SFGN 11/05/20 V11iss44

LOCAL NAME GLOBAL COVERAGE NOVEMBER 5, 2020 VOL. 11 // ISSUE 44

TRUMP’S

LAST STAND AMERICA GOES BLUE, FLORIDA STAYS RED LGBT CANDIDATES

PAGES 4, 6

SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNEWS

LESSONS OF 2020

PAGE 22

@SFGN

MANORS POST ELECTION SHOCK SFGN.COM

PAGE 8

WMG, PAGE 2

NEWS HIGHLIGHT

SouthFloridaGayNews.com

PROSECUTORS READY TO DEPOSE CIVILIANS IN CASE OF ACCUSED MIAMI GAY BASHERS

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status hearing was held Friday morning via Zoom in the case of the four men accused of attacking a gay couple in 2018 after the closing festivities of Miami Beach Pride.

Justin Funck, the attorney representing the state, told the judge his office had conducted most of the officer depositions and were ready to start interviewing the other witnesses including the victims.

The judge scheduled the next status hearing for Dec. 15.

“I really do trust all of you are working toward figuring out which way we’re going to go when we reach that fork in the road,” Judge Andrea Wolfson said during the hearing on Zoom.

The case is now over two years old.

Several trial dates have been set in the past, but they’ve all been postponed. The last trial date was May 5. The last status hearing took place in mid September.

One of the defendants — Pablo Reinaldo Romo-Figueroa — attended the status hearing but did not speak.

In June Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle apologized to the LGBT community for the continued delays, blaming much of it on COVID-19.

“Honestly, this is such a priority for us. I know it’s very frustrating because it has taken a long time,” she said during a state attorney candidate virtual town hall hosted by SAVE. “If those defense attorneys don’t set it down, and don’t move, and the judges don’t prod them to do it, it does languish a bit.”

Rundle noted that originally the four defendants were represented by the same lawyer. Each defendant then sought their

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Circled left to right: Luis Alfonso, Juan Lopez, Pablo Romo, Adonis Diaz. Credit: SFGN file photo.

own legal counsel which drew out the case and further complicated it with more moving parts.

One of those lawyers, Michael Swinton, told the judge during the Friday hearing he wanted to be able to depose the victims in person versus Zoom.

“I would rather do in person depositions,” he said. “We’ve done it for officers obviously on the video depos, but for me personally [...] on behalf of the best interests of my client I may want to do in-person depos.”

Wolfson is leaving it up to the lawyers to work out those details.

“That’s something that you all can discuss and see if you can come up with a workable plan,” the judge said.

The next status hearing will take place in mid-December.

The four defendants — Adonis Diaz, Juan Carlos Lopez, Luis AlonsoPiovet, and Romo-Figueroa — all in their early 20s, have pleaded not guilty.

SEVERAL TRIAL DATES HAVE BEEN SET IN THE PAST, BUT THEY’VE ALL BEEN POSTPONED. THE LAST TRIAL DATE WAS MAY 5.

COVER: Illustration by Brendon Lies.

Associated Press • 11. 5. 2020

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November 5, 2020 • Volume 11 • Issue 44

Here’s a recap of what allegedly happened: the attack took place when Rene Chalarca and Dmitry Logunov were leaving a public bathroom in Lummus Park in Miami Beach on April 8, 2018.

“We were walking and holding hands and needed to use the bathroom,” Logunov told SFGN in 2018. So the two of them stopped at a public restroom as they headed home for the evening.

As Logunov walked out of the restroom he was allegedly called a “faggot” in Spanish, punched, and then beaten unconscious.

His boyfriend at the time, Chalarca, quickly intervened, but three more men jumped in and began to attack them both.

The attack was caught on camera and the four defendants have been charged with three counts of aggravated battery and a hate crime enhancement was added to the charges.

A third person, Helmut Estrada, attempted to assist Chalarca and Logunov.

He was also attacked during the altercation and injured.

Criminal jury trials have yet to resume in Florida.

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ELECTION•the results are in A group of protesters in support of LGBT rights. Credit: Ted Eytan, via Flickr.

A MIXED BAG FOR LGBT CANDIDATES But some bright spots for trans candidates Lisa Keen

Keen News Service

L

GBT community wins and losses were also mixed in Tuesday’s elections.

Two newcomers won new seats in the U.S. House, but two incumbents are hanging onto their seats by threads as of Wednesday morning.

The LGBTQ Victory Fund, which supported 312 openly LGBT candidates in Tuesday’s election, has, thus far, registered 71 wins and 24 losses, and no results yet in 217 races.

Of the 15 openly LGBT people running for Congress Tuesday, it appears nine have won — seven of them incumbents. But two of those incumbents, first-termer Rep. Angie Craig of Minnesota’s Second Congressional had a mere 154-vote lead over her Republican challenger as of Wednesday morning.

In New York’s 18th Congressional district, which includes northern suburbs of New York City, four-term Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney appeared Wednesday morning to have held

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onto a two-point lead over his Republican opponent.

Incumbent U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas staved off a tough challenge in his bid for a second term representing New Hampshire’s First Congressional District. Pappas’s Republican opponent had attempted to play up Pappas’s relationship with a male lobbyist for Amazon. Other LGBT incumbents — David Cicilline of Rhode Island, Sharice Davids of Kansas, Mark Pocan of Wisconsin, and Mark Takano of California — all won easy re-election.

The two brightest spots among the LGBT winners Tuesday

OF THE 15 LGBT PEOPLE RUNNING FOR CONGRESS TUESDAY, IT APPEARS NINE HAVE WON — SEVEN OF THEM INCUMBENTS.

had to be two Black gay men in New York — Ritchie Torres and Mondaire Jones. Torres won 88 percent of the vote in his first bid for the Congressional seat representing the Bronx. Jones won by 14 points and will now represent southern New York.

“Most would have thought New York City’s first LGBTQ member of Congress would be from Chelsea or Greenwich Village or Hell’s Kitchen, but the Bronx beat them to it,” said LGBTQ Victory Fund President Annise Parker. “As our nation attempts to tackle systemic racism, police reform and healthcare disparities, Ritchie’s lived experience as an out LGBTQ Afro-Latinx man will bring an essential perspective to Capitol Hill. Ritchie’s election gives hope at a time when many Americans desperately need it. He will become a role model for LGBTQ youth in the Bronx and beyond.”

Among the other six LGBT challengers seeking Congressional seats Tuesday, all six appear to have lost their bids, including Jon Hoadley in Michigan’s Sixth Congressional District, which includes Kalamazoo, and Gina Ortiz Jones in Texas’ 23rd, which includes San Antonio.

Many thought Ortiz Jones would win the seat from Texas this year. She came within fewer than 1,000 votes of winning the seat in 2018. But in 2020, she fell 12,000 votes behind her Republican opponent.

11. 5. 20 20 •

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ELECTION•the results are in

IN OTHER LGBT ELECTION NEWS: • Lesbian Alexsis Rodgers came in third in her bid to become mayor of Richmond, Virginia.

• Fort Lauderdale’s incumbent gay Mayor Dean Trantalis won re-election Tuesday night, but his opponent garnered over 40% of the vote.

• Transgender candidates did well: Sarah McBride became the first transgender person to win a state senate seat in Delaware, and Taylor Small became the first openly transgender person elected to the legislature in Vermont. Stephanie Byers became the first openly transgender person to be elected to the Kansas state House and the first transgender person of color ever elected to a state legislature in the U.S. And Colorado incumbent State Rep. Brianna Titone appears to have won re-election to her seat, despite Republican efforts to paint her as a “radical” threat to “your wives and daughters.”

• Kim Jackson won a state senate seat in Georgia, becoming the first openly LGBT person to win a seat in the Georgia senate and one of only three Black lesbians to win state senate seats anywhere in the U.S. • Shevrin Jones won his race for the Florida state senate, becoming the first openly LGBT person to win a Florida senate seat.

• Jabari Brisport became the first LGBT person of color to win a seat in the New York legislature, running unopposed for a seat representing Brooklyn in the State Senate.

• Tennessee elected its first two openly LGBT people to its state house: Democrat Torrey Harris, a bisexual from Memphis, and gay Republican Ed Mannis of Knoxville.

• In Cincinnati, lesbian Democrat Charmaine McGuffey has become the first openly LGBT person to be elected sheriff in Hamilton County, Ohio.

• Helen Whitener won re-election to the Washington Supreme Court, handily defeating her opponent and becoming the first Black woman to be elected to the court and the second openly gay person.

• Marko Liias lost his bid to become Washington State’s lieutenant governor.

• Bryce Bennett appears to have lost his bid to become Montana Secretary of State.

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11. 5. 20 20 •

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ELECTION•the results are in Rep. Shevrin Jones. Photo via Shevrin Jones, Facebook.

BIG WINS FOR LGBT CANDIDATES IN

SOUTH FLORIDA But no Blue Wave in State

Steve Rothaus

L

ess than an hour after the polls closed Tuesday, equality voters in South Florida received an early bit of good news that would be needed to last the rest of the night: State Rep. Shevrin Jones would become the first openly LGBT member of Florida’s senate.

“I’m humbled to have earned the trust of the people of SD 35. I am looking forward to serving you in the Florida Senate.

Thank YOU!” Jones posted Tuesday on Facebook only 43 minutes after voting ended at 7 p.m.

Jones, a Broward politician who in August defeated five Democratic primary opponents with more than 43 percent of the vote, had only write-in opposition on Tuesday. He won his general election with 97.28 percent.

“Shevrin shattered a long-standing political barrier for

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LGBTQ candidates in Florida and his victory will resonate far beyond the boundaries of his state,” Annise Parker, president & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund, said in a statement Tuesday night.

Jones, along with Jabari Brisport, who on Tuesday won his race for New York state senate, will become “the only out LGBTQ Black men serving in state senates in the U.S.,” according to Victory Fund.

“THE POLITICS OF DIVISION AND HATRED FAILED IN THIS RACE AND GAVE WAY TO A GOVERNMENT THAT IS MORE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PEOPLE IT SERVES.” - Annise Parker

PRESIDENT AND CEO OF LGBTQ VICTORY FUND

“Shevrin will be one of just two Black gay men serving in state senates and his victory is certain to inspire more Black LGBTQ leaders to step up and run themselves,” said Parker, the former out mayor of Houston. “The politics of division and hatred failed in this race and gave way to a government that is more representative of the people it serves.”

Jones, who has served since 2012 in the Florida House, is one of 42 LGBT state legislators of color nationwide, according to Victory Fund. He’ll be joined next legislative session in Tallahassee by Michele Rayner, a Black queer woman from Pinellas County who won her Democratic House primary in August and had no Republican opposition.

Another gay man, Cuban-American Democratic Party activist Ricky Junquera of Miami, lost his House race Tuesday with just under 40 percent of the vote.

Elsewhere in South Florida, several LGBT candidates ran for municipal office, with mixed results: • In Fort Lauderdale, two gay men easily won their races. Dean Trantalis will serve another four-year term as mayor and Steve Glassman was reelected to the city commission.

ELECTION•the results are in

“WE HAD TO TALK TO VOTERS WHO WERE VICTIMS OF DISINFORMATION CAMPAIGNS — BEING TOLD THEY COULDN’T VOTE BY MAIL BECAUSE IT WAS ILLEGAL OR DANGEROUS.” - Orlando Gonzales, executive director of SAVE

• Bill Harris, a gay man in Dania Beach, did not win a seat on his city commission. Former Margate Mayor Lesa “Le” Peerman, a lesbian, was unsuccessful in her bid to return to public office.

• In Monroe County, gay Mayor Heather Carruthers, a Democrat, ran for reelection and appears to have lost to her Republican opponent by fewer than 150 votes. And in August, Key West’s gay Mayor Teri Johnston defeated two challengers and won a second term in office.

But because of Donald Trump’s 51.2 percent victory statewide — along with the election losses of reliable ally politicians including Democrats U.S. Reps. Donna Shalala and Debbie Mucarsel-Powell of Miami, many LGBT activists awakened Wednesday to a rude morning after.

“Florida is heartbreaking. As the sun rises on the day after the election, a tough reality is that the time, effort, and money Democrats put in to this election was a mammoth achievement, but not enough to overcome a similar effort on the other side,” wrote Stephen Gaskill, president of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus, in an email statement.

In South Florida, queer activists spent much time and money in the final days of the campaign working to get out the equality vote.

“We broke $1.5 million raised to support our pro-equality voter mobilization program,” said Joe Saunders, Equality Florida’s senior political director, on Tuesday afternoon.

By that time, he said, Florida’s leading LGBT-rights group had since June “deployed 1,375,000 text messages encouraging people to vote.”

Saunders, who in 2012 with David Richardson of Miami Beach became the first out elected members of Florida’s Legislature, said Equality Florida reached an estimated 1.4 million voters in the group’s database through “the most aggressive mobilization program in our history,” including direct mail, digital ads on Facebook and Instagram, text messages and live phone calls.

“We began the cycle anxious about how the pandemic and social distancing, and the requirement to organize virtually would affect our programs. But what we found is that in many ways, it made our programs more accessible,” Saunders said hours before the Election Day polls closed. “Right now, as I’m talking to you, I’m on a Zoom line with 60 people sitting at home in their own apartments, but they are actively part of a text bank targeting 200,000 voters who haven’t voted yet.”

Orlando Gonzales, executive director of SAVE, said Monday that his group spent much time during the campaign trying to clear up voter misinformation.

“We had to talk to voters who were victims of disinformation campaigns — being told they couldn’t vote by mail because it was illegal or dangerous. People being told that early voting wasn’t going to count,” he said. “We would hear it and engage

with people. We had to hear and then course-correct to clear up this misinformation.

“We were having conversations that went from three minutes to 10 minutes. We were wearing masks and we were socially distanced. When people told us something, it was on us to be able convey trust and knowledge and build up the confidence with the voter, to say that information was not true and build up the trust with conviction.”

Nik Harris, vice president of the Dolphin Democrats political club in Broward, suspected before Election Day that Joe Biden would have a hard time winning Florida. She described it on Monday as “the Trump effect.”

“I have never seen so many Trumpers at the polls,” she said of her experiences during early voting. “One guy tried to intimidate us with his car. If you’re sitting on the aisle, they come really close to you. We were in a mall parking lot. After it rained, people would drive through puddles and try to wet us. We saw a lot of nastiness, as well. I’ve never felt like that working a poll in any election. Never. I’ve never had people call me and say, ‘Nik, be careful.’ Family who would call me and say be careful. That’s where we are now.”

Michele Rayner, a Black queer woman from Pinellas County, was also successfully elected for State House District 70 . Credit: Michele For Florida, Facebook.

Journalist Steve Rothaus covered LGBT issues for 22 years at the Miami Herald.

This story is exclusive to SFGN.

Dean Trantalis (left) and Steve Glassman both won re-election. Glassman won with 73%, the highest percentage by an incumbent in Broward County. Photo via Steve Glassman, Facebook.

11. 5. 20 20 •

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SERIES BIPOC

LOCAL BIPOC LEADERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE COREY DAVIS’S MAVEN LEADERSHIP COLLECTIVE ELEVATES AND INSPIRES QUEER PEOPLE OF COLOR IN LEADERSHIP Carina Mask

T

he Maven Leadership Collective, a leadership development institute for queer people of color and their allies focuses on closing the technical skills gap of social impact organizations. The organization is the brainchild of Corey Davis and Daniel Anzueto.

INNOVATION AND PERSISTENCE

Corey Davis. Photo credit: Carina Mask.

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• 11. 5.2020

and trans social impact leaders of color, and builds more resilient communities that Corey Davis, co-founder and executive thrive even in crisis, tragedy or transition,” director of Maven, explains how his Davis said.

Their leadership structure exemplifies organization wasn’t given a seat at the table, their mission statement; it is 100% people so they created their own space to thrive.

“We were volunteering for a number of of color, 70% queer, 50% female, and 50% other organizations in Florida. We came under the age of 40.

Maven was founded in September of to see that when we became more engaged 2016. This organization operates that there was less prioritizing in Central and South Florida, inclusion the higher you went and focuses on queer and trans up in the ranks. We would “WE WOULD BRING people of color, and their allies in bring that message to the THAT MESSAGE TO professional development. organization where we were THE ORGANIZATION They launched their signature serving, but there were other program, Maven Leadership priorities,” he said. “At first, WHERE WE Cohort, in April of 2017. we considered just having WERE SERVING, “[We] embarked on a journey it as a project and housing BUT THERE to connect talented leaders it somewhere, like another WERE OTHER with experts and practitioners organization but then we who share best practices in said if we are going to grow PRIORITIES.” elevating social impact, funding and become impactful we - Corey Davis resources, career advancement need to incorporate and get CO-FOUNDER AND opportunities, activities to focus tax exemption status right EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF MAVEN on self-care and model wellness away. We incorporated in for their teams, and local and September 2016, and then national opportunities to expand we launched our [inaugural] their professional network,” Davis said. program in April 2017.”

Maven inspires these young, emerging THE EMERGING LEADERS; DIFFERENT DREAMS, leaders to thrive by embracing diversity DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS BUT THE SAME and inclusion, transformational learning, RELENTLESS AMBITION creating lasting connections which lead to amplifying their stories through their The ever-growing community of Mavens dynamic networks.

“Our mission consistently invests in queer is improving the lives of more than 60,000

SERIES BIPOC people between South and Central Florida.

YASMIN FLASTERSTEIN, THE FOUNDER AND Since its founding it has been consistently EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF PEER SUPPORT SPACE investing time and energy into social impact queer or trans leaders who are making waves Davis shares an anecdote about in their communities.

Flasterstein: “When she came into the “There are many leadership opportunities program, she had this idea to launch an available; however, none of them centered organization in about five years. What around people of color in their work,” Davis Peer Support Space does is to provide said. “There really was not an intersectional mental health services for queer folks and approach to capacity building communites of color and people or professional development. that tend to fall through the “STUDIES SHOW We continue to be the only traditional health care system. organization of its kind in They have two components: THAT DIVERSE Florida because of singular of them is the Peer support TEAMS ARE MORE One focus of elevating queer, trans circles, or groups, [where] PRODUCTIVE, people of color in leadership.” people that have experienced Using a diverse array of social a certain trauma [are then] MORE networks and generating in trained to lead a group of INNOVATIVE, depth conversations with other members who had experienced leaders has garnered success in a similar trauma.”

AND MORE a short amount of time. Davis Flasterstein is a recent LUCRATIVE.” reiterates that staying true to University of Central Florida their mission statement and graduate who worked with - Corey Davis CO-FOUNDER AND centering their efforts and Orlando’s Pulse nightclub EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR innovation on queer and trans survivors while she was a OF MAVEN people of color has created so psychology student. In 2016, many new social initiatives. she was raped at gunpoint in “When we go to tap into the [established] her own home. A few days later, Flasterstein infrastructure to move us beyond that witnessed her roommate commit suicide. trauma, it’s [the program] not designed The hardships that surrounded for us,” he said. “It may cause additional overcoming that trauma led her to start harm, the [Mavens] then invent the helpful a grassroots agency which supports and [resource] that would have helped them in empowers people with mental health issues the past. Which now leads people to success or substance abuse challenges through other [instead of hitting another barrier].” people who have already walked that path.

Davis shares how one of the weekend sessions was a decisive factor for Flasterstein.

“There’s a module that we do, usually the second weekend where you really drill down what your contribution to the community is.

It’s a pivotal time [where] she found clarity.

She resigned from her [current] position and started her organization.”

BUILDING MOVEMENT PROJECT’S REPORT THAT TAKES A DEEP DIVE INTO THE NONPROFIT RACIAL LEADERSHIP GAP More than 4,000 people responded to questionnaires regarding their jobs in the nonprofit sector to understand training, capacity building, views on leadership and race.

Davis giggles as he reminisces about the findings from the survey.

“It’s as if diversity and excellence cannot coexist at the same time,” he noted.

A belief is that people of color are uninterested or unqualified for roles in nonprofit leadership. However, according to The Building Movement Project’s report, the conclusion from the survey offers more insight; there are more similarities than differences in level of education, and people of color are more likely to aspire for positions in leadership than their Caucasian counterpart.

THE MARKET FORCES PROVE DIVERSITY IS MORE LUCRATIVE Davis comments on the lack of diversity in leadership roles.

“Studies show that diverse teams are more productive, more innovative, and more lucrative,” he said. “I don’t know why we continue to have a problem.”

This gap in leadership isn’t solely found in the nonprofit sector; the Fortune 500 has only three Black CEOs as of July 21.

This past Sept. 23, Wells Fargo’s CEO, Charles Scharf apologized for a comment he made during a Zoom call back in June stating that the bank’s lack of employee diversity was because of a “very limited pool of Black talent.”

MORE DETERMINED THAN EVER; TO COMBAT COVID-19 Davis and Anzueto are working feverishly to add new virtual courses and create an online platform for wellness and assistance with navigating government paperwork.

“Coaching sessions, rolling out additional resource courses on a new virtual platform.

For wellness sessions, we had a qigong meditation online to replace the yoga meditation that we had in person,” Davis said. “When PPP came out, there wasn’t enough information and it wasn’t trickling down to communities of color, so we had to get really good to [navigate] what it was and communicate with folks. [As for] securing funding, there is an increased need, and no one planned for a global pandemic.”

LEADING WITH INTENT: A HISTORY OF TREMENDOUS RESILIENCE “The wonderful thing about communities of color, is that ultimately our story is one of tremendous resilience. There are so many reasons why we should not be here, and why we should not have things to celebrate,” Davis said. “But we are here, and we do have things to celebrate. We have to make a shift about the way we speak, our struggle which communities of color have had to endure.

What we have come to see — it is a story of resilience and the struggle is actually an asset. We have always had to do more with less throughout our history in America. It has lent itself to a particular work ethic, certain creativity. We have integrated an asset frame as a part of our instruction.”

Social impact leaders that are queer or trans are models of resilience that other communities can learn from.

Davis believes that changing the narrative and perspective will do amazing things for how organizations and agencies solve problems.

“When everything is a problem, we still refer to you as at risk. It limits the possibilities and outcomes that we can achieve.”

“You have to find the things that are positive, that’s how you build and that’s how you grow,” Davis said.

THE HORIZON LOOKS BRIGHT Maven Master class is an advanced training for people who have already completed the initial programs. It is currently still in the pilot phase with test participants. They have had virtual classes during the pandemic.

These series of classes are to amplify impact, generate earned revenue, establish leadership succession plans, and measure what truly matters for the organization.

Read about more BIPOC leaders featured by SFGN at SFGN.com/bipoc.

Corey Davis. Photo credit: Carina Mask.

11. 5. 20 20 •

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NEWS STATE

WEEKLY TRACKING OF COVID-19 IN SOUTH FLORIDA Sean McShee

CUMULATIVE KNOWN COVID-19 CASES IN THREE SOUTH FLORIDA Cumulative Known COVID-19COUNTIES: Cases in Three 28 South Florida NOVEMBER Counties: 3 OCTOBER THROUGH

October 28 through November 3

Percent Increase in cumulative COVID-19 cases from 10/28 to 11/3 Palm Beach 4.1%, Broward 3.5%, and Miami Dade 2.5%

10/28

10/29

86,961

10/30

10/31

Palm Beach

87,959

87,456

53,151

52,779

52,447

52,184

51,779

51,415

86,235

86,091

85,449

84,983

188,636

187,757

186,809

185,891

185,552

184,669

183,996

11/1

53,511

11/2

Broward

11/3

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CUMULATIVE KNOWN COVID-19 DEATHS IN THREE SOUTH FLORIDA COUNTIES: Cumulative Known COVID-19 Deaths Cumulative Known COVID-19 Cases in in Three South Florida Counties: 3 Three South Florida Counties: OCTOBER 28 THROUGH NOVEMBER

October 28 through November October 28 through November 3 3

Percent Increase in cumulative COVID-19 deaths from 10/28 to 11/3 Percent Increase in cumulative COVID-19 cases from 10/28 to 11/3 Palm Beach 2.0%, Broward 0.8%, and Miami Dade 1.4% Palm Beach 4.1%, Broward 3.5%, and Miami Dade 2.5%

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84,983 1,568

85,449 1,580

1,522

1,520 51,415

86,091

1,586 1,522

86,961

1,588 1,523

52,447

52,184

51,779

86,235

1,588 1,526

87,456

1,595 1,531 53,151

52,779

188,636

3,675

3,669

3,662

3,647

3,643

187,757

186,809

185,891

185,552

184,669 3,634

183,996 3,625

87,959

1,599

1,532 53,511

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10/28 10/28

10/29 10/29

Palm Beach

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Palm Beach Broward Broward

11/111/1

11/2 11/2

11/3 11/3

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FEATURE PETS

JOURNALISM IS THE

FIRST DRAFT OF HISTORY. WOULD YOU LIKE TO SUPPORT A FREE PRESS? SFGN's reporting has been supported by tens of thousands of readers in South Florida. Now we're asking for your support.

Please help us continue giving you news everyday. Every contribution is valuable – even $1.

Your gift will ensure that South Florida Gay News is able to continue to provide an online and print resource for our community. Thanks to your valuable contribution, SFGN is able to provide you with local LGBT news that affects every aspect of your life.

South Florida Gay News exists to meet the needs of the South Florida LGBT community. When you give, your donation directly benefits you, as well as everyone else.

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Fabulous Jinx (ID 636199) would love to go home with you. This 3-year-old, 12-pound beauty has a luxurious long coat and amazing personality.

Sadly her owner is ill and can no longer keep her.

Jinx is a vocal kitty and likes to tell you stories. She is sweet and cuddly and enjoys playing with all types of toys. This gal is an early riser and will wake you up in the morning to tell you it’s time to feed her.

Can Jinx be part of your family?

If you would like to meet a pet, please visit www.humanebroward.com. The banners rotate so click on the one that says COVID-19 update adoptions and essential services update and scroll down a little bit. There you will find an application for adoption and other pertinent information. Complete the application (even if you have adopted before) and submit it. Please be patient, as the shelter is getting lots of applications daily. Adoptions are being done by appointment only now. For more information call 954-989-3977 ext. 6 The vaccine clinic remains open Monday — Friday 9 AM — 4:30 PM no appointment necessary, credit cards only.

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• 11. 5.2020

WMG Volume 7 • Issue 22 November 5, 2020

Wilton Manors Gazette FACEBOOK.COM/GROUPS/WMGAZETTE

COMMUNITY

WILTON MANORS COMMISSIONERS COMPLAIN ABOUT LACK OF DIVERSITY ON CITY BOARDS

By John McDonald The lack of diversity on Wilton methods of outreach to constituency Manors’ civic boards and community groups. Henderson said the board is advisory committees is an issue the city planning to present the commission with its definition of diversity at the second is struggling to solve.

Commissioners belabored the lack meeting in November.

“Let’s go ahead and set up a protocol,” of minority involvement at last week’s commission meeting as they appointed Commissioner Julie Carson said. “I am completely in a new member to the favor of increasing planning and zoning board. diversity, making sure Michael Siemer, a gay man it is experiential, color, and retired telephone race, religion, sexuality, company engineer from gender orientation, St. Louis, was voted to gender identity — all of the board, replacing the things that comprise restaurateur Nick Berry, our great city.” who had chaired the board.

Other notes from the “It’s troubling me a Oct. 27 meeting include: little bit about the lack Michael Rajner, of diversity that we chairman of the charter have,” Commissioner review board, said the Paul Rolli said. “We talk city’s election process about attracting diverse is archaic and proposed candidates and what we’re - Michael Rajner ranked voting. going to do to get diversity CHAIRMAN OF THE “Wilton Manors really on these boards and I’m CHARTER REVIEW BOARD needs to catch up with not so sure we’ve done the times,” Rajner said. everything we can do to get some extra reach out and I think we “The current process lends to bullet voting which I think is unethical and really need to do that.”

City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson shady.”

A new three-year contract was said the Community Affairs Advisory Board is working on making unanimously approved with the Broward recommendations into different County Police Benevolent Association.

“WILTON MANORS REALLY NEEDS TO CATCH UP WITH THE TIMES.”

Wilton Manors City Hall. Photo credit: Carina Mask.

Commissioner Gary Resnick called attention to the contract, bringing up the Defund The Police movement, which he said some in the community had vocalized out of popularity and not out of a sense of what is best for Wilton Manors. Resnick said the city does not need a citizen grievance board.

“No one in Wilton Manors complains

about our police department,” said Resnick.

“They think the service is first-rate and very professional and very responsive.”

The city also renewed its health care benefits contract with United Healthcare and is currently $160k in the hole. Carson asked for exploration into government reimbursements due to the COVID-19 pandemic. WMG

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

11. 5. 20 20 •

15

OPINION

Post Election Shock A Salute to Julie Carson

November 5, 2020 • Volume 7 • Issue 22 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943

By Sal Torre  Julie Carson. Photo credit: Julie Carson, via Facebook.

Somewhat at a loss of words to describe the morning after Election Day. In a more rational world, we would be waking up to a landslide victory for Joe Biden. After four years of insanity, insults, petty vindictiveness, racial division, epic failure to respond to a killer pandemic, lies, and so much more, one would think that any other choice would have been anticipated.

Unfortunately this is not the world in which we live. The insult here in Florida is harsher with Miami-Dade voters turning out for Trump and pushing this pivotal state into the red column. Some things don’t go unnoticed.

The abrupt turnaround of Tropical Storm Eta might be just be the result of the heavenly gods disappointment with the interference of these South Florida Trump supporters to the natural order of correction due to the last four years.

Upon getting a wiff of this insurrection, Typhoeus, the hurricane giant, unleashed the powers of the Anemoi Thuellai to swiftly turn around the weakened storm wreaking havoc over Honduras and Nicaragua and aim it right across Cuba straight to South Florida. Let us hope that over the next few days the heavenly gods will calm down and spare South Florida from this approaching storm.

Divine intervention might be just what is needed to help save our American democracy. The numbers just don’t add up. Many of the states that are colored red this morning should have been a win for Joe Biden. Suburban women voters, Hispanic voters, rational Republican voters, Black voters, voters tired of the insanity, pandemic voters, front line service personnel voters should have all pushed many of these states into the blue column.

Unfortunately if you are looking for a rational response to the reality of the electoral map this morning, not sure anyone can offer one.

We may still see an Electoral College victory, but a clear and decisive victory was what was needed this morning.

WMG Publisher • Norm Kent norm.kent@sfgn.com Associate publisher / Executive Editor • Jason Parsley jason.parsley@sfgn.com Copyeditor • Kimberly Swan

Editorial

Art Director • Brendon Lies artwork@sfgn.com News Editor • John McDonald

Correspondents

Christiana Lilly• Sal Torre • James Oaksun

Staff Photographers

J.R. Davis • Carina Mask • Steven Shires

Sales & Marketing For ad placement in the Wilton Manors Gazette, contact 954-530-4970

Sales Manager • Justin Wyse justin.wyse@sfgn.com Advertising Sales Associate • Edwin Neimann edwin.neimann@sfgn.com

Unfortunately we are now heading towards months of uncertainty and continued insanity.

Turning our sights away from the storm clouds on the national stage to our beautiful Island City this wonderful sunny and breezy morning we have much to be excited about.

Our city will see the biggest change to our City Commission in many years. Two new city commissioners to the dais will bring a much needed shack-up to our governing body. Along with these two new Commissioners we also have a new mayor, Scott Newton.

Scott’s experience and knowledge will hopefully offer the needed guidance and steady leadership to what looks like some challenging few years ahead.

Newly elected Mike Bracchi and Chris Caputo bring much to the dais. Mike has served on the Budget Review Advisory Committee and understands the financial workings of our city. Chris Caputo’s involvement with the non-profit sector along with the business community brings much to the table.

Our city had an amazing pool of candidates this election and unfortunately not all could win one of the two commission seats.

DIVINE INTERVENTION MIGHT BE JUST WHAT IS NEEDED TO HELP SAVE OUR AMERICAN DEMOCRACY. THE NUMBERS JUST DON’T ADD UP.

Coming in third was Doug Blevins. Doug has been involved with our city for many years and let us hope that his very important and committed participation continues.

One cannot overlook a very sad and unfortunate reality to our municipal election this morning. We as a city will lose a very special and committed public servant, Julie Carson. Julie narrowly lost in her bid for mayor against Scott Newton. In her 10 years on the city commission Julie leaves behind much to be proud of.

Julie, you have been through a lot this past year, more than most could have dealt with so well in the public eye. I personally thank you for your many wonderful years of service, to all that you have done for this city and our community. We can only hope that you will continue your involvement and public service in some new direction and wish you and your family many good wishes!

Both departing Commissioners Tom Green and Julie Carson have amazingly served our community in extraordinary ways. Thank you both for your many years of service. Let us hope that our new city commissioners will step up to the job at hand as well and effectively that you both have done over the years.

Bringing in new people, new ideas, and new approaches to solve our city’s challenges ahead, along with our experienced and dedicated elected officials and city staff will continue to make life here in our Island City just better here. WMG

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.

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Copyright © 2020 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.

As election results swept across the nation this week, Wilton Manors waited eagerly for both national and local results. But the wait is over!

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 16

• 11. 5.2020

2 •

November 5, 2020

COMMUNITY

PAY TO PARK RETURNING TO WILTON MANORS

By John McDonald The Wilton Manors City Commission reinstated paid parking meter enforcement at its meeting on Oct. 27.

Passing on a 3-1 vote, the Commission voted to reinstate paid parking meter enforcement beginning Feb. 1, 2021.

Meters will be up and running on Dec. 1, but citations won’t happen until February.

City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson said enforcement would be soft with “friendly warnings” through February.

City Finance Director Pennie Zuercher said delaying a vote would “keep local people from going back to work on the contract.”

Commissioner Gary Resnick said parking could not be eliminated because the revenue is pledged to the city’s debt obligations.

The parking program generates $78,500 in monthly revenue.

“No matter when we decide to reinstate paid parking it is going to be difficult,” Henderson acknowledged. The parking program has been closed since March 17.

Acting Mayor Tom Green, in his last

EP SFGN file photo.

meeting, cast the lone dissent. Green said he had spoken to property owners who told him reinstating paid parking would “put the nails in the coffin.”

The parking rate of $1.25 per hour will not change, Henderson said. WMG

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POLITICS

SCOTT NEWTON WINS WILTON MANORS MAYORAL RACE

By John McDonald Scott Newton is returning to lead his hometown once again.

Newton was elected to serve as Wilton Manors Mayor, a position he held from 2004-2008. With all six of the Island City’s precincts reporting, Newton received 3,161 votes to edge out Commissioner Julie Carson, who collected 3,045. Reality TV Chef Josie Smith-Malave came a distant third with 873 votes.

Carson’s loss means the commission will be composed entirely by White men. She thanked her supporters in a Facebook post for “standing with me in support of the Island City and my dreams for its future. I am blessed to have served this community and look forward to its prosperity.”

Newton, 63, owns an upholstery business and is a longtime community volunteer. He will be the lone non-gay member of the commission. WMG

Scott Newton. Photo via Scott Newton, Facebook.

A LITTLE BIT OF FAITH AND

PRIDE ALL ARE WELCOME SFGN is here for you, no matter who — or what — keeps you going. Check out the Spirituality Section each week to stay in touch with your local religious LGBT community. The only requirement? Be yourself.

SEE MORE ONLINE AT SFGN.COM/TABLE/NEWS/RELIGION 18

• 11. 5.2020

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November 5, 2020

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NEWS

POLITICS

Gays Take Two Seats In Oakland Park

By John McDonald Voters in Oakland Park elected two gay men to the city commission.

Mayor Matt Sparks was reelected and Mitch Rosenwald, a social worker and university professor, broke through in his third attempt at winning a spot on the commission.

Aisha Gordon led all candidates with 6,335 votes, followed by Rosenwald (5,917), Sparks (5,883), Grecia RivasSmith (4,928), Steve Arnst (4,381), Robert B. Thompson (3,383) and Scott Herman (2,576).

“So humbled and grateful for your support!” Rosenwald posted on Facebook. “I look forward to serving as one of your Commissioners in the Great City of Oakland Park! THANK YOU!” WMG

Mayor Matt Sparks. Photo via Matt Sparks, Facebook.

Mike Bracchi. Photo via Mike Bracchi, Facebook.

Political Newcomers Win Two Commission Seats in Wilton Manors

By John McDonald Mitch Rosenwald.

Photo via Mitch Rosenwald, Facebook.

Voters in Wilton Manors elected two fresh faces to the city commission.

Mike Bracchi and Chris Caputo, running their first campaigns for public office, received the most votes in a field of six candidates. Bracchi, 44, is a pharmacist, attorney and hospital executive who grew up in Long Island, N.Y. He led the way with 3,615 votes.

“The people have spoken,” Bracchi said Wednesday morning.

“Residents want a strong, solid and cohesive commission to move the community forward and deliver essential services.”

Caputo, 39, a philanthropist, got 3,071

votes to take the second open commission seat.

“The work is not done,” Caputo posted on Facebook. “I am excited to say the real work has just begun. The right kind of change is coming. Thanks for being a part of it.”

Realtor Doug Blevins finished third with 2,229 votes, followed by Jason Basilico (1,174), Juan Melecio (644) and Jon Sansome (423).

Bracchi and Caputo are both gay men as are sitting commissioners Paul Rolli and Gary Resnick. The all-White male commission will be led by newly elected Mayor Scott Newton, a straight man. WMG

BRACCHI AND CAPUTO ARE BOTH GAY MEN AS ARE SITTING COMMISSIONERS PAUL ROLLI AND GARY RESNICK.

and

Chris Caputo. Photo via Chris Caputo, Facebook.

• • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • 20

• 11. 5.2020

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Publisher's Editorial

CONVICTIONS

10 RANDOM THINGS THE ELECTION OF 2020 HAS RE-TAUGHT ME Photo via Pikrepo.

Norm Kent

norm.kent@sfgn.com

F

orget what the pundits are not telling you.

You have me.

I have courage.

I will walk the line.

We have done it.

We have Wisconsin, we will hold Nevada, and Michigan, dear Michigan, is ours.

Even without Florida, North Carolina, or Georgia, we have done it.

It’s Bye, Don. It’s Biden.

We have won.

Don’t worry about the recounts. There aren’t any hanging chads.

No one will be storming the Dade County canvassing office. Alfred Spellman will have to work on a different film.

So here are some lessons from a long night from someone who learned first of all, he can’t do all-nighters anymore.

THE LESSONS OF 2020 1. Tens of millions of Americans looked at where this country is right now and somehow amazingly voted for more of the same. This is not just a difference in politics or perspectives. This is a difference of principles. We are truly the Disunited States of Pandemica.

2. Like it or not, even literate Americans will drink the KoolAid and follow their leader. Like Don Quixote, they will march into hell for what they believe to be a heavenly cause. Hitler was elected.

So was Trump. Hate happens when people remain silent in the face of evil.

4. Take none of your freedoms for granted.

• 11. 5.2020

5. There is an axiom you learned in high school.

You can fool some of the people some of the time, but you just can’t fool all the people all of the time.

Water seeks its own level. Sorry, Donald. Eventually, sewage rots and smells, even if it is gilded with gold.

6. The ones who bitch most about the game being fixed are the ones who inevitably dropped the ball.

Enough of this Whiner-in-Chief. The Presidency is a place where the buck stops, not where crying starts.

7. Donald Trump is living proof of my maxim that “the best indicator of future behavior is past behavior.” He is a sore loser.

America hates sore losers.

We always have. Good riddance.

IF IT WERE NOT FOR DOCTORS AND NURSES, THE POSTAL SERVICE WORKERS OF AMERICA WOULD BE MY NOMINEES FOR OUR CITIZENS OF THE YEAR.

3. Every voter counts. Your voice matters. Set your dreams upon a star. If a QAnon follower can win a congressional seat, so can you.

The next thing you know, a gay man will even become a candidate for president.

22

Freedom is something you guard and protect 24/7, like your home, family, and pets. Cherish it. Nourish it. Plant it. Grow it. Be willing to fight for it, even if it means being a poll watcher in Arkansas.

8. Like the Pony Express, the post office turned out to be the good guys. There were no red or blue mail trucks. They were all red, white, and blue, and if it were not for doctors and nurses, the postal service workers of America would be my nominees for our citizens of the year.

9. Necessity is indeed the mother of invention. Without a deadly pandemic, we would have neither Telehealth or mail-in-balloting.

Now both are part of America’s future forever.

10. Like Willie Nelson, for 45 years, I have been saying cannabis should be legal. Now every American who gets to vote on it agrees. Five more states Tuesday. The drug war is over. It may be the only thing red and blue voters agree upon.

Let’s all go smoke a joint.

CLOSING ARGUMENT As one Facebook poster wrote, “Under Donald Trump, the presidency has been a factory of falsehoods, churning out distortions, conspiracy theories and brazen lies at an assembly line pace…”

History has now caught up with Donald Trump. By the time you read this, Joe Biden will have won Wisconsin and Michigan, and enough electoral votes to get him sworn in as president on January 20, 2021.

Don’t expect Donald Trump to be there to pass the baton. At your expense, with taxpayer dollars, he will be holding a rally somewhere, inaugurating his 2024 campaign.

While many of us would like to see him swept into the dustbin of history, if he can stay healthy, he may yet again become a formidable Republican presidential candidate in the year 2024. Who cares? We can worry about it then.

During his remaining term, Donald Trump will not go gently into the good night. He will wreak havoc on the courts and in the government. The petulant child will be

purposely vindictive and recalcitrant, dragged kicking and screaming his way through twitter and the courts. Doesn’t matter. Won’t work.

From pillaging the national treasury to pardoning friends for pay, there is no telling what conduct he might engage in that can and will threaten the national security of the United States. But ding dong, the witch is proverbially dead.

No, the Blue team has not won the Senate, but America has won sanity and serenity in the White House. America can now refocus its senses on science and reality — not a reality TV star gone amok.

Joe Biden’s dignity and decency will initiate an era of goodwill; of healing and harmony we so desperately need in our lives. Grace and goodness are moving back into 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

And our friends at Fox News, who have courageously exercised independence these past 24 hours, can go back to doing what they do best — bashing a president they can’t stand, instead of sucking up to one they loved.

I can’t wait.

See you in D.C. in January.

CONVICTIONS

Editorial Cartoon

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LIFESTYLE photos

HALLOWEEN ONWHEELS ON SATURDAY, OCT. 31, TWO HALLOWEEN EVENTS KICKED OFF. THE FIRST, “RIDIN’ FOR BIDEN/HARRIS,” INVOLVED DRESSING UP AND MEETING AT FORT LAUDERDALE HIGH SCHOOL BEFORE RIDING ALONG WILTON DRIVE. THE SECOND, “HALLOWEEN TAIL GATE PARTY,” WAS A PARKING LOT BYOB SOCIAL EVENT ON WILTON DRIVE THAT WAS LIMITED TO 40 GUESTS ONLY. Photos by J.R. Davis

TO SEE MANY MORE PHOTOS, VISIT SOUTH FLORIDA GAY NEWS ON FACEBOOK. 24

• 11. 5.2020

DUE TO COVID-19, CLERGY ASK THAT YOU STAY SAFE AT HOME. PLEASE WATCH SERVICES ON FACEBOOK AND/OR ONLINE. FIND DETAILS ON HOW TO WATCH ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGES AND WEBSITES. THANK YOU AND BE WELL!

Our holiday cycle began with a New Year and ends with Sukkot, an ancient harvest holiday that reminds us Those who sow in tears will reap in joy! It is a call for us to join together as neighbors.

Our sukkah will be up from 5-7pm on Sunday, Oct.4th, on the Pride Center campus, rear building

Stop by and say hello, neighbor!

Shabbat service Friday 8pm on our Facebook Page

Congregation Etz Chaim

2038 N. Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, on the Pride Center campus www.EtzChaimFlorida.org / RSVP HERE: info@etzchaimflorida.org

Church of Our Savior, MCC 2011 s. Federal Hwy., Boynton Beach, FL 561-733-4000 www,churchofoursaviormcc.org

SPIRITUALITY

SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNEWS.COM

Until further notice: Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, our worship services are streamed on Facebook Live every Sunday at 10 AM, rather than held at our church property. https://www.facebook.com/ ChurchofOurSaviorMCC. Visit our web site for more details & updates.

Join us for masked, socially distanced in person worship.

11 AM Sundays. Services also LIVE-streamed on Facebook and posted on website for safe at home viewing.

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Mass Schedule: Sabado 6:00 PM misa en español • Sunday Mass at 11 AM in English • All are welcome!

LISTINGS CONGREGATION ETZ CHAIM 2038 N. Dixie Hwy (Pride Center Building B), Wilton Manors 954-564-9232 - etzchaimflorida.org RabbiNoahKitty@etzchaimflorida.org Friday Night Shabbat Service 8p.m.

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020 was supposed to be the year of Ludwig van Beethoven as hundreds of orchestras, choruses and chamber Afternoon Drive... music ensembles prepared special concerts the 250th anniversary local and LIVE. Afternoon Drive... commemorating of the German composer’s birth. Then, Ad opportunities: 954-661-3361 the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered venues local andDrive...

LIVE. Afternoon around the world. local and LIVE. Ad opportunities: 954-661-3361 South Florida audiences won’t miss out on the occasion as Orchestra Miami launches Ad opportunities: 954-661-3361 a hybrid live and virtual music festival, MONDAY - FRIDAY “Beethoven for Miami,” in the final weeks of hear past shows on youtube at the year. bit.ly/2OzWjlI “We have a LOT of events — everything Afternoon Drive... from piano four hands, family concerts, free Afternoon Drive...

MONDAY - FRIDAY concerts to vocal recitals and and Drive...

LIVE.symphonic and s t r e a m i n g • wlocal w n nhear r d LIVE. ishows oAfternoon .local c on oonyoutube myoutube past shows chamber music. Everything will be available heara past at at view online either via livestream broadcast Adbit.ly/2OzWjlI opportunities: 954-661-3361 bit.ly/2OzWjlI Ad opportunities: 954-661-3361 local and LIVE.to or on Zoom and Facebook, so everyone can take advantage of the programs, either Ad opportunities: 954-661-3361 in person or at home,” said the orchestra’s streaming • wwnnradio.com Founder and Artistic Director Elaine Rinaldi.

Rinaldi emphasized that social distancing and other CDC-recommended precautions will be observed at all live events. pastatshows on youtubeThe at festival kicked off on Nov. 1 and hear past shows on hear youtube continues each Sunday at 4 p.m. with piano bit.ly/2OzWjlI bit.ly/2OzWjlI fourat hands transcriptions of the composer’s hear past shows on youtube first eight symphonies. The virtual concerts bit.ly/2OzWjlI will be available on Zoom and the orchestra’s website.

The festival continues on Sunday, Nov. 8 at 3 p.m. with “Beethoven Lives Upstairs” at Pinecrest Gardens. In this popular program for families, audiences are introduced to Christoph, a young boy living in Vienna, who is distressed because a “madman” has moved upstairs. Through a series of letters, dramatically underscored by Beethoven’s music performed by Orchestra Miami, Christoph slowly comes to understand the genius of the man, the torment of his deafness and the beauty of the music.

The performance is directed by Emmywinning Stage Director David Grabarkewitz and Orchestra Miami will be conducted by Elaine Rinaldi. In-person tickets are just $5 for children (ages 3-17), $12 for seniors and $15 for adults, and are limited to 150 sold.

Online livestream tickets are available for $15 per household.

On Friday, Nov. 13 at 7 p.m., Orchestra Miami will livestream “Beethoven on the

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• 11. 5.2020

Conductor Elaine Rinaldi will lead Orchestra Miami in a hybrid music festival dedicated to the music of Ludwig van Beethoven. Credit: Orchestra Miami.

Beach: Pastorale” from the North Beach bandshell in Miami Beach. This concert features 38 musicians, conducted by Rinaldi, performing Beethoven’s atmospheric Symphony No. 6 in F Major, “Pastoral,” Op. 68, and Tchaikovsky’s virtuosic Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35, with up-andcoming Uzbeki violinist Askar Salimdjanov as soloist.

Three intimate chamber music events round out the festival highlights: “Time for Three” Nov. 21 at Corpus Christi Church in Miami, featuring Beethoven’s most enduring chamber work, the “Archduke” Piano Trio in B Flat Major, Op. 97; “Beethoven’s Voice,” Dec. 5 at the Coral Gables Museum, an evening of Beethoven’s lesser-known vocal works sung by two internationally acclaimed opera stars, Elaine Alvarez, soprano and Chad Johnson, tenor; and “Sixes & Sevens,” Dec. 19 at the Coral Gables Woman’s Club, featuring soloists from Orchestra Miami performing Beethoven’s Horn Sextet in E Flat Major, Op. 81b, along with the great Septet in E Flat Major, Op. 20. A three-concert chamber music series subscription is available, as well as livestream viewing tickets.

Rinaldi said the Beethoven festival will be extended into 2021 with more performances announced in coming weeks.

For tickets and a full schedule of Orchestra Miami’s “Beethoven for Miami” music festival, go to OrchestraMiami.org or call 305-274-2103.

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