKPAGE

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EDITORIAL

EDITOR • Georgio Valentino georgio@folioweekly.com / ext. 115 COPY EDITOR • Courtney Stringfellow courtney@folioweekly.com CALENDAR EDITORS • Brianna Bostick, Tristan Komorny CARTOONISTS • Ed Hall, Jen Sorensen CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Susan Clark Armstrong, Nick Blank, Brianna Bostick, Rob Brezsny, Nicole Carroll, Davi, Julie Delegal, Chris Guerrieri, Laura Hampton, Janet Harper, Dan Hudak, Shelton Hull, Jason Irvin, Tristan Komorny, Mary Maguire, Sarah McLaughlin, Jennifer Melville, Lindsey Nolen, Dale Ratermann, Ryan Reno, Stephanie Thompson, Madeleine Peck Wagner, Jessica Leigh Walton

DESIGN

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MEDIA CONSULTANT Tracy Rigdon tracy@folioweekly.com FOLIO WEEKLY MAGAZINE PUBLISHES EVERY WEDNESDAY FOR DISTRIBUTION IN DUVAL, NASSAU, ST. JOHNS AND CLAY COUNTIES. It contains opinions of contributing writers that are not necessarily the opinion of this publication. Folio Weekly welcomes editorial and photographic contributions. Calendar items must be received two weeks in advance of event date. Copyright © Folio Publishing, Inc. 2020. All rights reserved. Advertising rates and information available on request. Advertiser purchases right of publication only. One free issue per person. Additional copies and back issues are $1 each at the office or $4 by U.S. mail, based on availability. First Class mail subscriptions are $48/13 weeks, $96/26 weeks, $189/52 weeks. Folio Weekly is printed on 100 percent recycled paper, using soy-based inks. Please recycle issues of Folio Weekly. Application to mail at periodicals postage prices is pending at Jacksonville, Florida. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Folio Weekly, 45 W. Bay St., Ste. 103, Jacksonville, FL 32202-3632.

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JOIN THESE MASTHEAD MEMBERS AT FOLIOWEEKLY.COM/SUPPORTLOCALJOURNALISM Betsy McCall • Rose McCall • David Jaffee • Dave Graney • MRE of Jax • Mark S. Rowden • Tammy Lugenia Cherry Dr. Wayne Wood • Billie Bussard • Elizabeth Sams • Georgia R Pribanic JANUARY 22-28, 2020 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 3

THE MAIL DO THE RIGHT THING, CITY COUNCIL LAST SUMMER, DUVAL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

went to the City Council to move forward a popular referendum proposal that could have generated revenue to fix its aging and crumbling school infrastructure—something that was universally agreed should happen. Unfortunately, it didn’t. Politics got in the way, and City Hall stonewalled by hook and by crook. Eventually the school board felt obligated to hire a team of lawyers and sue the City of Jacksonville. A recent judge’s decision affirmed that it was their right to because the school board is an independent body not beholden to City Hall. This is without a doubt the first of several court victories that will ultimately see the referendum placed on the ballot, but it could be a whole lot easier. City Council could just take up the referendum and have it placed on the 2020 ballot; indeed, its members should do so as soon as possible. I think everyone would agree that City Hall has had a terrible year, first fighting against the referendum, then losing face in the JEA debacle, and offering zero solutions for the murder rate. I could go on, but instead of continuing to fight a losing battle, in both the court of law and that of public opinion, why not generate some good will and resolve this matter proactively? When Mayor Lenny Curry and City Council fought against the referendum, they didn’t just fight against the city’s schools and children, they also fought against revitalizing neighborhoods, public safety, economic stimulus, things that are generally considered good policy, even victories. Well if anybody could use a victory right about now, it’s City Council and City Hall. I urge them to do the right thing, take up the referendum and put it on the 2020 ballot as soon as possible. Chris Guerrieri via email

STOP HB 1079 (J-1)

WHY DO OUR LEGISLATORS IGNORE RULES AND

laws and our Florida Constitution? Is J-1 (and all its versions) emblematic of the six on the

Duval Delegation that flaunt their disregard for rules and founding documents? I have seen all six (Aaron Bean, Jason Fischer, Daniels, Wyman, Byrd and Yarborough) vote yes on legislation that: 1. limits some women’s access to health care, 2. ignores the part of our constitution that keeps government interference out of religious institutions and prohibits funding religious institutions with public money, 3. and diverts public funds away from quality neighborhood schools. I contest the legitimacy of HB 1079 (a.k.a. J-1). In my opinion, it doesn’t meet the criteria for local bills. The Local Bill Certification Form states, “The members of the delegation must certify that the purpose of the bill cannot be accomplished at the local level.” The answer to this question is marked “yes” on the certification form by Rep. Jason Fischer, but it should be marked “no.” In fact, under the City Charter, the Jacksonville City Council has full local authority to place a referendum on our ballots to change said charter. In other words, the purpose of J-1 can be accomplished at the local level. City Council chooses not to put the suggestion in J-1 on our ballot for valid reasons. I am also appalled at the frivolous way Jacksonville’s Office of General Counsel completed the Economic Impact Statement required for local bills. There is a significant cost to creating educational and media materials for voter awareness, understanding and decision-making. Plus our elected school board unanimously passed a resolution stating that a nationwide search and rigorous interview process is the best way to get the most qualified administrator. The voters get a voice when they elect the seven school board members. Hopefully no committee chair will put HB 1079 on their committee’s agenda and the bill will die. More than 2,000 bills have been filed this legislative session. The state legislators don’t have time to consider them all. Susan Aertker via email

LEND YOUR VOICE If you’d like to respond to something you’ve read in the pages of Folio Weekly, please send an email (including name, address and phone number, for verification purposes only) to mail@folioweekly.com, go to folioweekly.com or follow us on Twitter or Facebook (@folioweekly) and join the conversation.

BRICKBATS + BOUQUETS BRICKBAT TO ST. JOHNS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Last week, eyewitness footage surfaced of three SJSO deputies severely beating Christopher Butler after a traffic stop. The video has gone viral, provoking endless commentary on social media. Apologists point out that Butler was ornery and on PCP; the rest of us point out that the deputies continued to thrash Butler after he was subdued and handcuffed. The three officers are on paid leave.

BOUQUET TO GARY WILKINSON

Last week, the Circuit Court judge denied the city of Jacksonville’s motion to disqualify Duval County Public Schools from retaining outside counsel and pursuing legal action. The school board sued the city in September for obstructing its proposed infrastructure-tax referendum. Now that the process can move forward, DCPS hopes the referendum will take place in November 2020.

BRICKBAT TO GOV. RON DESANTIS

On Jan. 16, the Florida Supreme Court sided with the governor and Republican lawmakers in limiting felons’ voting rights. Amendment 4, which received support from more than two-thirds of voters in November 2018, promised to restore voting rights to felons who have completed “all terms of sentence.” DeSantis has attempted to sabotage the initiative from day one, working with lawmakers to ensure “all terms” includes meeting financial obligations. DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO DESERVES A BOUQUET? OR MAYBE A BRICKBAT? Submit your choice to mail@folioweekly. com; 50-word maximum, concerning a person, place, or topic of local interest.

4 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JANUARY 22-28, 2020

FOLIO VOICES: GUEST EDITORIAL

CARROT OR STICK?

RECENT SNAP CUTS ARE CRUEL & COUNTERPRODUCTIVE FOOD INSECURITY IS A REALITY FOR thousands of American families. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is an imperfect but vital lifeline. The federal assistance program meets the nutritional needs of thousands of low-income American families. The Trump administration recently passed unprecedented restrictions that will prevent roughly 700,000 unemployed individuals from receiving nutritional assistance through SNAP. Unfortunately, this dramatic news has largely been ignored, drowned in the din of presidential impeachment and military intervention overseas. It should be apparent to most that nutrition and access to sustenance is the cornerstone of health, well-being and overall survival. To exact such a heavy hardship on those who already are suffering the most is unconscionable— and counterproductive. Research by Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) suggests that policies to take away SNAP, Medicaid and housing assistance from individuals who are not working or participating in work activities will hurt, not help, the individuals most in need of assistance. Let us put to rest the notion that these restrictive policies are going to act as the catalyst that suddenly catapults individuals to stability and produces a more productive society. It would be reckless to say that SNAP is ideal. This isn’t a perfect world. Every system is vulnerable to those who would try to take advantage of it, and SNAP is not immune. Despite this, SNAP is a necessary and vital tool in assisting many underserved individuals. Posing this kind of restriction is tantamount to removing services and moves us away from the stated goal of helping people. A reduction in provisions does not propel people in the positive direction; rather it does the opposite. Eliminating services is more about punishing people and putting them in harm’s way than

providing them with the impetus to make positive changes. There is an argument to be made that change is necessary, important and inevitable. There is no resistance to the idea, concept and need for change. To remain in complacency is not a virtue, thus this should not be an aspirational goal for any program. In turn, change for the sake of change is a dangerous strategy to employ and has rarely ever yielded much in positive results. But this decision is not a positive change, nor is it meant to be positive. This is punitive. It will punish those already downtrodden and confine them all the more hopelessly to their lot. Progressive change is about empowering and uplifting. This policy is not. It is neither thoughtful nor compassionate. This unenlightened policy is perverse and inhumane. This is cruelty cloaked in the veneer of change. Real, positive change looks to enfranchise and inspire individuals and place them in a better situation. Real fundamental change does not obfuscate or harm the recipient. When discussing change, a common motivational tool is whether to employ a carrot or stick. It appears this administration has opted for the stick and has literally and figuratively forsaken the carrot. Whether it is overtly or covertly, if one agrees with this new policy, it is an abdication of moral reasoning and a rationalization for cruelty. Our nation is better than that. This is an appeal to the better angels of our nature. We are not mean-spirited or vindictive; rather, we are open and kind by nature. We need to continue to think about the welfare of our fellow citizens not by denying them services but by thinking of ways to empower them. Bashyam Iyengar mail@folioweekly.com

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Iyengar is a Jacksonville-based family physician with experience advising in health, nutrition and lifestyle. JANUARY 22-28, 2020 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 5

SAT

25 IN THE MOOD

GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA

The 18-piece ensemble performs swinging World War II-era hits popularized by its namesake, as well as other period classics such as “The White Cliffs of Dover” and “Everybody Loves My Baby.” 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, Lewis Auditorium, St. Augustine, emmaconcerts.com, $40.

OUR

PICKS THIS WEEK’S BIGGEST

& BEST HAPPENINGS

FRI

24 MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN

AMELIA ISLAND CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL

AICMF returns for its 19th season. The program lasts through the spring, but it kicks off this weekend with a performance by violin-piano duo Mutter and Orkis (pictured), who revisit Beethoven’s sonatas. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, First Baptist Church, Fernandina Beach, ameliachambermusic.org, $70-$130.

SAT

25 THIEF OF FIRE

BEETHOVEN’S CREATURES OF PROMETHEUS

The Jacksonville Symphony and Florida Ballet join forces for an epic confrontation between mortal agency and divine intervention. Together, they perform Beethoven’s only ballet, a baroque riff on the Greek mythology of Prometheus. 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, Times-Union Center, Downtown, jaxsymphony.org, $19-$25.

THU

SUN

26 CAN’T LET GO LUCINDA WILLIAMS

The multiple Grammy Award-winning country singer brings her band, Buick 6, to perform songs from a career spanning three decades. 8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, pvconcerthall.com, $43.50. 6 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JANUARY 22-28, 2020

23 BIRD BRAIN

DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS!

Mo Willems’ Pigeon is the star of an eponymous, best-selling children’s book series. Now, the avian wunderkind takes the stage in a musical production highlighting his (lack of) driving skills. 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, Thrasher-Horne Center, Orange Park, thcenter.org, $19.

JANUARY 22-28, 2020 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 7

PICKS

BY DALE RATERMANN | SPORTS@FOLIOWEEKLY.COM

WED

22 LET’S ROPE! NTRL FINALS

Thousands of cowboys and cowgirls from throughout the Southeast will compete for a prize payout of $100,000. This sport tests the teamwork and skills of two riders and their horses working together to rope steers. Wednesday-Sunday, Jan. 22-26, Jacksonville Equestrian Center, 13611 Normandy Blvd., Westside, jx2events.com, free.

THU

23 BELIEVE AND ACHIEVE UNF OSPREYS MEN’S BASKETBALL

The UNF Ospreys take on the Liberty Flames in an ASUN match-up. Liberty is 14-1 in its non-conference games; UNF is 7-8. 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, UNF Arena, 11852 UNF Dr., Southside, unfospreys.com, $5-$15.

SAT

25 BALL ‘TIL YOU FALL

NASSAU PRIDE VS. ST. PETE TIDE

The area’s first ABA professional basketball team battles in-state rival St. Pete Tide. The Pride’s roster includes local players Chris Williams (Flagler) and Jon Hart (Edward Waters). 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, Yulee High School, 85375 Miner Rd., Yulee, nassaupride.com, $8/$12. 8 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JANUARY 22-28, 2020

JANUARY 22-28, 2020 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 9

FOLIO: FEATURE

PASSION PROJECTS

Community-backed restorations keep Jacksonville’s history alive

Story by COURTNEY STRINGFELLOW Cover photo BY JOSH WESSOLOWSKI Additional photos provided BY THE JACKSONVILLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY

10 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JANUARY 22-28, 2020

ast the Maxwell House plant and beneath various expressway ramps stand Old St. Luke’s Hospital and the Florida Casket Factory; they’re not exactly hidden, but years of roadway construction and development have made it difficult to find them. The Jacksonville Historical Society occupies the former hospital site, which dates back to 1878. It seems fitting that a structure raised by way of charity should house an organization dedicated to seeing these buildings preserved. When I arrive at JHS, I approach the back porch, press a buzzer and wait. The building’s facade is both charming and deceiving; it stands alone and seems unoccupied. After I enter the threshold, the building and its tenants welcome me. I’m led to Dr. Alan Bliss’ office—a large room with pale dogwood-painted trim. A glass-encased 1800s steamboat model rests on his desk; it’s one of a handful of well-kept antiques placed in plain view. Bliss is the executive director of JHS. He’s finishing up a housekeeping email when I arrive; one of downsides of hosting events at Old St. Andrews Church is having to share it with other organizations. “The city owns the church and the Merrill House, and they lease them to us, and we’re responsible for most of the maintenance on them,” Bliss said. “So, I pay to air condition them, to treat the termites, to polish the floors—you name it.” Each year, JHS compiles a list of endangered buildings. Fire Station Number 5, which has stood vacant in Jacksonville’s Brooklyn neighborhood since 2008, has been on the list for years. It might’ve survived for generations, had it been built on a less attractive lot. The Downtown Investment Authority put the property up for grabs in November, after the city received development plans to realign Forest Street, thereby providing better access to the future FIS headquarters. “[DIA] put the breaks on demolition in the hope that there would be some, you know, last-minute rescue plan that some perspective investor or property owner with enough resources to underwrite the cost to relocate the building would step forward and come up with a plan,” Bliss said. “Right up until early December, there

were still conversations about that.” He spoke with many organizations and developers who expressed interest in buying and relocating the century-old building. In the end, however, no one came through. Fire Station Number 5 is scheduled to be demolished before the end of the month. For more than 90 years, JHS has advocated for the preservation of the city’s historic buildings and increased awareness of how our past shapes our present. I wanted to know what made Fire Station Number 5 less worthy of being preserved than Annie Lytle, the famously abandoned elementary school that finds itself on almost every abandoned building list and video. As it turns out, not much. According to Bliss, Annie Lytle could be in danger of being demolished if someone were to submit development plans. But, in its own twisted way, Interstate 95 protects the former school from getting too much attention from outsiders. The next building most at-risk of being demolished has yet to reveal itself, but there are plans to restore the Wells Fargo Center, a.k.a. the old Independent Life building. “We didn’t see that one as being on the endangered buildings list, because it’s been

under responsible ownership, and it hasn’t been constructively abandoned,” Bliss said. “We didn’t see any immediate likelihood of a redevelopment plan for that property but, as it turns out, the redevelopment plan includes saving, and converting and adapting the historic building, so that’s all to the good.” Despite our local government’s tendency to demolish unnecessary buildings, it seems Jacksonville’s historic preservation organizations are doing something right. JHS helped form the Jacksonville History Consortium in 2003. Representatives from the groups’ approximately 40 organizations meet quarterly to discuss and collaborate on programming, research and resources. Bliss says the DIA has also proven supportive of these organizations’ initiatives by helping exceptional builders, such as Danis Construction Company and Lovejoy Window Works, bring at-risk buildings back to life. “[JHC organizations] support Downtown redevelopment, and we support historic preservation as a part of that, because historic buildings add to the authentic fabric of any downtown,” Bliss said. “And I think that the [DIA] is sympathetic to

that; I mean, they have clearly put their money where their mouths are more than once, most recently with a transfer of resources from the Historic Preservation Trust Fund to the development team that has rescued the Barnett Building and has a plan in place to rescue the Laura Street Trio.” Speaking of projects, JHS is raising funds for the first phase of its Casket Factory renovations. This phase involves gutting the interior second floor of the building and replacing it with 4,500 square feet of updated archival space for tens of thousands of one-of-a-kind photo negatives, among other historically significant items. JHS plans to complete this phase before the end of the year with a $300,000 budget. “Right now, I have a matching grant in place from the Delores Barr Weaver Fund. Mrs. Weaver will match any contribution to the Casket Factory project, dollar for dollar, up to $50,000, and I’m about halfway to that goal now,” Bliss said. Patrons who wish to help JHS reach this goal are invited to donate and become members in person or online. Regardless of financial contributions, Bliss encourages everyone who enjoys these essential pieces

of Jacksonville’s story to thank the people who pour their souls into executing firstclass projects, including the Cowford Chophouse and Haydon Burns Library. “When a developer does throw her or himself into a project of historic preservation, you have to have a really good reason for wanting to do it, and often times it comes down to a labor of love; it’s a project of passion,” Bliss said. “A lot of times, people will drive past an edifice that’s been restored and take it for granted, and we shouldn’t. That project, wherever you see that happen, was at some point somebody’s pride and joy and the culmination of an immense amount of work and effort and sometimes financial risk, so we should honor and respect those projects when they are executed successfully and executed in responsible ways that wind up in the long-term preservation of a building.” The public is invited to join JHS and its members at its next monthly speaker series on Thursday, Jan. 23. See Arts + Events on page 14 for details. Subscribe to Folio Weekly’s Newsletter at folioweekly.com/newsletters JANUARY 22-28, 2020 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 11

A LOVE THAT BURNS HOT ENOUGH TO LAST BELINDA DAVIDS CHANNELS WHITNEY HOUSTON

12 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JANUARY 22-28, 2020

Photo by Steve Draper

FOLIO A+E : MUSIC

I was broken and think I am still a little early eight years after the death of broken from it.” Whitney Houston, Belinda Davids As the weeks passed, and amidst raising brings the pop star back to life with a a newborn, the next career-defining moment touring tribute performance. The production rolls in Davids’ life occurred. A friend called to tell into Downtown Jacksonville this weekend, and her about an audition for a Whitney Houston it’s not Davids’ first Duval rodeo. She told Folio tribute show. That friend had taken the liberty of Weekly she’s excited to return to the River City. reserving a spot for Davids, encouraging her to “We once had a dancer from Jacksonville with try out. Seizing the opportunity, the new mom us on stage, and he told me a little bit of this and a packed her bags; she and her infant headed for little bit of that about [Jacksonville],” Davids said. the Artscape Theatre in Cape Town, South Africa. “Hopefully I get to have the same experience I “I went through a month-long process of had last time, which involved an amazing crowd auditions,” Davids said. “I had to go through a and a mutual love for Houston and her legacy.” capella songs, multiple songs in a row, and then I The 43-year-old performer recalls her first was offered a small part in the company to see if I steps toward becoming a singer, belting out tunes could work well with others.” for friends and family in South Africa at age five. Then, while sitting in her hotel room one A few years later, she heard Whitney Houston’s morning, the director of Showtime Australia voice for the first time. The song was “Hold Me,” called her down to breakfast and laid out a set Houston’s duet with Teddy Pendergrass. list, magazines and picture books on the table. “At the age of eight,” Davids said, “you don’t That’s when she realized she had been selected as really understand what a dream or a gift or a the tribute’s star performer. She would dedicate talent is. But when I heard [Houston] for the three months to intense study of Houston and first time, I already knew that I could sing, and her work. I instantly knew that I wanted to sing like her. “When we started creating the show, we knew I absolutely fell in love with the purity in her we did not want to just voice. The technique in recreate her life story. We her voice is what I wanted THE GREATEST LOVE OF ALL: wanted to replicate her to accomplish.” A TRIBUTE TO WHITNEY HOUSTON concerts in full force, the Since she had no formal 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, way she would do it, and training, Davids began Times-Union Center, 300 Water St. to “practice, practice and Downtown, fscjartistseries.org, $44-$112.50. that’s what we did,” Davids said. “From costume practice.” She worked to changes, to the dances, strengthen her vocal chords the full band and alongside an amazing technical and develop a more controllable technique. team, we were able to create an amazing show.” Rehearsing to Houston’s music daily throughout her youth was what helped her learn to control Enjoying each moment she gets to portray her voice and prepared her to sing songs made her idol, Davids said she especially relishes the famous by other powerhouse performers, such as different costumes; she wears between five and Chaka Khan and Aretha Franklin. seven different outfits each night. There is a “She was the connection to my dream, and particular red dress she loves putting on each when I heard her perform or sing, I instantly night she takes the stage. While quickly changing knew I wanted to be just like her,” Davids from one of these full costumes to another can be explained. “When I eventually saw her on TV, challenging, she said there are no shortcuts when I found her presence very easy to relate to. She it comes to mirroring the legendary star. The audience enjoys the jaunt down memory had this very clean, pure and colorful image that lane as well. “We see happy tears, and people I wanted.” often tell me about the memories I have brought February 12, 2012, stopped Davids in her back to them from their childhood,” Davids said. tracks. She received a phone call from a friend “If I could tell [Houston] one thing, it would be, just before 6 a.m. informing her that Houston ‘Thank you for making me realize my dream, had died. teaching me how to sing and for being there [for “I was in such disbelief because I had thought celebrities like Whitney Houston me] through music when no one else was.’” and Michael Jackson were considered Lindsey Nolen immortal. When the news came on, and I mail@folioweekly.com saw her birth and death dates next to each Subscribe to the Folio Music Newsletter other, I absolutely broke down,” Davids at folioweekly.com/newsletters recalled. “She was not there anymore, and

JANUARY 22-28, 2020 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 13

ARTS + EVENTS

p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, free, 1805 Mayport Rd., Atlantic Beach, atlanticbeachartsmarket.com. THE AMP FARMERS MARKET The weekly staple returns with more food, art and music. Bring your reusable bags and containers for green shopping. Remember to leave your pets at home. 8:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. every Saturday, The Amp, 1340C A1A S., St. Augustine, staugamphitheatre.com, free.

MUSEUMS

Jacksonville’s contemporary art museum welcomes the Year of the Rat with a CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION. It’s also a chance to check out the group exhibition, A Moment in Beijing: Su Xinping, Weng Yunpeng and Jizi. Visitors can enjoy art activities and tai chi demonstrations as well as a tea ceremony and traditional food by House of Leaf & Bean. 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, MOCA Jacksonville, Downtown, mocajacksonville.unf.edu, regular admission prices.

PERFORMANCE

BROADWAY BOUND The 5 & Dime hosts this celebration for the next generation of theatre superstars. 8 p.m. Friday & Saturday, Jan. 24 & 25; 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, The 5 & Dime Theatre Co., 112 E. Adams St., Downtown, the5anddime.org, $30. LOVE LETTERS This nostalgic, Pulitzer Prizenominated show of life-long friends continues to show at various times through February 9, Alhambra Theatre & Dining, 12000 Beach Blvd., Southside, alhambrajax.com, $38-$61. A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM The artists at Players by the Sea present this 1962 Broadway farce of a Roman slave who plays matchmaker for his master. 8 p.m. Friday & Saturday, Jan. 24 & 25, Players by the Sea, 106 Sixth St. N., Jax Beach, playersbythesea.org, $28 for general admission, $25 for seniors, military members and students. THE YOUNG MAN FROM ATLANTA This PulitzerPrize winning play of a stranger’s impact on a Houston family continues to show. 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 23-25; 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, Limelight Theatre, 11 Old Mission Ave., St. Augustine, limelighthteatre.org, $22-$27. DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD LIVE The animated PBS KIDS show takes the stage. 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Downtown, floridatheatre.com, $25-$75. THE POUT-POUT FISH On his journey to find Miss Clam’s missing pearl, Mr. Fish discovers his true self. various times Thursday & Friday, Jan. 23 & 24, Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Ste. 300, Downtown, floridatheatre.com, $8.50. THE SOUND OF MUSIC UNF’s Swoop Troupe presents Rodgers and Hammerstein’s worldrenowned musical. 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24; 2 & 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, Andrew A. Robinson Theatre, 1 UNF Dr., Southside, unfswooptroupe.com, free.

CLASSICAL & JAZZ

SMCMS PRESENTS BEETHOVEN’S STRING QUARTET OP. 59 #1 The San Marco Chamber Music Society celebrates Beethoven’s 250th Birthday with a string performance. 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3976 Hendricks Ave., San Marco, sanmarcochambermusic.org, free. OUTSTANDING YOUNG PIANIST COMPETITION Students compete in six categories. 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, Friday Musicale, 645 Oak St., Riverside, fridaymusicale.com, free. CHAPEL CONCERT SERIES Jupiter Coyote’s Matthew Mayes and John Meyer (not to be confused with Mayer) perform. 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27, Beaches Museum Chapel, 505 Beach Blvd., Jax Beach, beachesmuseum.org, $25-$30.

BOOKS & POETRY

DEB BOELKES The artist speaks on how to make the most of a workplace crisis and succeed against all odds. Ticket includes a copy of her book, The Wow Factor Workplace. 5-6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, 14 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JANUARY 22-28, 2020

The Book Loft, 214 Centre St., Fernandina Beach, businessworldrising.com, $45. JOSEPH FINDER Is coming to town to present his new thriller, House on Fire, with guest speaker Steve Berry. 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, The Bookmark, 220 First St., Neptune Beach, bookmarkbeach.com, free. ROMANCE WRITING WORKSHOP New York Times bestselling author Brenda Jackson shares her story and inspiration. 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, Highlands Regional Library, 1826 Dunn Ave., Northside, jaxpubliclibrary.org, free. CYPHER OPEN MIC POETRY & SOUL Share poetry, music and more 8-11:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, De Real Ting Café, 128 W. Adams St., Downtown, Eventbrite.com, $5/$10.

COMEDY

GYPSY COMEDY CLUB Magician Mark Alan and J. Paw perform 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, 828 Anastasia Blvd., St. Augustine, thegypsycomedyclub.com, $15. THE “NOT SO” LATE SHOW Jenn Weeks hosts this comedic variety show 8-9:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, Two Saints Restaurant & Grill, 8968 103rd St., Westside, facebook.com/twosaintsjacksonville, $10. FUNNY BONE COMEDY NIGHT Brian Aldridge and PJ Butland perform. 7:30-10:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, The Red Gill Bistro, 4660 Salisbury Rd., funnybonecomedynight.com, $10/$20. COMEDY ZONE LOL Comedy Night with Ozrick Cooley 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, $10; Henry Cho performs at various times Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 23-25, $20-$122.50; LOL Comedy Night with Bob Lauver 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28, $10, 3130 Hartley Rd., Southside, comedyzone.com.

FILM

SUN-RAY CINEMA 1917, 63 Up & Jojo Rabbit play; Parasite’s last showing is 6:55 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, 1028 Park St., Five Points, sunraycinema. com, 359-0049, $5.75-$9.85. CORAZON CINEMA & CAFÉ Raising Buchannan starts playing Wednesday, Jan. 22; TBT Detour noon & 6:45 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23; Uncut Gems & EMMA- The Glen Miller Story start playing Friday, Jan. 24, 36 Granada St., St. Augustine, croazoncinemaandcafe.com. JACKSONVILLE JEWISH CENTER Second Sight screening and discussion of one woman’s journey from blindness to sight 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, Jacksonville Jewish Center, 3662 Crown Point Rd., Southside, facebook.com/ JacksonvilleJewishCenter.

ART WALKS, MARKETS

RIVERSIDE ARTS MARKET 10 a.m.–3 p.m. every Saturday, 715 Riverside Ave., riversideavondale.org, free. ATLANTIC BEACH ARTS MARKET Abstract Alcohol Ink Creative Workshop 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, $45; Palette Knife Painting Workshop 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, $65; PreValentine’s Day Artist Meet and Greet 10 a.m.-5

BEACHES MUSEUM & HISTORY PARK The historical exhibition Neptune Beach: A Cool Place to Live runs through March 1, 381 Beach Blvd., Jax Beach, beachesmuseum.org. CUMMER MUSEUM of ARTS & GARDENS Eclectic Ecology: Landscape Perspectives from Ponce de León to Florida Man runs through December 31; Carlos Rolón’s Lost in Paradise through February 29; Edmund Greacen & World War I through February 2, 829 Riverside Ave., Riverside, cummermuseum.org. MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART Recent Acquisitions: History in the Making is on display through August 30; Jenn Peek’s (I)dentify as Phoenix through April 12; Kedgar Volta’s The Fragility of the Promise through March 1; A Moment in Beijing through February 2. 333 N. Laura St., Downtown, mocajacksonville.unf.edu. MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND HISTORY Genome: Unlocking Life’s Code is on display through May 10, 1025 Museum Cir., Southbank, themosh.org. LIGHTNER MUSEUM Flagler College’s Dr. Leslee Keys explores Henry Flagler’s influence on the Ancient City and signs copies of her book, Hotel Ponce de Leon: The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth of Flagler’s Gilded Age Palace. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, 75 King St., St. Augustine, lightnermuseum.org, free, registration required. KARPELES MANUSCRIPT LIBRARY MUSEUM Mickey Mouse: A Disney Training Exhibit, showcasing character model sheets and animator sketches, runs through April. Selected works from Mac Truque on display through February, 101 W. First St., Springfield, karpeles.weebly.com, free.

GALLERIES

THE ART CENTER COOPERATIVE Gia Davis leads an abstract collage painting workshop. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, 9501 Arlington Expy., Ste. 430, Regency Square Mall, tacjacksonville.org, $40. THE ART STUDIO & GALLERY Mary Hubley holds an acrylic and oil painting workshop on creating landscapes. 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, 370A A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach, beachartstudio.org, $99. BUTTERFIELD GARAGE Photographer Dan Voellinger is January’s featured artist. 137 King St., St. Augustine, butterfieldgarage.com. CRISP-ELLERT ART MUSEUM Hilary Pecis’ The Space in Between runs through February 29, Flagler College, 48 Sevilla St., St. Augustine, flagler.edu/crispellert, free. CUTTER & CUTTER FINE ART GALLERIES Opening reception for Salvador Dali: The Argillet Collection with special guest Jean Christophe Argillet. 7-10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, 25 King St., St. Augustine, cutterandcutter.com. FEMART GALLERY Women Who Face It is on display through March 29, 10 S. Newnan, Downtown, femartgallery.org. GRAY 1908 GALLERY Jenna Alexander’s The Flower Map of the United States is on display. 73 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine, jenna-alexander.com. HASKELL GALLERY Women Artists: Visual Experience, a year-long effort showcasing the work of more than 90 women in an around Northeast Florida, runs through April 6, Jacksonville International Airport, 2400 Yankee Clipper Dr., Northside, jiaarts.org. ST. AUGUSTINE ART ASSOCIATION Cutting Edge a 2D and 3D exhibit that breaks the conventional conception of art runs through February 2. Herrick Smith leads a pottery workshop 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, 22 Marine St., St. Augustine, staaa.org, $70 for members, $75 for nonmembers. THRASHER-HORNE CENTER Off the Beaten Path, an exhibit showcasing five local artists, runs through February 15. Thursdays at Thrasher 5:30-8 p.m., every Thursday, an opportunity for art exploration, shopping, food and music. 283 College Dr., Orange Park, thcenter.org.

ARTS + EVENTS YELLOW HOUSE Sarah Crooks’ Home is Here is on display. 577 King St., Riverside, yellowhouseart.org.

EVENTS

BEACHES EARTH DAY 2020 COLLABORATION MEETING Dig Local Network is hosting a meeting for all who are interested in collaborating and being apart of the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day. 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28, Neptune Beach Community Library, 600 Third St., Neptune Beach, RSVP at beachesearthday@gmail.com. HISTORY OF THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY IN JAX Jacksonville Historical Society welcomes insurance executive J. F. Bryan IV to its monthly speaker series to discuss how Jacksonville earned the nickname “The Hartford of the South.” 6-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, Old St. Andrews Church, 317 A. Philip Randolph Blvd., Downtown, eventbrite.com, free, $10 suggested donation. ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION INFORMATIONAL DISCUSSION PANEL Learn more about the disease and how to identify signs. Noon-1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, Barco-Newton YMCA, 2075 Town Center Blvd., Orange Park, alz.org, free. HEMMING PARK BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION Celebrate 154 years of Jacksonville’s most historic public space with free birthday cake, food trucks and live music 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, 135 W. Monroe St., Downtown, hemmingpark.org, free. BIG GAY DRAG BRUNCH 2020 Ms. Sweet Tea performs. Ticket includes bottomless mimosas and a menu item. Noon & 1:45 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, Cellar 6, 6 Aviles St., St. Augustine, eventbrite.com, $20-$30. REPTICON Explore the world of reptiles and exotic animals, and maybe adopt one to take home! 10 a.m. Saturday & Sunday, Jan. 25 & 26, Jax Ice & Sports Complex, 3605 Philips Hwy., Southside, repticon.com, $5-$15. CALL TO ARTISTS FemArt Gallery is accepting submissions for the For Colored Girls exhibit, which will be installed at the Jewish Community Alliance in February for Black History Month, through Sunday, January 26, FemArt Gallery, 10 S. Newnan St., Downtown, femartgallery.org, register at kimberlymiller@femartgallery.org, $15. RETHREADED This local organization hosts a keynote discussion and informational session for Human Trafficking Awareness Month. 6-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, Southeast Regional Library, 10599 Deerwood Park Blvd., Southside, jaxpubliclibrary.org, free. MAPPING OUR PAST National Geographic’s Ted Sickley explains the changing shape of Florida through 132 of maps. Mapping Jax’s Steve Williams and Florida map expert Peter Cowdrey also present. 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25,

Jacksonville Public Library, Main Branch, 303 N. Laura St., Downtown, jaxpubliclibrary.org, free. CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION Experience Chinese culture through art activities, tai chi demonstrations, a tea ceremony and more. 11 a.m.5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, MOCA, 333 N. Laura St., Downtown, mocajacksonville.unf.edu, free. FORM YOUR FUTURE: FAFSA READY, SET, GO! FSCJ hosts to help college-bound students complete FAFSA. Colleges and universities are giving away more than $10,000 in scholarships. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, FSCJ Advanced Technology Center, 401 W. State St., Hogan’s Creek, fscj.edu, free. WINE & TRUCKS A day of craft beer and wine, food trucks, art vendors and live music. Noon-6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, Space 42, 2670 Phyllis St., Murray Hill, eventbrite.com, free to attend, $10$45 for access to wine sampling area. BARTENDERS BRAWL: TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS Four champion bartenders compete in the final brawl. 8 p.m.-midnight Tuesday, Jan. 28, The Volstead, 115 W. Adams St., Downtown, facebook.com/thevolsteadjax, free, 21 and older. GILI’S TASTE OF ISRAEL An evening of live music and great food. 6-9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, Gili’s Kitchen, 126 W. Adams St., Downtown, giliskitchen.com, $15. 2020 JUL GALA Bring out the bowties and enjoy craft beer, wine and food. Proceeds benefit local youth leagues and education events. 7-11 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, Hyperion Brewing Company, 1740 N. Main St., Springfield, eventbrite.com, $30/$40. ANIME & KAWAII POP UP Shop art, clothing, memorabilia and more. 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, Keg & Coin, 1269 King St., Riverside, kegandcoinjax.com, free. BREWZ RIVERSIDE CHOWDER GET DOWN Bring your best chowder for a chance to win beer swag and $100 worth of Brewz bucks. Live music from Matt Still. 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, Brewz Riverisde, 2695 Post St., Riverside, facebook.com/ brewzriverside, free. CACTUS & PLANTS WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP Teresa Cook leads experienced and amateur artists through blind contour drawing. 1:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, Cultivate, 2766 Park St., Riverside, cultivatejax.com, $50. MICKEY MOUSE CHARACTER EVENT Crafts, games, food and photos with Mickey. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, Sensory Towne, 8380 Baymeadows Rd., Ste. 6, Southside, sensorytowne. com, $12.50 for members, $25 for nonmembers. 2ND ANNUAL BIG BEER FEST A festival of craft brews. 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, Bottlenose Brewing, 9700 Deerlake Ct., Ste. 1, Southside, facebook.com/bottlenosebrewing, free.

Los Angeles-based visual artist HILARY PECIS is invited to St. Augustine to present THE SPACE IN BETWEEN, a collection of colorful still life and landscape paintings that play with perspective and proportion. The exhibit shows through Feb. 29, Crisp-Ellert Art Museum, St. Augustine, flagler.edu/crispellert, free. JANUARY 22-28, 2020 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 15

CONCERTS

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Experience the unifying nature of singer/songwriter Clarence Greenwood, a.k.a. CITIZEN COPE. The folk-rock singer and his troupe bring their newest album, Heroin & Helicopters, to Northeast Florida. 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, pvconcerthall.com, $38.50/$43.50.

LIVE MUSIC VENUES

AMELIA ISLAND, FERNANDINA

SALTY PELICAN, 12 N. Front St. Kevin Ski Jan. 24. Amy Vickery Jan. 25. Travis Harden Jan. 26. Shawn Layne Jan. 28. Davis Turner every Wed. SJ BREWING COMPANY, 463646 S.R. 200, Ste. 13, Yulee Kevin Ski Jan. 25 THE SURF, 3199 S. Fletcher Ave. The Macy’s Jan. 22. Shawn Layne Jan. 24. Sam McDonald Jan. 25

THE BEACHES (All venues in Jax Beach unless otherwise noted)

BLUE JAY LISTENING ROOM, 2457B S. Third St. The Talbott Brothers Jan. 23. Jason Bible & The Train Wrecks Jan. 24. The WillowWacks Jan. 26 GUSTO, 1266 Beach Blvd. The Groove Jan. 22. The Chris Thomas Band Jan. 23. The Pinedas Jan. 24 & 25. Mandalla, Caribe Groove Jan. 25 LYNCH’S IRISH PUB, 514 N. First St. Julia Gulia Jan. 24 & 27. Solar Tide, Roshambeaux Jan. 25. Chillula every Wed. Split Tones every Thur. Dirty Pete every Sun. South City Live every Tue. MEZZA LUNA, 110 First St., Neptune Beach Gypsies Ginger every Wed. Mike Shackelford every Thur. Mezza Shuffle Boxband every Mon. Trevor Tanner every Tue. MAVI BAR & GRILL, 2309 Beach Blvd. Matt Henderson Jan. 22. Incognito Jan. 23. Sidewalk 65 Jan. 24. Patrick Rose, Str8 Up Jan. 25. Jimmy Parrish & the Waves Jan. 26 WHISKEY JAX, 950 Marsh Landing Pkwy. Abbe Moody Jan. 22. The Groov Jan. 23. Cloud 9 Jan. 24. Top Shelf Jan. 25

DOWNTOWN

1904 MUSIC HALL, 19 Ocean St. Southern Culture on the Skids, The Valley Ghouls Jan. 23. Lucifer, Savage Master, Overdose, Rhythm of Fear Jan. 24. Spafford Jan. 25. Black Flag, Flag on Fire, Discordant Generation, River City Sound System, The Linecutters Jan. 26 MYTH NIGHTCLUB, 333 E. Bay St. Lil Yankee, Killoala, Valhalla Jan. 22. DJ Q45, Mfadelz, Romeo, Sub-Lo, Chris24, Inner G Jan. 24. Xander, Sorce, Opratr, Veravera Jan. 25 THE JUSTICE PUB, 315 E. Bay St. Rock Bottom String Band Jan. 24 TIMES-UNION CENTER, 300 Water St. Rumours: Fleetwood Mac Tribute Jan. 24. The Greatest Love of All: Whitney Houston Tribute Jan. 26 16 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JANUARY 22-28, 2020

FLEMING ISLAND, GREEN COVE

BOONDOCKS, 2808 Henley Rd. Clint McFarland Jan. 24. Michael Chancellor Jan. 25 DEE’S MUSIC BAR & GRILL, 2141 Loch Rane Blvd., Ste. 140 Live music every Thur. WHITEY’S FISH CAMP, 2032 C.R. 220 Love Monkey Jan. 24 & 25

INTRACOASTAL, ARLINGTON

CLIFF’S, 3033 Monument Rd., Ste. 2 Highway Jones Jan. 24. Party Cartel Jan. 25 JERRY’S, 13170 Atlantic Blvd. Boogie Freaks Jan. 24. Retro Kats Jan. 25 MUDVILLE MUSIC ROOM, 3105 Beach Blvd. Verlon Thompson, Jim Lauderdale Jan. 24. Great American Songbook Tribute: John Thomas, Bill Prince, Jay Messick, John Pellegrino Jan. 28

MANDARIN

ENZA’S, 10601 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 109 Brian Iannucci every Wed., Sun. & Tue. Carl Grant every Thur., Fri. & Sat. IGGY’S, 104 Bartram Oaks Walk, Ste. 101 Tad Jennings Jan. 23. Prom Kings Jan. 24. Vegas Grey Jan. 25. Fat Cactus Duo Jan. 26

PONTE VEDRA

PONTE VEDRA CONCERT HALL, 1050 A1A N. Indigo Girls Jan. 24. Todd Snider, Chicago Farmer Jan. 25. Lucinda Williams & Her Band Buick 6 Jan. 26. Citizen Cope Jan. 27. Robert Earl Keen, Aubrie Sellers Jan. 28

RIVERSIDE, WESTSIDE

ARCHETYPE, 2952 Roosevelt Blvd. Tantric, Smile Empty Soul, Very Alora, Spiral Crush, Stayne Thee Angel, Legions Blind, Suburban Clay Jan. 24. WolfFace, Friendly Fire, Kid You Not, Blurg Jan. 25 RAIN DOGS, 1045 Park St. Magnitude, Sect, Mindfield, Justice Tackle, Infiltrate, Damage Done Jan. 25

ST. AUGUSTINE

ARNOLD’S LOUNGE, 3912 N. Ponce de Leon Blvd. The Remains Jan. 25. Blistur Jan. 26 THE CELLAR UPSTAIRS, 157 King St. Stephen Pigman Jan. 23. Caleb Joye Jan. 24. The Committee Band Jan. 24 & 25. Wes Register Jan. 25. Vinny Jacobs Jan. 26 COLONIAL QUARTER, 33 St. George St. Pressure Jan. 25

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CONCERTS DOG ROSE BREWING, 77 Bridge St. Wild Weeds Jan. 23. The Train Wrecks Jan. 25 MEEHAN’S IRISH PUB, 20 Avenida Menendez Jivewire Jan. 25 PROHIBITION KITCHEN, 119 St. George St. Leelynn Osborn Trio Jan. 22. Bad Dog Mama, April Mae & The Catfish Jan. 23. Let’s Ride, Trevor Bystrom Jan. 24. Chillula, EshxSchief Jan. 25. Sam Pacettii Jan. 27 & 28 SARBEZ!, 115 Anastasia Blvd. Open Culture, Quarter Roy, Gentlemen’s Crow, Matt Curley Jan. 26 SHANGHAI NOBBY’S, 10 Anastasia Blvd. The Born Again Heathers, The Dead Show Dealers, Circles Jan. 24. MED.A.SIN, Authentic Jan. 25

ABBA MANIA Feb. 12, Florida Theatre VIVA LAS VEGAS: ELVIS TRIBUTE Feb. 12-16, Alhambra Theatre WILLIE NELSON Feb. 15, The Amp LINCOLNVILLE PORCH FEST Feb. 15, Eddie Vickers Park JOHN FOGERTY Feb. 23, The Amp NEIL DIAMOND: SWEET CAROLINE TRIBUTE Feb. 24 & 25, Alhambra Theatre NEARLY NICKS Feb. 27, Thrasher-Horne Center REO SPEEDWAGON Mar. 3, Florida Theatre DIANA ROSS Mar. 4, Times-Union Center RICHARD SMITH Mar. 5, Mudville Music Room SMOKESTACK Mar. 7, Iggy’s THE OUTLAWS Mar. 8, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall SAN MARCO, SOUTHBANK THE MCCARTNEY YEARS Mar. 9, Alhambra Theatre JACK RABBITS, 1528 Hendricks Ave. Black Lips, SOUTHSIDE JOHNNY & THE ASBURY JUKES Mar. Mercy Mercy Jan. 22. Dirty Honey, The Amazons 10, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall Jan. 25. Hed PE Jan. 28 FRED EAGLESMITH, TIF GINN Mar. 12, Mudville Music Room SOUTHSIDE, BAYMEADOWS JOSH GROBAN Mar. 13, Times-Union Center VETERANS UNITED CRAFT BREWERY, 8999 STEVE HACKETT Mar. 20, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall Western Way, Ste. 104 Jason Taylor Jan. 24 WHISKEY JAX, 10915 Baymeadows Rd., Ste. 135 THE SOPHOMORE ATTEMPT, MODERN VIOLENCE, Neon Whiskey Jan. 24. Prom Kings Jan. 25. Fireball RUNNER’S HIGH Mar. 20, 1904 Music Hall AGAINST ME! Mar. 25, The Amp Jan. 26 JASON ISBELL, THE 400 UNIT, OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW Mar. 27, The Amp SPRINGFIELD, NORTHSIDE KANE BROWN, RUSSELL DICKERSON, CHRIS COPPERTOP BAR & RESTAURANT, 12405-7 N. LANE Mar. 28, Daily’s Place Main St. Blistur Jan. 24 THE EVERLY BROTHERS TRIBUTE Mar. 30 & 31, PALMS FISH CAMP, 6359 Heckscher Dr. Taylor Shami Jan. 23. Billy Bowers Jan. 24. Ciaran Sontag, Alhambra Theatre VANILLA ICE & SIR MIX-A-LOT Apr. 7, Clay Mr. Bill Show Jan. 25. The Willow Sisters, Ryan County Fair Campbell Jan. 26 MANDY MOORE Apr. 7, Florida Theatre PCOMING ONCERTS LEO KOTTKE Apr. 10, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall THE TAJ MAHAL QUARTET Jan. 29, Ponte Vedra COLE SWINDELL Apr. 17, Daily’s Place Concert Hall MELISSA ETHERIDGE Apr. 30, Thrasher-Horne Center RODNEY CROWELL Jan. 30, Ponte Vedra LED ZEPPELIN TRIBUTE: ZOSO Apr. 30, Ponte Concert Hall Vedra Concert Hall THE GLORIOUS SONS, DES ROCS Jan. 31, Ponte AJR May 6, Daily’s Place Vedra Concert Hall REBELUTION, STEEL PULSE June 21, The Amp SIDELINE Feb. 8, Mudville Music Room RINGO STARR, EDGAR WINTER June 26, The Amp COLD WAR KIDS, OVERCOATS Feb. 10, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall

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Led by guitarist, songwriter and sole remaining founding member Greg Ginn, BLACK FLAG is back on the road. Ginn reformed the seminal West Coast hardcore punk band with new members last year. The Linecutters open. There’s also a pre-party with live music on the back patio. 7:30 p.m. Sunday Jan. 26, 1904 Music Hall, Downtown, 1904musichall.com, $20. JANUARY 22-28, 2020 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 17

FOLIO PETS

LOCAL PET EVENTS & ADOPTABLES PET LOSS SUPPORT GROUP Whether you lost your best friend yesterday or years ago, the pain can remain indefinitely. This group meets every fourth Thursday and is open to anyone. 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, Jacksonville Humane Society, 8464 Beach Blvd., Southside, jaxhumane.org, free (donations are always welcome).

ADOPTABLES

SNOOP

Snoop, 6. Likes: walks, hanging out with other pups, meeting new people. Loves: children and belly massages. Want a new furry BFF with a perma-wink and the softest fur on this side of Beach Blvd.? Swing by JHS and ask for Snoop!

SICK AS A DOG

HOW TO DIAGNOSE & TREAT WHAT AILS FIDO

IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR: THE COUGHING, sniffling, sneezing season when germs cause infections to run rampant. But what about dogs? Do dogs get colds? Yes, dogs can catch viruses that make them sneeze and sniffle like humans. Where do you think the expression “sick as a dog” comes from? So, how do you know when your dog has a cold and how do you treat its symptoms? Canine cold symptoms are much like humans’: coughing, sneezing, watery eyes and a runny nose. Your best friend may seem lethargic and not like its normal furry self. Another telltale sign is pinkeye and loss of appetite. As with its human form, canine colds are not usually serious; they’re just uncomfortable and will likely pass after a week. But since dogs are unable to tell you how they feel, you will have to monitor your pup closely to ensure the bug doesn’t evolve into something more serious. You can treat a doggy cold pretty much the same way you would a human cold. Owners should give their pups lots of liquids, make sure they rest—heck, even serve up some warm chicken soup (as long as the meat doesn’t contain any bones they could choke on). Limit exercise, especially in cold weather. Loosen up their sinuses by filling the bathtub with hot water and letting them lay down in the bathroom—not in the tub—so the steam can ease congestion. If you suspect it may be more than a cold, talk to your vet immediately. Now that you know dogs can catch 18 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JANUARY 22-28, 2020

colds, you might be wondering if dogs can catch human colds. It is very unlikely that dogs and humans can swap cold viruses. The viruses that cause cold-like symptoms rarely jump from one species to the other. However, they can move within a species, so play it safe and keep your dog out of canine society until it is feeling better. Sadly, there is no vaccine for the common canine cold, just like there is no vaccine for the human cold. The best preventative measure is keeping your canine as fit and healthy as possible, to boost its immune system and give it the energy to fight any viruses or bacteria it may face. That means providing a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of exercise (at least once a day), regular vet check-ups and up-to-date vaccinations. It’s best to keep your dog warm and away from rain and draughts. Also, remember to allow access to a plentiful supply of fresh water. Sometimes just knowing that dogs can get colds makes all the difference. These tips should help you spot the first sign of the common dog cold and keep your dog healthy. Talk to your vet about other measures you can take to prevent your dog from getting a cold; they’re best equipped to give you and your dog the tools you need for a happy, healthy life. Davi the Dachshund mail@folioweekly.com Subscribe to Folio Weekly Magazine’s Pets Newsletter at folioweekly.com/newsletters

BARKS & BREWS Barked Goods hosts this Sunday afternoon paw-ty, complete with dogcentric vendors. A portion of beer sales benefits a local animal rescue. 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, Hyperion Brewing Company, 1740 N. Main St., Springfield, hyperionbrewing.com, free.

ADOPTABLES

NIBBLES

Nibbles, 4. Likes: humans of all ages, cave beds, fish-flavored snacks. Loves: head and cheek rubs. Think I sound like the feline for you? Stop by JHS for a test pet! You’ll find me relaxing with my kitty roommates in Group Room 2.

FRIENDS TRIVIA DJ Se7ven resurrects the ‘90s with a night of dog-friendly trivia devoted to Ross, Rachel, Joey, Phoebe, Monica and Chandler. Best Friends fans win big at the bar. 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28, BrewHound Dog Park + Bar, 1848 Kings Cir. S., Neptune Beach, brew-hound.com, free.

DALE RATERMANN’s Folio Weekly Crossword presented by

Serving Excellence Since 1928 Member American Gem Society

San Marco 2044 San Marco Blvd. 398-9741

Avondale 3617 St. Johns Ave. 388-5406

Ponte Vedra

THE SHOPPES OF PONTE VEDRA

330 A1A North 280-1202

Voted Best Jeweler in FW’s Best of Jax readers’ poll!

FOLIO WEEKLY CROSSWORD 1

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ACROSS Pet lizard Halo wearers Jax law firm Ship stabilizer Manic-depressive Gators' lineman bestbet poker ploys Sticky roll Fish stories Classic cookie Cut off Grows older News letters UNF officials Seahawks' home False god Jax law firm WQIK morning team: Robbie, John and ___ Possible perp Retro copier Wild bunch Poet Teasdale Santa ___ winds Do I-10 roadwork Gives up

& 51 Cozy retreats 53 Party animal? 56 Back muscle, briefly 57 Jags' sideways pass 59 Write music 61 Jax law firm 62 Kind of egg 63 Baby birds

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1 "Somehow it all gets done" 2 Decorative foil 3 folioweekly.com, e.g. 4 Lab gels 5 Cape Canaveral org. 6 Opposed to 7 Honey-colored 8 Cacophony 9 Assn. 10 Showbiz award "grand slam" 11 Refrain syllables 12 Attach, in a way 14 JU frat letters

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41 It may be junk 42 Congenital 43 "Om," for one 44 Big boys 48 Speedily 49 More repulsive 50 Underwood's carved brooch 52 Gets an eyeful 54 Is paid to be someone else 55 Civil injustice 58 Emeritus (Abbr.) 60 ___ capita

16 Florida House VIPs 19 Tony Khan, to Shad 22 Fancy home 24 Common scents 27 Kinfolk 28 Vintage pop 30 Tick by 32 Scout unit 33 "In that case..." 34 Paint sloppily 36 Wrestling hold 39 Clothing lines 40 Common sense

SOLUTION TO 1.15.20 PUZZLE M A R I A N

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JANUARY 22-28, 2020 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 19

NEWS OF THE WEIRD EXTREME MEASURES David Ostrom, 40, and his ex-wife, Bridgette Ostrom, 38, have been tussling over custody, visitation issues and property taxes for some time, but a frustrated David, of Paola, Kansas, has come up with a unique way of settling their differences. He has challenged his ex, of Harlan, Iowa, and her attorney, Matthew Hudson, to a trial by combat and asked the Iowa District Court in Shelby County to let them “resolve our disputes on the field of battle, legally,” the Des Moines Register reported. In court documents, Ostrom claims such a trial “has never been explicitly banned or restricted as a right in these United States.” Ostrom also asked for 12 weeks to secure some Japanese samurai swords. Hudson, for his part, argued that the fight could end in a death, and “such ramifications likely outweigh those of property tax and custody issues.” At press time, the court had not ruled on the motion. LEAST COMPETENT CRIMINALS Bibb County (Georgia) jail inmate Mary Beth Odom, 40, asked for and received a special Christmas card from a friend this year: a greeting filled with methamphetamine and Suboxone from Timothy Lee Snow, 40, according to authorities. The Associated Press reports deputies intercepted the card and began investigating Snow, detaining him on Jan. 9. On his person, they found meth, Xanax and a revolver. In his home, deputies found more meth, Suboxone, marijuana, steroids, packing materials, a shotgun and a rifle. He was charged with possession and intent to distribute the drugs, along with giving an inmate drugs. Odom also faces charges of attempt to commit offenses pertaining to the possession of drugs. THE PASSING PARADE KTVX reported a man in Sandy, Utah, mistakenly assumed his local 24 Hour Fitness was open…24 hours. Dan Hill went to the gym late on Jan. 11 and finished his session with laps in the pool after midnight. When he emerged, he realized everyone was gone and the doors were locked. “Doesn’t the name suggest that they stay open 24 hours?” Hill complained on Facebook. He called his wife, who suggested he “find a comfortable place to sleep.” Instead, he called police dispatch “and the guy pauses for like 10 seconds and says, ‘You’re where?’” Hill said. He explained that he didn’t want to risk tripping the alarm system and “get busted for breaking and

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entering,” so police responded and freed Hill from his unexpected prison. A manager from the gym apologized in a statement and said, “We made the decision recently to close select clubs in the overnight hours. …We clearly did not do a good job of our closing procedures for this club on Saturday night.” AWESOME! During the Tokyo Olympics this summer, athletes will sleep on beds made of cardboard, a nod toward sustainability in keeping with Tokyo’s commitment to a “green” Olympics. This all sounded admirable until Australian basketball player Andrew Bogut pointed out a potential problem: “Great gesture…until the athletes finish their events and the 1,000s of condoms handed out all over the village are put to use.” In response, Airweave, the manufacturer of the beds, told AFP the beds will hold up to 440 pounds and have been through rigorous stress tests. “As long as they stick to just two people in the bed, they should be strong enough to support the load,” the company said. FETISHES On Christmas Eve, a man in Bradenton, Florida, woke up to find an intruder in his room. It wasn’t Santa Claus; the victim was awakened by a man sucking on his toes. According to the Manatee County Sheriff ’s Office, the victim demanded to know what the man was doing and the suspect simply responded he “was there to suck toes.” In the ensuing fight, deputies said the suspect claimed to have a gun, but the victim managed to force him out of the home, where the thwarted toe-sucker smashed a window in the home and destroyed the windshield of the victim’s car before leaving. The Bradenton Herald reported officers were unable to locate the suspect using a K9, so they took DNA samples from the man’s toes, and the incident is still under investigation. IRONY The Daily Hive reported on Jan. 15 that an event scheduled for that day at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver was postponed because of snow. Why is this weird? The event was a campuswide snowball fight set to take place at 12:30 p.m. The university reasoned that traffic problems and canceled classes would make it more difficult for students to participate. The school rescheduled the snowball fight for the next day. weirdnewstips@amuniversal.com

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) declared that Lord Byron (1788–1824) was the greatest genius of the 19th century. Here’s an interesting coincidence: Byron regarded Goethe as the greatest genius of the 19th century. I bring this to your attention in the hope that it will inspire you to create a similar dynamic in your own life during the coming months. As much as possible, surround yourself with people whom you think are wonderful and interesting and enlivening—and who think you are wonderful and interesting and enlivening.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Johannes Brahms (1833–1897) was a renowned German composer who lived most of his life is Germany and Austria. He became so famous and well-respected that Cambridge University offered him an honorary degree if he would visit the campus. But Brahms was too timid to risk crossing the English Channel by boat. He declined the award. I beg you not to do anything even remotely like that in the coming weeks. Please summon the gumption necessary to claim and gather in all you deserve.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): According to my analysis of the astrological omens, the coming weeks will be one of those rare times when you can safely engage with influences that might normally rattle you. You’ll be protected as you wander into the unknown and explore edgy mysteries. Your intuition will be highly reliable if you make bold attempts to solve dilemmas that have previously confounded and frustrated you. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to get a bit wild and exploratory, this is it.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): J. M. W. Turner (1775–1851) is regarded as one of England’s greatest painters. He’s best known for his luminous and imaginative landscapes. His experimental use of light and color influenced the Impressionist painters who came after him. But the weird thing is that after his death, many of his works were lost for decades. In 1939, a famed art historian found over a hundred of them rolled up like tarpaulins in the basement of an art museum. I suspect that buried or lost elements of your past will soon be rediscovered and restored. I bet it will be fun and illuminating! LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In my early adult life, I lived below the poverty line. How did that impact me? Here’s one example: I didn’t own a mattress from ages 23 to 39, but rather slept on a two-inch thick foam pad that lay directly on the floor. I’m doing better now, thank you. But my early experiences ensured that I would forever have profound empathy for people who don’t have much money. I hope this will serve as inspiration for you. The next seven weeks will be the Empathy Building Season for you. The cosmos will reward you if you build your ability to appreciate and understand the pains and joys of other humans. Your compassion will be tonic for both your mental and physical health.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Ancient Greek author Theophrastus was a scientist before the concept of “scientist” existed. His writings on botany were influential for hundreds of years after his death. But some of his ideas would be considered unscientific today. For example, he believed that flute music could heal sciatica and epilepsy. No modern research suggests that the charms of the flute can literally cure physical ailments like those. But there is a great deal of evidence that music can help relieve pain, reduce anxiety, reduce the side effects of drugs, assist in physical therapy, and even make you smarter. 20 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JANUARY 22-28, 2020

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Ancient Greek author Theophrastus was a scientist before the concept of “scientist” existed. His writings on botany were influential for hundreds of years after his death. But some of his ideas would be considered unscientific today. For example, he believed that flute music could heal sciatica and epilepsy. No modern research suggests that the charms of the flute can literally cure physical ailments like those. But there is a great deal of evidence that music can help relieve pain, reduce anxiety, reduce the side effects of drugs, assist in physical therapy, and even make you smarter.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): How well do you nurture yourself? How diligent are you in providing yourself with the sustenance that ensures your body, mind and soul will thrive? Are you imaginative in the ways that you keep yourself excited about life? Do you take strong measures to avoid getting attached to mediocre pleasures, even as you consistently hone your focus on the desires that lead you to joy and deep satisfaction? The coming weeks will be an excellent time for you to meditate on these questions. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Seven books of the Bible’s Old Testament refer to a magical place called Ophir. It was a source of exotic finery and soulful treasures like gold, peacocks, jewels, frankincense and precious sandalwood. One problem: No one, not even a Biblical scholar, has ever figured out where it was. Zimbabwe? India? Tunisia? Its location is still unknown. In 2020 there’ll be a good chance you’ll discover and gain access to your own metaphorical Ophir: a fount of interesting, evocative resources. For best results, be primed and eager to offer your own skills and riches in exchange for what this fount can provide to you.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Steven Soderbergh says it’s crucial for us to have a well-developed story about who we are and what we’re doing with our lives. It’s so important that it should be the trigger that flings us out of bed every morning. We’ve got to make our story so vivid and interesting that it continually motivates us in every little thing we do. Soderbergh’s counsel is always good to keep in mind, of course, but it will be even more so for you in the coming months. Why? Because your story will be expanding and deepening, and you’ll need to make the necessary adjustments in how you tell your story to yourself. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): I’m a big fan of self-editing. For example, every horoscope I write evolves over the course of at least three drafts. For each book I’ve published, I have written but then thrown away hundreds of pages that I ultimately deemed weren’t good enough to be a part of the finished text. And yet now and then, I have created a poem or song in one rapid swoop. My artistic artifact is exactly right the first time it flows out of me, with no further tinkering needed. I suspect you’re now entering a phase like that. I’m reminded of poet Allen Ginsberg’s operative principle: “first thought, best thought.” PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Who don’t you want to be? Where don’t you want to go? What experiences are not necessary in your drive to become the person you were born to be? I encourage you to ask yourself questions like those in the coming weeks. You’re entering a phase when you can create long-term good fortune for yourself by knowing what you don’t like and don’t need and don’t require. Explore the positive effects of refusal.

Rob Brezsny freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

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SINCE MEDICAL MARIJUANA LAWS WENT into effect in early 2017, the market has revolved primarily around CBD, a variant of the cannabis plant whose THC content is negligible (it’s legally capped at threetenths of one percent). That market has been lucrative so far, and until the stuff is fully legalized by voters down the road, users will have to make do with that, and that alone. Up to this point, patients and providers alike haven’t had much in terms of official rules and regulations of the product, which has led to complaints about the quality and purity of the supply, in addition to concerns about inconsistency between one batch and another. The situation came to a head following the recent controversy over bootleg vape cartridges, which sent more than 2,500 people to the hospital and ultimately killed 54 people in 27 states. The new rules that went into effect on January 1 are intended to address these issues. Clarity is always a good thing, but as with everything related to this subject, there could always be more. The News Service of Florida’s Dara Kam answered some of the (literally) burning questions many readers have asked about CBD products. “The items—including gummy bears, chocolates and dog treats—are part of a national mania for CBD, a non-euphoric compound derived from cannabis plants,” writes Kam, who has taken the lead in reporting on this subject. Now, however, retailers will have to pay a $650 fee if they wish to continue selling CBD products in Florida, whether the company is based here or not. That may have a chilling effect on some, in a manner quite different from the chilling effect of cannabis. The state’s cannabis director, Holly Bell, says

businesses have between 30 and 45 days to comply, and until then, any outstanding supply must be taken off shelves. With the federal government having recently enacted the Hemp Farming Act, states now have full authority to do as they please with their own markets. This opens the door not only to CBD products but also to a wide range of fabrics, fibers, textiles, biofuels and other products that could ultimately generate more revenue (and jobs) than CBD itself—which is really saying something. The medical card is only necessary to buy the oils and flower, but most other products can be enjoyed by all, as the hemp plant is not legally classified as marijuana. In July, Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation that established an enhanced regulatory regime for hemp goods, and now the purveyors of products made from the plant have a better understanding of what they can and can’t do. There will only be more and more CBD products landing on store shelves as the weeks and months go on, so it’s good that Florida has gotten ahead of the curve by laying down the law. All of this is great for customers, of course, but it’s also good for the companies; in this rapidly growing and highly competitive market, it will now be much harder for miscreants to take liberties with their wares. It will also be much easier for everyone involved to know exactly what they’re getting, where they’re getting it from, and how it got to them. Everyone wins! Shelton Hull mail@folioweekly.com Subscribe to the Folio Weed Newsletter at folioweekly.com/newsletters

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UP TO THE EYEBALLS STUDENT DEBT PEONAGE IS NATIONAL DISGRACE STUDENT LOAN DEBT REACHED $1.6 trillion, in 2019, and continues to grow. The average student loan obligation is now around $35,000. While there seems to be no end in sight to this madness, it is finally getting the attention of the political class. Some Democratic candidates have proposed ideas to reduce or cancel this monumental debt, which is a positive development. But how did we get here in the first place? Like most of the socioeconomic horrors in the U.S., this one can be traced back to the 1980s, when Ronald Reagan imposed a neoliberal economic policy regime. There were two simultaneous developments that would inevitably fuel a student loan crisis. First, a financial gap grew between the college graduates and non-graduates in terms of average earnings. Neoliberal policies accelerated outsourcing and offshoring of manufacturing while also undermining labor solidarity. As wellpaying union jobs disappeared and were replaced by non-union service sector jobs, so too did a critical avenue to a middle-class, financially secure life among those with a high school degree. Between 1979 and 2005, average hourly wages for those with a college degree increased 22 percent; for those with only a high school degree, it declined by 2 percent. At the same time, the neoliberal ideology emphasized market rather than government solutions, private rather than public investments, and a rollback of social welfare programs. Students receiving public support for higher education through Pell grants and similar sources were lumped in with the so-called welfare freeloaders, leeches and “tax eaters.” Rather than viewing higher education as a public good that warranted public investment, it was regarded as a private individual investment in one’s human capital and, therefore, the responsibility of the individual to finance on their own. The human capital ideology became a central feature of the socialization process. Many children were taught

from a young age that they must get a college education and that without one they would be losers in the game of life and would suffer from perpetual economic insecurity. Thus, the higher education bubble was formed—just like the housing bubble. Just as people can pay for a home with home mortgage loans, they can pay for indispensable college degrees with financial loans. Just as homebuyers were told that a home would increase in value and be a great investment, students were told that a college degree was the best investment for which there would be a healthy labor market return. As home prices continued to rise, tuition steadily increased. When the housing market collapsed, homeowners went underwater, and millions foreclosed; when college-graduate labor market opportunities dwindled, student borrowers became financially pinched and many defaulted on their loans. The two financial crises are related. A recent study found that families assuming the financial burden of borrowing to pay for college are also more prone to face home foreclosure. There is also a broader range of negative consequences resulting from the combination of student loan debt and a labor market that provides far too few well-paying jobs. In the past, a student graduating with a college degree would find a job that allowed for independent economic security. This provided an enormous stimulus to the macroeconomy through the demand for a wide range of goods and services. But under the current situation, we see far less positive macroeconomic benefit from a college-educated population. Every dollar used to pay off a student loan is a dollar not used to purchase goods and services in our capitalist economy. What would happen if we cancelled all student loan debt? If we had a good old-fashioned debt jubilee? A group of economists at the Levy Economics Institute of Bard College conducted

an econometric analysis to answer this question in their report titled “The Macroeconomic Effects of Student Debt Cancellation.” They found that “the current policy of encouraging the expansion of debt-financed higher education has been a failure, and therefore a radical departure is in order…Student debt cancellation results in positive macroeconomic feedback effects as average households’ net worth and disposable income increase, driving new consumption and investment spending.” Of course, cancellation of student debt would only make sense alongside another novel idea: free tuition to prevent the next generation from ending up in the same predicament. If jobs require employees to have a college degree, it should be viewed the same way a free high school degree was 50 years ago. Just as primary and secondary education became a public good for which we all benefit as a society (and should therefore be provided cost-free to all citizens), so too should a college degree. There should also be more economically viable options through apprenticeships and vocational training that provide students with an alternative career path, if they so desire. The key is to ensure that such careers are economically rewarding, and this will require, for these and all workers, the right to organize and negotiate the terms and conditions of employment. The current student debt crisis should stimulate some creative thinking about debt relief, universal free tuition and alternative career paths for young adults. When the most highly educated generation in history is also the most economically insecure, there is a serious structural problem with our socioeconomic system. It can no longer be ignored. David Jaffee mail@folioweekly.com __________________________________ Jaffee is Professor of Sociology at University of North Florida.

FOLIO WEEKLY welcomes Backpage submissions. They should be 1,200 words or fewer and on a topic of local interest and/or concern. Send your submissions to mail@ folioweekly.com. Opinions expressed on the Backpage are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Folio Weekly. JANUARY 22-28, 2020 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 23