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January 17, 2018 vol. 9 // issue 3
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Manors’ murderer has
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NEWS highlight
Sentenced to Death Convicted killer has ‘no regrets’
Peter Avsenew murdered Kevin Powell and Stephen Adams, a gay couple, in Wilton Manors in 2010 Rafael Olmeda
SouthFloridaGayNews.com
January 17, 2018 • Volume 9 • Issue 3
2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943
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onvicted killer Peter Avsenew stood before a Broward jury Thursday morning and offered no excuses, no explanations and no signs of remorse. “I have no regrets in my life and I’m proud of every decision I’ve ever made,” he said. “No one here knows what happened… You would need a Ouija board for that.” The jury deliberated less than three hours and recommended that Avsenew, 33, be put to death for the murders of Kevin Powell and Stephen Adams. The Wilton Manors couple took him into their home in late 2010 and paid for it with their lives a couple of days before Christmas. Avsenew’s response after hearing the verdict: He made an obscene gesture at members of one of the dead man’s families as jurors were led out of the courtroom. Jurors who saw Avsenew scratching his forehead with his middle finger told a court bailiff, who informed Broward Circuit Judge Ilona Holmes. When Holmes warned Avsenew that his conduct in court can be used against him, he spoke up. “It wasn’t to the jury,” he said. “It was to the family.” That, Holmes said, was worse. Avsenew is the first defendant in Broward to receive a death recommendation from a jury since the state’s death penalty law was rewritten last year. Juries now have to make unanimous decisions to execute convicted killers. Even with a death recommendation, Holmes has the authority to override the jury and sentence Avsenew to life in prison. But Avsenew has shown no indication that he wants to avoid death row. After the jury found him guilty of two counts of first-degree murder last November, Avsenew dismissed his lawyers, who work for the Broward Public Defender’s Office and had prepared to offer evidence about the defendant’s background to talk jurors out of a death sentence. Avsenew wouldn’t allow it. He insisted on acting as his own lawyer for the penalty phase of the trial, which opened Wednesday. Prosecutor Shari Tate painted Avsenew as a cold, calculated killer who betrayed and murdered Powell and Adams, a Wilton Manors couple who took Avsenew in after he posted a suggestive ad on the Craigslist website. During the trial, defense lawyer Gabe Ermine said Avsenew found Powell and Adams already murdered and that he fled because he did not want to be exposed as an escort. Aside from the ad, there was no evidence or testimony from Avsenew or anyone else to support that account. At this week’s hearing, Avsenew was largely silent. He gave no See our news in video Online now!
Senior Features Correspondents Jesse Monteagudo • Tony Adams
Correspondents
“I have no regrets in my life and I’m proud of every decision I’ve ever made. No one here knows what happened… You would need a Ouija board for that.” - Peter Avsenew
Convicted murderer
opening statement. He cross examined no witnesses. He presented no evidence. His statement to the jury took less than a minute — he offered no apologies, no explanation of why he struck the victims repeatedly in the head with a blunt object or shot them repeatedly. “I have no regrets in my life and I’m proud of every decision I’ve ever made,” he said. “No one here knows what happened… You would need a Ouija board for that.” Outside the courtoom, Adams’ sisters Marci Craig and Missi Madgett scoffed at his statement and his obscene gesture. “We don’t need a Ouija board,” said Craig. “We know that justice was served… In my heart of hearts, I knew that he was making that gesture to us. I said to my husband right away, ‘I think he just flipped us off.’” She said she had hoped to hear Avsenew express remorse, but was not surprised when he didn’t. Holmes appointed a lawyer, Arthur Marchetta, to seek evidence that Avsenew did not present to jurors that might have convinced them to spare him the death sentence in favor of life in prison. She also ordered a pre-sentencing investigation, a background check intended to provide background information on the defendant for the judge. MEMBER Prosecutors, Marchetta and Avsenew are due back in court Jan. 26 to schedule future hearings and possibly set a sentencing date.
Dori Zinn • Donald Cavanaugh • Christiana Lilly • Denise Royal • Sean McShee • David-Elijah Nahmod
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Cover 1: “Zanna Don’t,” the latest play at Island City Stage. Photo Credit: George Wentzler. Cover 2: Wilton Manors murderer convicted. MEMBER
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NLGJA Journalist of the Year South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community. All of the material/columns that appears in print and online, including articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher, at his law office, at Norm@NormKent.com. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs. Copyright © 2018 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.
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MEMBER
In adults with HIV on ART who have diarrhea not caused by an infection IMPORTANT PATIENT INFORMATION This is only a summary. See complete Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com or by calling 1-844-722-8256. This does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or treatment.
What Is Mytesi? Mytesi is a prescription medicine used to improve symptoms of noninfectious diarrhea (diarrhea not caused by a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection) in adults living with HIV/AIDS on ART. Do Not Take Mytesi if you have diarrhea caused by an infection. Before you start Mytesi, your doctor and you should make sure your diarrhea is not caused by an infection (such as bacteria, virus, or parasite).
Possible Side Effects of Mytesi Include:
Tired of planning your life around diarrhea?
Enough is Enough Get relief. Pure and simple. Ask your doctor about Mytesi.
Mytesi (crofelemer): • Is the only medicine FDA-approved to relieve diarrhea in people with HIV • Treats diarrhea differently by normalizing the flow of water in the GI tract • Has the same or fewer side effects as placebo in clinical studies • Comes from a tree sustainably harvested in the Amazon Rainforest What is Mytesi? Mytesi is a prescription medicine that helps relieve symptoms of diarrhea not caused by an infection (noninfectious) in adults living with HIV/AIDS on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Important Safety Information Mytesi is not approved to treat infectious diarrhea (diarrhea caused by bacteria, a virus, or a parasite). Before starting you on Mytesi, your healthcare provider will first be sure that you do not have infectious diarrhea. Otherwise, there is a risk you would not receive the right medicine and your infection could get worse. In clinical studies, the most common side effects that occurred more often than with placebo were upper respiratory tract (sinus, nose, and throat) infection (5.7%), bronchitis (3.9%), cough (3.5%), flatulence (3.1%), and increased bilirubin (3.1%).
Should I Take Mytesi If I Am: Pregnant or Planning to Become Pregnant? • Studies in animals show that Mytesi could harm an unborn baby or affect the ability to become pregnant • There are no studies in pregnant women taking Mytesi • This drug should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed A Nursing Mother? • It is not known whether Mytesi is passed through human breast milk • If you are nursing, you should tell your doctor before starting Mytesi • Your doctor will help you to decide whether to stop nursing or to stop taking Mytesi Under 18 or Over 65 Years of Age? • Mytesi has not been studied in children under 18 years of age • Mytesi studies did not include many people over the age of 65. So it is not clear if this age group will respond differently. Talk to your doctor to find out if Mytesi is right for you
What Should I Know About Taking Mytesi With Other Medicines? If you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicine, herbal supplements, or vitamins, tell your doctor before starting Mytesi.
What If I Have More Questions About Mytesi? For more information, please see the full Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com or speak to your doctor or pharmacist. To report side effects or make a product complaint or for additional information, call 1-844-722-8256.
Rx Only Manufactured by Patheon, Inc. for Napo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. San Francisco, CA 94105 Copyright © Napo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
For Copay Savings Card and Patient Assistance, see Mytesi.com
Mytesi comes from the Croton lechleri tree harvested in South America.
Please see complete Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com. NP-390-29
• Upper respiratory tract infection (sinus, nose, and throat infection) • Bronchitis (swelling in the tubes that carry air to and from your lungs) • Cough • Flatulence (gas) • Increased bilirubin (a waste product when red blood cells break down) For a full list of side effects, please talk to your doctor. Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
RELIEF, PURE AND SIMPLE 1.17.2018 •
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NEWS local Photo courtesy of Bearsurrection.com.
Kalis-McIntee Funeral & Cremation Center
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We invite you to stop by and talk with us regarding any questions you may have about services we offer as a full service funeral home.
Controversial Beach Bear Weekend to Return? Accused con artist Craig Jungwirth claims he’s organizing another event
Available 24 Hours a day, 7 days a week.
2505 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors / Fort Lauderdale 954-566-7621 www.kalismcintee.com
Michael d’Oliveira
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raig Jungwirth, the man once accused of making threats against the LGBT community in South Florida, claims he’s planning on organizing another Beach Bear Weekend, now also named Fort Lauderdale Bear Week. In 2016 after the murder of 49 people at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Jungwirth was accused of making Pulse-style threats of violence on social media. But federal prosecutors dropped the charges in January of last year because of a lack of evidence. In June of 2017, he was arrested again for violating the terms of his probation stemming from his vandalization of Rumors Bar & Grill and walking out on a check at Courtyard Café. Multiple individuals and publications have accused Jungwirth of being a scam artist. A phone message left with Jungwirth was not returned in time for publication. When SFGN reached out to attorney Ron Baum, he said he no longer represents Jungwirth. Jungwirth emailed SFGN in November promoting the event, which is scheduled for March 26 to April 1. But there’s another bear-themed event also scheduled that same week – Bearsurrection. The same dates are not the only thing the two events have in common. The Beach Bear Weekend site is laid out in such a way that it appears the two events are associated. Manuel Barrios, who co-owns Bearsurrection
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with Gene ward and Marcos Sanchez, said Jungwirth is using Bearsurrection’s name and logo without permission. On BeachBearWeekend.com, the Bearsurrection logo is used. Above the logo, an ‘S’ has been added to Bearsurrection. It reads “Bearsurrections Presents Fort Lauderdale Bear Week.” Also, visitors on Beach Bear Weekend’s site who click on “Events Every Day” are redirected to Bearsurrection.com. “As soon as we started promoting, he started promoting as well. We have nothing to do with Beach Bear Weekend and never have. We created Bearsurrection as an alternative to Beach Bear Weekend. Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors are international destinations and we didn’t have an event for the bear community. We have all the conditions to have an event like that in our city,” Barrios said. Barrios said Bearsurrection is in talks with the logo’s owner to get the legal rights to the logo. Until then, he said, there’s nothing that he and his partners can legally do to stop Jungwirth from using it. So, for now, he said, they’ve decided to just ignore Jungwirth. “We cannot give him the chance to reply to us.” As for the event itself, Barrios said he’s very optimistic about how Bearsurrection will turn out. For more information on Bearsurrection, visit Bearsurrection.com.
NEWS miami-dade
Free HIV Prevention Drugs Provided in Miami-Dade Health department will expand access to all of South Florida
Michael d’Oliveira
I
n Miami-Dade and 15 other counties in Florida, the Florida Department of Health is offering free access to PrEP [Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis] drugs to qualified applicants. Health officials said they expect the program to expand to Broward, Palm Beach, Monroe, and the rest of the state’s counties by the end of 2018. The other counties offering free PrEP now are Alachua, Bay, Citrus, Desoto, Duval, Flagler, Gulf, Hernando, Highlands, Indian River, Jackson, Lee, Okaloosa, Sarasota, and Walton. According to the Centers for Disease Control [CDC], PrEP is designed to be taken by “people at very high risk . . . and can stop HIV from taking hold and spreading. It is highly effective for preventing HIV if used as prescribed, but it is much less effective when not taken consistently.” The CDC estimates it reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by more than 90 percent. Among intravenous drug users, it reduces the risk by 70 percent. People who use condoms while taking PrEP can further reduce their risk. “One of the Department’s priorities is to reduce the incidence of new HIV infections. Ensuring PrEP to those at highest risk for HIV infection, regardless of their ability to pay, is one of the four key components of the Agency’s plan to eliminate HIV transmission and reduce HIV-related deaths,” wrote Mara Gambineri, communications director for the Florida Department of Health, in an email to SFGN. “Patients requesting PrEP services are evaluated clinically and if indicated, based
on CDC clinical guidelines, are able to receive immediate access to PrEP medications. Consideration is then given to every patient based on their eligibility requirements, which includes their financial status and assisting them with access to PrEP services. The PrEP initiative includes the following activities: client education, HIV testing, Hepatitis C testing, liver function test, prescription of PrEP medications, three-month follow up after PrEP initiation [which includes additional labs, and education on prevention behaviors, such as safer sex and condom usage],” wrote Gambineri. Asked what the financial requirements were, Gambineri wrote that there is no maximum income to receive assistance obtaining PrEP. “However, other factors such as whether the client has private insurance are considered.” While some studies have shown PrEP to be up to 99 percent effective it is not a guarantee against infection. According to POZ magazine, a gay man taking PrEP in 2016 contracted HIV. “Evidence suggests that the individual in question, a 43-year-old Canadian man who has sex with men, adhered well to PrEP over the long-term. Nevertheless, after 24 months on Truvada he tested positive for HIV.” POZ also quoted Richard Harrigan, PhD, director of the lab program at the British Columbia Center for Excellence in HIV/ AIDS in Vancouver, Canada. “This case demonstrates that while PrEP is beneficial, we can’t rely on it to be an infallible magic bullet.”
Those interested in obtaining PrEP assistance should contact their local health departments. A list of private PrEP providers can be found at preplocator.org. 1.17.2018 •
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LGBTQIA bites
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Lesbian
Lesbian Outed by Air Force in 1950s Files Lawsuit
By Ryan Lynch
B
Bisexual
Marvel Character Gambit Almost Portrayed as Bisexual Photo: Cover of “Gambit,” Marvel Entertainment.
Photo courtesy of Helen James.
A 90-year-old lesbian woman who was kicked out of the Air Force in the 1950s is suing the military branch to change her discharge status. Helen Grace James first enlisted in the Air Force in 1952, but was “undesirably” discharged in 1955 because she was outed as a lesbian, according to the Washington Post. Despite the change to a lesser discharge in the 1960s, she was unable to use the G.I. Bill and was denied insurance by the United States Automobile Association.
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“It has crippled her throughout her life,” James’s attorney J. Cacilia Kim said to the Post. “This is really so she’s not treated as a second-class citizen anymore.” James, who taught physical therapy college courses and later had her own private practice after the Air Force, said she felt like she couldn’t go back home because of the discharge. If she wins her case, she can be buried in a national cemetery and have a color guard there for her service.
Another Marvel character almost became a part of the LGBT community a few years ago. Members of Marvel’s creative team discussed making X-Men superhero Gambit bisexual in his own comic series they were producing in 2012, according to Gay Star News. Series writer Jake Asmus and his superiors disagreed on giving the character that identity. “It’s true that I was interested in revealing Gambit to be bisexual in our
series,” Asmus said. “With us first seeing him seduce a man on one of his missions, and soon thereafter meeting a member of the thieves guild Gambit previously had a more significant relationship with in his pre-X-Men debut.” Marvel said to Asmus they thought they would be “redefining” the character if they made the change. Iceman, another superhero in the X-Men universe, has been portrayed as gay in multiple storylines, according to NewNowNext.
LGBTQIA bites
T
Transgender
Professional Women’s Hockey League Gets First Transgender Player Jessica Platt, Instagram.
Jessica Platt is now the second-ever openly transgender hockey player after joining the Canadian Women’s Hockey League full-time this season. The Canadian joined the Toronto Furies his season after playing four games with them last year, according to ESPNW. Platt said she first questioned her gender identity in 2007 while in high school and later medically transitioned in 2012. “I’m hoping I can help other trans people and trans athletes know that they can achieve their dreams,” Platt said to
ESPNW. “Even if one person is inspired or helped, then I feel like I succeeded at something.” The CWHL worked with advocacy group You Can Play to update their policies this season that all players who are cis or transgender must have the “normal hormone levels of a female,” to compete. The National Women’s Hockey League in America made a similar change in 2016 to allow for Harrison Browne, the sport’s first openly transgender player, to play.
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NEWS local The district 2 election took place after SFGN went to print. Find out the results at SFGN.com.
Tim Smith.
Fort Lauderdale Candidate Says Commission
Doesn’t ‘Need A Gay Person’ Michael d’Oliveira
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ort Lauderdale Dist. 2 Commission ‘the gays.’ Gay people. That’s what candidate Tim Smith said he doesn’t I call them. LGBT. They’ve been so think the commission “need[s] a gay instrumental, like you, Steve, at the person.” beach,” responded Smith. Smith, a former city commissioner, Smith went on to say his brother was made the comment during the Jan. 9 the victim of a “gay bashing” and that he Dist. 2 debate at city hall. Video of the defended the LGBT community in the debate can be seen on True Broward TV’s past when he went up against the Boy Facebook page. Scouts for its then policy of not allowing Also running for the seat, which is being gay members. vacated by Dean Trantalis because he is According to an Oct. 1, 2000 article by running for mayor, are Steve Glassman, the St. Petersburg Times, Smith “launched Chad Maxey, Lester Zalewski, a campaign to eliminate and George Castrataro. The a $4,200 public grant to “Steve, I guess election is Tuesday, Jan. 16. a local scouting program. you wanted to Smith is not gay, but his Smith was responding to a interject question from Sun Sentinel district includes Victoria ‘the gays.’ reporter Brittany Wallman Park, where thousands about an ad by Castrataro, a of gays and lesbians have Gay people. gay man. In the ad, Castrataro invested heavily, creating That’s what I stated it was important to call them. LGBT. one of the city’s most have LGBT representation on They’ve been so desirable neighborhoods.” the commission. “Now, we do not need a instrumental, “I like Lester’s answer,” said gay person, George, what we like you, Steve, need is a person who judges Smith, referring to Zalewski’s at the beach.” statement about how people on the content of discrimination of any kind is their character and nothing - Tim Smith Candidate for Dist. 2 against the Constitution and else,” Smith said. Commission the values of America. “The “My ad simply said the truth is I don’t think we need gay community needed a a gay person on the commission. But if voice. It didn’t say that a person needed we vote in anybody that is homophobic, to be gay to be on the commission. I think or a racist, or a bigot, shame on us. We there’s a big distinction there,” Castrataro cannot do that. The gays have been so said. instrumental in Dist. 2, particularly,” “I thought Brittany’s question was Smith said. that we need an LGBT person on the “The gays?” asked Glassman, who is commission. So, George, I agree with your gay. observation and I’m sure you agree with “Steve, I guess you wanted to interject mine as well,” Smith said.
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NEWS miami-dade Latinos Salud staff members and volunteers attend last year’s x Florida AIDS Walk. Photo courtesy of Latinos Salud.
Latinos Salud Raising Funds for 2018 Florida AIDS Walk Two events include a Mario Kart tournament and yoga on the beach
Jose Cassola
jocacommunications@outlook.com
L
atinos Salud — a safe space for LGBT Latinos seeking to find friends, support and resources related to HIV testing, treatment and prevention options — is holding a series of events starting this week that will serve as fundraising efforts for the 2018 Florida AIDS Walk, scheduled for March 18. “In these times of uncertain government grant funding, the Florida AIDS Walk provides one of our best sources for funding to fill in the gaps as we increase our services,” said Stephen Fallon, executive director of Latinos Salud. “At Latinos Salud, we serve gay Latinos, as well as all people living with HIV and everyone who identifies as transgender. We provide free HIV and STD screening for everyone. Our staff and volunteers are coordinating a number of fun events in advance of the Walk to give our fundraising a head start.” On Thursday, Jan. 18, attendees can have fun participating in a Mario Kart 8 tournament while supporting the community from 7-10 p.m. at the Latinos Salud Miami Beach office, 925 Arthur Godfrey Road, Suite 200. Then from 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, join Latinos Salud Miami Beach at the 11th Street beach for the nonprofit’s first “Yoga on the Beach” event. It’s $5 to participate and all funds will benefit the Florida AIDS Walk.
In addition, Fallon said there will be a “car wash, the ‘Corazones Juntos’ networking event and other” events. Hunters Nightclub, 2232 Wilton Dr., in Wilton Manors “is sharing their venue for the second year of our Miss Latina Hearts pageant,” Fallon said. Latinos Salud Fort Lauderdale is presenting the second annual Miss Latina Hearts Pageant 2018 from 7 p.m. to midnight Wednesday, Feb. 7 at Hunters, where some of the biggest names in the South Florida drag scene will strut their stuff on stage, show their talent and work the runway. Entrance fee for the pageant is $10 and it includes two free drink tickets. Raffle tickets will be sold throughout the event with each ticket providing an opportunity to win some prizes. Vote for your favorite queen by donating to their special Heart Box. The queen with the most money in their box wins the Fan Favorite award. Reigning Miss Latina Hearts Fantasia Royale Gaga will be at the event to pass on her “crown” to the next winner. Fallon promises a good time and special surprises for attendees at all of Latino Salud’s fundraising events. “Every dollar they contribute to any member of our team will come back to us doubled, thanks to a generous match from the Walk sponsors, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF),” Fallon said.
For more information, visit www.LatinosSalud.org. 1.17.2018 •
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NEWS online
Action Online
Don't miss the
See the result of Tuesday, January 16 local elections!
Two-Time British Biking Champion Comes Out as Gay
Photo: Instagram / @zleader77
Indian Prince Opens Palace To Vulnerable LGBT People
Australian Trans Teens Get Float in Sydney Mardi Gras Parade
Miss Trans America Founder is First Known Trans Person Killed in 2018
Christa Leigh Steele-Knudslien. Photo: Facebook via HRC.
6. Minnesota Church Fires Gay Musicians 7. Lesbian Woman and Daughter Murdered in West Palm Beach Photo via Facebook.
8. Lesbian Woman Shot and Burned Alive in Washington D.C Photo via Facebook.
9. Supreme Court Will Not Hear Arguments On Mississippi Religious Exemption Law 10. Connecticut Supreme Court Nominee Could Be First Openly Gay Chief Justice
Visit SFGN.com to stay up to date on all the news across the web! Twitter.com/SoFlaGayNews Facebook.com/SouthFloridaGayNews
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NEWS state x
Photo courtesy of Florida Youth Pride Coalition.
Icon Awards Raise Funds For LGBT Youth SFGN Staff
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lorida Youth Pride Coalition is hosting its annual Icon Awards, Saturday, Jan. 20. The seated dinner and awards program begins at 8 p.m. at Signature Grand in Davie. Matthew Eaton said Florida Youth Pride Coalition’s mission is to educate, empower, encourage and energize LGBT youth and their allies. Eaton serves as the organization’s executive president. “We want to educate and empower them to be able to do whatever it is they want to do once they are growing up -- whether it be in their personal or professional lives -and the way we do that is we have various types of events that are cultural events and community events that we participate in as an organization,” Eaton said. The Icon Awards is a vehicle to raise money while honoring distinguished people. Honorees this year are: Broward County Commissioner Dr. Barbara Sharief, transgender activist Arianna Lint, Stonewall National Museum & Archives Executive Director Chris Rudisill, Hotspots Magazine publisher Scott Holland, psychologist Billy Urich, Jamaican activist Taneitha Brown, straight ally Edith Lederberg and youth Taja Walker, Carlton Granston, Hannah Thomas, Zion Sylvestor and Amanda Arroyo. Bishop S.F. Makalani-MaHee, a transgender activist, is being honored posthumously. Dr. Sonja Mitchell, Chairwoman of Florida Youth Pride Coalition, said youth benefit from the organization in many ways. “We create leaders that have no boundaries when it comes to love and taking care of each other and the community,” Mitchell said.
“They get to unify themselves with youth of all ages and doing different things in the community.” “The outcome is to be leaders of tomorrow,” Mitchell said. “Great leaders of tomorrow.” While recruiting volunteers for Pride South Florida, Mitchell said she noticed community events tended to be largely focused on adult activities. “We didn’t have a resourceful and strong youth leadership in the community,” Mitchell said. “And so I started thinking what are we doing with our youth? What is our legacy? What are we leaving behind? What are we teaching our youth? We are not just bars and parades. We are bigger than that. Somebody has to take the initiative and start something where our youth can be proud of themselves and do what I’m doing and not wait until my age to do it.” Urich is a clinical psychologist working in the field of mental health and addictions. He has traveled globally to assist LGBT communities. “Over here (USA) we look at it as a parade, but it other countries it’s a civil rights march,” Urich said. Urich helped organize the first “walk for tolerance” in Jamaica and assisted in a similar role for pride activities in Belgrade, Serbia. He said youth groups and learning are paramount to the advancement of a higher quality of life for LGBT people. “It is not possible to know where we are going if we don’t know where we’ve come from,” Urich said. “Yes, we can get married now but that was not always the case and many people fought for that right.”
Miami Herald journalist Steve Rothaus is emceeing the event which includes musical performances. Tickets are $100. Doors open at 7 p.m. at Signature Grand, 6900 State Road 84, Davie, FL 33317. For more information, visit FloridaYouthPride.com
NEWS state
Photo courtesy of Smart Ride, via Facebook.
Rescheduled SMART Ride Rolls Out This Weekend John McDonald
T
he ride must go on. Rescheduled due to an active hurricane season, the SMART Ride rolls out from the University of Miami this weekend. “Not doing the ride was not an option,” said SMART Ride Founder Glen Weinzimer. “The agencies really need the money.” On Friday, Jan. 19 more than 400 riders will pedal the 165-mile route to Key West to raise funding for HIV/AIDS service organizations. This is the 14th edition of the ride, which traditionally takes place in November. The effects of hurricanes Irma and Maria forced the event to move its dates and created more needs to be met. The theme of SMART Ride 14 was originally designated “If Not Now When?” “But that quickly became: ‘Are they going to do the ride?,’” Weinzimer said as the storms battered South Florida. Instead of donating to the SMART Ride, people were faced with dilemmas such as finding work, paying bills and keeping food in the refrigerator. Previous rides raised over a $1 million, but Weinzimer said this year would be lucky to break $800,000. One hundred percent of the money raised is given to HIV/AIDS service organizations. Last year seven agencies from Tampa to Key West split $1 million. This year more than 700 people will participate, Weinzimer said. The event begins Thursday at 5:30 p.m. with an opening ceremony and candlelight vigil at the University of Miami’s Lakeside Patio stage in Coral Gables. The SMART Ride is the southernmost AIDS/HIV ride. The “T” stands for the year, Weinzimer said. The ride started in 2004.
There are several cycling events across America that raise money for HIV/AIDS. Only one goes to Key West, the southernmost tip of the continental United States. “The Keys really need us,” Weinzimer said. “Us not coming is not good for their economy.” Many parts of the island chain are still picking up the pieces from hurricane season. Several of the mile marker areas where rest stops were previously designated have been completely wiped out, said Weinzimer. Bike techs are bringing extra tubing this weekend to prepare for potential blowouts from leftover debris. Meanwhile, the memories of loved ones lost and/or living with the virus is what keeps the ride going. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control estimates 1.1 million people are living with HIV/AIDS. Florida ranked second to California in the number of diagnosis of HIV infection (4,957) in 2016. The SMART Ride’s association with the University of Miami – home to the Miller School of Medicine’s Miami Center for AIDS Research – is an effective way to reach a high risk group. Americans ages 20 to 24 had the second highest number of HIV infection cases in 2016, reports the CDC. “There is this mindset that if you don’t say it then it doesn’t exist,” Weinzimer said. “We hope by being on campus we can spark a conversion that leads to better awareness and understanding.” Saturday’s schedule begins with lunch at Key West High School at 10 a.m. Parade lineup starts at 2 p.m. with closing ceremonies on tap for 3:15 p.m. from White Street Pier. Holiday Inn Marathon is the ride’s host hotel.
To donate or for more information, visit TheSmartRide.org
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13
NEWS top stories 2017
Top Local LGBT Stories of 2017 Jason Parsley
Photo by J.R. Davis.
S
ometimes with all of the national news happening and breaking every day, it’s easy to forget there’s a wealth of local news that’s happening as well. Below is a roundup of some of the top local stories of the year in the LGBT community. Perhaps the biggest local story of the year is the push to ban conversion therapy on minors throughout South Florida that covered extensively last week in SFGN. More than 15 cities have done so, and last week Broward County became the second county after Palm Beach banned the practice in December. Here are five other top local stories of 2017.
Pride Fort Lauderdale Returns Rebranded and Successful Pride Fort Lauderdale (formerly known as Pride South Florida) has had a tumultuous history to say the least. There’s been infighting, meltdowns, embezzlement and just some plain ole drama. Back in 2013 SFGN Publisher Norm Kent called for the resignation of organization’s entire board. In 2014, in an effort to expand, the organization took over the annual Wilton Manors Stonewall festival, which proved to be disastrous for the organization. In 2015 the organization was in danger of losing its 501(3) non-profit status until Kent, who’s also a noted and distinguished lawyer, stepped in to save the day. In 2016, the event never happened. So the bar was set pretty low in 2017 when the festival moved to the beach. But even if the bar had been set high, the organizers would have easily cleared it. The event returned, rebranded as a beach festival, and turned out to be a resounding success. More than 40,000 people showed up – the most in the event’s 40-year history. “People really enjoyed the venue and the concept of what we went for,” Miik Martorell, president of Pride Fort Lauderdale, said after the event. This year’s event will take place Sunday, Feb. 11 on Fort Lauderdale beach. Visit PrideFortLauderdale.org for more information.
Craig Jungwirth’s Ongoing Saga With the Law Things were looking up for Craig Jungwirth, the man who threatened a Pulse-style attack against Wilton Manors, at the beginning of 2017 when the Federal government dropped its charges against him. His good fortune though was to be short lived when days later he plead county to local charges and received a one year probation. Things only got worse from there when he was arrested in June for breaking probation and ordered again to complete a mental health assessment. Months later Jungwirth threatened to sue SFGN Publisher Norm Kent for defamation of character. In the lawsuit Jungwirth listed 10 statements from a column that Kent wrote that he claimed are untrue. “Despite the clear language of Plaintiff Jungwirth’s various websites, contracts, and various agreements, Defendant Kent intentionally and with malice published an article which provided entirely different information and cited these various websites, contracts and various agreements as sources thus making misrepresentations and making false statements,” the complaint reads. Kent stated at the time: “His claim is specious without merit and a frivolous waste of the court’s time. Nothing we said about him was untrue. SFGN stands by its reporting.” The case is ongoing.
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Fort Lauderdale Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast Erupts in Controversy When Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler refused to rescind an invitation to one of the guest speakers or skip the annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast it created an uproar in the LGBT community. Boycotts were staged, and attendees pulled out. The controversy started with Jim Daly, of the conservative Christian policy institute Focus on the Family. He was invited to be the main speaker at the annual prayer breakfast. “The Mayor has embarrassed himself with the way he went about this,” Wayne Besen, a gay rights activist and founder of Truth Wins Out, a non-profit organization that stands up to anti-LGBT prejudice, said at the time. “He looks insensitive. His reaction is what everybody hates about politics.” Fort Lauderdale city commissioner, Dean Trantalis, who is gay, originally had planned to attend, but as the backlash grew he eventually pulled out. “Their views are simply too extreme from gay marriage to reparative therapy to transgender rights,” Trantalis said at the time in a news release. “I would not want any hint of perception that I was condoning the work of Focus on the Family or helping provide Mr. Daly a platform. It is truly unfortunate that Mr. Daly was invited to be the keynote speaker when the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast should be a place for bringing all segments of Fort Lauderdale together in a spirit of peace and harmony.”
Jack Seiler, Fort Lauderdale Mayor.
NEWS top stories 2017 OutGames Cancelled, Rescheduled Photo by Carina Mask. The World OutGames was supposed to shine a big bright spotlight on Miami Beach and the surrounding areas. It was going to bring prestige to the city and showcase its world class facilities. Instead, on opening day, the entire event fell apart when the OutGames board announced its cancellation. It was a crushing blow to the thousands of athletes, who traveled from all over the world to attend. Instead of the focus being on the out and proud athletes, suddenly the focus was on the incompetence of the organizers, and the city’s failure to properly oversee the progress of the event. But the World OutGames story did not end there. Miami Beach city officials along with the Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce immediately sprang into action rescheduling as many events as they could. At the end of the week OutGames turned out to showcase the best and worst of the LGBT community. This quote from Steve Adkins, president and CEO of the MGLCC, sums up the weeklong event. “We are doing our best under trying circumstances and, the community is really rallying around these games to see that the athletes have events to participate in,” he said. “To coin [Miami Beach City Manager] Jimmy Morales comment to me, we have made lemonade out of lemons to the degree possible and, have made every effort to see that the World OutGames attendees enjoy the hospitality of South Florida.”
LGBT Wellness Center Opens in Miami Last year the University of Miami Hospital opened the LGBTQ Center for Wellness, Gender and Sexual Health, a one of a kind facility in the Southern U.S. The center started out as a clinic to address the needs of transgender patients but morphed into something much more expansive. At the center, patients of all genders and identities now have a one-stop shop for their entire well-being. Medical doctors are on staff to perform various surgeries and procedures for sex confirmation surgeries, as well as HIV/AIDS treatment, while social workers are on hand to assist in a patient’s emotional and psychological health. The center also fills a void in MiamiDade County. Although the area is known for being LGBT friendly, the county does not have a pride center or the multitude of medical and social services that exist in Broward and Palm Beach counties. “It appears that there are still barriers in Miami as it relates to services for the LGBTQ community,” Estin Kelly, the center’s executive director of quality, safety, and research, said at the time. “There’s a diverse amount of needs in our community.”
Dr. Christopher salgado (L) and Lauren Foster.
1.17.2018 •
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NEWS health
SFAN report for january
This report discusses the monthly meeting of the South Florida AIDS Network (SFAN). SFAN is the advisory for the RWC program of the Florida Department of Health in Broward (FL-DOH RWC).
Sean McShee
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his meeting discussed changes to the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/ AIDS (PACHA). It also discussed a new drug to control diarrhea and selected its officers for 2018. Joey Wynn, SFAN chair, spoke about the current state of PACHA. Six members had resigned in June to protest Trump’s apparent lack of interest in HIV issues. In late December, the Trump Administration sent the remaining sixteen members a letter. In that letter, the administration terminated their participation in PACHA. In a CNN report, PACHA Executive Director, B. Kaye Hayes, said that the goal of this termination was to “bring in new voices.” Hayes reported that other administrations had done similar things. Their termination letter suggested that the PACHA members reapply for the 2018 term. Joey Wynn, SFAN Chair, reported that he has applied for a position on PACHA. Wynn argued that people have to talk outside their comfort zone. According to Wynn, we no longer have the luxury of talking only with those people with whom we agree. Wynn said, “We are facing serious issues.” He urged people to follow two groups that affect health policy. First, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) runs critical programs that pay for HIV services. The CMS administers Medicare, Medicaid,
the Health Insurance Marketplace, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. Second, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) holds hearings and discusses all federal health policy legislation. What these groups do will have a major impact on HIV policy. The AIDS Institute will report on PACHA and other HIV policy issues at the February SFAN meeting. This report should provide the most up to date information on threats to HIV policy. Mike Catala, of Napo Pharmaceuticals, discussed a new anti-diarrhea drug, Mytesi. The drug treats diarrhea in adults living with HIV and on antiretroviral therapy. People take Mytesi in pill form twice daily, with or without food. The FDA has approved Mytesi and most insurers will cover it. SFAN re-elected its officers. Joey Wynn will continue as Chair, Gary Hensley as Vice-Chair, and Trudy Love as Secretary. In 2018, these officers will mentor others who can then move into leadership. Gary Hensley will mentor Alexis Howard. Trudy Love will mentor Nancy DuLisse. No has yet volunteered to be mentored for the chair position. Wynn reported that the Florida lost $2 million dollars of Hep C funding. While doctors can now cure Hep C, the high cost of Hep C drugs creates problems accessing those drugs.
Announcements The Pride Center announced that a new Life Program for people living with HIV will start in February. The Pride Center will host a program on Meth and HIV on February 6, from 7 p.m.to 9 p.m. On February 8 from 7 to 9 p.m., the Pride Center will host Black Arts Awakening, an art show. To follow Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, please visit https://www.cms.gov To follow the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), please visit https://www.congress.gov/ committee/senate-health-education-labor-and-pensions/sshr00. Black Treatment AIDS Network (BTAN) meets the 1st Tuesday of every month from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. BTAN meets in the Tobacco Auditorium of the Administration Building at the Florida Department of Health Broward, 2421 SW 6th Ave, Fort Lauderdale. Next SFAN Meeting: Friday, February 2, 2018 at 10:00 a.m., at the Holy Cross Healthplex, 1000 NE 56th Street, Ft. Lauderdale. SFAN welcomes newcomers. Follow Sean McShee on Twitter @SeanMcShee
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NEWS miami-dade
TraNsart to Showcase International Artists
Fourth annual transgender art exhibition coming to Miami Beach Jan. 25-28 Photo courtesy of Unity Coalition
Jose Cassola
jocacommunications@outlook.com
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ince Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida was established in 2002, its president and CEO Herb Sosa says transgender and gender nonconforming rights and equality have been at the forefront of the nonprofit’s mission and programming. TransArt, a juried art exhibition and conference featuring international transgender artists and their works, is the “crown jewel” of Unity Coalition’s yearround focus on the “underrepresented, misunderstood and often discriminated part of our community.” “We must never forget that it was a handful of brave trans women, Latinx and people of color that led the Stonewall riots,” Sosa said. “They helped pave the road for LGBT rights and equality, and we must never leave the ‘T’ behind. Ever.” The fourth annual TransArt Artists Showcase & Conference comes Jan. 2528 to the famed Jackie Gleason Black Box Theatre, 1700 Washington Ave., in Miami Beach. The exhibition brings together a collection of talents and individuals’ artistic genres to create awareness, nurture aspiring artists and enlighten the general population about the many layers of the transgender community. This year’s artists line-up include works by Vanessa Monroig, Taina Norell, Merris Asteris, Paz Winshtein and Armani Photos courtesy of Unity Coalition
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Dee and workshops with Ella Marques, Veronica Robinson, Pioneer Winter Collective featuring June Romero, Ashley Mayfaire and much more. Founded in 2015, TransArt was created and envisioned by Trans-Miami founder and Unity Coalition board member Aryah Lester and Deborah Plutzik-Briggs, vice president of marketing and philanthropy at The Betsy Hotel South Beach. Lester says the exhibition’s goal is to showcase various layers, possibilities, hopes and dreams of the transgender community to those that may not know or understand them and their many talents. “TransArt stems from a vision I had of tackling the miseducation of the transgender experience in a creative way,” Lester said. “All throughout my life of transition, I have been continuously amazed at the talent and latent skills of my fellow transgender individuals. Yet, although we have much to contribute, stereotypes and systematic oppression disallow us the opportunities to display our best selves.” Lester says with art being a major
influence in South Florida and Art Basel selling more art than all other localities combined annually, it was only natural for TransArt to connect education to art. Thus, TransArt was born at Unity Coalition. “Going into our fourth year, we are amazed at the response we have acquired, as well as the applications from around the world,” Lester said. “We continue to strive to highlight amazing artists, showcase their work and lives, and therefore educate the general public on the colorful layers in our transgender life.” Taina Norell, one of TransArt’s showcased artists and also a drag queen on the South Florida nightlife scene, says she is a “transgender woman with many canvases.” While fashion and performance art are major facets to her shape, Norell says she is currently being driven toward creating visual art. “As a Cuban woman, the Latin and African blood runs through me. It fuels my creativity and surrounds me with spirits of the past,” Norell said. “My current work draws from that inspiration as I was visited in my dreams by three figures. The African ladies appeared, walking toward me. Donning contrasting colors of blue, yellow, black and white, the lady in blue offered me water.
They have never left my consciousness and my work is an attempt to give voice to the energy they left in me.” Norell adds she she wants to “spill [her] soul onto every canvas” she touches. “Most importantly, with echoes of the first recognized transgender painter Lili Elbe, I too want to inspire my brothers and sisters in our community to turn to the arts as a tangible tool to express our conditions as children of the Earth,” Norell said. The four-day TransArt has a packed schedule of events. On Thursday, Jan. 25, there will be free health screenings by Care Resource from 2-6 p.m.; The Art of Book Making with Ashley Mayfaire from 2-4 p.m.; an “I AM” spoken word workshop and open mic from 4-6 p.m.; and an artists reception featuring speaker Ella Marques, author of “I Was Born a Boy, From Venus: A Transwoman’s Memoir,” from 6-8 p.m. Marques was born in Portugal and transitioned at age 60 after being married 21 years to a woman and raising four children together. On Friday, Jan. 26, community leaders will come together to discuss what it is like to be trans and Latinx with Dr. Morgan Mayfaire (TransSocial), Arianna Lint (Arianna’s Center) and Jessmarie Gonzalez
NEWS miami-dade “We continue to strive to highlight amazing artists, showcase their work and lives, and therefore educate the general public on the colorful layers in our transgender life.” - Arya Lester
Trans-Miami founder and Unity Coalition board member
Photo courtesy of Unity Coalition
(CareResource) at Mundo Trans Latinx from 2-3 p.m. There will also be an Art of Beauty Workshop by Beauty Schools of America from 2-4 p.m.; a screening of TransLivesProject from 4-6 p.m., featuring a mini documentary on Israeli youth, a tribute to Bishop S. F. Makalani-MaHee and a Q&A with filmmaker Chris Padron; and The Art of Fashion with Chaplin Tyler, fashion designer and artist, from 6-8 p.m. On Saturday, Jan. 27, “Being of TwoSpirits” with Houston Cypress explores Native Americans’ beliefs and views on gender from 2-4 p.m. “The New Man,” an open forum with Dr. Morgan Mayfaire (TransSocial) takes place from 4-5 p.m. Then from 5-8 p.m., Veronica Robinson presents “Majesty Girls,” a film that spotlights and honors trans women who have accomplished and overcome selfdoubt, discrimination and transgender violence. TransArt wraps Sunday, Jan. 28, with an artists workshop and meet and greet from 1-4 p.m., followed by the Pioneer Winter Collective performance, workshop and Q&A featuring June Romero from 4-6 p.m. Romero will read and sing excerpts from “Forced Entry,” featuring the Grindr Ballad section, dialogue between herself and
others on the Grindr app. Morgan Mayfaire says what he loves most about TransArt is that “it gives the rest of the world an opportunity to see us through our art.” “They say that the eyes are windows to the soul. I say that art is a window to the artist’s heart,” Mayfaire said. TransArt is produced by Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida, the first and only organization for the South Florida Latinx, Hispanic and LGBT community, advancing equality and fairness through education, leadership and awareness. The TransArt Artists Showcase & Conference is presented for free in partnership with Trans-Miami, TransSocial, Care Resource, City of Miami Beach, the Miami Foundation, Hotel Gaythering, Pioneer Winter Collective, Ambiente Magazine, EDGE Media network, Starbucks, Planet Printers and Pink Subs.
For more information, visit www.unitycoalition.org. A full schedule of events can be found at www.unitycoalition.org/TransArt. 1.17.2018 •
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NEWS palm beach
The Palm Beach County HRC’s Winter Fete on Jan. 13. Photo Credit: Carol Porter.
The Winter Fete PBCHRC’s annual fundraiser smashed records – again
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Jason Parsley
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he Palm Beach County Human Rights Council’s annual Winter Fete, held last weekend on the island of Palm Beach, was a smashing success raising more than $75,000. That’s more than twice the amount they raised last year and that event was the most successful in its history. “For the first time in our history, we have a war chest on hand that could be used to deal aggressively with anything that might pose a threat to Palm Beach County’s LGBTQ community,” said Rand Hoch, President of PBCHRC. “We had a record number of benefactors and sponsors.” The event was held at the home of
James Berwind and Kevin Clark, who underwrote the event. More than two hundred people attended. “It was a very emotional evening for me,” Hoch said. “Our work for the past year and a half on banning conversion therapy countywide, as well as in eight Palm Beach County municipalities, really hit a chord. Gay men especially, some of whom had been forced into conversion therapy as teens, were particularly grateful for the work we did to educate elected officials and the public of the harms still being in our county in this day and age in our county.” Visit PBCHRC.org for more information about the organization.
1/4/18 11:47 AM
1.17.2018 •
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Publisher's Editorial
Convictions
George Castrataro Wins Achievements in Excellence Award George Castrataro.
Norm Kent
norm.kent@sfgn.com
I
n the past two weeks, SFGN has made it clear our award winners for 2017 celebrate individuals who have achieved success over the test of time. This week’s recipient of our ‘Achievements in Excellence’ Award goes to attorney George Castrataro, first written up in SFGN in our very first issue, on January 25, 2010. It was the beginning of a series of articles featuring his pro bono representation of a gay Hollywood cop who was unjustly fired from the city’s police department. George would ensure the officer kept his state license. Eight years later, Castrataro continues to make news as an attorney standing up for his clients and LGBT rights. Already well known for developing a promising legal career in the field of bankruptcy law, Castrataro is now attempting to carve out a new career as a public servant, offering his name up as a candidate for City commission in Fort Lauderdale. Win or lose that particular race, he has cultivated a reputation for decency, serving on and underwriting charitable boards, undertaking civic minded cases, and sponsoring LGBT issues and candidates for office. Our community has been well served by his conscientiousness and commitment to causes that matter to us. Castrataro grew up in Amityville, New York. He was an out high schooler with an atypically understanding and supportive Italian Catholic family. “I was the popular
nerd. The homecoming king who would leave the party early and sneak into a gay bar with a fake ID.” A family move to Florida meant an undergraduate degree followed by an MA in Public Health from University of South Florida. George had considered becoming a doctor, and became involved in the public health field first with the Tampa Bay Red Cross, followed by a move to DC to become National Manager for the Red Cross Disease Prevention Program. This was followed by a stint with the Miami Behavioral Health Center, and a year as Assistant Director of the Broward County Health Department. Concurrently, he founded his own consultancy, Non-Profit Capacity Builders, Inc. “I began to think that becoming a lawyer would make me a better epidemiologist.” Back in Florida, George began law school at night and graduated in the inaugural class of Florida International University (FIU). He began working at Legal Aid of Broward, leading the HIV legal program. There, he established the Broward Human Rights Initiative, protecting the civil rights of the LGBT community through legal representation, education and mobilization. With this in mind, George became a lawyer in 2005, and was Supervising Attorney of Legal Aid Service of Broward County for two years before starting his own practice in 2008 specializing in litigation and bankruptcy, now expanded to foreclosure with more attorneys and a social conscience making him worthy of this award.
Our SFGN award recognizes not the votes in a particular race, but the values expressed and shared over time. As a volunteer and spokesperson, George has represented our community honorably.
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Over ten years, George has devoted a sizable amount of time to pro bono work and community service, exposing predatory lending, lack of protections for LGBT couples, and workplace injustice. Along the way, he has broken new ground, like a year ago when he convinced a bankruptcy court to write off a federal student loan. A big techno geek into the most modern computer equipment, he now wants to bring that technical savvy and expertise to city hall as a commissioner representing District 2. His office features software platforms for all practice areas, and his skill set is highly rated by a host of legal evaluators, including a Super Lawyers Rising Star ranking from Westlaw. This is George’s first foray into politics, and his candidacy challenged a qualified, popular gay opponent, a former city commissioner, along with a young West Point graduate. George wants to champion
2017
causes and people he thinks the city is forgetting. His past performance, ethics and advocacy makes him a worthy candidate. The top two vote getters in last night’s elections will move into the second round of the race if none achieve 50 percent of the vote. George is used to handling clients whose lives are in crisis in an orderly and professional manner. Our SFGN award recognizes not the votes in a particular race, but the values expressed and shared over time. As a volunteer and spokesperson, George has represented our community honorably. Having been a spokesperson for the LGBT community for the past eight years, acting with dignity, decorum, and distinction, SFGN honors him with its Annual Achievements in Excellence Award, to be presented January 25 at Hunter’s Nightclub in Wilton Manors.
1.17.2018 •
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Convictions
Seeing In The Dark
New App Improves Phone Calls for People with Hearing Loss
Belo Cipriani
D
Illustration via soniccloud.com.
uring his freshman year at MIT, film director Larry Guterman found himself at an extremely loud party. The boisterous festivity left him with ringing in both ears for about a week -- ultimately pushing him to see a doctor.
“I went to get checked,” said Guterman, he began to grow frustrated with the “and they found some mild loss, about limitations of hearing devices. 35dB, in one of my ears, at 2kHz.” “I was starting to have trouble That first visit to the audiologist marked understanding on phone calls even with Guterman’s hearing decline. Over the next my hearing aids,” he said. “I’d get feedback, few years, he experienced gradual hearing they were awkward to use with headsets, loss -- triggering him to try everything to etc. I tried several different hearing aids keep his ears from getting worse. with streaming from the phone through “I went to Mass. Eye and Ear in Boston, streamers. But, I couldn’t get the speech the House Group in Los Angeles, where discrimination I needed and they were they pioneered the cochlear implant, too expensive to buy just to use as regular UCSD, UCSF, Stanford, etc.” hearing aids for ambient “After ruling out acoustic situations.” neuromas and Meniere’s “So,” he continued, “I It is currently started disease,” he continued, taking my hearing the only app “each doctor gave me a aids out and using earbuds different diagnosis -- from to talk on the phone. The that can cochlear otosclerosis, to problem, of course, was autoimmune disease, to that I wasn’t getting any customize genetic or congenital causes shaping of the speech signal sound on a with no treatment.” and things sounded too While Guterman’s cause of muffled.” phone call hearing loss was uncertain, Guterman joined forces according to what was clear to him was he with Jody Winzelberg, AuD, had to adapt to his condition former Chief of Audiology at the unique -- something he admits was Stanford Children’s Health, needs of each not easy. to create San Francisco“I think some of the most based SonicCloud, an app person. anxiety-ridden situations I for iOS that puts hearing aid experienced included being technology on the iPhone. in phone meetings, or being in business One of SonicCloud’s investers is openly meetings at a restaurant or in a crowded gay actor Sean Hayes -- who we all know as environment, where it became harder “Jack” from Will & Grace -- and who also to understand what others were saying. stars in a funny commercial about the app. Work situations where there was critical Unlike sound amplifying apps that only information I needed to hear or process -- work for in-person conversations and for that was nerve-wracking,” he said. mild hearing loss, SonicCloud can help Despite the challenges he faced as a result people with severe hearing loss experience of his impairment, Guterman managed clear conversations over the phone. It is to launch a successful career in the film currently the only app that can customize industry. He has collaborated with Steven sound on a phone call according to the Spielberg and Ron Howard and worked on unique needs of each person. such projects as Antz and Cats & Dogs. “Our technology stack,” Guterman said, But as Guterman’s career took off, “includes much more than an app. We’ve
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built a highly accurate hearing assessment tool, a cloud-based signal processing engine, and a fully functional, proprietary ‘VoIP’ calling service that works not only on the phone (mobile), but also (currently in beta) on the desktop, and that uses the data captured by the hearing assessment tool to personalize audio on phone calls to the user’s unique hearing profile.”
Guterman shares that while SonicCloud’s first product is in telephony, the company plans to expand and cover all things sound. The SonicCloud app is available in the Apple App Store. You can learn more about the technology at www.soniccloud. com. And you can check out SonicCloud’s funny commercial with Sean Hayes at SonicCloud.com.
Belo Cipriani is a disability advocate, an award-winning journalist, the prize-winning author of Blind: A Memoir and Midday Dreams, and the spokesperson for Guide Dogs for the Blind. Learn more at www.belocipriani.com.
Convictions
Editorial Cartoon
Editorial Cartoon By Andy Marlette
1.17.2018 •
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SFGN ’s 8 Anniversary Party th
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Thursday January 25, 2018 7 - 9 p.m.
Meet Publisher, Staff, and Writers
Community Awards Presentation
Open Cash Bar, No Cover
► Complimentary Buffet Courtesy of Beefcake’s Grill ◄ ► Complimentary Raffle for Free Prizes and Awards ◄
Win a free weekend at the Beachside Grand Resort! 26
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1 .17.2018
WMG Volume 5 • Issue 1 January 17, 2018
Community
Wilton Manors Gazette
City Gets Tri-Rail Station Planning Grant By Michael d’Oliveira
Wilton Manors has received a bicyclists, review of land use regulations, $120,000 grant from the Federal Transit a review of market and demographic Administration to fund a master plan for conditions, and coordination with the possible building of one of the planned relative state and local agencies, including the Broward Metropolitan Planning Tri-Rail Coastal Link stations. The cost of the master plan is $150,000, Organization, and Broward County. If chosen, Wilton Manors’ train station with the city required to spend $30,000 of its own money. The Tri-Rail Coastal Link would be built either north or south of Northeast 26 Street. One is a planned commuter of the most likely spots for rail service that state and a station would be the citycounty officials want to owned Municipal Complex implement from Miami to at 2100 N. Dixie Hwy. Jupiter. City Manager Leigh Ann There are 27 possible Henderson said the master stations, including ones in plan would be completed Oakland Park, Pompano by November. Beach, Deerfield Beach, Although the grant is not and Fort Lauderdale. The a guarantee that Wilton stations would be located Manors will get a station, along the FEC tracks, Commissioner Tom Green which run east of Dixie said it’s proof that the Highway in Wilton Manors. city has more of a chance State officials claim - Tom Green than some people have the commuter trains Commissioner stated. “It’s still going to be will generate hundreds difficult [to get a station]. of millions in new But this grant shows how commercial and residential development, create thousands of new serious Wilton Manors is. They don’t hand jobs, cut down on CO2 emissions and out $120,000 for a study if they feel this is improve the transportation links between not going to happen,” Green said. “You don’t want something like this to cities in South Florida. The master plan will involve studying just slip by,” said Mayor Gary Resnick, who possible locations for the station, cited a meeting in 2012 where residents roadway reconfigurations, redevelopment and city officials met with officials from opportunities, making the area around a the Florida Department of Transportation possible station safer for pedestrians and to make their case for a station.
Photo credit: Cary Bass.
“It’s still going to be difficult [to get a station]. But this grant shows how serious Wilton Manors is.”
City officials have been taking steps to try and lure a Tri-Rail station since the project was announced over a decade ago. Since potential ridership is one of the aspects that will be taken into account when state officials choose station locations, Wilton Manors officials have amended land-use
and zoning designations to encourage higher density. The Wilton Station condo complex predates those efforts, but that, and the new Metropolitan apartment complex, are examples of the area’s recent redevelopment as one with higher residential density. WMG
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Opinion
Off and Running January in Wilton is jam packed with happenings By Sal Torre
WMG January, 2018 • Volume 5 • Issue 1 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943
Publisher • Norm Kent norm.kent@sfgn.com Chief Executive Officer • Pier Angelo Guidugli Associate publisher / Executive Editor • Jason Parsley jason.parsley@sfgn.com Copyeditor • Kerri Covington
Editorial
Art Director • Brendon Lies artwork@sfgn.com Digital Content Director • Brittany Ferrendi Webmaster@sfgn.com News Editor • Michael d’Oliveira
Correspondents John McDonald • James Oaksun
Staff Photographers
J.R. Davis • Pompano Bill • Steven Shires
Sales & Marketing For ad placement in the Wilton Manors Gazette, contact 954-530-4970
Breaking out of the 2018 starting gate, I was looking for just a bit of downtime to recover from the holidays. With the 2017 Holiday Season not coming to an official close until the January 6 Three Kings Dinner party, there has been no time to rest. January is up and running at a fierce pace, so I’ll just have to add catching downtime somewhere on my never ending “To-Do” list for 2018. A big chunk of time is filled with city business. Many projects are coming before the Planning & Zoning Board, city staff is busy on the Code re-write project, city boards and committees are scheduling meetings with a fresh batch of ideas and agendas to discuss and offer recommendations, and our City Commission has plenty of items that need attention. Speaking of our City Commission, a new addition to the Commission Chambers in 2018 will be a metal detector positioned by the entrance. I’ll leave it for you to decide whether this just a sign of the times or a bit of overkill; but if you plan on attending a City Commission meeting, you’d better leave the body piercings and your studded stilettos at home, unless getting a pat down by a WMPD officer tickles your fancy. We all expect that December will be busy month, with all sorts of holiday events and parties, but here in the Island City, January is shaping up every bit as busy. The monthly Island City Yard Sale swung back into action on January 12, followed by the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on the 15. The Wilton Manors Historical Society hosts their Annual Meeting on the 18 at Richardson House, followed immediately by the busy weekend of the 19 thru the 21. The band Inna Sense will kick off the Music at Mickel Concert Series on Friday, Jan. 19. Saturday morning of the 20 is the Annual Tree Giveaway, also at Mickel Park, plus the City’s document shredding event at Hagen Park. Early Sunday morning Wilton Manors neighborhoods will welcome runners along the route of the Pride Center’s 3rd Annual Rainbow 5k Run. There’s no rest in sight after all that activity. It’s on to Leisure Services Annual Classical Concert at Hagen Park Community Center on Wednesday night, January 24, and then on Thursday, January 25, the Friends of the Wilton Manors Library continue with their ongoing Cultural Series hosted at the Richard C. Sullivan Public Library of Wilton Manors. Information on all these
events and more can be found on the city’s website (wiltonmanors. com), the Pride Center’s website (pridecenterflorida.org) and the Friends website (friendsofthewiltonmanorslibrary.org). Oh, I forgot to mention one other big event. Just before Music at Mickel concert series kick-off, the City will hold a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the new Children’s’ Playground and Splash Pad at Mickel Park. The funding for this long-awaited Children’s Playground area came out of grant funding from Broward County, secured by our County Commissioner Tim Ryan. Big thanks to Commissioner Ryan, our city staff, and the many Westside residents who continued to push for the completion of the new playground area. The City’s million dollar investment to revitalize Mickel Park, along with the support of our County Commissioner Tim Ryan, has transformed an unused derelict ball field into a gleaming, vibrant recreational facility residents can all enjoy for many years to come. One more exciting event this month is the next meeting of the Public Art Group on Monday evening, January 22. This group of art-minded citizens will be working diligently to bring more Public Art into our Island City. We have our work cut out for us. While other Broward County cities have formed Public Art Boards and Committees with funding sources to assist in their mission our City Commission decided that a volunteer group, without any source of funding, would be a better choice. Many of us have advocated for years to bring much more art into our Arts(less) & Entertainment District along Wilton Drive and throughout our city. This group of committed, motivated residents and business owners will begin their mission by working with available resources such as Boward County’s Cultural Division, local fundraising, and partnership with the local business community. Hopefully our elected officials will jump on the band wagon sometime in the not-too-distant future and enact a Public Art Ordinance, creating a steady source of funding, through impact fees and other means, that will bring quality art installations throughout our city for residents to enjoy. Public Art in our Island City will assist with economic development, create a greater sense of community, create jobs, inspire and educate residents, bring about a more positive living environment and would continue to make life just better here. WMG
Sales Manager • Justin Wyse justin.wyse@sfgn.com Advertising Sales Associate • Edwin Neimann edwin.neimann@sfgn.com Accounting Services by CG Bookkeeping
South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community. All of the material/columns that appears in print and online, including articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher, at his law office, at Norm@NormKent.com. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs. MEMBER
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Community
Stonewall Permit Approved, Event Set for June 16 By Michael d’Oliveira This year’s Stonewall, which was Wilton Manors’ largest event will again be organized by the Wilton Manors attended by an estimated 34,000 people last year, will be held on Saturday, June Entertainment Group [WMEG]. At their Jan. 9 meeting, commissioners 16 along Wilton Drive. The event, which commemorates the approved the WMEG’s permit Stonewall Riots which application for Stonewall. occurred in June of Commissioners also waived The estimate 1969 in New York City, event and building permit includes a parade down fees, parking revenue, and of total event Wilton Drive, street agreed to pay for part of the spending vendors, and multiple cost to close Wilton Drive stages of entertainment. during the event – a total by visitors, As reported by SFGN of $27,000; the city spent tourists, and last year, a report by $15,000 of the $22,000 cost residents who Fishkind & Associates, of closing the road. an economic consulting WMEG, a private group attended is firm hired to study headed by Jeff Sterling, $4.1 million. Stonewall’s impact, owner of Sterling Tax and stated that the event Accounting Services, will pay has had a cumulative for the costs associated with plan reviews and inspections, and raising economic impact which exceeds $10 and spending the money needed to put on million in Broward County over the past the event. This is the fourth time WMEG five to seven years. These impacts are has been chosen by the city to run the particularly meaningful since they occur during the ‘off-season’ in Broward County event.
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and so they help sustain local businesses during the slow time of the year,” reads part of the report. The estimate of total event spending by visitors, tourists, and residents who attended is $4.1 million. Of that, $1.2 million has a direct economic impact. “This $1.2 million represents ‘new money’ directly infused and retained in the Broward County economy. Survey data indicates 75% of event attendees were Broward County
January 17, 2018
residents and 25% of attendees are from out of area. Non-Broward attendee origins include predominantly Miami-Dade County, Palm Beach County, and some other areas. While 25 percent of event goers were from out of area, these non-local visitors account for 34 percent of direct spending, because of higher per capita spending.” WMG Visit WiltonManorsStonewall.com for more information.
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NEWS
Wilton Manors’ Top Stories of 2017 By Michael d’Oliveira
Found in Wilton Manors’ top stories of 2017 is a picture similar to previous years in the Island City – loss, gain, potential, progress, setbacks, and much of the same. The city saw one of its most popular and long-standing businesses, Tropics, close down. But, before the year was over, two of its former owners promised to bring back the bar and restaurant to its Wilton Drive location. As always, new bars opened up on Wilton Drive. The two that got the most attention from readers was Johnson’s, a semi-nude go-go bar that some residents called inappropriate for Wilton Drive, and G Spot Bar, the city’s first and only lesbian bar since New Moon closed down in 2014. G Spot was also not without its criticism. In a story about businesses with colorful names, Commissioner Julie Carson said she doesn’t want to legislate business names but she feels that G Spot have names that are in poor taste. “It’s not offensive to me but I think there are sensitivities the public has that should be honored. When you name something like that, you alienate a group
to close or move away,” said one business of the community,” Carson said. The rest of Wilton Drive and the city, just owner who asked not to have his name as in previous years, saw other businesses published. Just as in every previous year, The Drive come and go because of various reasons – itself was a focus of much attention. high rents being one of them. Officials advanced their goal of “It just got way too expensive for me, redesigning the street especially on the side of to make it one lane each The Drive where I am. I direction instead of two had a great opportunity “It just got lanes in each direction. to take a space in the way too The idea has been opposed [Oakland Park] Culinary expensive for by some residents. The District [near Oakland most vocal of which has Park Boulevard and Dixie me, especially been Boyd Corbin, who has Highway] where I don’t on the side organized petitions and have to worry about of The Drive said that many residents another sub shop or he talks to are against the deli moving right next where I am.” reduction. me,” said Dawn Cohen - Dawn Cohen Holloway But while in a previous Holloway, owner of Pink Owner of pink sub year the city got the state Sub. “It’s been an amazing to agree to pay for the almost 10 years but it’s lane reduction on Wilton Drive, an idea time to move forward with Pink Sub.” But high rents may not be the only designed to make certain streets more reason some businesses have closed or pedestrian-friendly was rejected. A bill to moved away. “The buzz is about bars. Most fund improved sidewalks in several areas Wilton Manors residents do not shop on of the city was vetoed by Governor Rick The Drive. Because of that, people have Scott in June.
Pedestrian safety along Wilton Drive and other streets in the city are an ongoing conversation. Another ongoing conversation has been the desire by city officials and some residents to see a hotel built on Wilton Drive. Previously, multiple developers have expressed an interest in building a hotel but were unsuccessful. The latest wouldbe hotel builder is Coconut Grove-based Grass River Property, which wants to build the hotel at the Shoppes of Wilton Manors. “We would love to build a hotel. We’re considering a lot of different things,” said George Spillis, of Grass River Property. “My partners and I desperately want to build a hotel on the property.” But Spillis stressed that everything is still in the preliminary stages and the company is still working with architects to come up with a design.” If Spillis’ current vision gets built, the hotel would have 120 to 125 rooms and construction would start sometime this year. So far, the issue hasn’t been brought before the commission yet. So it remains to be seen yet if 2018 is finally the year Wilton Manors gets a hotel. WMG
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Police
BUSINESS
Commission Approves Metal Detector Purchase City will also study police body cameras By Michael d’Oliveira
Wilton Manors Police Chief Paul O’Connell said the $4,048 metal detector purchased by the city will be installed and used outside the commission chambers by the Feb. 13 commission meeting. Approved by commissioners at their Jan. 9 meeting, O’Connell said the metal detector is “an unfortunate sign of the times.” The plan to purchase it was announced by Mayor Gary Resnick at the city’s Veterans Day ceremony in November. The decision stemmed from a closed-door commission meeting on Oct. 2 where improved safety measures were discussed by city officials. The metal detector is the latest safety measure to come to fruition. Recently, an additional police officer was assigned to city commission meetings – one in the back of the commission chambers and one next to commissioners. Previously,
only one was assigned. O’Connell said an additional civilian employee will help with the operation of the metal detector. In a memo, Assistant Chief Gary Blocker stated that the model purchased by Wilton Manors, the Garrett PD 6500i, is the same one used by Fort Lauderdale at its city hall and at various airport security checkpoints across the country. When the metal detector was announced, Sal Torre, president of the Westside Association of Wilton Manors, called it a “knee jerk reaction” that isn’t needed. “The presence of armed Wilton Manors police officers at all city meetings should be more than enough security and offer a high degree of safety for our residents,” Torre said. While the metal detector isn’t a guarantee of safety, O’Connell said “nothing’s perfect. Life isn’t perfect.”
City Doles Out Business Enhancement Grants By Michael d’Oliveira Wilton Manors business owners looking to make improvements to the exterior of their buildings can apply for some financial help from the city. As part of its 2018 Business Enhancement Grant Program, the city has $20,000 for eligible business owners. Business owners who qualify can receive up to $1,000 each. Approved projects include exterior painting, lighting, awnings, components of the green building program, irrigation, landscaping, directional signage, paving, and striping. Up to 50 percent of the money spent will be reimbursed by the city. “Four years ago in conjunction with the Citywide Code Compliance Action Plan, the City Commission authorized a business enhancement grant program to encourage and assist businesses to upgrade the exterior of their properties and come into code compliance. The original program was funded at $15,000. While the program was accessed well in FY2013, there were no applicants in 2014-2015 and 2015-2016. After a marketing effort in the business
community in 2016-2017, there were several disbursements. The 2017-2018 budget includes $20,000 for this program,” wrote Pamela Landi, assistant city manager. The other stated goals are to reduce store vacancies, and provide an incentive to make improvements. “Although the cost of improvements will likely exceed the amount in the Grant, the program is meant to act as a catalyst to mitigate code deficiencies and improve the exterior conditions of business properties throughout the city. The program is designed in a way to encourage participation and be expeditious.” WMG To apply, call the Community Development Service Department at 954-390-2180.
City Looks Into Body Cameras As part of the city’s recent three-year contract agreement with the Wilton Manors Police Department personnel, city commissioners have also approved the formation of an advisory committee to draft policies regarding the implementation of police body cameras. “We’re at the very early stages. We already have one body camera on our motorcycle officer,” said O’Connell. He added that a lot will have to be taken into account, such as cost, before a decision can be made. The camera cost $907. “I think people need to curb their enthusiasm because body cameras have limitations. It doesn’t see or record everything a police officer sees or hears. The expense might be an eye opener when it comes to [data] storage and public records. Both of those are extremely expensive.” WMG
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BRIEFS
Nite Life Law If you drink, don’t drive. If you drive, don’t drink. If you do both, call us.
Check out what’s happening
Around Town By Michael d’Oliveira
Kiwanis Club Bowling Fundraiser
Kent & Cormican Criminal Defense Law Center
954.763.1900
Norman Elliott Kent & Russell Cormican 12 S.E. 7th Street, Suite 709 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 www.NormKent.com
The Kiwanis Club of Wilton Manors will hold its Fun Day Bowling event on Saturday, Feb. 10 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Manor Lanes, 15 17 NE 26 St., Wilton Manors. The cost is $30 per entry and includes three games of bowling and show rental. 100 percent of the proceeds go to fund Kiwanis’ Food Backpack Program – non-perishable food provided to needy children.A special drawing will be held for a Schwinn 20” Stingray bicycle. For more information, email Sheryl Chesler at sjchesler@ gmail.com. WMG
City applies for marine grant Wilton Manors officials have applied for an Enhanced Marine Law Enforcement Grant of $37,168. If approved, the money will be used to fund 156 eight-hour marine patrol shifts. WMG
City purchases emergency equipment With the approval of city commissioners at the Jan. 9 meeting, the Wilton Manors Police Department will purchase $22,595 in emergency equipment for three police cruisers. WMG
The Quilts of Gee’s Bend “The Quilts of Gee’s Bend: The Fabric of Their Lives” will be on display from Saturday, Feb. 3 through Saturday, March 10 at Art Gallery 21, 600 NE 21 Ct. “The Gee’s Bend Quilter’s Collective maintains a quilting style that has been passed down through six generations of African American quilters from rural Alabama,” said Constance Ruppender, gallery manager at Art Gallery 21. “Our goal is to deliver a distinct African American cultural exhibit to Broward County for Black History Month and we are honored to be able to bring this marvelous collection to South Florida.” The exhibit will be available for viewing Thursdays through Saturdays from noon to 8 p.m. Admission is free. To learn more about the exhibit, visit bit.ly/ QuiltsOfGeesBend or contact Constance Ruppender at 954-661-4740 or artgallery21wcwm@ gmail.com. WMG
Wilton Drive shuttle service extended After completing a 90-day pilot program, Wilton Manors officials announced they are restarting the free shuttle service along Wilton Drive. It will run until March 31. The shuttle operates on Friday and Saturday from 6:30 to 11 p.m. To hop on the shuttle, stand at one of the seven stops and a shuttle will arrive approximately every 10 to 15 minutes. The stops are: the City Hall/ Hagen Park parking lot, the Shoppes of Wilton Manors, the 2309 N. Dixie Hwy. parking lot at 2216 NE 11 Ave., Northeast 9 Avenue and Wilton Drive, the Northeast 8 Terrace parking lot, Northeast 7 Avenue and Wilton Drive, Northeast 22 Street and Wilton Drive, and Richardson Park. For more information, visit wiltonmanors.com/574/wilton-drive-shuttle or facebook.com/ WiltonDriveShuttle. WMG
Friends of the Wilton Manors Library Presents NatureScape The Friends of the Wilton Manors Library’s January speaker for their Cultural Series will be Rose Bechard-Butman, the NatureScape Broward Outreach Coordinator. The program will be at the Richard C. Sullivan Public Library of Wilton Manors. There will be a reception 6:30 p.m. with the lecture beginning at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 25. The NatureScape presentation will include information on selecting appropriate replacement trees and their proper maintenance to minimize future storm damage. There are trees that tend to perform better in high winds due to their species characteristics. NatureScape’s newly printed “Gone With the Wind…Storm” brochures will be available to attendees. WMG
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lutionu Revolutio o s e R here to Eat O t and Eat Heal n W
Rick Karlin
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kay, here we are in the middle of January and you still haven’t kept that New Year’s resolution to start eating better. Whether you made that resolution to try to drop a few pounds, for health reasons, or to just start living a healthier lifestyle, it’s a good idea. Most Americans have horrible eating habits. We dine out on fast food and rely on prepared foods too often when dining at home. Fortunately, there are a number of places offering prepackaged meals that are better for you than picking up a dinner to go at Publix or zapping a frozen meal in the microwave.
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F O R
T H E
SFGNITES
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1/18
film Two great LGBTQ films to check out tonight: Head to Bailey Hall on Broward College’s Davie campus at 7:30 p.m. for “Pushing Dead,” a drama about a man’s struggle to keep up with his HIV meds after losing his insurance. Tickets at BaileyHall. org. OUTshine Film Festival presents “Freak Show,” starring Bette Midler and Laverne Cox, at 7 p.m. at O Cinema Wynwood in Miami. Tickets at OutShineFilm.com.
FRI
1/19
dance Celebrate the artistry of the male dancer with 10 Hairy Legs tonight and Saturday at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach. Despite an amusing name, the five principal dancers perform serious contemporary pieces. The versatile, all-male company excels in a diverse range of existing and newly commissioned works— some poignant, others provocative and all incredibly original. Tickets are $32 at Kravis.org.
x
Tuesday
1/23
Dance
The South Florida Symphony celebrates its 20th anniversary season with the famed Martha Graham Dance Co. at the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale. The program includes Copland’s “Appalachian Spring,” Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring” and a world premiere ballet, “A New Place,” set to music by local composer Tom Hormel. Performances also on Saturday in Key West and Sunday at the Arsht Center in Miami. Tickets and more information at SouthFloridaSymphony.org. Photo Credit: Martha Graham Dance Co.
SAT
1/20 SUN
1/21 MON
1/22 TUE
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comedy
theater
theater
television
The Outlandish Comedy Series opens tonight with Jackie Hoffman, best known for her role as Joan Crawford’s devoted maid Mamacita in FX’s “Feud: Bette and Joan.” She’ll serve up some hilarious dish on Hollywood and Broadway in her new act, “What Ever Happened to Jackie’s Emmy?” tonight at 8 p.m. at the Sunshine Cathedral, 1480 S.W. 9th Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Tickets start at $35 at OutlandishFL.com.
Spend an evening with Cher, Elton, Bette, Barbra and more today at 2 and 7 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 N.E. 188th St. in Aventura. This new cabaret show— direct from Las Vegas—features the Edwards Twins impersonating all of your favorite ‘70s and ‘80s superstars. Billy Joel, Elton John, Neil Diamond, Lionel Richie and Ray Charles will be there, too. Tickets at AventuraCenter.org.
The Jan McArt New Play Reading Series at Lynn University in Boca Raton continues tonight with “Starmaker” by Tony-nominated director and playwright Michael Leeds. The staged reading, directed by Andy Rogow, reveals the true story of Hollywood super-agent Henry Willson and his relationship with his client Rock Hudson, as told by Henry himself with Greek chorus. Tickets are $10 at Events.Lynn.edu.
Who knew learning could be so intoxicating? One of our favorite guilty pleasures, “Drunk History,” returns tonight at 10 p.m. to Comedy Central. Host Derek Waters, along with guest actors and comedians, travels across the country to present the rich tales that every city in this land has to offer. Booze helps bring out the truth. Or you can head down to the bars on Wilton Drive. Check local listings for channels and show times.
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A&E theater
The cast of Island City Stage’s first musical, “Zanna, Don’t.” Photo Credit: George Wentzler.
Island City Stage Has a Hit with ‘Zanna, Don’t’
J.W. Arnold
A
rtistic director Andy Rogow and Island City Stage, the region’s LGBT-centric theater company, aren’t afraid to tackle tough material. Recent thought-provoking plays have addressed HIV/AIDS, politics, aging and transgender issues. But, presenting a musical creates artistic and technical challenges that go far beyond selecting a compelling story, casting actors and designing a set. Fortunately, Rogow chose the perfect musical, Tim Acito’s feel good fairy tale “Zanna, Don’t” and the resulting production can only be described as a hit. The story takes place in an alternate universe where homosexuality is the norm and straights are ridiculed and ostracized. Zanna (a bedazzled from-head-to-toe Conor Walton) is Heartsville High’s matchmaker, armed with an enchanted magic wand with some urges of its own. It’s a world where the chess team star Mike (Eric Daniel O’Keefe) and the women’s intramural mechanical bull riding team captain Kate (Mallory Newbrough) are idolized, even by the new football team quarterback Steve (Arrow ZurSchmiede). When the drama club decides to mount an “enlightened” play about the unfortunate plight of straights in the military, Kate and Steve discover an attraction that quickly puts them at odds with their friends and their perfect little gay world. Indeed, what will their dads and moms say when they find out? The power to make all happy again lies with Zanna, but his spell book warns of dire consequences. The idyllic world Acito creates will appeal to Island City’s predominantly gay and gayfriendly audiences, turning both the minor slights and blatant discrimination we have faced upside down. “Why must those straights flaunt their sexuality in front of me?” asks one
of the townspeople. His songs are cute and catchy, especially “I Ain’t Got Time,” sung by Roberta (Darcy Hernandez-Gil), a part-time barista whose girlfriends always cheat on her, and “Ride ‘Em,” sung by the entire intramural bull riding team. The show’s 11-o’clock number, “Straight to Heaven,” brought tears to many eyes on opening night. Rogow, musical director Michael Ursua and choreographer Andy Fiacco make the most of the comedic moments in the show and the entire cast perform with unmatched joy and verve from start to finish (two acts in two hours with a 15-min. intermission). Not to be are those aforementioned technical challenges, namely the small performing space, virtually non-existent wings and the requirement the actors sing accompanied. The problem of where to place musicians is solved by masterful tracks created by Carbonell-winner Manny Schvartzman, but the cast sang without microphones, resulting in some inaudible or incomprehensible phrases from time to time. Hernandez-Gil was a notable exception, delivering a polished and powerful musical performance throughout. Set designer Natalie Tavares created a series of clever rolling lockers, bleachers and more that, with lighting and projections by Ardean Landhuis, transformed the tiny stage into dozens of different locations during the story. The inventive technical team also managed a few unexpected special effects that delighted the audience along the way. There are still a few transitions to be worked out, but the sheer energy of the young company in such an intimate space makes the show a compelling and entertaining experience. “Do” get your ticket to “Zanna, Don’t” soon because they’ll be selling fast.
Island City Stage, 2304 N. Dixie Hwy. in Wilton Manors, presents Tim Acito’s “Zanna, Don’t” through Feb. 11. Tickets are $35 at IslandCityStage.org.
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January 17 - January 23
Datebook
Theater Christiana Lilly
Calendar@SFGN.com
Top
Picks
Chicago
Jan. 18 to 21 at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. Dancer and housewife Roxie Hart hires the city’s best lawyer when she murders her lover. Tickets $25 and up. Call 561-651-4438 or visit Kravis.org.
Wrongful Death and Other Circus Acts
Jan. 19 to Feb. 4 at the Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Personal injury lawyer Laura Mendes chases after cases after a fatal plane crash in this play that examines worth we place on people. Tickets $50 and $55. Call 305-949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.
LAST CHANCE: A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder
Through Jan. 21 at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Monty Navarro is ninth in line to a family fortune, so he works his way up the ladder by ridding the family of the heirs above him. Tickets $30 and up. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.
broward county * Bill Engvall
Jan. 19 at 8 p.m. at the Charles F. Dodge City Center, 601 City Center Way in Pembroke Pines. The comedian is known for being a part of the Blue Collar Comedy tour. Tickets $39.50 to $100. Call 1-800-745-3000 or visit CharlesFDodgeCityCenter.com.
Jan. 21 at 7:30 p.m. at The Center, 2855 Coral Springs Drive in Coral Springs. The tribute band recreates the look and sound of the iconic Bee Gees. Tickets $28.62 to $76.32. Visit TheCenterCS.com.
* The Soap Myth
Jan. 24 at 7:30 p.m. at Parker Playhouse, 707 NE Eighth St. in Fort Lauderdale. An investigative reporter encounters a World War II survivor and is torn between different accounts of the same story. Tickets $33 to $63. Call 954-462-0222 or visit ParkerPlayhouse. com.
* Communion
Jan. 24 to Feb. 11 at Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale. A lesbian psychiatrist works with an alcoholic mother and her born again Christian daughter. Call 954-678-1496 or visit EmpireStage.com.
ZANNA DON’T! A Musical Fairy Tale
Through Feb. 11 at Island City Stage, 2304 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. In an alternate universe, where homosexuality is the norm and heterosexuality is gaspworthy. Tickets $42. Call 954-519-2533 or visit IslandCityStage.org.
Fridays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Hub, Las Olas Boulevard and A1A in Fort Lauderdale. Enjoy live, outdoor music spanning genres and tributes every Friday evening through November. Free. Visit FridayNightSoundWaves.com
palm beach county “Raise the Roof” Benefit Concert
Jan. 27 at 5 p.m. at Mary Immaculate Catholic Church, 390 Sequoia Drive South in West Palm Beach. Singers and instrumentalists perform musical theater, opera, and tunes from The Great American Songbook in a concert benefiting the the church rebuild. Tickets $30 for open seating, $50 reserved
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Recently remodeled and expanded to provide for large television screens, full air conditioning units, and comfortable leather couches, Fort Lauderdale’s most popular neighborhood bar LeBoy Lounge will celebrate its third anniversary this weekend, January 19 and 20, showcasing 30 young men performing individual numbers, offering $3 drinks and a complimentary buffet each night from 7 to 10 p.m. There’s no cover and valet parking is available. LeBoy is located just east of the Pride Factory off NE 13th Street.
* Night Fever: An Evening of the Bee Gees
Friday Night Sound Waves Music Series
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LeBoy Celebrates 3rd Anniversary
seating with hors d’oeuvres, wine, and artist meet-and-greet reception. Call 561-686-8128 or visit MIWPB.com.
Free Friday Concerts
Fridays at 7:30 p.m. at the Delray Beach Center for the Arts, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach. Enjoy live music from the comfort of your picnic blanket or lawn chair every week, for free! Returns in October. Call 561-243-7922 or visit DelrayArts.org.
miami-dade county Outdoor Music Series
Third Thursdays at the Perez Art Museum Miami, 101 W. Flagler St. in Miami. Come out for live music from DJs and musicians by the bay. Drink specials available. Free with museum admission. Call 305-375-3000 or visit PAMM.org.
The Big Show
Don’t miss a
* Denotes New Listing
Fridays and Saturdays at 9 p.m. at Just the Funny Theater, 3119 Coral Way in Miami. A collection of comedy mixing the likes of improvisation and sketches. Tickets $12. Call 305-693-8669 or visit JustTheFunny.com.
tastE Feeling the hunger? Read SFGN’s weekly food column for an exclusive bite on local bars, restaurants, and seasonal flavors.
sFGn.com/FooD
FRIDAY, JANUARY 19 AT 9:00 PM NEW WORLD CENTER DEAN WHITESIDE, CONDUCTOR DUDE SKYWALKER, DJS SAM HYKEN, COMPOSER
#NWSPulse
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WINTER CLASSES BEGIN JANUARY 16
SING! DANCE! ACT! LEARN!
Enroll today in our popular adult classes in ACTING, SINGING, BROADWAY DANCE & COMEDY IMPROV
OPEN HOUSE — SUNDAY, JANUARY 14 Sample classes • Meet the teaching artists Tour the Education Center • Register to win a FREE class
BrowardCenter.org/classes 954.414.6904 1.17.2018 •
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YOU’RE ALREADY A PART OF
HISTORY ● Rec
Datebook
Community Christiana Lilly Calendar@SFGN.com
Top Picks SMART Ride
Jan. 19 and 20 from Miami to Key West. After being postponed by Hurricane Irma, the fundraising bike ride takes teams from Miami to Key West, a 165-mile journey, to raise money for HIV/AIDS programs. Visit TheSMARTRide.org.
The Rainbow 5K GET INTO THE MOMENT Follow SFGN.com on Facebook and see all the places you’ve been. We post photos from events across South Florida. From business gatherings to political protests, we’re right there with you.
Facebook.com/SouthFloridaGayNews
Jan. 21 at 7:30 a.m. on Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Join the annual run to benefit the Pride Center’s programming. Registration $30. Visit TheRainbow5K.com.
The Ars Musae: Odyssey Frieze
Through Feb. 4 at the Box Gallery, 811 Belvedere Road in West Palm Beach. A 40-foot mural installation by Italian artist Marzia Ellero Ransom as a part of Palm Beach Art Week. Free. Call 786-521-1188 or visit TheBoxGallery.info.
January 17 January 23 Broward Support Services PFLAG
Tuesdays in Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs and Southwest Ranches. A support group for parents of LGBT youth 13 to 21. Free. Visit SunServeYouth.com for dates and locations.
SunServe Youth Group
Tuesdays and Thursdays in Fort Lauderdale, Southwest Ranches, Coral Springs and Hollywood. A support group and night of fun for LGBT youth 13 to 21. Free. Visit SunServeYouth.com for dates and times.
Survivor Support
First and third Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Broward Health Imperial Point Hospital cafeteria, 6401 N. Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale. Find support from counselors and peers who have lost loved ones to suicide. Call the Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention at 954-384-0344 or visit FISPOnline.org.
* Denotes New Listing
broward county Ella Marques’ “I Am a Boy From Venus: It’s Time to Be Yourself”
Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. at the Stonewall National Museum - Wilton Manors Gallery, 2157 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Author Ella Marques shares her experience transitioning at the age of 60 and her life as a world traveler and success. Suggested donation $5. Call 954763-8565 or visit Stonewall-Museum.org.
* GFLGLCC Quarterly Networking Breakfast
Jan. 18 from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. at the Westin Fort Lauderdale, 400 Corporate Drive in Fort Lauderdale. A networking breakfast presented by Northwestern Mutual. Tickets $20 members, $25 future members. Visit gogayfortlauderdale.com.
* Of Sticks, Stones, and Bullies: LGBT Issues in the Practice of Law in South Florida
Jan. 23 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Stonewall National Museum - Wilton Manors Gallery,
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2157 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Free. Stonewall and GLLN invite Judge Robert W. Lee to discuss how LGBT attorneys fought for the right to practice law in Florida. Call 954763-8565 or visit Stonewall-Museum.org.
* GLLN Happy Hour
Jan. 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Rumors, 2426 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Network with the Gay & Lesbian Lawyers Network with two-for-one drinks and free appetizers. Free. Visit GLLN.net.
Mascara, Mirth & Mayhem: Independence Day on Fire Island - Photography by Susan Kravitz
Through March 11 at the Stonewall National Museum - Wilton Manors Gallery, 2157 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Photographer Susan Kravitz’s exhibition chronicling the Invasion of the Pines. Exhibit closes March 11. Suggested donation $5. Call 954-763-8565 or visit Stonewall-Museum.org.
January 17 - January 23 * Weight Watchers
Sundays at 9:30 a.m. at 5975 Federal Highway Suite 127 in Fort Lauderdale. An LGBT-friendly Weight Watchers meeting group. Free. Email Rip Zig at ripnzigbears@ yahoo.com.
Voices of Pride
Meets at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. Join the Gay Men’s Chorus as they practice every week. Free. Call 561-533-9699 or visit CompassGLCC. com for rehearsal details.
Lauderdale Bridge Club Lessons and Games
Mondays at 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 401 SE 15th St. in Fort Lauderdale. Join the club for bridge lessons and try your hand at some games. Cost $4. Call 610-4016475 or visit MarpleBridgeClub.com.
Rest Your Mind
Mondays at 6:30 p.m. at Kadampa Meditation Center, 241 W Prospect Road Ste. B in Fort Lauderdale. Start your week with relaxing meditation to center yourself. Free. Visit MeditateinFortLauderdale.org.
palm beach county Transcendence
Meets at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. A closed transgender youth support group for teens ages 12 to 19. For more information, email youth@ compassglcc.com.
Sober Sisters
Mondays at 6:15 p.m. at Lambda North, 18 S. J St. in Lake Worth. A support and discussion group for female recovering alcoholics. Visit LambdaNorth.net.
Out of the Closet, Into the Light
Mondays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at MCC of the Palm Beaches, 4857 Northlake Blvd. in Palm Beach Gardens. AA for the LGBT community. Free. Call 561-775-5900 or visit MCCPalmBeach.org. Out of the Closet NA Group Mondays at 7 p.m. at Lambda North, 18 S. J St. in Lake Worth. A support and discussion group for LGBT recovering addicts. Visit LambdaNorth.net.
Positive Connection
Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. Men who are HIV positive are invited to come together for support, education, and advocacy. Closed group. Call 561-324-1626 or visit CompassGLCC.com.
miami-dade county Miami Jewish Film Festival
Through Jan. 25 throughout Miami. The festival returns with films from around the world chronicling the Jewish experience, past and present. Visit miamijewishfilmfestival. org.
* Miami Beach Pride Presents “Soirée By The Sea”
Jan. 26 from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at the Marriott Biscayne Bay, 1633 N. Bayshore Drive in Miami. A VIP cocktail reception to raise funds for the 2018 Pride parade and festival. Includes cocktails, light bites, entertainment, and more. Tickets $50 with proceeds benefiting Miami Beach Gay Pride. Visit https://soiree2018.bpt.me.
Arsht Center Farmers Market
Mondays from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Parker and Vann Thomson Plaza for the Arts, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Purchase fresh food from local farmers, including fruits, vegetables, meats, prepared foods, as well as chefs, live music, and cooking demonstrations. Tickets $45 to $75. Free. Visit ArshtCenter.org/en/Visit/Dining.
POZCONNECT Support Group for Spanish Speakers
Mondays 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Pridelines, 6360 NE Fourth Court in Miami. A support group for HIV+ people, in Spanish. Free. Call Eddie at 305-571-9601, ext. 105 or visit Pridelines.org.
key west Hot Naked Hump Days
Wednesdays from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Island House, 1129 Fleming St. in Key West. Relax in the middle of the week with two-forone drinks, free shots, videos and music, giveaways, and naked boys at the pool. Call 305-294-6284 or visit IslandHouseKeyWest. com
NOW PLAYING THROUGH FEBRUARY 4 UNDER THE BIG TOP NEXT TO HARD ROCK STADIUM TICKETS STARTING AT $40
cirquedusoleil.com/volta #vOLTA Official spOnsOr
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THE
GUIDE
Business Directory
attorney
attorney
Law office of george castrataro 707 NE 3rd Ave #300, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 954.573.1444 Lawgc.com
law office of Gregory Kabel 1 East Broward Blvd #700, Fort Lauderdale, 33301 954.761.7770 gwkesq@bellsouth.net law office of Shawn Newman 710 NE 26th St, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954.563.9160 Shawnnewman.com
Law office of Robin bodiford 2550 N Federal Hwy #20, Fort Lauderdale, FL 954.630.2707 Lawrobin.com
a&e Ft Lauderdale Gay Men's Chorus PO Box 9772, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33310-9772 954-832-0060 www.theftlgmc.org
To place an ad in the Business Directory, call our sales team at 954.530.4970
beauty
furniture
Promo - 20% off combo
Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida 2040 North Dixie Hwy, #218, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-763-2266 Gaymenschorusofsouthflorida.org
cleaners
on-call
dental
call us to reserve space! Licensed & Insured
954-725-3633
custom alarm contractors, Inc.
Est. 1989 “Experience Matters” Service after the sale! ▶ residential security ▶ commercial security ▶ closed circuit tV www.customalarmcontractors.com 44
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Oakland Park Dental 3047 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306 954.566.9812 Oaklandparkdental.com
call us to reserve space!
Andrews Dental Care 2654 N Andrews Ave, Wilton Manors, FL 33311 954.567.3311 Andrewsdentalcare.com Island City Dental 1700 NE 26th Street, Ste. 2, Fort Lauderdale, FL 954-564-7121 Islandcitydental.com
transportation
Jef Frankfort aka Jef Fantastic PROS Certified Sales Consultant
RAINBOW RIDES-SAVE MONEY ON YOUR RIDE! - We treat you like family! SPECIALIZING IN AIRPORT RIDES! Need a ride to FLL, MIA, or PBI? (or anywhere else?) I'm a friendly driver with a nice, clean Chevy Malibu. My fixed-rate pricing beat all ride sharing - apps every time. Call or text me to schedule a ride, I'll be there early and I'll text you when I arrive. No 'surge" prices, no hassles. Call or text Nikki at 954-600-3133.
Phone (561) 305-8758 Fax (561) 454-5555 jeffrankfort@edmorse.com www.jeffantastic.com Ed Morse Delray Toyota 2800 S. Federal Hwy. Delray Beach, FL 33483
final arrangements Kalis-McIntee Funeral & Cremation Center
2505 N. Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-566-7621 Kalismcintee.com
financial services WE’RE HERE FOR ALL YOUR
FINANCIAL NEEDS Taxes IRS Issues Accounting
Bookkeeping Small Business Advising
health insurance Medicare/MedicaID Florida Blue / Blue Cross Blue Shield 2765 West Cypress Creek Road Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309 Call Steve Herbstman @ 954-554-7074
health American Pain Experts 6333 N. Federal Hwy, Ste. 250, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 954-678-1074 Americanpainexperts.com
professional services
954-667-9829 ACCOUNTING@STERLINGACCOUNTING.COM
2435 North Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305
therapy
getaway
handyman Miami/Broward/Palm Beach Paint/Caulk/Remove Grout/Yard Work Fix Drips & Switches/Debris removal Assembles Furniture & Appliances Repair or Fix Call "Avrom" Keith 786-227-9981
sfgn.com 1.17.2018 •
45
THE
GUIDE
Business Directory
To place an ad in the Business Directory, call our sales team at 954.530.4970 professional services
social
real estate Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors & Oakland Park REMODELED homes:
2 bedroom/2 bath condos from
$135,000
Ocean/Intracoastal from
$300,000
3 bedroom/2 bath homes
Brian S. Bedigian, P.A.
RealtorBrian@aol.com www.BrianFTL.com
Your South Florida Specialist for Over 18 Years
spirituality The Parish of Sts. Francis and Clare Where we welcome and appreciate diversity.
2300 NW 9th Avenue (Powerline Rd) Wilton Manors, FL 33311 Mass Times: Saturday 5:00 PM Sunday 10:30 AM Ecumenical Catholic 954.731.8173
www.stsfrancisandclare.org Baptisms • Weddings • Memorial Services
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spirituality
St. Mary’s American National Catholic Church SUNDAY MASS - 12:30 PM THE PRIDE CENTER, ROOM 208 2040 N Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors, FL
catholic = all embracing Visit www.stmarysancc.org or Call Fr Mike at 386-871-2065
954.205.5275
7:0 0P M
call us to reserve space!
Realtor
W ED N ES D AY S
Tennis Lessons at Hagen Park in Wilton Manors. Individual or group lessons. Call Robert 732-604-0362 for more information.
Helping Buyers, Sellers, Renters, and Investors for over 18 years in South Florida.
$250,000
from
sports
THE BEST SERVICE, THE BEST RESULTS SOMEONE YOU CAN TRUST!
MANNY SIMONE, NEWS ANCHOR
SFGN Classified$ To place a Classified Ad, call us at 954.530.4970
Taylor & Turner Pest and Termite Control, Inc
William D. Turner
electrician HARRY’S ELECTRIC RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL - Additions, renovations, service upgrades, breaker panels,FPL undergrounds, code violations, A/C wiring, ceiling fans, recessed, security & landscaping, lighting, pools, pumps, Jacuzzis, water heaters, FREE PHONE ESTIMATES 954-522-3357 Lic & Ins. www. harryelectrician.com
handyman HUSBAND FOR RENT - Is he procrastinating home repairs? He says he will do it tomorrow?? After the football game?? We fit right in - in the house or the yard, small or big jobs: tile, dry wall, paint, plumbing, roof leaks, broken furniture, irrigation, fences, and more! It doesn't cost to hassle us to see the work - so why wait? Neat, clean work for a reasonable price. Call Haim at 954-398-3676, sidnalll@yahoo.com
home health care COMPANION AIDE - Strictly Professional, TBI, PCA, and NHTD certified Over ten years’ experience. Provide light personal care, light cleaning. Laundry and major meal prep. Respite for caregiver. Serious inquires call Karl 954-616-8952
painting
GREGG'S PAINTING - I paint both interior and exterior. Great rates, free estimates. I am detailed-oriented, friendly, reliable, punctual, and neat. No job too small. Broward and Palm Beach Counties. Call Gregg at 617-306-5694 or 954-870-5972 Email: gmanbenn44@gmail.com
employment wanted SPECIAL HIRE NEEDED - Earn $45,000 per year. Experienced, self-motivated professional salesman needed. Work competitively in a highly flexible and relaxed LGBT-friendly environment. Fax resume to 954-530-7943. Crew Leader-City of Wilton Manors - Fulltime with benefits. Supervise and perform general maintenance work inside/outside. $17.00 to $22.00 per hour. DOE. To apply, visit www.wiltonmanors.com and click on the JOBS link.
pool service
COOL POOLS- RELIABLE POOL SERVICE Professional pool service.Covering Wilton Manors, Lighthouse Point, and eastside of Pompano Beach. 15 years experience. Licensed and insured.Free estimates. Call 954-235-0775.
rentals wilton manors
MIKE THE RENTAL GUY - NE Lauderdale/Wilton Manors/Oakland Park-1/1 from $1090, 2/1 from $1140. Victoria Park-2/1=$1290.00 cable included. Credit & Income Requirements-Pets okay with restrictions Call for Details Mike 561- 703-5533 or miketherentalguy@ aol.com
real estate for sale
Classified Advertising Works!
taylorandturner@yahoo.com 2520 North Dixie Hwy Wilton Manors, FL 33305
954.630.2627 real estate wilton manors FANTASTIC DUPLEX $499,000 - Unit is 3 bedrooms & 2 baths. Newer Roof, New Electric Panels and more. Huge Pie Shaped Lot on Quiet Street. Please call for Appointment Michael Tublin United Reality Group 561-703-5533
rentals fort lauderdale
PRIVATE COMPLEX FOR RENT - 1 Bed Apt, Must See, Private complex, Fully renovated, laundry, ask: $1150.00 Progresso, 1214 NE 5th Terrace, Fort Lauderdale, 33304 Call 954-552-2831
real estate oakland park
Charming, Large 3/2 Waterfront home For Sale. Dual fireplaces, granite counter tops, wood floors. 4350 NE 15th Avenue. Call Dean Lyon Sales Associate Realtor with the Keyes Company. 561-789-8588 or go to facebook.deanlyonsrealtor.
www.sfgn.guide
rentals oakland park 1BD/1BT $835/MONTH near Wilton Manors Nice clean 1BD/BT, with semi private landscape patio and fenced back yard off bedroom. Updated Kitchen. Tile floors and good size rooms. Walk in closet. Off street parking, about 4 blocks from the drive. Located in one story 4-Unit apartment with Laundry room. $50.00 application fee—Background check. NO SMOKING, NO PETS, CALL 754-336-7563
Place an ad in SFGN’s Classifieds
954.530.4970 piano
WANT TO LEARN HOW TO PLAY THE PIANO? Learn from an experienced teacher. All levels and ages welcome. Learn to play classical, popular, jazz, or show tunes. Visit www.edwinchad.com or call 954-826-9555 for more information.
professional services RESUME Consulting - Nearly 20 years of recruiting experience. Consultation includes one-on-one session, job hunting tips and tricks, social media review. Email Jason@TheDriveRecruiting.com
www.sfgn.guide
1.17.2018 •
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Martha Graham’s Dance of Life JANUA RY 2 1 - 2 4
Copland’s Appalachian Spring; Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring; Hormel’s Legend of Bird Mountain… all performed with choreography featuring the Martha Graham Dance Company.
SOUTHFLORIDASYMPHONY.ORG � 954-522-8445 | FORT LAUDERDALE | KEY WEST | MIAMI