Norfolk BotanicalGarden welcomes works by Chihuly to itspermanent collection
PressRelease
NORFOLK,Va. —Norfolk Botanical Garden (NBG) is excited to announcethe upcomingadditionofoneofthemostsignificantpermanentcollectionsofDaleChihuly’s work on the eastcoast. Thisextraordinary collection will be seamlessly integrated intotherareandendangeredplantshoused withinthePerryConservatory,acenterpiece ofTheGardenofTomorrowproject—openinglate2025 Chihuly,the internationally renowned Americancontemporaryartist,iscelebrated fortransformingspaceswithhisinnovative use of color,light, transparency andform Known for his large-scale installations around the world,Chihuly revolutionized
thestudioglass movement.His work is the latestadditiontotheGarden’songoingtransformation.
Astandout piece in thenew collection is theChiffon and Sangria Azalea Chandelier (2024). Designed specifically for NBG, this stunning artworkpaystribute to the 220 African American Works ProgressAdministrationworkerswhooriginallyplantedthe Garden’sazaleas.The vibrantcolors of the Chandelierhonortheheritageoftheseearly gardenersandtheirlastingimpact.
The inclusion of Chihuly’s artworkat NorfolkBotanical Garden celebratesnot only the artist’sgroundbreaking contributionstothe studio glass movement but also the Garden’scommitment to preservingbothnatural and culturalhistories for
future generations.The collection offers a unique opportunity forvisitors to experiencetheharmoniousblendofart,natureand architecture. Installation of this remarkablecollection isexpectedtobegininlateAugust,marking anexcitingnewchapterfortheGarden.
AboutNorfolkBotanicalGarden:Norfolk Botanical Garden represents an oasis of more than 65 themed gardensencompassing175 beautiful acres.Fromstunning plant collections to WOW-World of Wonders: AChildren’sAdventure Garden, this diverse natural beauty can be explored bytram,boat,orwalkingtours.TheGarden is accreditedbythe American Alliance of Museums,recognizedasaVirginiaHistoric Landmark, listed on the National Register
ofHistoricPlacesanddesignatedaVirginia Green attraction.Itismanaged by Norfolk BotanicalGarden, Inc. and supported by theCity of Norfolk. The mission of Norfolk BotanicalGardenistoimmersevisitorsina world of beauty,lead through environmentalactionandinspirethrougheducationand connection to nature.Admission is $21.00 for adults,$19.00for seniors and military $16.00 for ages 3-12,2 andunderare free Exploreour reduced admission programs: NorfolkPowerUpandMuseumsforAll.For moreinformation,visitwww.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org
Aboutthe Artist: Dale Chihuly is an Americanartistwhotransformsspaceswith
NORFOLK, Va.—HopeHouseFoundation hoststhe Stockley GardensSpring Arts Festival, afreetwo-day community event featuring 115+ artists,musicians and foodvendors.TheStockleyGardensSpring Arts Festival, presented by TowneBank, takes place in Stockley Gardens Park at the cornerofStockleyGardensandOlneyRoad inNorfolkonMay17and18
Festival hours are10a.m.to 5p.m.on Saturdayandnoonto5pmonSunday.Stockley Gardens Arts Festivalhas been named asoneofthetoptwooutdoorartfestivalsin EasternVirginia by Virginia Living Magazinereadersforsixyears.
Artists present works in various media includingpainting,glass,sculpture,photog-
raphy,andjewelry Everyone is welcometothe free Artist AwardPartysponsoredbyAfterglowBreweryonSaturdayfrom5 to 7p.m. This fun eventrecognizesartists’awardsandfeatures the band The James HenryMorganGang withacashbar
Entertainment Schedule Saturday,May17 11:00AMJimNewsom/SingerSongwriter,Folk 12:30PMTheLiberaces/Alternative Pop-Rock 2:00PMOtisBrooks/ProgressiveSoul, Rock,Jazz 3:30PMBlindVenetians/Semi-Acoustic AlternativeRock
5:00PMTheJamesHenryMorgan Gang/Blues,Jazz Sunday,May18
12:00PMAmyFerebee&Bobby Blackhat/Americana,Blues,Jazz 1:45PMJacobVanko/SoulfulRockand Roll 3:30PMAllenHudsonandthe Halfmoons/Rock
Thereare also activities for children throughouttheweekendwithclowns,musicians, art activities andaNorfolkBotanical Gardenseducationaltable Stockley GardensSpring Arts Festivalpresented by TowneBank is also sponsoredbyCapitalGroup,MillerOil,Southern Auto Group, Mancon, TheCity of Norfolk, McGuireWoods,Ghent Business Associ-
ation, &Paycom. Media Sponsors include VEERMagazine,CoastalVirginiaMagazine, TheTide92.3FMandWHRO. ProceedsfromtheStockleyGardensArts Festivals support the programs of Hope HouseFoundation, theonlyorganization inVirginiathatprovidessupportforpeople withintellectualanddevelopmentaldisabilities exclusively in their ownhomes.The spring andfallfestivals,the largestfundraiserfortheorganization,generate$80,000 that is used to providenecessitiesfor the people who receiveservicessuch as assistance with food, medical expenses, dental care, clothing and housing. Formoreinformation, visit StockleyGardens.com or call (757)625-6161.
SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS, NEWS AND PHOTOS
The Flagship welcomes submissions from ourreaders online. Pleasesubmiteventshere: www.militarynews.com/users/admin/calendar/event/ Pleasesubmitnewsandphotoshere: www.militarynews.com/norfolk-navy-flagship/submit_news/
Fans rely on transit to attend
Tides Games and ‘Bark
Bark in the Park
PressRelease
NORFOLK, Va Public transit was a hit fortheNorfolkTides’openingweekend.
FansrodeTheTidelightrailandElizabeth RiverFerrytoHarborParkforfreeasapartnership between the City of Norfolk and the Norfolk Tides to provide alternative options toalleviateparkingandtrafficcongestion.
Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) today announcedridershiptotalsforthefirstthree home games, which included a near sell-out openingnightonFriday,March28,thepopularfireworksshowonMarch29andaSunday matineeonMarch30
On opening night, The Tide saw 7,418 riders,with2,360arrivingorleavingHarbor ParkStation.
On Saturday, system ridership was 5,169, with1,459transversingHarborParkStation. And on Sunday, 2,738 customers rode the Tide, with 747 passing through the station nexttothestadium.
These numbers were substantially higher thanforthefirstthreegameslastseason.The sameFridaynightin2024saw5,057ridersat on the Tide, with 1,169 arriving and departing at Harbor Park Station. For that Saturday,thelightrailsystemrecorded3,392total passengerswith655gettingofforhoppingon atHarborParkStation.OnthatSundayayear earlier, the system had 1,809 riders with 348 attendingbaseballgames Meanwhile the Elizabeth River Ferry reported steady traffic for this year’s openingweekend.
Atotalof441passengersonFridayarrived and departed from Harbor Park Landing, adjacent to the stadium, from North LandinginPortsmouth.OnSaturday,366fanstook the ferry to the stadium. And on Sunday the numberwas127
“From opening night to the last out of the season,fansrecognizeHRT’stransportation solutions for baseball games and other big eventsthisspringandsummer,”saidWilliam E. Harrell, President and CEO. “We thank theCityofNorfolkandtheNorfolkTidesfor recognizingHRT’simportantroleinmoving fansefficientlyandsafelyallseasonlongand
making it possible again to ride for free this year.”
Plan ahead for this week’s games
Toplanaheadforthisweek’sgames,starting Tuesday April 8 at 6:35 p.m., fans are reminded that complimentary rides on The Tideareavailabletwohoursbeforeandafter eachgame.Fanscanshowtheirticketforthat day’s game for a free ride on light rail to and fromthestadium.
Service runs every 15 minutes to the stadium before the game and about every 10 minutes after the game For Sunday home games, Tide service will begin at 10 a.m., earlierthanthenormalschedule
Fans are encouraged to park for free at three park-and-ride lots at Tide stations: NewtownRoadStation(NewtownRoadand KempsvilleRoad),MilitaryHighwayStation (Curlew Drive and Corporate Boulevard), and Ballentine/Broad Creek Station(BallentineBoulevardandI-264).
FreeferryservicetoandfromHarborPark from North Landing (not Waterside) runs every 30 minutes beginning one hour before gametimeuntilonehourafterthegameends.
Parking for the ferry in Portsmouth is free at city garages after 5 p.m. on weekdays and all dayonweekends
This year the City of Norfolk-owned MacArthur South Garage is free for fans
The garage is just two light rail stops, or a roughly 15-minute walk, from Harbor Park, givingfanstheoptiontotaketransitorwalk. Accordingtothecity,2,994carsparkedatthe garageforopeningweekend.
Whenleavingthestadium,fansusinglight rail are urged to be patient and observe lines directing them to the eastbound Tide in the direction of Newtown Road or westbound through downtown toward EVMC/Fort NorfolkStation.
HRTremindsfanstobesafearoundtracks
Use designated crosswalks and sidewalks to reach the station and never stand on or near thetracks
Norfolk Botanical Garden from Page 1
experiments in color, light, transparency, and form. He is known for his exhibitions and large-scale architectural installations around the world and for revolutionizing the studio glass movement. Chihuly works withavarietyofmediaincludingglass paint, charcoal, neon, ice, and Polyvitro, and his workisincludedinmorethan200museum collectionsworldwide,includingMetropolitanMuseumofArt,SmithsonianAmerican ArtMuseumandCorningMuseumofGlass Major exhibitions include Chihuly Over
Editorial Staff ManagingEditor | MCC Amanda Kitchner
757-262-2852
Venice (1995—96); Chihuly in the LightofJerusalem(1999);deYoung Museum in San Francisco (2008); MuseumofFineArts,Boston(2011); Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond (2012); Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (2013); Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto (2016); Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville Arkansas (2017); GroningerMuseum,Groningen,theNetherlands (2018); Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London (2019); Gardens by the Bay, Singapore (2021); and Adelaide Botanic Garden, Australia. Chihuly Garden and Glass,amajorlong-termexhibition,opened in Seattle in 2012
Those heading to Harbor Park with their dog on Sunday April 13 for Bark in the Park are reminded that pets are not allowed on light rail. Service animals however, are allowed to assist a person with a disability Petsareallowedontheferry
Bark in the Park dates for 2025 are April 13, May 14, June 10, July 1, August 24, and September 21 Tickets for humans are $16 if purchasedinadvance Dog tickets are $5 per dog, donated to a local dog charity and are available either online or at the Harbor Park Box Office All fans entering Harbor Park with their dog must complete a waiver, 2025 Bark in the ParkWaiver Formoreinformationandtocompletethe waiver,visithttps://www.milb.com/norfolk/ ballpark/bark-in-the-park
For additional information:
To plan your trip with HRT, visit the interactive route map at https://gohrt.com/ system-map/ Toplanyourvisittotheballpark,pleasevisit theTidesathttps://www.milb.com/norfolk/ ballpark/transportation-and-parking To plan parking visit the map at https:// www.norfolk.gov/1703/Harbor-Park-Parking Watch an interview with the City of Norfolk and the Tides explaining changes this year on HRT’s On the Move show on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Y5gxUhT5H_g&t=29s
PressRelease
LEXINGTON, Va.—The
CreativeEastercakes tocelebratetheholiday
ByFamilyFeatures
Source: Culinary.net
Sweet,delicioustreatsmakeEastercelebrationsmagical, putting the final touch on brunch, lunch or dinner gatherings. Whether your crowd enjoys the sweet-tart combination of fruit-infused cakes, mini bundts with personalizeddecorationsorrich,creamycheesecake,the desserttableissuretobepopular
Blueberry Lemon Bundt Cake and Carrot Cheesecake from“Cookin’Savvy”areperfectdessertsforsharingwith loved ones made with little effort and a lot of love You can even let little ones help in the kitchen with Fun Mini EasterBundtsbyallowingtheircreativitytorunwild-just handovertheicingandchocolatetoppersthenwatchthe artistryunfold.
To ensure your feast goes off without a hitch, create thesetemptingcakesthedaybeforeforano-hassleEaster. FindmorewaystoelevateEastercelebrationswithfood byvisitingCulinary.net.
Blueberry Lemon Bundt Cake
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Yield: 1 cake
1 pintfreshblueberries,rinsed
1 boxlemoncakemix
1 stickbutter melted
4 eggs
1 cupmilk
Glaze:
3 tablespoonsmeltedbutter
1 cuppowderedsugar
3 tablespoonsmilk
Heatovento350F.
Grease bundt pan and place rinsed blueberries in
bottom. Mix cake mix, butter eggs and milk; pour on top ofblueberries Bake35minutes Letcoolandremovefrom pan. To make glaze: Mix butter, sugar and milk then pour overcake.
Carrot Cheesecake
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Yield: 1 cake
Cake:
1boxspicecakemix
1cupgratedcarrot
1cupcoconut
4eggs
1stickbutter,melted
⅔cupvanillaGreekyogurt
Cheesecake:
1cupheavywhippingcream
3tablespoonssugar
8ouncescreamcheese,softened
1teaspoonvanilla
½cuppowderedsugar
Topping:
½cupchoppedwalnuts
½cupchoppedwhitechocolatechips
Heatovento350F.
To make cake: Mix cake mix with carrot and coconut.
Using hand mixer blend in eggs butter and yogurt Pour mixtureintogreasedspringformpanandbake30minutes. Letcompletelycoolinpan
Tomakecheesecake:Usinghandmixer,whipwhipping creamandsugartoformwhippedcreamandsetaside.
Using hand mixer, whip cream cheese, vanilla and powdered sugar Add in whipped cream and mix. Pour onto completely cooled carrot cake in springform pan.
Letsetinrefrigeratoratleast4hoursorovernightbefore unspringingpan.
Fortopping:Sprinklechoppednutsandchocolatechips oncakebeforeserving
Tip: For extra festive appearance add desired Easter candy on top
Fun Mini Easter Bundts
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin Savvy”
Yield: 24 mini bundts
1boxconfetticakemix
1stickbutter,melted
4eggs
1cupmilk
ChocolateToppers:
1cupeachcolormeltingchipsofdesiredcolors
siliconeEastercandymoldsofdesiredshapes
1pouchready-madegreenicing
Heatovento350F.
Mix cake mix, butter, eggs and milk. Pour into greased mini bundt pan and bake 20-25 minutes Let cool and removefrompan.
Tomakechocolatetoppers:Inbowlforeachcolor,melt melting chips in 1-minute intervals in microwave until thoroughlymelted.Pourintobaggiesandsnipcorner Pipe melted chips into molds and freeze 15-20 minutes Pipe green icing onto mini bundt cakes for “grass” then place chocolatemoldpiecesontop
Substitution: Save time on toppers by replacing with store-bought chocolate bunnies, eggs, crosses or marshmallowbunnies
CAKE
CARROT CHEESCAKE
BUNDTS
Unlock your health by getting virtual health care at home with TRICARE
ByTRICARECommunications
FALLSCHURCH,Va Didyouknowthat
TRICARE beneficiaries can receive a variety ofhealthcareservicesviavirtualhealth?These services take place through secure video calls, phone appointments, and other technology platforms. TRICARE virtual health coverage includes primary care urgent care mental health andspecialtyservices.
“Virtualhealthserviceshelpyougetthecare you need where and when it’s convenient to you, saidU.S.NavyCapt GeorgeCoan,Virtual Health Branch Chief at the Defense Health Agency “Virtualhealthvisitsofferyouflexibility.Dependingonwhereyouare,yourschedule, and your health needs, virtual health is a great optionforyouandyourfamilymembers.”
Keep reading to learn more about virtual healthcarewithTRICARE.
Covered services
Youcanuseonlinevisitsformanytypesof care.Theseinclude:
Primary care, including on-demand non-emergencycare
Preventivecare
Telementalhealthcare
Specialtycare
Remote monitoring for serious chronic conditions
Beforeyoubookavirtualhealthvisit,call orvisityourregionalcontractor’swebpage Sometypesofcareneedareferralorpre-authorization.
Do you get your care at a military hospital or clinic? Many of these virtual health servicesmaybeavailablethere.Contactyour provider for more information. If you’re an active duty service member, you need a referral and pre-authorization from your primarycaremanagerforvirtualhealthcare.
As described in the TRICARE Mental HealthandSubstanceUseDisorderServices Fact Sheet, virtual mental health services have the same referrals and pre-authorizationrequirementsasyourin-personmental healthcare.
Costs
Virtual health costs are similar to in-personcosts Yourcostsdependonwhoyouare, health plan, and type of appointment. Note thatyou’llneedtopayyourusualcost-shares andcopaymentsforvirtualvisits.
What you need
Tousevirtualhealthservices,youneed:
A computer or smartphone (for video care)
Atelephone(fortelephone-onlycare)
Asecurephoneorinternetconnection
Referrals or pre-authorizations (if required)
Overseas
DoyouliveoutsidetheUnitedStates?You canstillusevirtualhealthservicesif:
The care is a TRICARE-covered benefit andisappropriateforvirtualhealth.
The country where you receive care allowsvirtualhealth.
The provider is licensed and TRICAREauthorized and has a license to practice in thecountrywhereyoureceivecare.
The provider knows your location and how to contact help in a medical or mental healthemergency
The provider follows all local healthcare andvirtualhealthrules TRICARE will cover your virtual health careifyoumeettheserequirements
TRICARE For Life and Medicare
Do you have TRICARE For Life? Medicare usually pays first for virtual visits This includes phone calls with your doctor Remember to check what Medicare and TRICARE cover before scheduling an appointment. TRICARE pays first if Medicaredoesn’tcoveraservice Autism Care Demonstration
TRICARE covers services for parents of childrenwithautism.Thisincludesapplied behavior analysis guidance These services are under the Autism Care Demonstration online at https://tricare.mil/Plans/SpecialPrograms/ACD. Want to learn more about virtual health coverage?ContactyourTRICAREregional
contractor or visit tricare.mil. Medicare members can also check Medicare.gov for additionaldetailsabouttheircoverage
TRICARE’svirtualhealthoptionsmakeit easier for you to access healthcare services. It’sagreatwaytogetcarewhencan’tvisita doctor’s office in person. With health care delivery under TRICARE’s new contracts already underway, you have expanded access to virtual health services in the new year Thisincludesawiderangeandgreater availability of virtual health services for all beneficiaries,butespeciallyforthoseinrural orremoteareas TRICAREremainscommittedtohelping you unlock your health through accessible careoptionsforyouandyourfamily
ByFamilyFeatures
Source: American Heart Association
A walk isn’t just good for your body; it’s a simple, powerful way to care for your mind and soul. Physical activity, like walking, reduces stress boosts mood and promotes overall well-being Yet physical activity levels in the United States continue to decline,atrendthreateningbothmentaland physicalhealth.
Lessthanhalfofadultsandfewerthan1in 5 children in the U.S. get the recommended amountofphysicalactivityneededforheart health, according to the American Heart Association’s 2025 Heart & Stroke StatisticalUpdate National recommendations call for childrentogetatleastonehourofphysicalactivityeachday,butthelateststatisticsshowless than19%ofchildrenintheU.S.achievethat target. Meanwhile, less than half of adults get the recommended 150 minutes or more ofweeklyphysicalactivity.
What’s more, according to data from a NationalHealthandNutritionExamination Survey 1 in 4 U.S. adults sits for longer than eight hours each day, which can have negative consequences on physical and mental health. For decades, the American Heart Association has championed the importance of physical activity in communities across the country Thesetipsandinformationcanhelp you understand how a brisk walk can make a world of difference for heart health and mentalclarity
Benefits of Physical Activity
Staying active is one of the best ways to keepyourmindandbodyhealthy
Thephysicalhealthbenefitsmaybeobvious, but research suggests physical activity can also help bring more joy to your life
According to the 2019 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans people who get therecommendedamountofphysicalactivityarelesslikelytoexperiencedepression.
Regular physical activity enhances your mood, sharpens your mind, improves sleep and boosts overall well-being, all while reducing the risk of disease and depression and increasing both the quality and longevityoflife
How to Be More Physically Active
Exercise as simple as a brisk walk can put a major spring in your step It can even energize you to finish other tasks at hand, whether it’s cooking or running errands Giveyourdailyphysicalactivitylevelaboost withthesetips: Exercising outdoors is a great way to get moving Spending time outdoors has been shown to reduce stress promote a sense of belonging and improve mood. It’s even better if you can enjoy the sunshine outside, which can improve mood, boost yourimmunityandhelpyougetsomevita-
InterviewByYiorgo
The very exciting and unpredictable standup comedy of the one and only, internationally famous actor, comedian, voice actor,andEmmy-nominatedSaturdayNight Live alum Jon Lovitz, came to the Sandler CenterforthePerformingArtsonWednesday,April9th.
Truetohisword Jon’sstand-upshowwas veryfunny. Icannotrecommenditenough. Out of respect for Jon and at his request, I willnotrevealhisvariousroutinesbutIcan tell you that Jon made sure to really make fun of himself, people in general, politics, and various life situations A very accomplished singer and piano player Jon sang a few songs and played comedy style on the piano It’saveryfun,entertainingshowfull of laughs from beginning to end. You definitely don’t want to miss it when it comes toyourarea.
Yiorgo:Ihadtheopportunitytotalkwith Jon by phone a few days before the show. We talked about his upcoming show at the SandlerCenterandhisgreatcareer Hereis that interview. Thank you Jon for agreeing to do this phone interview. I have to share withyoubeforeweformallystartourinterview, that for most of my adult life, people havesaidtome,fromyoungpeopletoadults, thatIlooklikeyou.
Jon Lovitz: Oh, you must be very handsomethen.Lol.
Y: That makes two of us and I wear it as a badge of honor Lol. So tell us Jon, why should people come to your live standup shows like the Sandler Center? What will theysee,hearandexperience?Whatdoyou want them to walk away feeling like at the endoftheshow?
JL: The show is my stand-up and it’s a very funny show. I make fun of everything: politics, people, situations going on. I make fun of myself and I play the piano and sing somesongs.It’safun,entertainingshow I’d sayit’sratedmorelikePG youknow,littleR Youknow soit’sforadults Theycanexpect tolaughalotfromthemomentitstartstothe momentitends
Y:Howwouldyoupersonallyclassifyyour styleofhumor?
JL: Well, I would say most of my, almost all my comedy characters are like arrogant idiots He thinks he’s the greatest thing in the world, and he’s a complete idiot and he hasnoidea.
Y: So with the stand-up routines that we’re going to get next Wednesday, what wouldbesomeofyourfavoritepartsofdoing this particular show? Parts that you crack
yourselfupjustknowingyou’regoingtosay them, you know, some of the songs you’re going to be singing what do you enjoy the most?
JL:Well,Ienjoyedthewholeshow.Idon’t want to give anything away But, you know, it’s just, I really have fun doing it And the more fun I have, the more fun the audience has and it just feeds off, it goes kind of, you know, back and forth. You really need the audiencetolistenandyoureallywantthem to enjoy it, you know. And I’d say the piano partisalittleinspiredbyVictorBorge
Y: I of course have heard you sing on TV and you really do have a beautiful singing voice So, in regards to your singing voice, doyouhavearoutineorthatyoudotomake sure your voice is good for the singing? Is theresomethingthatyoudotoprepareit?
JL: Well, thank you. I appreciate it. I try Yeah,Imean,IwasadramamajoratUniversity of California Irvine. And, you know, we had voice class and they give you exercises that you can do It was from a famous voice teacher, Kristin Linklater. So I do that and thenthere’sjustdifferentthingsI’velearned over the years. You know, on YouTube, Pavarottitalksaboutsingingandsomestuff hedoestowarmup,andIdothat.Ofcourse, that helps, you know And, there’s breathing Frank Sinatra wrote a book about singing and the way to start breathing And it explainsitdifferentlythananyoneeverhas. And it really, of course, works And, yeah, there’s a lot to the singing and speech. You know when you speak, it’s your lips and tongue that have to be relaxed to flex the
world, your jaw flex the world, your face andsoon.
Y: Anytime we deal with live shows, anything can happen Is there a good anecdote or two that you want to share about one of your live shows that things didn’t go exactly as planned? Maybe it wasn’t funny then,butit’sfunnynow?
JL: Well, it’s never a good thing when people are drunk and they interrupt the show. One time I was in Clearwater, Florida,andthisjusthappened,theseguyswere screamingatthepeopleinline,tryingtobait theaudienceinlineintolosingtheirtemper andhittingthem. Andtheyhavebodycams on, and so they can record it, and the cops won’t do anything So I went out. It’s on my Instagram. You can see it, and I started just messing with the guy and then I went in and played it for the audience, because they were really upset, because they were being harassed by these guys, and so that happened Theylikedthatalot.
Y: I love the way you handle it. Now, let’s talk about you. Where were you born, and what or who made you fall in love with the worldofentertainment?
JL: Well I was born in Los Angeles and I remember I was about seven years old, andIwassickathome,andsoIwaswatching movies, and I saw the “Al Jolson story with Larry Parks, and then the next thing, they had James Cagney’s Yankee Doodle Dandy, and that’s when I said, I want to be a performer When I was 13, I saw Woody Allen’s first movie, “Take the Money Run” and that’s when I said I want to be a comedian like Woody Allen. So I’ve always wanted to do acting, singing and comedy. I acted in high school plays and I was a drama major in college I kept going, I just pursued it, and somehow I broke through. A lot of hard work, you know, it took a long time,but...well,obviously Youhavetokeep tryingtogetbetter,that’sthemainthing
Y: Your family immigrated from Romania and Hungary and Russia. Are you first generation, second generation, and can you share a little bit about that part of your cultureandfamily?
Y: What happened to you? Sorry it was too easy Lol. You definitely have been very blessed. You have an amazing, illustrious career in entertainment. I have a two-part question. What have been some of your favorite parts in the movies? By the way, I lovedyouin“ALeagueofTheirOwn. And the second part, what have been some of yourfavoriteTVparts?
JL: I know, right? I just didn’t have the disciplinetobecomeadoctor,Ijustcouldn’t do it. As far as movies, most of the movies I did,Ienjoyeddoingthemlike“CitySlickers” whereIplayedBillyCrystal’sbrother.Itwas agreatpart.And,youknowIgottoplayDan Aykroyd’sbrother Hewasgreat.Itwasfun. Iloved“ALeagueofTheirOwn. ThatpartI playedwaswrittenforme Andthatwas,you know, a blast. I liked doing the movie “Rat Race.” Jerry Zucker directed it and he was just the nicest guy in the world and great to workwith.AndthenAndyBrackmanwrote itandAndyusedtowriteon“SaturdayNight Live” and created the show “Monk.” And Andy’soneofthefewcomedywritersthat’s also a very funny person. And then he said tome,well,Iusedtodostand-up.Igo,well, no wonder, but he’s hilarious And it was a realjoytoworkon.Andaveryfunnymovie Amodernversionof“It’saMad,Mad,Mad, MadWorld.”
AndthenTVfavorites,Iwouldsay,“Saturday Night Live” and the cartoon, “The Critic,” and my favorite SNL character that IplayedwasMasterThespianbecauseIwas obsessedwithacting Y: How do you keep yourself fresh and relevanttoyouraudience?
JL: I don’t know. I mean, I just do what I do Just living the time I live in. I mean, I’m nottryingto Mysecondyearon“Saturday Night Live,” I said to Lorne Michaels, I got nothing DoIwritedifferently?Ididn’thave any clue I go do you want me to do something different? He goes “No, no write for yourself Youaretheaudience,youknow. So IjustdowhatIthinkisfunnyandhopefully they like it. But, you know, I’m living at the sametimeaseverybodyelse SoI’mreflecting on that time There’s no effort to try to stayrelevant.Imean,Ijusttrytobefunny. IamahugeJohnnyCarsonfan. Yourfirst experiencebeingonthereandthenanother timeofbeingonwithJohnnyCarson?
JL: The first time I was in “The Groundlings” comedy troupe and we had a new
JL: I am second generation. My grandparentsarefromEurope,youknow,andmy dad’sparentsmovedtoJacksonville,Florida, andthenmygrandmotherwasactuallyborn inTransylvania,whichwaspartofHungary andnowit’spartofRomania. Theycameto America like everybody back in 1913 feelingthattheywantedabetterlife,andsomehowtheymadetheirkidsbecomedoctors.I don’tknowhowtheydidit,buttheydid.You know,mydadwasadoctor,hisbrotherwas, and my mom’s brother was a world famous eyedoctor It’sthatimmigrantwillofdeterminationandsurvivaltodobetter.
TurntoJonLovitz, Page 9
Actorand comedianJon Lovitz (COURTESY PHOTO)
Colonial National Historical Park announces special living history event featuring the 1st Rhode Island Regiment
PressRelease
YORKTOWN, Va Colonial National
Historical Park will host a special living history event featuring reenactors from the 1st Rhode Island Infantry Regiment on Saturday,April12,andSunday,April13,2025
Historical interpreters portraying America’s first integrated military regiment of General George Washington’s Continental ArmywillbepresentattheYorktownBattlefieldVisitorCenter Theywillshareinsights into the lives of revolutionary war soldiers and the regiment’s crucial role during the SiegeofYorktownin1781.
Family-friendlyactivities includingdrilling and camp life demonstrations, will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 9a.m.to4p.m.onSunday.
To visit the Yorktown Battlefield, all personsages16andupmustpurchaseavisitorentrancepass Thispassisvalidforseven consecutive days and provides access to all resources managed by the park, including the Jamestown Visitor Center and recreational access along the Colonial Parkway Passescanbepurchasedonsiteoronwww recreation.gov.AmericatheBeautifulpasses andParkAnnualpasseswillbehonoredand availableforpurchaseonsite
Established by the colonial Rhode Island AssemblyinMay1775,the1stRhodeIsland Regiment was initially organized by Colonel James Varnum and was often referred toas“Varnum’sRegiment.”TheunitparticipatedinmultipleengagementsoftheRevo-
showwithSketchComedyTheaterandthey picked three sketches and I was in two of themandIjustcouldn’tbelieveIwasgoing to be on the show. And it was just nerve wracking But then when I finally did it, it wasjustthrilling
And then the second time I was a guest and I’ve been waiting like two and a half years to go on and I finally got to go and it went so well I didn’t want to go on again. It was just perfect. I was making him really laugh. It was surreal, you know And then I remember being all nervous I looked at Ed McMahon and he’s just like smiling at you. And in my head I thought, oh, that’s what you do You’re just there reassuring the guests that they’re doing great. And he didn’tevenhaveto,that’swhathewasthere for He didn’t even have to say anything He justlookedatyouandsmiledsobigandyou could tell he’s like, yeah, you’re doing great. You know what I mean? He just didn’t say it,butyoucouldfeelit.Yes.Itmadeyoufeel
lutionaryWar,includingtheSiegeofBoston, the New York Campaign, the Battles of Red Bank and Rhode Island, and the Siege of Yorktown. Serving with honor and distinction throughout the war, the Regiment was disbandedinDecember1783.
This event is in partnership with the National Park Foundation, the National Washington Rochambeau Revolutionary Route Association, and The Real American Revolution Multimedia Center & ConsortiumforCivicEducation
AboutColonialNationalHistoricalPark: ColonialNationalHistoricalParkwasestablished in 1930 to preserve important 17th and 18th century sites that tell the story of English colonization and the struggle for American independence. Jamestown’s legacyincludesrepresentativegovernment, but also slavery, a brutal institution that spread throughout the colonies At Yorktown, Virginia, colonists fought in the last majorbattleoftheAmericanRevolutionary War.The23-mileColonialParkwaylinksthe sites and is recognized as an “All-American road”.Learnmorewww.nps.gov/colo
About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 430+ national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities Learnmoreatwww.nps.gov,andon Facebook, Instagram X (formerly Twitter) andYouTube
relaxedandconfident.
Y: How would you compare being on JohnnyCarsonandJayLeno?
JL: Well for me I knew Jay for years personally Soitwasdifferent.Ididn’tgrow up watching him on TV, you know? So when you grow up watching someone on TV,you’rekindofawestruck,whereJaywas liketalkingandbeingouttherewithafriend, acolleague
Y: I really enjoyed seeing you on WWE RAW years ago Can you share a memory fromyourappearanceinWWE?
JL:Well,whenIdidit,Ididn’tknowwhat toexpect,youknow?And,honestly I’dseen itonTV,alltheseguysarelikegoofballsand Vince McMahon’s just like a jerk That’s really what I thought because I’d never been there. I just saw it on TV And then afterward when I went on I realized I was completelywrong Likeahundredpercent. VinceMcMahoncouldn’thavebeennicer I thought he was going to be really loud and obnoxious He was very sweet and very soft spoken, everything was the opposite of whatIthought.Thewrestlers,Icameaway so impressed and I thought these guys are
great.They’reactors,greatactorsandgreat stuntmen. I said to the writers, this is the mostorganizedprofessionalshowI’veever beenoninmylifeofanyshowI’veeverdone ever AndtheywereshockedthatIsaidthat, but it was. Everybody was super nice and hadfun.Ihadagreattime Imean,itcouldn’t havebeenabetterexperienceandIwasjust superimpressed.
Y: Any upcoming projects that you’re involved with that you want your fans to be awareof?
JL: Yeah, last year I did an independent movie called “The Toast.” It’s coming out thisyear Iplaythefatherofabridewhofalls off the wagon. It’s everything that leads up to the wedding and then after at the reception. I give a big toast at a wedding and I’m just bombed And, and everyone was like, it wasreallyfunnyandtouchingsoI’mexcited toseeit.
Y:AndthenIreadyou’rein“HappyGilmore2,”right?
JL: I have a cameo that’s all I can say aboutthat. Idon’tknowhowtotalkaboutit.
Y:Doyouhavetokillmeifyoudo?
JL:Ihavetokillme Lol. IsignedanNDA.
Iaskedthem,whatcanIsay?Theysaid,“You can say you’re in it. You don’t want to give awaythestory.”It’llbeveryfunny.
Y: Can you share a couple of wow, pinch me moments or two that you got to experienceinlife?
JL:Ijustcouldn’tbelieveIwasontheSNL show the whole time I was on. I couldn’t even say the word, live. I’m on Saturday nightllllive.Icouldn’tsayit.Anotherpinch me moment was when I was working with WoodyAllenandIwasdoingacharacterand he goes, “Come here. Just be yourself It’s better Guyslikeus youknow we’realready funny. And when he said, “Guys like us,” I startedcrying Hevalidatedmywholelife.
Y:Whatareyouthankfulforinlife?
JL:Atthispointbeingalive,youknow,it’s scary Everyone’s dropping off like flies I’m justgratefulforeverydayandI’mverygratefulthatIcanmakemylivingdoingcomedy AndImean,it’sthrilling
Yiorgo is an arts entertainment and sports writer A stage TV and movie actor he is also a sports entertainer, educator, motivational speaker, writer, storyteller and columnist.
Members ofthe 1st Rhode Island Living HistoryGroup
Jon Lovitz
