A Seasoned Competitor by Folio Weekly

2 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | DECEMBER 4-DECEMBER 10, 2019

DECEMBER 4-DECEMBER 10, 2019 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 3

4 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | DECEMBER 4-DECEMBER 10, 2019

THIS WEEK // 12.4.19-12.10.19 // VOL. 33 ISSUE 36

MAIN FEATURE

A SEASONED COMPETITOR Donna Deegan makes her move

Story by Shelton Hull, Cover photo by Alex Harris

COLUMNS + CALENDARS MAIL GUEST EDITORIAL OUR PICKS KIDS PICKS SPORTS PICKS LIBERTY PICKS

6 7 8 10 11 12

WELLNESS PICKS ARTS + EVENTS CONCERTS FOOD PETS CROSSWORD

13 16 20 22 26 28

NEWS OF THE WEIRD ASTROLOGY WEED CLASSIFIEDS BACKPAGE

29 30 32 34 35

GET SOCIAL visit us online at

FOLIOWEEKLY.COM PUBLISHER • Sam Taylor sam@folioweekly.com / 904-860-2465 ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER • T. Farrar Martin fmartin@folioweekly.com / ext. 112

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

ART DIRECTOR • Mel Young mel@folioweekly.com / ext. 145 PRODUCTION MANAGER • Josh Wessolowski josh@folioweekly.com / ext. 144 PHOTOGRAPHERS • Alex Dougherty, Alex Harris

BUSINESS & ADMINISTRATION BUSINESS MANAGER • Nancy Zarling fpiadmin@folioweekly.com / ext. 119

DISTRIBUTION

Bobby Pendexter cosmicdistributions@gmail.com / ext. 150

ADVERTISING

PUBLISHER • Sam Taylor sam@folioweekly.com / 904-860-2465 MULTIMEDIA ACCOUNT MANAGERS CJ Allen cjallen946@gmail.com / ext. 140 Laura Hampton laura@folioweekly.com / ext. 125 Kathrin Lancelle klancelle@folioweekly.com / ext. 124 Sarah McLaughlin sarah@folioweekly.com / ext. 127 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. 2019. 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.

/thefolioweekly

@folioweekly

45 West Bay Street Suite 103 Jacksonville, Florida 32202 PHONE 904.260.9770 FAX 904.260.9773

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 DECEMBER 4-DECEMBER 10, 2019 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 5

THE MAIL THE WHOLE STORY?

RE.: Knee-Jerk Reaction by Elizabeth Cash, Nov. 27 I’D LIKE TO RESPOND TO A LETTER LAST WEEK that said, “Bill Clinton was impeached for lying about an extramarital affair.” Bill Clinton was impeached for lying under oath to a federal grand jury and obstructing justice in the Paula Jones sexual harassment case. I bet the individual who wrote this letter only gets their news from left-wing news sources. There are just as many people that get their news from only right-wing news sources. If you want the whole story, you have to go to left- and right-wing news sources. I have had acquaintances ask why I would want to listen to Rush Limbaugh. He is a big fat liar, they say. You should listen to him to get the whole story, to get most of your news from your favorite source. Go over to the other side once in a while, just to see what they are up to. I listen to NPR and read Folio Weekly to get the left’s point of view. Do yourself a favor, find a right-wing news source you can stand and get the other side of the story once in a while.

Todd Thompson via email

WOW! NO MORE CRIME?

I RECENTLY WATCHED A TELEVISION SHOW ABOUT Cure Violence, I believe on PBS. The organization is claiming to be a success in Jacksonville, along with all the other cities it is in. I guess they don’t watch the local news. I had a plan, but obviously nobody wanted to hear from an NPA. I just hope that, if Mayor Lenny Curry does not reduce crime, people will not elect him to a higher position in politics—like U.S. Rep. John Rutherford. I ran only to improve Jacksonville for everybody, with no political ambitions. Running truly opened my eyes to how many politicians don’t really care about the people they serve, and if they do care, it’s only about their political party. And nothing gets done.

Brian Griffin via email

NO TOLLS

KEEP IT UP, FOLKS! DO NOT USE THE TOLL LANES. Show the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) that they made a huge mistake thinking they were going to double dip the tri-county residents by charging tolls on our roads in addition to the sales tax currently being collected. Tommy Hazouri, who served as Mayor of Jacksonville 30 years ago made a deal. Tolls would be dropped all over this area if we passed a half-percent sales tax to fund roads. We did it! We approved the sales tax. Tolls were dropped. The area has grown like crazy. Thank you, Tommy, for your futuristic insight. Now, FDOT is trying to get drivers to use the toll

roads by not charging tolls. Do not fall for this BS. This policy is bait and switch. As the traffic builds, they will increase tolls. 50¢ to $2.50 per use, just to avoid two minutes of traffic for four miles ... a rip off. And if the toll is not paid, the fine is $25.00 ... plus the toll. It will be charged to your license place and paid at renewal time if you do not pay the fine when mailed to you. Right now tolls lanes are not being used. Keep up the boycott! Pass this on to other friends, neighbors and motorists. This property, these roads and these lanes are owned by you. You are being double-dipped and ripped off by FDOT. Show the politicians that we, the citizens, will not put up with this!

Tom Jordan via email

FLORIDA NEEDS A TEACHER STRIKE GOV. RON DESANTIS REVEALED HIS EDUCATION

budget and legislative priorities, and after looking at them, I have come to the conclusion that if we want to save the teaching profession and public education, teachers must strike. DeSantis received a lot of fanfare for his proposal to raise teachers’ starting salary to $47,500, but the idea has gotten little support in the legislature. And he admits it leaves out 75,000 veteran teachers who have seen their salaries actually diminish over the last decade. The governor also proposed a bonus plan that leaves out tens of thousands of teachers. It is also beyond me why he can’t do what teachers have been recommending: a fair, flat raise across the board for all teachers. There are plenty more reasons to strike: the state’s punitive testing and accountability system, the fact that many of the support staff in our schools don’t make a living wage, and the governor’s exponential push to privatize our schools. While the governor was distracting us with terrible salary ideas, he was quietly pushing a massive expansion of privatization through vouchers. Vouchers used to be funded by money diverted from the tax rolls. Now, however, they are directly funded by our state taxes. And DeSantis wants to expand who eligibility. Voucher schools, I remind you, can pick who they take and keep; they can teach whatever they want, including junk science and history; their teachers don’t have to be certified, let alone have degrees; and there is so little accountability that you might as well say there is none. This is what DeSantis plans to expand exponentially. This is what he wants to invest public money in, rather than public schools. It’s time Florida’s teachers joined teachers all across the nation and said, “No more!” It’s time for us to demand that DeSantis and the GOP-controlled legislature do what is right. If not, we will see you on the picket line. Friends it’s time to fight while there is still something worth fighting for.

Chris Guerrieri 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 BOUQUET TO COMMUNITY HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE The Jacksonville-based healthcare organization continues its new program in December. Hope for the Holidays is a series of free grief-counseling workshops held throughout Clay, Duval, Nassau and Clay counties. The goal is to provide relief for those who feel the absence of departed loved ones all the more acutely during the holiday season.

BOUQUET TO BEACHES A1A PARROT HEAD CLUB The local chapter of Parrot Heads in Paradise made Jimmy Buffett proud by recently raising more than $21,000 at this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The beaches-based social club has participated in the annual Alzheimer’s Association event for a full decade and is its top fundraising team. All told, this year’s walk generated $286,282 to support care and research.

BOUQUET TO MEMORIAL HOSPITAL JACKSONVILLE Last month, the health care institution announced it would be the first in Northeast Florida to employ a brand-new heart device. The V-Wave interatrial shunt device is the subject of a large clinical study designed to help patients with advanced heart failure. 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.

6 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | DECEMBER 4-DECEMBER 10, 2019

FOLIO VOICES: GUEST EDITORIAL

GENTRIFICATION IN JACKSONVILLE

PRESERVING THE PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE OF THE BOLD CITY I REMEMBER BEING EMBARRASSED TO SAY where I grew up, when I went off to college. Yet in a few short years, Jacksonville has become a city under transformation. People are starting to recognize our town by name. We’ve made it onto some notable “up-andcoming” lists. But what about the not-so notable lists, like highest rate of eviction? Combining these feats creates the perfect recipe for gentrification. There is a debate, however, about whether Jacksonville can even get gentrification right, especially when you consider the city’s proclivity for never-ending construction. Regardless, it is a growing topic of conversation in this city, and it is starting to become unavoidable. What does the word “gentrification” mean? Put simply, gentrification is the process by which residents are pushed out of their neighborhoods by higher costs of living. This happens when long-game investors see potential in an area and then buy up the land and property. They plant expensive housing, shopping centers, coffee shops and niche eateries. This brings in a new, preferred demographic: wealthy, white young professionals. The groups that get pushed out tend to be working class and minority. All of this in the name of urban innovation. When asked about this process, there seems to be a disparity among Jacksonville residents. The younger generation—my generation—sees gentrification as a method to clean up the city and pave the way for prosperity, while removing certain undesirables in the process. We admit to contributing and we know it affects a specific demographic, but it doesn’t hurt us. Therefore, it is not our concern. On the other hand, we have an older generation of Jacksonville citizens who see gentrification for what it truly is. It creates stigma and forces our neighbors out. They still aren’t sure what to do about it, but they can admit there is already evidence of change in our city. In 2005, residents saw the beginnings of the St. John’s Town Center. The shopping center now holds a farmer’s market, Louis Vuitton and a Tesla store—and it has no intention of slowing down. IKEA and TopGolf have also popped up in the vicinity, bringing even more traffic to Southside. We are finally seeing I-295 expand to help with that traffic. But what about the introduction of tolls on the First Coast Expressway? Convenience comes at a price. Downtown, with its dilapidated

buildings and growing population of folks experiencing homelessness, has always been considered the eyesore of Jacksonville. Then in 2018, it was announced that Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan had plans to build a convention center and hotel in The Jacksonville Shipyards. This year we saw The Jacksonville Landing, a downtown staple, destroyed to make way for this. Perhaps the most significant example of change, however, comes from the Riverside area in the Brooklyn, Five Points, Avondale and Murray Hill neighborhoods. Any semblance of history has been erased; the area is largely associated with hipsters laying an inauthentic consumerist culture over the original culture. I cannot pretend to have not indulged in or contributed to some of these new luxuries. But that becomes a harder pill to swallow when you start to understand the consequences of those luxuries. I don’t want to be responsible for the complete loss of character in my hometown. I think anyone who has come to understand and appreciate Jacksonville would agree. So, what can we do? A large factor in contesting gentrification is understanding it. Starting conversations, asking questions, and being plain curious is a start. That’s when you can consider your role in the process. I felt compelled to boycott any new enterprise that came to town, especially if it screamed bourgeoisie. I can’t stop what is already here, but I can find balance between supporting impending change and my city’s history. These small steps are great, but what will actually make a difference in a city on the verge? This process is really about the displacement of communities. If I don’t like what’s happening in Jacksonville, I should let my local government know. As a community we can seek co-ops, demand affordable housing and protect public areas. This matters to everyone, including my generation. We know gentrification can bring radical change to communities with bright, new ways to work and play. But we also know the effects can uproot residents and leave them with nowhere to go. Change can be exciting, sometimes necessary. But what is a city devoid of its people, history and culture?

Emilee Leslie mail@folioweekly.com _________________________________

Leslie is a writer, traveler and observer of Jacksonville. DECEMBER 4-DECEMBER 10, 2019 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 7

OUR

PICKS THIS WEEK’S BIGGEST

& BEST HAPPENINGS

THU

GEEK OUT UNMASKED

TEDxFSCJ organizes this deep dive into nerd culture in the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium at MOSH. The panel discussion, moderated by The Short Box podcast’s Badr Milligan and Cesar Cordero, features cosplayers and convention organizers. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, Museum of Science & History, 1025 Museum Cir., Southbank, tedxfscj.com, free with online registration.

SAT

DEEZ NUTS

HIP HOP NUTCRACKER

Brooklyn-based choreographer Jennifer Weber reimagines the classic ballet and delivers a contemporary dance spectacle set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score. 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, Times-Union Center, Moran Theatre, 300 Water St., Downtown, fscjartistseries.org, es.org, $39 $39-106.50 106.50 Photo by Tim Norris

FRI

6 GAME/SHOW

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS

The legendary theatrical basketball team—possessing 22 Guinness World Records—returns to Northeast Florida on its Pushing the Limits World Tour. This game is so jam-packed, they added a fifth quarter. 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, VyStar Veterans Arena, 300 A. Philip Randolph Blvd., Sports Complex, vystarveteransarena.com, $23.50+

THU THU

NOT JAMES

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Jason Woods stages a solo performance of the Charles Dickens classic. The actor plays the curmudgeonly Ebenezer Scrooge, the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come, as well as about 20 additional roles. 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, pvconcerthall.com, $41.50 8 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | DECEMBER 4-DECEMBER 10, 2019

‘TIS THE SEASON HOLIDAY POPS

The Jacksonville Symphony and Symphony Chorus bring the tradition, with classic and modern compositions alike. The ensembles are joined by students from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts for a special Santa Claus performance. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5; 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6; 3 & 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7; 3 & 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, Times-Union Center, Robert E. Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., Downtown, jaxsymphony.org, $19-81

DECEMBER 4-DECEMBER 10, 2019 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 9

PICKS

BY JENNIFER MELVILLE | KIDS@FOLIOWEEKLY.COM

FRI

6 HIGH FLYING

A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS

Holiday music has never been so magical. Spectacular performers, talented international cirque artists and sensational seasonal songs make this an unforgettable family experience. 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 6, Times-Union Center, 300 Water St., Downtown, fscjartistseries.org/tickets/a-magical-cirque-christmas, $39-106.50

FRI

ALL ABOARD!

BEACHES NORTH POLE EXPRESS

Imagine yourself aboard the Polar Express as you visit Beaches Museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s operational North Pole Express. Write a letter to Santa, sip hot chocolate, create holiday crafts and sample Christmas cookies. Santa will make a guest appearance! 2-6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 & 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 7, Beaches Museum & History Park, 381 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach, beachesmuseum.org/ events/beaches-north-pole-express, free admission for members, $5 suggested donation for non-members

SAT

AN AMERICAN TRADITION

65TH ANNUAL ST. AUGUSTINE CHRISTMAS PARADE

Marching bands, festive floats, antique cars and horse-drawn carriages kick start the holiday season in historic St. Augustine. Local organizations of all kinds pack the streets for family-friendly, small-town fun. Arrive early and bring your own chair. 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Dec. 7, Mission of Nombre de Dios, 101 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine, facebook.com/staugustinechristmasparade, free 10 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | DECEMBER 4-DECEMBER 10, 2019

12/4/1

PICKS

12/4/19

BY DALE RATERMANN | SPORTS@FOLIOWEEKLY.COM

WED

WE GOT GAME

FLAGLER MEN’S BASKETBALL

Flagler College will play Paine College for the second time in two weeks. Flagler beat Paine 94-43 during the November 23 game in Augusta, Georgia. 7 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 4, Flagler Gymnasium, 12 Granada St., St. Augustine, flaglerathletics.com, $5-$10.

SAT

IT’S REAL…ENTERTAINING WWE WRESTLING

WWE Live Holiday Tour brings the WWE Supershow to town. Don’t miss your favorite RAW and SmackDown Superstars. 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 7, Vystar Veterans Arena, 300 A. Philip Randolph Blvd., vystarveteransarena.com, $15 and up.

SUN

FIGHT ON!

JAGUARS VS. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

It’s Week 14 of the NFL season. Are the Jags battling for a spot in the playoffs or a prime spot in the NFL Draft? 4:05 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 8, TIAA Bank Field, Sports Complex, jaguars.com, $25 and up. DECEMBER 4-DECEMBER 10, 2019 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 11

PICKS

BY STEPHANIE THOMPSON | LIBERTY@FOLIOWEEKLY.COM

Must Have Base Access

THU

POLAR EXPRESS IN FLORIDA MAGICAL CHRISTMAS

Event includes crafts, treats, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performances, Polar Express Train rides, and more. Santa will be available for pictures. 6:30-8:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 5, Sea Otter Pavilion, 245 Baltimore Street, Mayport, 270-7198, free.

SAT

EXPLORE WITH LIGHT POCKETS ST. AUGUSTINE PAL DAY

Local attractions offer free admission to active duty service-members and their families; free lunch will also be provided at the Elks Lodge. All Day, Saturday, Dec. 7, participating attractions throughout St. Augustine, visitstaugustine.com, 778-2821, free.

SAT

PEARL HARBOR DAY BREAKFAST WITH OUR HEROES

12 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | DECEMBER 4-DECEMBER 10, 2019

Holiday buffet with limited seating. Guest speakers, silent auction, and raffles. Free for WWII Veterans and Gold Star Families, call 705-6439. 8-11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 7, Sheraton Hotel, 10605 Deerwood Park Blvd., Southside, eventbrite.com, 373-8817, $20.

12/4/19

PICKS

SARAH McLAUGHLIN | WELLNESS@FOLIOWEEKLY.COM

SAT

GOT YOUR GOAT GOAT YOGA

Little Peeps Farmer for a Day has lots of fun and friendly goats waiting to nuzzle, jump and play. Yoga classes are held on Saturdays and Sundays. Visitors are welcome to hang out with the animals after. The exact location is provided after registration. 9:30–11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 7, Little Peeps Farmer for a Day, Beach Blvd. & St. Johns Bluff, bit.ly/goatyogajax, $20-30.

MON

A NEW AND BETTER FUTURE RELEASE THE OLD AND CREATE THE NEW

Stacey McCann, Lumenator & Light Coach, guides a free class on releasing the past and moving forward in the new year with purpose and clarity. 11 a.m.–noon, Monday, Dec. 9, St. Johns County Public Library, 6670 U.S. Hwy 1, St. Augustine, staceymccann.com, free.

TUE

10 WHAT WOMEN WANT TO KNOW TALK WITH A DOC

Dr. Lee Epstein, a urogynecologist, speaks about women’s health conditions, including UTIs, incontinence and menopause, as well as various treatment options. noon–1 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 10, Y Healthy Living Center, 170 Landrum Ln., Ponte Vedra Beach, eventbrite.com, free. DECEMBER 4-DECEMBER 10, 2019 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 13

FOLIO: FEATURE

A SEASONED COMPETITOR Donna Deegan makes her move story by SHELTON HULL photos by ALEX HARRIS

IN POLITICS, AS IN SPORTS, A FAST START IS just as important as a strong finish. Donna Deegan nailed the first part, and the rest remains to be seen. After years of gentle prodding by friends and fans, she has finally decided to go all-in on a bid for political office. The official announcement was made November 14, amid a whirlwind round of local media stories that effectively spread the word to all of Northeast Florida in a matter of hours. Deegan’s first day as a political candidate began on the air with Melissa Ross, her former colleague at First Coast News who now hosts First Coast Connect on WJCT, and it ended with a fundraiser at the home of Kevin Clair and Tracye Polson where she set a record by raising more than $85,000 on her first day. But the main event was her announcement, which came immediately after the radio spot. Deegan, a graduate of Bishop Kenny High School and FSU, credits a class visit by Deborah Gianoulis with inspiring her own move into journalism. She started at WTXL in Tallahassee back in 1984. From there, she moved on to WTVX in Fort Pierce and WPEC in West Palm Beach before returning home to WTLV in 1988. She became a familiar face in a city known for its emotional investment with local television reporters. Her three battles with breast cancer—in 1999, 2002 and 2007—were documented on-air, and viewers followed her journey the way they would a member of their own family. Deegan did a lot to strip away the stigma of that disease, becoming a lifeline for thousands of others who have since shared their own stories. Surely we all know someone who has been touched by these efforts; indeed, you may have been. Credit must also be given to Deegan’s former colleague, Jeannie Blaylock, who started the Buddy Check 12 initiative in 1994. This effort to encourage self-exams by women has expanded to dozens of other television stations around the world, in the process saving more lives than anyone has ever attempted to count. Deegan, 58, retired from full-time

broadcasting in 2012 and shifted her focus to advocacy for breast cancer survivors through the DONNA Foundation, which has dispersed more than $5 million into research and education efforts, while helping support more than 12,000 families since its founding in 2003. She’s probably best known today for (literally) running the 26.2 With Donna Marathon, which draws upwards of 10,000 runners and fans from more than 20 countries and all 50 states; the next race is scheduled for February 9. Practice runs take place all over the First Coast and have proven as useful for networking as they have for cardio. From humble beginnings, the marathon quickly grew into one of the most prestigious distance-running events held anywhere in the world, but that is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. The DONNA Careline provides 24/7 financial assistance and advice to people fighting breast cancer and their families. There’s also The Players 5K, presented by the Nimnicht Family of Dealerships, where nearly 2,000 participants traverse the terrain at TPC Sawgrass, and the Jags Give and Go, where folks can buy football tickets through the foundation, with a portion of proceeds going to support cancer survivors. Deegan moves fast, as one would expect of a runner. Within three weeks, she had begun crafting her platform, prepared her social media accounts, commissioned her logo, put in orders for her promotional gimmicks and built a small but potent campaign staff: Communications Manager Kevin Cate has worked with Nikki Fried, Andrew Gillum, Charlie Crist and Barack Obama. Campaign Consultant Scott Arceneaux held director gigs for the state’s Democratic Party here and in Louisiana. Phil Perry, a VP at Asana Creative Strategy, who also worked for Obama, leads Deegan’s digital communications operation. Political Consultant Jane Rayburn has campaign experience in Boston and Chicago—two of the all-time great Democratic territories. Augmenting that core are several hundred folks lined

14 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | DECEMBER 4-DECEMBER 10, 2019

up to volunteer already, a group that includes a number of prominent activists spanning the ideological spectrum. “I have a kitchen cabinet that probably has as many Republicans on it as Democrats,” Deegan said, laughing. “My whole goal here is to make this very inclusive, bipartisan effort.” Team Donna is led by Campaign Manager Erica Connor, a youthful veteran of local politics who also serves as president of the Ponte Vedra Democratic Club and a director for a statewide political committee called Journey Forward. “The response has been very positive,” said Connor, who currently holds elected office herself, as a supervisor for the St. Johns County Soil & Water Conservation District. Both women played key roles in cultivating the infamous “Blue Wave” that delivered Democratic victories in conservative territory last year. It was Andrew Gillum who inspired Deegan to make her initial foray into political life, and it was Deegan’s deep base of personal connections that helped bring him closer to the Governor’s Mansion than any Democratic politician in a quarter-century. “He is a dear friend,” Deegan said, “and he has taught me a lot about the dedication needed to run for an office like this. I believe that he is one of the most authentic people that I’ve ever had the privilege to witness in the political space.” The two remain close, and Gillum was one of many, many, many people over the years (long before 2018) who encouraged her to run for office in her own right. His was perhaps the most credible voice saying so, having personally witnessed the response she drew from around the First Coast while introducing him at rallies, not to mention her boundless energy (which is just crazy, even by Andrew Gillum standards). “I’m just awed by the opportunity I had to do that,” Deegan says, “and I think that a lot of how I proceed in this race will be modeled after his hard work ethic.” Just five hours after Deegan’s announcement, Gillum also became her first high-profile endorsement, issuing a mass email through her campaign website. “Donna is committed to making sure everyone has the right to health care, she believes in science, and she believes that universal background checks are needed to help stop gun violence,” he writes. “She’s the candidate that will get it done—and flip this district from red to blue.” Deegan is a member of the Democratic Party, of course, but as a daughter of the South, her influences run the gamut. In these increasingly polarized times, she has no problem reaching across the aisle. “One of the things that Ronald Reagan knew very well was that there has to be a win for everyone, or it is not sustainable. Compromise has got to stop being a dirty word, because we are not going to get to anything sustainable unless people feel like they are being heard. I think that’s the way forward, regardless of what our opinions are about things. We’ve got to understand that we don’t always get everything we want.” “I’m not in this because I want to be a politician. I have no interest in being a

lifelong politician,” she says. “I think Tillie Fowler had that right. She was an amazing, visionary person, and she was absolutely spot-on, in terms of term limits. That’s the biggest problem we have right now. Unfortunately, our politicians don’t spend a lot of time listening to us. What happens is, the special interests get involved, and no one wants to give the other side a win, and here we are.” Insiders were already buzzing, queued-up and clued-in, by the time Deegan made the 15-minute drive from WJCT across the river to the gorgeous Avondale home of Wayne Wood and Lana Shuttleworth, where Deegan delivered her first speech as a candidate for the U.S. House, Florida’s District 4. (Her initial plan was to announce at Friendship Fountain, but that was scuttled due to an obscure rule prohibiting use of that space for political events. However, we brought her back there to shoot the photos that accompany this article.) Volunteers at a table out front gave out t-shirts, buttons, signs and the all-important petitions, while Deegan watched the crowd growing from inside the living room. This was a long time coming. “Everybody else has been thinking about it. I really wasn’t,” she said. “I wanted to

unclear what exactly government can do to win this fight. As you might expect, Deegan has a few ideas. “I love the moonshot idea,” she said. “I think we need to invest a lot more in cancer research. But really, primarily, what they can do is get out of the way on healthcare. People are dying every day, every single day. I was talking to a woman two months ago, who said to me, ‘I’m sitting here with stage four breast cancer, and I may lose my life, because I did not want to be a financial burden to my family.’ Now, how much more will that cost the system than it would have cost just to take care of it at the very beginning?” In terms of policy, Deegan’s primary focus is on healthcare, an area that she has surveyed from every conceivable perspective throughout the years. Few issues get as much attention in politics today, and few politicians know the issue as comprehensively as Deegan does. “I don’t know how many people remember this, but the Affordable Care Act was originally a construct of the Heritage Foundation,” she said. “It was considered a compromise to what a lot of people on the left wanted, and now it’s vilified as this sort of far-left crazy thing.” While others fixate on the nuances

“Unfortunately, our politicians don’t spend a lot of time listening to us. What happens is, the special interests get involved, and no one wants to give the other side a win, and here we are.” support other people, and be part of the grassroots movement and all that. At the end of the day, what happened was that I just kept saying to myself, ‘Here we are at the edge of this cliff, and if we don’t back off of this cliff, we may lose our democracy.’” There was no magic moment, no dramatic tipping-point. Deegan has never really been prone to impulsive behavior. Rather, it was a series of gradual shifts, a game of inches. “I decided it was better than throwing things at the television,” Deegan said. “If I can do it, and I have the ability to do it, and the passion to do it, and I believe that I can speak with people and listen to people, then I should do it.” The podium was posted up on the front porch. Connor, Dr. Parvez Ahmed, Toni Hernandez and the candidate’s husband, the iconic local weatherman Tim Deegan, preceded her to it. They all got visibly emotional while touting the courage she’s shown as a three-time survivor of breast cancer, a fight that began 20 years ago. If she wins, Deegan will join an entire delegation of cancer survivors in the U.S. Congress. The mutual animus for the disease is a rare area of bipartisan sentiment, but it’s

of policy, rushing to formulate plans they can name after themselves, Deegan takes a holistic approach to a complex subject. “Listen, anybody that is looking at the costs of healthcare, and the morality of not providing healthcare in this nation, is for universal healthcare. That is a no-brainer,” she says. “We just have to figure out a way to get there. I don’t care how we do it, but everybody has to be covered, period.” Leaning forward into the verbiage, there is no sense of recitation. The words flow smoothly and seemingly spontaneous, though of course they can’t be. Her television career was all about stylized study, hard work rendered effortlessly, and she’s taken that method into a new arena. Tim Deegan was especially moved—and moving—when he told the story from his perspective. He has witnessed her struggles more closely than anyone, and he knows better than anyone how much she risks by taking this step. The Deegans met as rising young stars at WTLV, and their whirlwind romance became arguably the most talkedabout love story in local history. Time noted that some of their first real conversations at the time revolved around politics, but their

own views were a closely-kept secret until only recently. (His still are, since he remains a fixture in local media. One might assume his views to be as fully simpatico in politics as they are in every other aspect of life, but you never really know, especially these days.) For 20 years, the Deegans have reigned among the region’s major power couples, and as their power accrued, with interest, folks wondered aloud what the next step would be. Now we know. Everyone knows, especially the incumbent, Rep. John Rutherford. The former sheriff slid into the spot vacated by the great Ander Crenshaw, taking a seat that had always been effectively written-off as GOP property. Deegan’s entry makes the district immediately more competitive than it has been since its grand gerrymandering after the 1990 census. Rutherford’s campaign staff have smartly kept quiet about the challenge so far, but they began prepping their defense before his supporters even knew there was anyone to be defended against. “The Congressman has no comment on any one of the number of candidates that have filed to run in the fourth District,” says campaign staffer Tim Baker. “He looks forward to running a vigorous re-election campaign focused on his record of results for the citizens of Northeast Florida.” For her part, Deegan credits her opponent for helping motivate her decision to run. “One of the things that really helped me make up my mind is that I heard Rep. Rutherford on [Ross’] show,” she said. “And he said, ‘I’m not gonna have any town hall meetings, because I don’t want to be part of the dysfunctional process.’ He doesn’t want to give people their 15 minutes of fame. But to me, that’s part of your job as a representative, to take those uncomfortable meetings, to take those darts that are going to be thrown at you, to listen to people who disagree with you. That’s how we learn; that’s how we move the country forward.” Deegan is a kind person, but politics is not a nice business, and she is gearing up to fight a whole different type of battle than anything she’s fought to date. She’s ready for the heat, ready for the drama. “That’s part of it, but that can’t stop good people from running for office,” she said. “It has stopped good people from wanting to run but, look, cancer hasn’t killed me, so I guess this won’t kill me, one way or the other. As long as my husband loves me, and my kids love me, I’m good to go.” Taking the makeshift stage in an off-white tailored dress, Deegan hovers just above five feet, even with her ever-present heels. She had a box positioned near the podium, so she could be better seen, but she didn’t need it. Some politicians are lucky to get a standing ovation, but in this case, folks just stood up the whole time. She seemed to almost levitate above the fray as she told her story, energized by an electric crowd response that lit up the sky on that cloudy Thursday morning. History was being made, and so, perhaps, was the future, but that remains to be seen. Subscribe to Folio Weekly’s Newsletter at folioweekly.com/newsletters

DECEMBER 4-DECEMBER 10, 2019 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 15

ARTS + EVENTS

Forget holiday playlists; Crescendo Amelia’s HOW THE BIG BANG STOLE CHRISTMAS will have the whole family singing along into the new year. Now in its sixth year, this family-friendly production boasts of a 19-piece big band and more than 25 entertainers. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, Theatre Jacksonville, 2032 San Marco Blvd., San Marco, crescendoamelia.com, $12-55.

PERFORMANCE

A CHRISTMAS CAROL BY THE SEA Players by the Sea puts on a classic performance designed, built and directed by four women, 8 p.m. Friday & Saturday, Dec. 6 & 7 Players by the Sea, 106 Sixth St. N., Jax Beach, playersbythesea.org, $28-35, show runs through Dec. 22. FROZEN JR. THE MUSICAL The sensational Disney movie takes the live stage in Jacksonville 3 & 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, Theatre Jacksonville, 2032 San Marco Blvd., San Marco, m.ovationtix.com/ pr/1020174, $15. THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR SHOW This classic children’s book transforms into a Broadway-style show with its beloved companion Brown Bear, Brown Bear 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, The Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Downtown, floridatheatre.com, $20-50. THE POWER OF SOUL CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION A variety of acts perform to ‘70s & ‘80s soul hits and Christmas favorites 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, Ritz Theatre & Museum, 829 N. Davis St., LaVilla, ritzjacksonville.com, $20.

CLASSICAL & JAZZ

IMAGES FROM SPAIN THROUGH DANCE The internationally acclaimed pianist Maria Dolores Gaitan visits Jacksonville the first weekend of December, hosting two concerts and a day full of classes. A concert for the whole family, 6 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 5, $20/adults, children 10 & under/ free; A formal VIP performance and succeeding reception, 6 p.m. Fri., Dec. 6, $75; six 1 hour individual master classes 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat., Dec. 7, $75, The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach, 50 Executive Way, Ponte Vedra, ccpvb.org for tickets and class registration. DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS The nine time GRAMMY nominated saxophonist visits Jacksonville on his Gifts of the Season Christmas Tour with some special guests 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, The Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Downtown, floridatheatre.com, $43-83. PIERRE KENDRICK The saxophonist, who plays smooth jazz, soul & R&B, performs 7:30-10:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, Jazzy’s Restaurant and Lounge, 901 King St., Riverside, facebook.com/Jazzys-Restaurantand-Lounge-389937895072526/, free. FIRST FRIDAY JAZZ WITH AL MANISCALCO QUARTET Spend your Friday night with great wine and music 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Friday, Dec. 6, Grape & Grain Exchange, 2000 San Marco Blvd., San Marco, grapeandgrainexchange.com, free. JACKSONVILLE SYMPHONY’S HOLIDAY POPS A weekend of classical holiday music performances including White Christmas & Silent Night at various times Thursday-Sunday, Dec. 5-8, Times Union Center for Performing Arts’ Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., Ste. 200, Downtown, jaxsymphony. org, $19-81. YOUTH ORCHESTRA HOLIDAY CONCERT The Jacksonville Symphony’s Youth Orchestra performs 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9, Times Union Center for Performing Arts’ Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., Downtown, jaxsymphony.org, $3-8. HAPPIEST OF HOLIDAYS CONCERT The St. Augustine Orchestra delivers a joyous holiday performance 8-9:30 p.m. Wednesday & Thursday, Dec. 4 & 5, Lightner Museum, 75 King St., St. Augustine, staugustineorchestra.ticketleap.com, $27.50 general admission; $12 kids 12-17; kids 10 & under are free. A PETER WHITE CHRISTMAS The contemporary jazz guitarist Peter White and company make a stop on 16 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | DECEMBER 4-DECEMBER 10, 2019

tour 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, 1050 A1A N., Ponte Vedra Beach, pvconcerthall.com, $59.50-110. JOY TO THE WORLD The UNF School of Music presents its holiday concert Messiah Favorites & Carols 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, 1050 A1A N., Ponte Vedra Beach, pvconcerthall. com, $10-25.

BOOKS & POETRY

JEFF LINDSAY The best-selling author visits Jacksonville to present his thrilling new book Just Watch Me 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, The Bookmark, 220 First St., Neptune Beach, bookmarkbeach.com, free. THE WOW FACTOR Deb Boelkes presents and reads from her new book The WOW Factor Workplace: How to Create a Best Place to Work Culture 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort, 39 Beach Lagoon Rd., Fernandina Beach, businessworldrising.com, RSVP with Deb.Boelkes@ BWRising.com, free.

COMEDY

COMEDY ZONE Carnival Cruise’s “Entertainer of the Year” Al Ernst performs several shows starting 7:30 p.m. Wed., Dec. 4, $20; LOL Comedy Night with Kelly Heatwole 7:30 p.m. Tue., Dec. 10, $10, The Comedy Zone, 3130 Hartley Rd., Southside, find performance dates, times, and tickets at comedyzone.com. HOT POTATO COMEDY HOUR Chris Buck hosts this Monday night staple with comedians from near and far 9:30 p.m. every Monday, Rain Dogs, 1045 Park St., Five Points, facebook.com/raindogsjax.

FILM

SUNRAY CINEMA Ford V. Ferrari, and Knives Out continue to show 1028 Park St., Five Points, 3590049, sunraycinema.com. CORAZON CINEMA & CAFÉ Downton Abbey & The Lighthouse wrap up Thur., Dec. 5; After Class & Honey Boy premier Fri., Dec. 6; Throwback Thursday, Dec. 5, Santa Claus Conquers the Martians, 36 Granada St., St. Augustine, 679-5736, corazoncinemaandcafe.com.

ART WALKS, MARKETS

RIVERSIDE ARTS MARKET 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Every Saturday, 715 Riverside Ave., riversideartsmarket.com, free. ATLANTIC BEACH ARTS MARKET Adult Finger Painting, 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, $40; Delightful December Art: Kids Painting class 10 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Dec. 7, $40; Santa Claus Painting Workshop 4-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, $45; The Foxy Sparrow Vintage Pop-up 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun., Dec. 8; Mrs. Claus Painting Workshop 4-6 p.m. Sun., Dec. 8, $45; Abstract Alcohol Ink Creative Workshop 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, $45, Atlantic Beach Arts Market, 1805 Mayport Rd., Atlantic Beach, atlanticbeachartsmarket.com. DIG LOCAL MARKET Farmers’ Markets: Beaches Green Market, 2-5 p.m. Saturdays, Jarboe Park, Florida Blvd. & A1A, Neptune Beach; Midweek Market, 3-6 p.m. Wed., Bull Park, 718 Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach; diglocal.org. FIRST WEDNESDAY ART WALK The ‘Spirit of Giving’ is in the air and on the strip for this month’s art walk 5-9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4, Downtown Jacksonville, jacksonvilleartwalk.com.

MUSEUMS

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. MANDARIN MUSEUM 11964 Mandarin Road, Saturdays 9 a.m.–4 p.m., mandarinmuseum.net, free. CUMMER MUSEUM of ARTS & GARDENS Louis Comfort Exhibit, Tiffany: Treasures from the Driehaus Collection runs through Jan. 5, Innovation & Imagination: The Global Dialogue in Mid to Late 20th Century Art runs through December. Edmund Greacen & World War I, runs through Dec. 15. 829 Riverside Ave., cummermuseum.org. KARPELES MANUSCRIPT LIBRARY MUSEUM The Bible, an original manuscript exhibit of pages from the Gutenberg Bible and the first edition of the King James Bible, through Dec. 28. 101 W. First St., Springfield, karpeles.weebly.com. MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART JACKSONVILLE Of Many Ancestors, runs through Dec. 28. Yoga in the Atrium 12 p.m. last Sunday of every month, $20. 333 N. Laura St., mocajacksonville.unf.edu. MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND HISTORY Astronaut: Your Journey Begins on Earth runs through Jan. 4. 1025 Museum Cir., Southbank, themosh.org. BEACHES MUSEUM 381 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach, beachesmuseum.org. LIGHTNER MUSEUM Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, 75 King St., St. Augustine, lightnermuseum.org.

GALLERIES

MAIN LIBRARY POP: Perceptions of Poverty exhibit features seven artists and several modes and mediums, highlighting and focusing on poverty and tackling stereotypes and generalizations. The exhibit runs through Jan. 19. Main Library, 303 Laura St. N., Downtown, jaxpubliclibrary.org, free. THE ART CENTER COOPERATIVE Portraiture classes, 1-4 p.m. every Sat., Main Gallery, Regency Square. Works by members on display include oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, photography, and sculptures. Nature Abounds exhibit on display now. 9451 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 430, Regency Square, tacjacksonville.org. THE ART STUDIO & GALLERY 370A A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach, beachesartstudio.org. CRISP-ELLERT ART MUSEUM Open to the public Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday noon-4p.m. Flagler College, 48 Sevilla St., St. Augustine, flagler.edu/crispellert, free. THE CULTURAL CENTER AT PONTE VEDRA BEACH Ellen Diamond’s Chasing Color runs through January 11, 2020. 50 Executive Way, ccpvb.org. CUTTER & CUTTER FINE ART GALLERIES 25 King St., St. Augustine, cutterandcutter.com. GRAY 1908 GALLERY Jenna Alexander’s The Flower Map of the United States, is on display. 73 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine. PAStA FINE ART GALLERY Michelle Davidson is November’s featured artist, her exhibit Abandoned is on display. 214 Charlotte St., St. Augustine, pastagalleryart.com. SOUTHLIGHT GALLERY A Marriage of the Imagined: A Husband & Wife Exhibition on display through Dec. 20, 1 Independent Dr., Ste. 113, Downtown, southlight.com. ART SEE & SHOP The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville’s new gallery displays local artists of many mediums and styles 9 a.m.-7 p.m. every day, 4870-5 Big Island Dr., Southside, facebook.com/ artseeandshop, free. THRASHER-HORNE CENTER Off the Beaten Path, an exhibit showcasing five local artists runs through

ARTS + EVENTS Feb. 15. Thursdays at Thrasher 5:30-8 p.m., Dec. 5, an opportunity for art exploration, shopping, food, & music. 283 College Dr., Orange Park, thcenter.org. BEACHES GO GREEN OCTOPUS GARDEN The massive art structure made from single-use plastic, will be lit up and on display through Jan. 2, Seawalk Pavilion, 75 First St. N., Jax Beach.

fostercloset.org, $10 advanced; $15 at door. STARGAZING AT HANNA PARK The Northeast Florida Astronomical Society hosts a night full of marvelous views. Attendees must enter the park prior to 5:30 p.m., when the gate closes. 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, Hanna Park, 500 Wonderwood Dr., Parking Lot #8, Atlantic Beach, nefas.org, free with park admission.

EVENTS

HOLIDAY EVENTS

CULTURAL SERVICE GRANT MIXER The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville hosts the event 4:306 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, ARTSee & Shop, 4870-5 Big Island Dr., St. Johns Town Center, 358-3600, facebook.com/artseeandshop, free. NORTH ATLANTIC RIGHT WHALE WALK Take a walk along the beach to learn about this magnificent rarity and how to spot one swimming 11 a.m.noon Saturday, Dec. 7, Anastasia State Park, 300 Anastasia Park Rd., St. Augustine, facebook.com/ anastasiastatepark, free with park admission. FORT MOSE GUIDED BIRD WALK Take a relaxing hike through the woods and spot some chirping birds along the way 8-10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, Fort Mose Historical Society, 15 Fort Mose Trail, St. Augustine, allevents.in, free. ZINE & PRINT FEST Shop and explore local artists 5-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, Flagler College Crisp-Ellert Art Museum, 48 Sevilla St., St. Augustine, flagler.edu/ crispellert, free. COSMIC CONCERTS Take a trip out of this world with holiday-themed music, Queen hits and Pink Floyd favorites in the Bryan-Gooding planetarium 7-10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, Museum of Science & History, 1025 Museum Circle, Downtown, themosh.org/explore/ planetarium, $5 for members, $10 for non-members. GIRLS NIGHT OUT WITH PIXIE GLAS Choose from a variety of glass objects to paint in this workshop 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4, ARTSee & Shop, 4870-5 Big Island Dr., St. Johns Town Center, facebook.com/ artseeandshop, $40. LET’S MOVE JACKSONVILLE The teen leaders of the I’m A Star Foundation host the 9th Annual Let’s Move event with a day full of activities and an Apple watch giveaway 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, Klutho Park, 204 W. Third St., Downtown, imastarfoundation.org, free. 9th ANNUAL FIREFIGHTER CHILI COOKOFF St. Augustine hosts the Hoods for Heroes benefit event that helps firefighters who are fighting cancer 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1340C A1A S., St. Augustine, staugamphitheatre.com, free. FISHWIER IS TURNING ONE! Celebrate one year of this local brewery with food, drinks and live music noon-11 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, Fishwier Brewing Company, 1183 Edgewood Ave. S., Murray Hill, fishwierbrewing.com, free. TRIVIA FUNDRAISER & UGLY SWEATER CONTEST Foster Closet, a non-profit organization that provides resources for foster parents and children, hosts 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, Culhanes Irish Pub & Restaurant, 967 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach,

CHRISTMAS IN THE CATHEDRAL DISTRICT Chorale performances from several churches, Bethlehem marketplace, and a live nativity scene 5:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4, Cathedral District, 205 E. Church St., Downtown, cathedraldistrict-jax.org/christmas/, free. VERY SHRIMPY CHRISTMAS Movies, food, games, and a visit from Santa Claus, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville, 301 A. Philip Randolph Blvd., Sports Complex, facebook.com/jaxshrimp, $1 admission or an unwrapped toy donation. 17TH ANNUAL GINGERBREAD EXTRAVAGANZA This community favorite holiday tradition returns, showcasing edible structures crafted by local amateur and professional bakers 11 a.m-5 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, Dec. 4-6 & 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 Old St. Andrews Event Venue, 317 A. Philip Randolph Blvd., Downtown, suggested donation at the gate $10 adults, $5 kids. 2OTH ANNUAL WINTER CELEBRATION One of Mandarin’s oldest holiday traditions 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, Walter Jones Historical Park, 11964 Mandarin Rd., Mandarin, mandarinmuseum.org, free. HISTORIC SPRINGFIELD HOLIDAY HOME TOUR Take a tour of the oldest neighborhood in Jacksonville dressed up for the holiday 5-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, & 3-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, tour starts at 210 W. Seventh St., Springfield, historicspringfield.org, $15/ advanced; $20/ day of. HIGHBALL HOLIDAY The 5 & Dime theater hosts this benefit event with a variety of performers taking the stage 5:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, Manifest Distilling, 960 E. Forsyth St., Downtown, Eventbrite. com, $35-$45. ST. AUGUSTINE CHRISTMAS PARADE The 65th annual holiday tradition returns with the most festive display 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, Downtown St. Augustine, staugustinesocial.com/Christmas-parade, free. CHRISTMAS CLASSICS MOVIE NIGHT Free hot chocolate, popcorn, and a showing of ELF 6:30 p.m. Fri., Dec. 6, Southside United Methodist Church, 3120 Hendricks Ave., San Marco, umc.org, free. CHRISTMAS WREATH MAKING Have a drink and make a new holiday decoration while benefiting Best Buddies & the 5 Star Veterans Center 7-9 p.m. Fri., Dec. 6, Bold City Brewery, 2670-7 Rosselle St., Riverside, Eventbrite.com, $40. PAINT WITH SANTA Capture some candid shots while your child paints, and decorates cookies while spending some quality time with Santa 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, Color Me Mine, 10300 Southside Blvd., Southside, visit placefull.com for tickets, $45.

Gingerbread house enthusiasts unite at the 17TH ANNUAL GINGERBREAD EXTRAVAGANZA. Attendees can explore and vote on more than 50 creations, tour the Merrill House, and purchase gifts at the Holiday Shop. December 4-28, Old St. Andrews, 317 A. Philip Randolph Blvd., facebook. com/jaxhistoricalsociety, $10 suggested donation for adults, $5 for kids. DECEMBER 4-DECEMBER 10, 2019 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 17

18 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | DECEMBER 4-DECEMBER 10, 2019

DECEMBER 4-DECEMBER 10, 2019 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 19

CONCERTS

Somthi Dec. 9

SOUT

WHISK Band D Roux, R

SPRI

PALMS Ward & Double Madd H

UPC

Witness the unique sound of EUGENE CHADBOURNE, avant-garde jazz guitarist and former frontman of Shockabilly, on his tour through Florida. 8-11 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, Sun-Ray Cinema, 1028 Park St., Five Points, sunraycinema.com, $5.

LIVE MUSIC VENUES

AMELIA ISLAND, FERNANDINA

SALTY PELICAN, 12 N. Front St. Davis Turner Dec. 4. Shawn Layne Dec. 6. Jimmy Beats Dec. 7. Melissa Joiner Dec. 8. Greg Lyons Dec. 10 SJ BREWING COMPANY 463646 S.R. 200, Yulee Jory Lyle Dec. 7 THE SURF, 3199 S. Fletcher Ave. Hupp Huppmann Dec. 4. Savanna Leigh Bassett Dec. 6. Full Moon Folk Dec. 7 STORY AND SONG BOOKSTORE, 1430 Park Ave. Linda Ronstadt Christmas Concert Tribute Dec. 7

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

BLUE JAY LISTENING ROOM, 2457B S. Third St. Snacks Blues Band Dec. 5. Trongone Band Dec. 6. Coles Whalen Dec. 7. Forever Johnny Cash Tribute Dec. 8. The Band 3 Dec. 9. Blue Jay Jazz Jam Dec. 10 COOP 303, 303 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach Adam Latiff Dec. 6 & 7 FLYING IGUANA, 207 Atlantic Blvd, Neptune Beach Lunar Coast Dec. 6 & 7 GUSTO, 1266 Beach Blvd. Akia Uwanda Dec. 5 MUDVILLE MUSIC ROOM, 3105 Beach Blvd. Pierce Pettis Dec. 5. Rip Currents Dec. 6. Amanda Anne Platt & the Honeycutters Dec. 7. River City Rhythm Kings Dec. 9

DOWNTOWN

1904 MUSIC HALL, 19 Ocean St. N. Obituary, False Prophet, Extinction Ad Dec. 5. Bigwig, Rehasher, Flag on Fire, FFN Dec. 6. The Word Alive, Days Gone By, Young Ghosts, Lost Trees Dec. 9. Neil Hilborn, Caracara Dec. 10 THE FLORIDA THEATRE, 128 E. Forsyth St., Ste. 300 Leonid & Friends Dec. 6. Trisha Yearwood Dec. 7 MYTH NIGHTCLUB, 333 E. Bay St. Silent Disco: Drewlface Trizzj, War Boize, Stupid Thick, Killoala, Valhalla Dec. 4. Benzi, Loose Leaf Dec. 6 & 7. Alberto Diaz, Jon Kinesis, Double L Dec. 7 TIMES UNION CENTER, 300 Water St. Jingle Jam: Thompson Square, Matt Stell, Haley & Michaels Dec. 5

FLEMING ISLAND, GREEN COVE

BOONDOCKS, 2808 Henley Rd. Paul Wane Dec. 5. Kent Kirby, Lisa & the Madd Hatters Dec. 6. Duane 20 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | DECEMBER 4-DECEMBER 10, 2019

Sanders, Eric & Cody Collette Dec. 7 DEE’S MUSIC BAR & GRILL, 2141 Loch Rane Blvd., Ste. 140 Live Music every Thursday Night. WHITEY’S FISH CAMP, 2032 C.R. 220. Spanky Dec. 7

INTRACOASTAL, ARLINGTON

JERRY’S SPORTS GRILLE, 13170-22 Atlantic Blvd. Party Kartel Dec. 6

MANDARIN

ENZA’S, 10601 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 109 Pianist Carl Grant every Thur. Fri. & Sat. Pianist Brian Iannucci every Sun., Tue. & Wed. IGGY’S, 104 Bartram Oaks Walk, Ste. 101. JC Dec. 5. The 7 Street Band Dec. 6. Corbitt Clampitt Duo Dec. 8

PONTE VEDRA

TAPS, 2220 C.R. 210. Mandalla Dec. 6

RIVERSIDE, WESTSIDE

NIGHTHAWKS, 2952 Roosevelt Blvd. Suitcase Musik Show Dec. 6. Adversaries, Former Youth, Out of It, 408, All For None Dec. 7 RAIN DOGS, 1045 Park St. Paint Fumes, Star Goon, Gleep Glorp Dec. 4. Rhythm of Fear, Ether Coven, Umanita Nova, Xaeus Dec. 5 SUN-RAY CINEMA, 1028 Park St. Eugene Chadbourne Dec. 10

ST. AUGUSTINE

ARNOLD’S LOUNGE, 3912 N. Ponce de Leon Blvd. The Saltones Dec. 7 PROHIBITION KITCHEN, 119 St. George St. Dustin Monk & the Hustle Dec. 4. Bad Dog Mama, Chelsea & Lauren Dec. 5. Billie Monarch, South City Live Dec. 6. Raisin Cake Orchestra, Let’s Ride Brass Band Dec. 7. Alberto Dec. 8 DOG ROSE BREWING, 77 Bridge St. West King String Band Dec. 5. Wild Shiners, Ghost Tropic Dec. 7 SARBEZ, 115 Anastasia Blvd. Chew, Reels, Bees and Enormous Tigers, Isya Dec. 7. Dr. Bacon Dec. 9 SHANGHAI NOBBY’S, 10 Anastasia Blvd. Alchemy Goth Night Dec. 6. Too Bad, Deadenders, 86Hope Dec. 9

SAN MARCO, SOUTHBANK

JACK RABBITS, 15280 Hendricks Ave. Zeta, Ceschi, Hurricane Party, Andy The Doorbum Dec. 4. Agnostic Front Dec. 7. Ramone, C. Legacy, Sosaa3,

TRANS Veteran TOM M Mudvil LEANN HORTO Vedra C THE IS Dec. 22 THE M FIREW ANTHO BLACK JJ GRE DONNA Concer ELVIS CELINE MALCO GRACE THE RI BUCKY RISING

CONCERTS Somthin Surrious Dec. 8. YACHT, Jennifer Vanilla Dec. 9

JOE MULLINS & THE RADIO RAMBLERS Jan. 17, Mudville Music Room QUEENSRŸCHE, JOHN 5, EVE TO ADAM Jan. 19, The Florida Theatre SOUTHSIDE, BAYMEADOWS WHISKEY JAX, 10915 Baymeadows Rd. Mandalla ROBERT CRAY Jan. 19, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall REMEMBER WHEN ROCK WAS YOUNG: THE Band Dec. 5. Nevidon Dec. 6. VOX Dec. 7. Mojo ELTON JOHN TRIBUTE Jan. 19, Thrasher-Horne Roux, Rob Peck Dec. 8 Center SPRINGFIELD, NORTHSIDE GAELIC STORM Jan. 21, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall PALMS FISH CAMP, 6359 Heckscher Dr. Michael SOUTHERN CULTURE ON THE SKIDS, THE VALLEY Ward & Friends Dec. 4 & 8. Taylor Shami Dec. 5. GHOULS Jan. 23, 1904 Music Hall Double Down Dec. 6. Eric Alabiso Dec. 7. Lisa & the RUMOURS: FLEETWOOD MAC TRIBUTE Jan. 24, Madd Hatters Dec. 8 Times-Union Center VERLON THOMPSON & JIM LAUDERDALE Jan. 24, Mudville Music Room PCOMING ONCERTS TODD SNIDER Jan. 25, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA Dec. 12, VyStar LUCINDA WILLIAMS & HER BAND BUICK 6 Jan. Veterans Arena 26, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall TOM MASON & THE BLUE BUCCANEERS Dec. 14, BLACK FLAG, THE LINECUTTERS Jan. 26, 1904 Mudville Music Room Music Hall LEANN RIMES Dec. 15, The Florida Theatre CITIZEN COPE Jan. 27, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall HORTON’S HOLIDAY HAYRIDE Dec. 20, Ponte THE TAJ MAHAL QUARTET Jan. 29, Ponte Vedra Vedra Concert Hall Concert Hall THE ISLEY BROTHERS 60TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR RODNEY CROWELL Jan. 30, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall Dec. 22, Times-Union Center THE GLORIOUS SONS, DES ROCS Jan. 31, Ponte THE MELODY TRUCKS BAND, BONNIE BLUE, THE Vedra Concert Hall FIREWATER TENT REVIVAL Dec. 26, 1904 Music Hall SIDELINE Feb. 8, Mudville Music Room ANTHONY HAMILTON Dec. 28, VyStar Veterans Arena WILLIE NELSON & FAMILY Feb. 15, The Amp BLACKBERRY SMOKE Dec. 30, The Florida Theatre JOHN FOGERTY Feb. 23, The Amp JJ GREY & MOFRO Dec. 31, The Florida Theatre DIANA ROSS Mar. 4, Times-Union Center DONNA THE BUFFALO Jan. 4, Ponte Vedra RICHARD SMITH Mar. 5, Mudville Music Room Concert Hall FRED EAGLESMITH & TIF GINN Mar. 12. Mudville ELVIS BIRTHDAY BASH Jan. 8, The Florida Theatre Music Room CELINE DION Jan. 8, VyStar Veterans Arena JOSH GROBAN Mar. 13, Times-Union Center MALCOLM HOLCOMBE Jan. 9, Mudville Music Room JASON ISBELL, THE 400 UNIT, OLD CROW GRACE POTTER Jan. 15, The Florida Theatre MEDICINE SHOW Mar. 27, The Amp THE RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS: BILL MEDLEY & VANILLA ICE, SIR MIX-A-LOT Apr. 7, Clay BUCKY HEARD Jan. 16, The Florida Theatre County Fair RISING APPALACHIA Jan. 16, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall

ne Night. Dec. 7

tic

anist n

. JC mpitt

ase th, Out

ar her

Dustin Chelsea Live ass

ng c Dec. 7 , Bees Dec. 9

nders,

a, Dec. 4. osaa3,

Photo by Russ Yearwood

Best-known for her ‘90s love songs such as “How Do I Live” and “She’s in Love with the Boy,” country superstar TRISHA YEARWOOD visits Jacksonville with a new album. Caylee Hammack, Caroline Jones, Kim Richey and Rachel Wammack join her. 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec.7, Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Ste. 300, Downtown, floridatheatre.com, $35-75. DECEMBER 4-DECEMBER 10, 2019 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 21

FOLIO FOOD

Photos by Laura Hampton

LABOR OF LOVE CHARACTERIZED BY AN UNUSUAL NAME,

location and beginnings, Burlingame has crept onto local residents’ list of favorites throughout the last four years. As with everything at Burlingame, the slow burn into the hearts of Fernandina Beach’s foodies was intentional, according to co-owner Eric Fanelli. “We don’t advertise a lot, because we’re more interested in growing organically. So, people hear about the restaurant from a friend who has been in and knows that they’ll like it,” Eric said. Located in a former home built in Fernandina Beach’s historic downtown district in 1947, the restaurant is owned by retired couple Eric and Deb Fanelli and Chef Chad Livingston. The building, which housed a small law firm before the trio bought it, still resembles a charming cottage in a seaside village. Once you step through the inviting Kelly-green door, however, the tastefully decorated, elegant restaurant promises a gratifying one-of-a-kind dining experience. Livingston, who is recognized as one of the region’s top chefs, decided to pursue a culinary career at the age of 17. He grew up in Fernandina Beach, and some of his fondest memories were created around a table. That’s because his relatives hail from Louisiana and Italy, and they brought their cuisine with them. “We have big families on both my mom and dad’s side, so get-togethers were always like big feasts,” the chef said.

Livingston graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, and then spent time in Colorado working in fine-dining restaurants. After a couple of years, however, he was ready to move back to Northeast Florida, and he knew exactly where he wanted to cultivate his skills. “My goal was to work at Salt,” Livingston said.” “I saw what they were doing, and it was something that wasn’t being offered on ‘the island.’” An upscale dining restaurant in the Ritz-Carlton Luxury Beach Resort, Salt seemed like the perfect place for Livingston to hone his skills as a chef, but getting in was not as easy as he hoped. “They’re very selective on bringing people in, and they only have certain times through the year that they hire,” he said. “But I made that my goal and finally got in after pestering the chef for a while.” Livingston apprenticed under Chef Richard Laughlin for more than four years. Then an opportunity presented itself in the form of a retired forestry worker with a desire for really good food. Livingston’s future business partner, Eric, was hoping to take over some of the household cooking duties when he retired from Rayonier, so he signed up for a cooking class at Salt. That’s when Livingston and Eric began discussing restaurants. “I kept asking him why restaurants do all this stuff that annoys me,” Eric said. As a Rayonier employee, Eric

22 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | DECEMBER 4-DECEMBER 10, 2019

Burlingame’s homespun approach is a hit spent 10 years in New Zealand. There, he and his wife Deb experienced what they call European-style dining, which means if you book a table, it’s yours for the night. “Dining was a big social activity,” he explained. “We would routinely have three-hour meals with friends. You’d sit, and you’d laugh, and you’d talk and you’d drink. That’s kind of what I enjoy.” After the cooking class, Eric and Livingston continued to meet for coffee occasionally. Eric would invariably complain about something that happened at a restaurant, and he would ask Livingston, “What are you going to do when you have your own place?” Though Eric had no plans to open a restaurant, a seed was sown. As they continued their conversations about the ideal restaurant, Eric drilled down on the business. He became intrigued with the idea of opening a restaurant in Fernandina Beach that provided the kind of dining experience he enjoyed in New Zealand. “We just took it a step at a time,” Eric said. After taking the crucial step of getting Deb on board, the trio started planning a Downtown Fernandina Beach eatery that serves fresh, seasonal, made-from-scratch menu items and focuses on quality service and an overall satisfying dining experience. After Deb, whose background is in accounting, crunched the numbers, the couple agreed to finance the restaurant

and work with Livingston to develop his management skills so he could take the restaurant over after five years. Ensuring they had enough capital was important for two reasons. First, Deb wanted to make sure if the whole thing went bust, the couple wouldn’t lose everything, and secondly, Eric and Livingston wanted a soft opening. “When we opened, we said we’re not going to take more than 40 guests until we feel like we could take care of those 40 guests really well,” Eric said. “We thought the first guests should get a really good dining experience too. They shouldn’t be guinea pigs.” As a classically trained chef, Livingston presents a carefully selected, tightly focused menu. “I really wanted to focus on that quality and the craftsmanship of the dish,” Livingston said. Because he chooses fresh, seasonal meat, seafood, vegetables and fruits, the menu changes frequently, but he works hard to keep it balanced. Entrees include seafood, meat and poultry dishes in addition to a seasonal vegetarian option, but patrons could make a meal out of the intriguing starters and small plates. Smoked fish dip gets a Eurasian treatment with house-made lavash and a pickle assortment. The charred octopus is served with crispy potatoes, pickled celery, orange segments, spicy aioli and watercress, and the grilled romaine salad leans toward extravagant with smoked trout roe, Caesar dressing,

Moon River Pizza

Brett’s Waterway Café

925 S. 14th Street 904-321-3400

Fernandina Harbor Marina at the foot of Centre Street 904-261-2660

Moon River Pizza treats customers like family. Cooked in a brick oven, the pizza is custom-made by the slice (or, of course, by the pie). Set up like an Atlanta-style pizza joint, Moon River also offers an eclectic selection of wine and beer. Open for lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Dine in or take it with you.

Overlooking Fernandina Harbor Marina, Brett’s offers an upscale atmosphere with outstanding food. The extensive luncheon and dinner menus feature daily specials, fresh Florida seafood, chicken and aged beef. Cocktails, beer and wine. Casual resort wear. Open at 11:30 a.m. daily.

The Mustard Seed Cafe 833 T.J. Courson Road 904-277-3141

T-Ray’s Burger Station

Inside Nassau Health Foods, The Mustard Seed is Amelia Island’s only organic eatery and juice bar, with an extensive, eclectic menu featuring vegetarian and vegan items. Daily specials include local seafood, free-range chicken and fresh organic produce. Salads, wraps, sandwiches and soups are available – all prepared with our staff’s impeccable style. Popular items are chicken or veggie quesadillas, grilled mahi, or salmon over mixed greens and tuna melt with Swiss cheese and tomato. Open for breakfast and lunch, 8 a.m.3 p.m. Mon.-Sat. nassauhealthfoods.net

202 S. Eighth Street 904-261-6310

T-Ray’s offers a variety of breakfast and lunch items. In addition to an outstanding breakfast menu, you’ll find some of the best burgers you’ve ever put in your mouth. The Burger Station offers a grilled portabello mushroom burger, grilled or fried chicken salad and much more. The spot where locals grab a bite and go! Now serving beer & wine. Open Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Closed Sundays.

The Pointe Restaurant 98 S. Fletcher Avenue 904-277-4851

The Pointe, located at Elizabeth Pointe Lodge, is open to the public daily from 7 a.m.–10 a.m. for breakfast and 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. for lunch. Sunday brunch is served one Sunday each month from 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Oceanview indoor and outdoor seating is available. Please call the Inn to reserve a table or to enquire further about the restaurant.

Amelia Island is 13 miles of unspoiled beaches, quaint shops, antique treasures and superb dining in a 50-block historic district less than one hour north of Jacksonville DECEMBER 4-DECEMBER 10, 2019 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 23

you think it is?’ It’s a fun game that a lot of shaved radish, pickled shallot, sourdough people play.” croutons, parmesan and fried capers. When the time came to name the Livingston points out that the restaurant, the owners knew more about sourdough croutons are house made—as what they didn’t want then what they did. is everything at Burlingame. “We make “[Livingston] didn’t want to be tied to everything,” Livingston said. “The ice a cuisine,” Eric said. “We didn’t want to be cream, the pasta…everything is made in tied to Amelia, Fernandina Beach, coastal, house…except maybe the ketchup.” the beach…anything like that.” Though Eric jokes about the couple As they were tossing around ideas, being hired help for Livingston, the Deb suggested Burlingame. “It’s my dad’s trio is, in many ways, the perfect team. Livingston brings the food and restaurant- mother’s maiden name,” Deb said. They all agreed on the name and moved on. industry experience; Eric brings his “Once we decided on it, I never really experience as a manager; and Deb lends thought about it again, but when we her accounting and administrative skills. opened, it was such a In the beginning, she conversation starter,” also lent her excellent BURLINGAME Eric said. “Everybody taste and decorating RESTAURANT skills. “There are two wants to know where 20 S. Fifth St., Fernandina Beach, things people talk a lot the name came from.” 432-7671, burlingamerestaurant.com about in addition to the After experiencing food: the name and the the highs and lows photographs on the wall,” Deb said. of a new restaurant, the Fanellis say From the beginning, Deb had a vision they’ve finally hit their stride. The for the restaurant’s aesthetic. She wanted community seems to agree; Burlingame a clean, simple design. Having the colors has grown from a 40-seat restaurant to in mind, she found some great abstract a restaurant with a seating capacity of art pieces. She showed them to Eric and 150. They recently added mixed drinks Livingston who thought they were nice, but to the menu, and they’ve upgraded they had one question: “Where’s the food?” the patio to allow for all-weather “I was a little pissed for a while,” Deb seating. The couple has learned that the laughed. “But then I went back to the restaurant business is forward-moving, drawing board.” The compromise: Deb fast-paced and, above all, demanding. found some beautiful abstract art pictures “You can never rest on your laurels,” that were also food. The pieces she chose Deb said. “Every single night we want for the restaurant’s walls have been a hit the people walking out the door saying, with the customers, but they can’t always ‘That was a fantastic meal I had. I loved tell what they’re looking at. everything about it.’” Laura Hampton “We’ll see people walking around the mail@folioweekly.com restaurant and you can tell they‘re looking at the artwork,” Eric said. “So that’s an invitation to go over and ask, ‘So what do 24 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | DECEMBER 4-DECEMBER 10, 2019

Subscribe to Folio Weekly’s Food Newsletter at folioweekly.com/newsletters

DECEMBER 4-DECEMBER 10, 2019 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 25

FOLIO PETS

LOCAL PET EVENTS & ADOPTABLES DECK THE HOWLS The Nassau Humane Society invites children (ages 5-12) to bring their favorite book to read to the shelter’s adoptable pets. 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, Nassau Humane Society, 639 Airport Rd., Fernandina Beach, register through volunteer@nassauhumane.org, $15.

ADOPTABLES

MARCIA

Sweet, social purr machine who loves making new friends. You: Cheek rubbing expert who always knows when the tuna treats are BOGO at Publix. Come see me at JHS at 8464 Beach Blvd.! They’re open 7 days a week.

WORSHIP ME

DAVI’S TIPS FOR NATIONAL CAT LOVERS’ MONTH

DECEMBER IS NATIONAL CAT LOVERS’ Month! In ancient times, cats were worshipped as gods, and they have not forgotten this. I know a few felines that walk around the neighborhood as if they own the block. Sure, they may be cute, but it’s that air of cool confidence they exude that makes them irresistible. As it turns out, cats are as affectionate as dogs and just as strongly bonded to their humans. If you share a home with a cat, you know how these furry friends can change your life. You likely lavish your feline friend with attention, providing cozy beds, cat condos and favorite foods to show how much you care. But what are some surprising ways to show your cat you love them? According to cats, there are plenty of means to express your love in ways they understand. Here are a few. SPEND TIME. Pet it. Talk to it. Let your cat knead you and lie down with you. Make sure you find time every day to sit in quiet contemplation and celebrate the little things with your cat—to it, your time is a big thing—and enjoy it to the utmost! CATS LOVE MASSAGES. Simply stroking your cat from nose to tail can help it relax and trust you more. Find its favorite spots, whether it’s under the chin, on the back or behind the ears. The benefits of giving your cat a massage are endless. Plus, it’s a useful way to do a feline health check. During the massage, you can check for lumps or bumps and ticks, fleas or pesky mats in your cat’s fur. TRY SOME TRAINING. Cats rarely work for a living, these days. Many of them are 26 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | DECEMBER 4-DECEMBER 10, 2019

bored out of their skulls. Consequently, many households end up with stir-crazy cats that swing from the drapes and play gravity experiments with fine breakables. Training your cat will sharpen its mind, provide it with exercise and help prevent unwanted behavior. You won’t know what your cat is capable of learning until you try. And who knows? It just might teach you a new trick or two. CAT PLAY. Even the most aloof cats love to be mentally and physically stimulated. Interactive games increase the bond you share; they build confidence and take the fizz out of some hyperactive pets. Some cats enjoy puzzle toys with hidden treats because they get to use their brains, their teeth and their noses. Others engage in play to hone their stalking, swatting and grappling skills. Cat gyms with climbing, clawing and hiding opportunities delight active cats. Empty paper bags or a wad of paper tossed in an empty bathtub provide cheap thrills too. Here’s one of the most important things to remember: as much as they avoid admitting it, your participation means a lot to them. GIVE. While December is National Cat Lovers’ Month, it is also the traditional month for giving. Whether you’re contributing to your local shelter or volunteering your time and skills to help homeless pets, you will receive the gift of joy in return. Davi the Dachshund mail@folioweekly.com Subscribe to Folio Weekly Magazine’s Pets Newsletter at folioweekly.com/newsletters

PUPPY YOGA Celebrate the Jacksonville Humane Society’s successful fundraising season with snuggles, cuddles and yoga with five of the organization’s puppies. Beth Jordan of Beth Trains 4 Life instructs. 5:45-6:45 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, Jacksonville Humane Society, 8464 Beach Blvd., Southside, jaxhumane.org/yoga, $25.

ADOPTABLES

RHAEGAR

Silver prince with a penchant for napping in front of fireplaces and chewing on dragon squeaky toys. You: Human with lots of love to give. Wanna make me the king of your heart? I’m currently living in a foster home, so email my friends at events@jaxhumane.org to learn more!

RESCUE JUNKIE MONTHLY ADOPTION EVENT The Jacksonville-Beach-based no-kill shelter hosts its monthly adoption event at EarthWise Pet Jax Beach. Adopt a new best friend, or two, and pamper them with nutritious food, treats and toys at discounted rates. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, EarthWise Pet Jax Beach, 3846 Third St. S., Jacksonville Beach, facebook.com/rescuejunkieflorida. SANTA PHOTOS & HOLIDAY MARKET Bring your furry friends for a family-photo session with Santa. Price includes two photographs from Layla Neal Photography, and proceeds will be donated to Fur Sisters. Noon-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, BrewHound Dog Park & Bar, 1848 Kings Cir. S., Neptune Beach, facebook.com/brewhounddogparkbar, $20.

DECEMBER 4-DECEMBER 10, 2019 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 27

DALE RATERMANN’s Folio Weekly Crossword presented by

Serving Excellence Since 1928 Member American Gem Society

San Marco 2044 San Marco Blvd. 398-9741

Ponte Vedra

THE SHOPPES OF PONTE VEDRA

330 A1A North 280-1202

Avondale 3617 St. Johns Ave. Voted Best Jeweler in FW’s 388-5406 Best of Jax readers’ poll!

FOLIO WEEKLY CROSSWORD 1

18 19 23

40 43

42 45

44 46 50

48 53

ACROSS

1 Pub pints 4 Had a Flying Iguana taco 7 Burro's kin 10 20-20, e.g. 13 Deleted 15 Double 17 Its Hall of Fame is at Dania Beach 18 Cheap 19 Sir's mate 21 Slip-ons 22 To and ___ 25 Ms. Garr 26 Treasure hunter Fisher 27 Parented 29 Weather-related 34 Tatted up 35 Salty liquid 36 Doc bloc 37 Its Hall of Fame is at St. Augustine 38 "Guess again" 39 Its Hall of Fame is at Lake Worth 40 Scurry 41 Al's Pizza topping 42 Untamed 43 "___ laugh!" 45 Genetically alter

60 62

28 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | DECEMBER 4-DECEMBER 10, 2019

46 47 49 50 52 54 56 60 61 62 63 64 65

Bullring cry Skin mark Gen-___ Rug site Fire starter Ivories tickler Its Hall of Fame is at West Palm Beach Feature of a clear day Bagel browner TIAA Bank Field turf ___ for tat QB's stat A Manning

DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10

Comics bark Kauai gift Ambulance inits. Piloted Cared for Cummer artist Degas DIY banker Its Hall of Fame is at Fort Lauderdale "Well, sorry!"" Sped on I-10

35 Dry, as wine 38 Its Hall of Fame is at Polk City 39 Davi, e.g. 41 Recital star 42 Warm wrap 44 Nary a soul 45 ___ of honor 48 Desert flora 50 Flaky pastry 51 Give kudos 53 Command ctrs. 54 WJCT net. 55 Texter's "Slow down!" 57 Plains tribe 58 St. Johns River wriggler 59 Hexa- halved

11 Misfortunes 12 Big name in ice cream 14 FPL unit 16 Guy 20 Miniature example 22 Terror 23 Jax street between Cezanne and Dubois 24 Sharpshooter Annie 28 Whistle blower 30 Pickup shtick 31 Body section 32 "Gotta hurry!" 33 Gators tailgater's need

SOLUTION TO 11.27.19 PUZZLE L A K E

A L E X

C A R P

L O C O

C A P E C O R A L

S O F A R

C R E P E

A D R E P

K I T

S O M F A E L L S E I T A M O P O R E N L D A I N A N T D O O

I C E M A N I N T O D A L

C O W E R

E M E E L S A S E T B E A A M I Y A V B L I L E S A P T M P A E O S

S Y N C

H I A L E A H

R A A T G E S I M O

A P N E A

H A N E S

A D E P T

B O C A R A T O N

U S E R

M U S S

B E V Y

A M E X

NEWS OF THE WEIRD EWWWWWW David Paul Wipperman, 61, of Largo, Florida, was taken into custody Nov. 21 in response to a road rage altercation a few weeks before, the Tampa Bay Times reported. According to arrest reports, during the incident, Wipperman left his truck and approached a woman driving a Kia sedan. She rolled down the window and apologized to Wipperman, who then spit the food he was chewing into her face, and some of it went into her mouth, the report said. Next, he allegedly opened her driver’s side door and began screaming at her, pointing his finger in her face. He was charged in Pinellas County with felony battery and burglary of an occupied vehicle and held on $12,500 bail. PICKY, PICKY In Boca Raton, Florida, a robber approached a Wells Fargo bank branch teller with a very specific request on Nov. 18, reported WPLG. Sandy Hawkins, 73, entered the bank that morning and told the teller, “This is a robbery. I have a weapon,” and put his hand in his waistband to indicate a gun, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff ’s Office arrest report. The teller started counting out $100 bills, eventually totaling $2,000, the affidavit said, but Hawkins explained that was too much money, and he only wanted $1,100. Authorities said the teller made the adjustment, then slid the bills through the window to Hawkins, who left the bank. When detectives caught up with him the next day, he told them, “I will make this easy” and showed them a note he had written, which read, “Give me $1,100. Now, No Alarms, Hope to get caught.” He was booked into the Palm Beach County Jail on robbery charges. COMPELLING EXPLANATION In Bainbridge Township, Ohio, a 60-year-old man called police on Oct. 22 after firing two warning shots into his backyard, WOIO reported. The unnamed man told officers he was trying to scare an animal away, but when asked if it might have been a bear, he said, “It ain’t no ... bear because it was jiggling my doorknob.” The homeowner went on to tell police the animal had to be Bigfoot because it was 7 feet tall, and it comes to his home every night because neighbors feed it bananas. He also speculated that a woman who was missing from the area was taken by the “creature.” However, officers found no large animal tracks in his yard and suggested he call again if he witnesses anything suspicious.

MULTITASKING As college student Morgan Taylor got her nails done in a High Point, North Carolina, salon on Nov. 20, she was shocked when one of the nail technicians spread out a tarp on the shop floor and began butchering meat with what appeared to be a kitchen knife. “I asked them what it was, because just seeing them unload flesh and bones was a little bit shocking,” Taylor told WFMY. “They said it was deer meat, and they were splitting it up between the workers to take home. It had already been skinned; they were sectioning it.” Taylor reported the shop to the North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners, which told WFMY its “inspectors have not received a complaint within memory of butchering in a cosmetic shop.” It declined to comment further on the open investigation. WAIT, WHAT? Zhang Binsheng, 30, of Harbin, China, finally sought a doctor’s attention after three months of struggling to breathe through his nose, Metro News reported in early November. Zhang told doctors at the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University that he couldn’t sleep and also had a constant smell of decay in his nostrils. X-rays revealed Zhang had a tooth stuck in his nostril. The tooth, which Zhang had lost when he was 10 years old after a fall from the third floor of a mall, had somehow rerooted and continued to grow in his nasal cavity. It was removed in a brief surgery, and Zhang is said to be recovering. GREAT ART! A Japanese man who goes by the name Kiwami Japan on YouTube has chronicled his novel approach to fashioning a very personal engagement ring, the Mirror reported on Oct. 25. For 365 days, the man collected his fingernail clippings, which he then ground into a fine powder and mixed with water in a pan. After compressing the mixture, he baked it in an oven for 90 minutes, which resulted in what looked like a lump of dark clay. The substance was packed into a diamond-shaped mold and then mounted into a four-prong silver ring (which he also made himself). The finished ring features a dull black “stone.” Social media followers were unimpressed, but you can’t say he didn’t put a little bit of himself into the ring. weirdnewstips@amuniversal.com

DECEMBER 4-DECEMBER 10, 2019 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 29

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY

ARIES (March 21-April 19): In composing this oracle, I have called on the unruly wisdom of fashion designer Vivienne Westwood. Here are four quotes that will be especially suitable for your use in the coming weeks. 1. “I disagree with everything I used to say.” 2. “The only possible effect one can have on the world is through unpopular ideas.” 3. “Intelligence is composed mostly of imagination, insight, and things that have nothing to do with reason.” 4. “I’m attracted to people who are really true to themselves and who are always trying to do something that makes their life more interesting.” TAURUS (April 20-May 20): “I’m drowning in the things I never told you.” Make-up artist Alexandra Joseph wrote that message to a companion with whom she had a complicated relationship. Are you experiencing a similar sensation? The coming weeks will be a good time to stop drowning. Start by analyzing why you’ve been withholding and hiding, then divulge just some of those feelings and thoughts. Monitor the results of your partial revelation, and proceed accordingly. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): I’ve got some borderline sentimental poetry to offer you in this horoscope. I suspect you need an emotionally suggestive nudge to fully activate your urge to merge; you require a jolt of sweetness to inspire you to go in quest of the love mojo that’s potentially available to you in abundance. So please allow your heart to be moved by the following passage from poet Rabindranath Tagore: “My soul is alight with your infinitude of stars. Your world has broken upon me like a flood. The flowers of your garden blossom in my body.” CANCER (June 21-July 22): Try saying this, and notice how it feels: “For the next 17 days, I will make ingenious efforts to interpret my problems as interesting opportunities that offer me the chance to liberate myself from my suffering and transform myself into the person I aspire to become.” Now speak the following words and see what thoughts and sensations get triggered: “For the next 17 days, I will have fun imagining that my so-called flaws are signs of potential strengths and talents that I have not yet developed.” LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): An interviewer asked Leonard Cohen if he needed to feel agitated in order to stimulate his creativity. Cohen said no. “When I get up in the morning,” he testified, “my real concern is to discover whether I’m in a state of grace.” Cohen described it as a knack for balance that he called on to ride the chaos around him. I’m telling you about Cohen’s definition because I think that’s the state of grace you should cultivate right now. I bet it will stimulate your creativity in ways that surprise and delight you. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Poet Juan Felipe Herrera praises the value of making regular efforts to detox our cluttered minds. He says that one of the best methods for accomplishing this cleansing is to daydream. You give yourself permission to indulge in uncensored, unabashed fantasies. You feel no inhibition about envisioning scenes that you may or may not ever carry out in real life. You understand that this freeform play of images is a healing joy, a gift you give yourself. Now is a favorable time to practice this art. 30 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | DECEMBER 4-DECEMBER 10, 2019

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In accordance with current astrological omens, here’s your meditation, as articulated by the blogger Riverselkie: “Let your life be guided by the things that produce the purest secret happiness, with no thought to what that may look like from the outside. Feed the absurd whims of your soul and create with no audience in mind but yourself. What is poignant to you is what others will be moved by, too. Embrace what you love about yourself and the right people will come.” SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): “I swear I became a saint from waiting,” wrote poet Odysseus Elytis in his poem “Three Times the Truth.” According to my reading of the astrological omens, you may be in a similar situation. And you’ll be wise to welcome the break in the action and abide calmly in the motionless lull. You’ll experiment with the hypothesis that temporary postponement is best not just for you, but for all concerned. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): “My greatest asset is that I am constantly changing,” says actress and activist Jane Fonda. This description may not always be applicable to you, but I think it should be during the coming weeks. You’re primed to thrive on a robust commitment to self-transformation. As you proceed in your holy task, keep in mind this other advice from Fonda. 1. “One part of wisdom is knowing what you don’t need anymore and letting it go.” 2. “It is never too late to master your weaknesses.” 3. “If you allow yourself, you can become stronger in the very places that you’ve been broken.” 4. “The challenge is not to be perfect. It’s to be whole.” CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You can’t escape your past completely. You can’t loosen its hold on you so thoroughly that it will forever allow you to move with limitless freedom into the future. But you definitely have the power to release yourself from at least a part of your past’s grip. And the coming weeks will be an excellent time to do just that: to pay off a portion of your karmic debt and shed worn-out emotional baggage. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Playwright August Strindberg didn’t have much interest in people who “regurgitate what they have learned from books.” He was bored by stories that have been told over and over again; was impatient with propaganda disguised as information and by sentimental platitudes masquerading as sage insights. He craved to hear about the unprecedented secrets of each person’s life. He was a student of “the natural history of the human heart.” I bring Strindberg’s perspective to your attention because now is a perfect time for you to fully embody it. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “It’s no fun being in love with a shadow,” wrote poet Edna St. Vincent Millay. And yet she indulged profusely in that no-fun activity, and even capitalized on it to create a number of decent, if morose, poems. But in alignment with your astrological omens, I’m going to encourage you to fall out of love with shadows. The coming weeks will be an excellent time to channel your passions into solid realities: to focus your ardor and adoration on earthly pleasures and practical concerns and imperfect but interesting people.

Rob Brezsny freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

DECEMBER 4-DECEMBER 10, 2019 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 31

FOLIO WEED

REEFER SADNESS

PROHIBITIONISTS USED FLORIDA MAN TO ADVANCE ANTI-MARIJUANA AGENDA THE IDEA THAT MARIJUANA CAN INDUCE psychotic breaks and lead directly to murder apparently originates—where else?—here in Florida. You’re about to read the sad story of Victor Licata. Licata, of Ybor City, was 21 years old when he used an axe to brutally murder five sleeping members of his family in 1933. There is no reason to suspect that the youngster had tried marijuana before, let alone developed any debilitating addiction to the drug. But facts were never an impediment to the prohibitionist agenda. Within days, the story had become front-page news fodder nationwide, and it was off to the racist from there. Harry Anslinger, then director of the infamous Federal Bureau of Narcotics, teamed up with the original supervillain of mass media, William Randolph Hearst, to successfully peddle the fiction that Licata, whose history of mental illness was already on record, had been driven insane by his dependence on marijuana. (When police found him the next morning, he wore freshly laundered clothes, but his unwashed body was covered with blood.) The episode was also among the earliest known examples of the cultural phenomenon commonly known today as #FloridaMan. Licata was declared insane and spent the next 12 years of his life in a Chattahoochee mental hospital. He escaped in 1945, evading capture for five years. He was sent to Raiford after being re-captured and almost immediately hanged himself, which I’m told is perfectly understandable to anyone who’s spent time there. Licata’s parents were first cousins—that’s not good—several of his relatives were sent to asylums, and his younger brother had

32 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | DECEMBER 4-DECEMBER 10, 2019

been diagnosed with dementia praecox (schizophrenia), the same disorder Licata was later found to have. Licata stood five feet and eight inches tall, weighing 127 pounds. He was barely strong enough to lift the axe, let alone wield it like a hammer of the gods. But he did, and we will never know exactly why. In the modern era, one can think of all kinds of substances that would induce that effect, most notably some of this crazy fake weed going around or bath salts. One might also suspect some kind of childhood abuse, but that wouldn’t explain why he killed his siblings. More so than probably any other human being, we have Licata to thank for the banning of marijuana in 1937, though that wasn’t his fault. No mention of weed turns up in his medical records, and he never made any public comment prior to his suicide in 1950. He also murdered a fellow patient while in Chattahoochee, despite having no access to marijuana at the facility. Anslinger globalized the lie while serving as the U.S. delegate to the United Nations Narcotics Commission (I need that t-shirt), where the Licata lie resurfaced in official documents as late as 1966. One study found that, out of 200 cases of marijuana-induced violence cited by Anslinger throughout the years, 198 were ultimately disproven, although (as noted in last week’s issue) many of these gimmicks persist. Had modern fact-checking methods existed back then, who knows how many lives could have been saved. Shelton Hull mail@folioweekly.com Subscribe to the Folio Weed Newsletter at folioweekly.com/newsletters

DECEMBER 4-DECEMBER 10, 2019 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 33

CLASSIFIEDS

YOUR PORTAL TO REACHING 95,000+ READERS WEEKLY HEALTH

SUFFERING FROM AN ADDICTION to Alcohol, Opiates, Prescription PainKillers or other DRUGS? There is hope! Call today to speak with someone who cares.

Call NOW 855-266-8685. (AAN CAN)(1/2/19)

CAREER TRAINING AIRLINE CAREERS BEGIN HERE – Get started

34 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | DECEMBER 4-DECEMBER 10, 2019

by training as FAA certified Aviation Technician. Financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance, 800-725-1563. (AAN CAN)(12/12/18)

MISCELLANEOUS

NEED A ROOMMATE? Roommates.com will help you find your Perfect Match™ today! (AAN CAN)(12/12/18)

FOLIO VOICES: BACKPAGE

DOPED IN AMERICA

THE PROGRAMMING OF THE MENTAL HEALTH INDUSTRY AT FIFTEEN I SAT ON A BED IN MY

aunt’s house in Las Vegas. It was the summer of 1995. To my right was a window overlooking the construction of the Stratosphere Casino. In front of me was a walllength, floor-to-ceiling mirrored closet. I stared at the reflection of my facial expression, which was masked by a synthetic formula designed to mimic a conglomerate’s idea of how a healthy human brain should function. I was high on Paxil, a psychoactive prescription medication with the molecular formula of C19H20FNO. HCI. I could not see myself in the reflection of that Las Vegas closet mirror door. Instead, I saw a teenage girl on legal government dope. Now, 24 years later, with a total of 12 psychotherapeutic prescriptions ingested throughout my lifetime, I’m still examining what our culture deems as mental illness. Every human being in the United States is born into society with set guidelines for the allowance of acceptance and love. Our livelihood is dependent on our personality, gender, sexual orientation, mental condition, beauty, income and the color of our skin. Success in America is—and always has been—a rat race. However, the mirage of the American Dream masks a modern death trap. Within the last decade, wealthy celebrities such as Robin Williams, Anthony Bourdain, Kate Spade and Chester Bennington have fallen victim to suicide. Leelah Alcorn, an American transgender teen, walked in front of a truck in 2014. Kaleif Browder took his life in 2015; he was held at Rikers Island for three years before his case was dismissed due to lack of evidence. In 2018 the National Alliance on Mental Illness reported that 19.1 percent of the American adult population of 327.2 million underwent treatment for mental

illness. I find it unfathomable that a fifth of the national populace is deemed mentally ill. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, known as the DSM, is the psychiatric bible used by the medical and mental health field to diagnose and assign treatment to those believed to be suffering mental affliction. Its most recent edition was published in 2013 and is still being utilized by mental health professionals around the globe. It does not account for vitamin deficiency, brain injury, diabetes, thyroid health, brain tumor, the psychological trauma of emotional abuse, the throes of modern society or the trauma of rape or violence in those experiencing symptoms of mental illness. Every morning, a fifth of our country’s population wakes up and pops a legally prescribed psychotropic pill that reminds us that the problems we face are all in our own thinking. The rest head down to the corner to score nearly the same molecular form of synthetic psychotropic in the form of street drugs. Both are mirrored methods of easing the symptoms of madness. Meanwhile, we’re led to believe that the drain on society is the person copping dope on the corner. In a world that has grossly restricted the societal parameters of human acceptance, one must ask if suicide is self-harm or more accurately death from above, a method of selfexecuted murder at the hands of those financially, morally and ethically in charge of the well-being of every citizen in the United States. I hear frequently that all of contemporary society’s ills stem from a loss of faith in God. When you step back and trace the events of American history, however, you can’t help but ask yourself, “What god are our political leaders worshipping?”

I’m not sure I know anyone who isn’t quietly reeling from a loss of hope while we examine the reality of political trench warfare here at home. The business of American death by suicide is a lucrative commodity because the business of mental health has turned into a very profitable venture globally. The tribal Native Americans smoked a peace pipe, danced and sang spiritual songs while a medicine woman cured what ailed with plants grown in the earth. And the tribe held each other up and walked through grief while they wailed together. Where is your tribe? The basis of religion and spirituality around the world is kindness, both to people and to the earth. Kindness is free. You will not find it in tithing, or tax levies or paychecks. Kindness is a conversation. Kindness is a meal. Kindness is the word “love” spraypainted on a city overpass. Kindness is a courtesy wave in heavy traffic. Kindness is Saturday evening, when you invite all of the neighbors over for a barbeque simply because they are your neighbors. There is no joy in the emotional taxation of being human. Our government overlords are too busy chasing a paper dollar to notice that the most mortal sin is making a commodity of people and the earth. We are all simply in need of a heavy dose of acceptance and love. Only when our leaders begin to make a soul effort to promote unity and to completely overhaul the methods of addressing mental illness will we begin to see the world spin in the right direction. Until then, turn on some music, go outdoors, and say hello to a neighbor. Mix it up tomorrow and repeat. Because that, my friends, is soul food. Bianca Combs mail@folioweekly.com

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. DECEMBER 4-DECEMBER 10, 2019 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 35