9/17/14 V1i4

Volume 1 • Issue 4

September 17, 2014

Go Green Weekly at

Wilton Manors Green Market

By Natalya Jones With the health craze now more prevalent than usual, organic freaks and wannabes can get their kick at the Wilton Manors Green Market twice a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

Featured at this weekly event are nuts and dried fruits, organic and regular produce, spices, herbs, 20 varieties of soups, cheeses, homemade pastries, specialty items, and international baked goods. Attendees will not only get to purchase goods but will have a chance to sample them from a wide multitude of international and local vendors.

The Wilton Manors Green Market has taken place in Wilton Manors for almost four years. It was originally founded by the Soup Queen, aka a man by the name of Frank Altieri, and Ron Leonard, a vendor who sells pickled goods, olives and Florida honey.

In lieu of another local green market

diminishing by lack of sales and after noticing other markets setting up in different surrounding areas, they both decided to open up shop in Wilton Manors. “They were two guys who lived in the community and encouraged people who made stuff themselves,” said Naffiza Parbhoo, a produce vendor at the Wilton Manors Green Market. “They wanted to support local people.”

Parbhoo is a regular vendor every Saturday and Sunday year round at the market “rain or shine” despite a greater occurrence of traffic during green market season from November-April.

She credits the non-stop work due to the strong rapport between Wilton Manors customers and its vendors as well as the surrounding areas.

Seasonal vendors joining the existing vendors in November include Pasta Wow, Olive Oil of the World as well as others selling orchards, plants and shrubs. Existing vendors include the aforementioned Soup Queen, Frosted Ink

Meet the Candidates

Continued on page 8

Upcoming candidate’s forum will put the politicians on the spot

By Christiana Lilly With municipal elections coming up in November, a number of neighborhood groups have come together to host a community forum with the candidates on Sept. 30 at Hagen Park.

The event is hosted by the Central Area Neighborhood Association of Wilton Manors (CANA), Wilton Manors East Neighborhood Association (ENA), and the Westside Association

of Wilton Manors (WAWM).

“It is important to support community involvement and for the three neighborhood associations to provide a forum for residents to meet all the candidates and hear their views on the future of our city,” said Paul Rolli, president of CANA. A heavy election year, there are three

candidates vying for the mayoral spot and seven running for commissioner seats. Mayor Gary Resnick and Commissioners Ted P. Galatis and Scott Newton are running as incumbents. Doug Blevins and Boyd Corbin are running for mayor.

Candidates for commissioner seats are Justin Flippen, Lillie Harris, Naomi Ruth Parker, Sal Torre, and Christopher Warnig. Continued on page 2

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Scott Newton

Gary Resnick

Christopher Warnig

Justin Flippen

Boyd Corbin

Ted Galatis

Naomi Ruth Parker

“Wilton Manors has always had a pretty high voter turnout rate,” said John Fiore, president of ENA. “A lot of the residents care about their city.”

The community is invited to take part in their local politics at the forum, with a meet the candidates opening at 6 p.m. and the forum beginning at 7 p.m.

Michael d’Oliveira, a reporter for The Pelican, will be serving as a moderator. The neighborhood groups will prepare questions ahead of time and each candidate will be given a time limit to answer

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them.

“I hope that residents who attend the forum will discover the differences between the candidates on some of the important issues facing Wilton Manors,” d’Oliveira said. “Like all cities, Wilton Manors needs the right people in office and voters need to make sure they are informed so they can make the best choice.”

The election is Nov. 4. The public has access to the candidates’ treasurer’s reporters online – visit WiltonManors.com/indez. aspx?NID=230.

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Doug Blevins

September 17, 2014 • Volume 1 • Issue 4

Yeehaw! South Florida Mustangs Hosts Weekly $5 Square Dancing

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 • Jason Parsley jason.parsley@sfgn.com

Editorial

Art Director • Bob Reilly SFGN@BobReilly.com Online Producer • Dennis Jozefowicz dennis.jozefowicz@sfgn.com

Correspondents

Andrea Richard • Donald Cavanaugh • Steve Bower Christiana Lilly • Denise Royal • Sean McShee

Staff Photographers

J.R. Davis • Pompano Bill • Steven Shires

Sales & Marketing

Director of Sales & Marketing • Mike Trottier mike.trottier@sfgn.com Sales Manager • Justin Wyse justin.wyse@sfgn.com Advertising Sales Associate • Edwin Neimann edwin.neimann@sfgn.com Sales Assistant • Jason Gonzales jason.gonzales@sfgn.com Distribution Services • Brian Swinford 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.

Associated Press

Copyright © 2014 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.

By Natalya Jones Put on those cutoffs, a pair of daisy dukes, along with a cowboy hat, and you’re set for square dancing in Wilton Manors. The South Florida Mustangs has everything, experienced and new square dancers want, including tutorials on dances and good looking cowboys and cowgirls. Located at Island City Park Preserve in 823 NE 28th Street in Wilton Manors, South Florida Mustangs is the first LGBT international square dance club.

The South Florida Mustangs originated in 1980 and was founded by Chris Phillips and Ken D. Ken, the president of the South Florida Mustangs, met Phillips, the caller (or in layman’s terms, the instructor) at the Double R bar in Miami. The duo danced in two other places in Dade, including Uncle Charlie’s, as well as made a weekly appearance at the Double R for three years.

Eventually the club moved to Broward County and finally Wilton Manors. In addition, club members travel nationwide each year for the International Association of Gay Square Dance Clubs [IAGSDC] convention, a three-day square dance festival.

Although the South Florida Mustangs emphasizes their roots as being the first LGBT square dancing of its kind, Ken stresses that anyone is welcome. “The club is open to anybody –straight, gay, whatever,” he said.

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“We don’t discriminate and open up to everybody.”

Ken also emphasizes the good natured, noncompetitive attitude of square dancing and instead states that it’s more for fun, social purposes. “You get together, you dance, and get involved,” he said. “You can dance with a partner, but you don’t need to come with one…you meet people there. It’s kind of catchy.

You form a bond with the dancers.”

Nonetheless, there is somewhat of a serious tone underlying the fun atmosphere. “It’s something to commit to,” Ken adds. “You can’t really miss some of the beginning dances or even the end ones. There are over 100 calls. You can go from the basics but when you get to the challenge, you have to get serious…I did the challenged dancing but it’s not fun for me. I don’t want to be put through tests over and over. You have to commit to remember calls and it takes the fun out of it.

For me, at least. Some people like it.”

In regards to the weekly class, beginners will first learn basic calls, or dance moves, such as a do-si-do and an allemande left. For those who are advanced, there are other classes available.

The group meets every Thursday from 7-9:30 p.m., so there will be plenty of time to get your “Yeehaw” on.

The fee is $5 while it’s is free to observe.

Visit www.SouthFloridaMustangs.org for more information.

Photos By David Replogle Humans of Wilton Manors is an attempt at capturing the exhaustive, diverse community of Wilton Manors.

The project was inspired by Humans of New York, a Facebook page, which uses photographs and quotes to provide strangers with a view of the daily life of people in New York.

Humans of Wilton Manors is posted at Facebook.com/ SouthFloridaGayNews every day at noon or check out SFGN.com/ HOWM to see them all.

How did you two meet?

“We are friends through Front Runners which is a gay running group, and have been friends for over 6 years.”

What is your greatest fear?

“My Greatest Fear is to die alone and in pain.”

What’s an Item from your bucket-list? (left) “Dont really have a bucket-list but 1 thing I definitely want to do is quit smoking.” (right) “I would like to have sex in a glass elevator.”

If you could meet anyone dead or alive who would it be and why?

“I would have to say Benjamin Franklin because of the things I have heard about him. When he was 16 he would write letters into a news paper as a widowed women named Silence Dogood, and I would like to ask him why.”

What is your favorite memory together?

“Our favorite memory together was finishing a half marathon together, twice actually.”

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Antique Alley’s Past Doesn’t Match its Present

By Steve Bower

When a tiny stretch of Dixie Highway was dubbed Antique Alley almost 20 years ago, it was one of Broward’s few business districts to offer concentrated antiquing opportunities. The street was even named “Best Place to Buy Antiques” in 2000 by Broward New Times. At one time, at least seven antique shops were in business on the street.

Now, only two stores are dedicated to selling antiques. The rest of the commercial space is taken up by art galleries, a used car dealership, a locksmith, a gym, professional offices, hair salons and other businesses. The name doesn’t have much meaning to local business owners now though, nor the two former mayors in office during the years when antique shops dominated the landscape.

“I think it’s sad that it’s declined into what it has. I loved spending time here walking up and down the street,” said Edward White, owner

something. I don’t know if it’s going to be antique shops,” said Wilkinson, who owns Red’s Bar on Dixie Highway and is a real estate salesman for Island City Realty, located in Antique Alley.

He added that areas like Las Olas are more attractive to antique shops because it’s more attractive to pedestrians. “The upper end antique stores won’t locate here,” Wilkinson said.

But even if the street became a Mecca for antiquing again, John Fiore expects shop owners would eventually flee again.

Fiore, mayor from 2000 to 2002 and elected a commissioner in 1988, put the sign up in the mid-90s after he noticed the antique shops had begun to congregate there. “The idea was to try and show people that that’s what it was . . . a bunch of stores in one area. That brings in the kind of people who have disposable income. The people you want to have coming into town, who

of Spectral Home, one of the antique shops. White sells lamps, chandeliers, furniture and other items from the Art Deco, MidCentury Modern and other bygone eras.

“I remember when this was full of antique shops,” White said. “It’s become salon row now.” Like an old chandelier that just needs a little elbow grease to shine again, White is optimistic that the street could regain its former glory. “I think if the city really pushed it, it could . . . but the city has to say, ‘We want it back.’ Not just have a sign.”

Others aren’t so optimistic.

King Wilkinson, mayor from 1994 to 1998, said he envisions the street benefiting from the planned 179-unit apartment complex on Northeast 24 Street, the site of the old Yawt Property trailer park next to Colohatchee Park. The proposed development is less than a block from Antique Alley.

“They’ll be demand for

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spend money on other businesses when they’re here.”

Unfortunately, Antique Alley became a victim of its own success, said Fiore. “Property owners raised the rates and put everyone out of business and the stores just sat there empty. It just didn’t work.”

Current city officials haven’t talked about revitalizing Antique Alley as a place for antiques but they have touted plans to improve the street for all the businesses there.

The city has received $1 million from the federal government to improve conditions along Dixie Highway from the Middle River to Northeast 26 Street. The planned improvements include new sidewalks, bike paths, crosswalks, landscaping and possibly a trafficcalming feature.

“We’ll see what the improvements bring,” Fiore said.

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13 Even Proving to be Lucky for Wilton Manors Restaurant

The number 13 may be considered unlucky to many, but for Nancy Goldwin and Carol Moran. The two are partners in business and in life and 13 has consistently been a lucky number for them. “We met on a Friday the 13. We signed the

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lease for this place on 1.13.13. And we got married after knowing each other for 13 years,” Goldwin said.

For the last year, they’ve worked together to create a casual dining experience at 13 Even on Wilton Drive that’s highlighted by craft beer and affordable wine.

The restaurant has a very welcoming vibe. That’s by design.

“We change people’s minds when they come in. We believe in good service. When people come here, we want them to laugh, eat good food and have a great time,” said Goldwin.

In between laughs, patrons get an education about what’s served behind the bar. Unlike Moran’s former New Moon bar, 13 Even only serves craft beer and wine.

“This is a different audience. This is not just a bar. We only carry

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beer and wine. All we serve is craft.

(Including selections from Funky Buddha from the local Oakland Park brewery.) It’s an education and it’s beneficial,” Goldwin tells SFGN. The growing business at 13 Even coincides with the growing audience for craft beer. “Beer is becoming what wine is in terms of popularity,” said Goldwin.

If you’re unfamiliar with craft beers (or wine for that matter) 13 Even is the place to learn. Goldwin says patrons can taste and wine or beer to get a feel for what they enjoy. “We’ve turned people on to a lot of new beers,” she said.

The establishment also features monthly wine tastings. They happen on the second Tuesday of every month. “We usually have four wines to taste. They are paired

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with food that’s not on the menu,” said Goldwin. Tickets are sold in advance; they are usually in the $45 range.

When it comes to food, 13 Even is not the place to go if you’re looking for a greasy burger or a plate of fries. Lighter fare is on the menu ranging from a variety of flatbreads to baked goat cheese and sautéed skirt steak.

Happy Hour is Monday thru Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Flatbreads, empanadas and select wines are only $5. A few beers are $2.50.

13 Even is located at 2037 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors, FL 33305. You can find out more at 13-even.com.

Officials Doubtful FEC Station Will Be Coming to Wilton Manors

By Steve Bower Wilton Manors is still on the list of possible recipients of one of the planned commuter train stations along the Florida East Coast rail line, but officials here don’t have much confidence the city will make the final cut.

The All Aboard Florida commuter passenger rail project will connect South and Central Florida, starting in Miami and ending in Orlando, utilizing 195 miles of existing rail line.

At a recent city budget workshop, $10,000, set aside to help fund a station near the corner of Northeast 26 Street and Dixie Highway, was removed from the budget. “I think it sends the wrong message. At least it shows [All Aboard Florida] has our attention,” said Commissioner Tom Green.

So far, three station sites have been chosen: one in West Palm Beach, one in Miami and one in Fort Lauderdale – on Northwest 2 Avenue between Broward Boulevard and Northwest 4 Street.

Oakland Park, at Dixie Highway and Oakland Park Boulevard, is also on the list. Because the two possible locations are in such close proximity it’s very unlikely both will be chosen. Aboard Florida also estimates more riders would come from the Oakland Park station.

Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach and other cities could also receive stations. Recently, Oakland Park commissioners approved funding the double tracking

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of the railroad line certain places in their city. Double tracking will allow north and southbound trains to pass each other at certain points.

If Wilton Manors does eventually get chosen, it would be the culmination of an effort by officials to get a station. Wilton Station, the mixed-use commercial and residential development at Dixie Highway and Northeast 26 Street, was approved with an eye towards a train station because All Aboard wants to build stations in densely populated areas. Officials also view the proposed 179-unit residential development, located on Northeast 24 Street near the location of the possible train station, as a way to further increase the density of the surrounding area.

No matter who gets a station, local officials and All Aboard Florida say the economic benefits will be considerable.

“All Aboard Florida’s Fort Lauderdale station will not only stimulate our local economy and drive consumers to the area, but will also create thousands of direct jobs during construction and implementation for locals and cities along the route,” said Broward County Mayor Barbara Sharief. “All Aboard Florida will bring significant opportunities to Broward County and enable our local businesses to thrive in a global marketplace.”

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(a pastry stand), Ms. V’s Homemades (fruit preserves, cornbread quiche, pierogies, etc) and Parbhoo’s produce stand, which includes vegetables from domestic farmers nationwide and Floridian farmers when in season.

Parbhoo states that her stand strives to sell as much organic goods as possible and further echoes the importance of being healthy through natural goods in green markets. “It’s healthier living for everyone,” she explains. “It is not everyone’s taste but if you do try it, even a little bit, it helps one way or the other…It [the

market] is like a small guy trying to make a living in a huge business place. It helps people who can make things at home and helps them by buying things…it’s helping the small guy.”

By simultaneously helping the “little guy” and assisting others in choosing healthier options, it’s no wonder the Wilton Manors Green Market is running strong, and most likely will continue to do so.

The Wilton Manors Green Market runs for 5 hours from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Wilton Manors City Hall / Hagen Park parking lot, located at

2020 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors.

Visit www.facebook.com/WiltonManorsGreenMarket or contact Frank and Ron at (954) 531-5363.

Calendar Of Events (Compiled from the Wilton Manors City website) Wilton Manors Candidate Forum Sept. 30, 6 p.m. at Hagen Park Contacts: Paul Rolli, CANA – 703855-0738 President@canawm.org John Fiore, ENA – 954-564-3281 Fiore@ WiltonManors-ENA.org Rick Ellison, WAWM – 954-663-0514 rick@wawm. org Come meet the candidates and hear their answers. There are three candidates for Mayor: Gary Resnick (incumbent), Douglas Blevins and Boyd Corbin.

There are eight candidates running for two city commission seats. They are Ted Galatis (incumbent), Scott Newton (incumbent), Justin Flippen, Lillie Harris, Naomi Parker, Sal Torre, Christopher Warnig and Kimber White. The public is invited to attend. The number of questions will be limited due to time constraints because of the number of candidates seeking office. Voters with specific questions for candidates should ask them directly to the candidate during the “Meet the Candidate” session at 6pm or after the forum. Parking is free 30 minutes before until 30 minutes after the event.

Historical Society Meeting Sept. 18, 7 p.m. at City Hall Commission Chambers

Dog Obedience Class Sept. 18 & 25 - 6:30 p.m. at Hagen Park (Basketball Court) All Breeds Welcome Beginners Obedience Class. Registration at 6:30 p.m., class begins at 7:30 p.m. Rally Obedience Class - Skill Building, Drill Class - Class starts at 8 p.m. $5 per class

features Organic Produce, Regular Produce, International Baked Goods, specialty items, spices & herbs, soups, cheeses, coffees & tea, bagels, Nuts & dried fruits, baked goods, and various other international and local vendors.

The Market gives residents and visitors to Wilton Manors an exciting shopping alternative and a chance to view, sample and purchase products.

For more information on The Market or to become a vendor, visit GreenWilton.com or contact Frank and Ron at 954-531-5363.

Square Dancing Sept. 18 & 25 - 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. at Island City Park Preserve The South Florida Mustangs is the first GLBT International Square Dance Club organized in 1980. Positively no previous experience required. We’ll teach you the ropes beginning with an allemande left and a do-si-do. All you need is a desire to have fun. Questions?

Feel free to call Ken 305-343-1710; Randy 305-458-1649; Tom or Chris 954-525-8365. Dance fee only $5. Visit Caller4u.com.

Wilton Manors Green Market Sept. 20, 21 & 27, 28- 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Wilton Manors City Hall / Hagen Park Wilton Manors Green Market every Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m.– 2 p.m. in the Wilton Manors City Hall / Hagen Park parking lot. The Market

international beats. Before you know it, you’ll be getting fit and your energy levels will be soaring! It’s easy to do, effective and totally exhilarating. Join the Party!

Preschool Storytime Sept. 22 & 29 - 10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. at Richard C. Sullivan Public Library 500 NE 26th St. For ages 2 - 5. Caregivers must remain with their children.

Brains and Balance Past 60 Sept. 17 & 24 - 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. at Hagen Park Brains and Balance Past 60 is designed for the unique needs of active older adults who know the importance of staying mentally sharp and physically stable. Researchers no longer believe that falling or losing your mental capacity are inevitable parts of the aging process and this fascinating class series operates based on the premise that specific exercises will decrease the risk of falling while increasing mental acuity.

Zumba Fitness Sept.17, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30 - 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Island City Park Preserve Are you ready to party yourself into shape? Forget the workout, just lose yourself in the music and find yourself in shape at the original dance-fitness party. Zumba classes feature exotic rhythms set to high-energy Latin and

Island City Book Club Sept. 17, 6:30 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. at Richard C. Sullivan Public Library The Island City Book Club gathers at the library on the third Wednesday of each month. Reading selections include current and classic novels as well as popular nonfiction. All are welcome to join and help select our next book!

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