WMG Volume 5 • Issue 2 January 31, 2018
Community
Wilton Manors Gazette
Quilts of Gee’s Bend Exhibit: “Not Your Mother’s Quilt” By Michael d’Oliveira
“It’s not your mother’s quilt.” That’s how home down to Gee’s Bend, a small African Janet Dolland describes the quilts of Gee’s American community in Alabama, Dolland began her love affair with the quilts. Bend. “They’re very bright. They do not follow Today, she owns 12. She purchased her the traditional quilts that you see. They’re first one for $350. “Some of them can be quite improvisational and made from old several thousands of dollars – eight, nine, clothes and old fabric. They just don’t $10,000, depending on the quilter. The follow the norm. The corners don’t meet. range has changed over the years. I’ve got a few other hobbies, but this Sometimes there’s no probably is the biggest one pattern at all.” that I really have become Dolland, an advocate of involved in. And, of course, the quilts and the collective the ladies. You could never of women who make them, have asked for a more will be bringing seven from personal, hospitable, her collection to Wilton welcoming group.” Manors as part of “The One of the ladies, China Quilts of Gee’s Bend: The Pettway, 66, has been Fabric of Their Lives.” quilting since she was 11 They will be displayed years old. Her family didn’t as part of the free exhibit have much, so anything will – held Feb. 3 to March and everything was used to 10 at Art Gallery 21, 600 make quilts, including old NE 21 Ct., Wilton Manors. - Janet Dolland clothing. “We were poor. Art Gallery 21 is open to Quilts of Gee’s Bend Whatever we had, we made the public Thursdays to Advocate use of that. My mother Saturdays from 12 to 8 p.m. always taught us you use Dolland first learned about the women of the collective, which what god gives you. It’s a memory of the was formed in the early 20th Century, way I grew up in hard times . . . It’s a joy to about 15 years ago when Martha Stewart sit down and sew.” Pettway draws inspiration from her featured them on her TV show. The quilts have also been recognized by the Whitney own life, but also from important African Museum of American Art in New York City, American figures from the past, such as the National Museum in Washington, D.C., Martin Luther King and Harriet Tubman. “My mother put quilts up on the wall, the and the U.S. Postal Service. After taking a trip from her Michigan windows, to keep the wind out. She put 12
Janet Dolland.
“Some of them can be several thousands of dollars – eight, nine, $10,000, depending on the quilter.”
or 13 on the bed [over my siblings and I]. They used to be so heavy we could hardly move. But they kept us warm.” In addition to buying quilts from the women, Dolland also donates fabric to them. She estimated that she’s donated over 2,000 pounds of fabric over the years. “One time, I took 300 pounds in my van. Another time, 400 pounds.”
Dolland will also be giving two free lectures on the quilts: Saturday, Feb. 3 at 7 p.m. at Art Gallery 21, and Wednesday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. at Old Dillard High School, 1001 NW 4 St., Fort Lauderdale. WMG For more information about the exhibit, visit QuiltsOfGeesBend.com or artgallery21.org.
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Opinion
Fibbery…
We must demand our leaders and officials tell us the truth By Sal Torre
WMG January 31, 2018 • Volume 5 • Issue 2 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
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J.R. Davis • Pompano Bill • Steven Shires
Sales & Marketing Earlier this week I caught myself using the word “fibbery” in a discussion at work. Afterwards, not sure if such a word really existed, I looked to confirm that it was proper English usage. Fibbery: The act or practice of fibbing; the telling of lies, falsehoods, fibs. A “fib” is further defined as a trivial or childish lie. Fibbery doesn’t sound so bad, sounds a bit amusing, like some outdated term from Edwardian times. Anyhow, fibs are not really lies, are they? Maybe they are just concealing the truth so as not to offend someone, just a little white lie that doesn’t hurt anyone. So why all the fuss? In Dante’s Inferno, the Nine Circles of Hell’s lowest depths are reserved for those who tell lies, who are spreaders of falsehoods. Today many of us no longer hold such beliefs or are willing to suffer such misery as we find ourselves embracing, allowing, and participating in the prevalent acceptance of fibbery in our society, edging out more noble doings, such as honesty, righteousness, and decency. We are all collectively affected by the downward slide of the discourse on social media and in personal discussions, when it comes to feeding the false news reality many have come to accept and believe. When society begins to accept such behavior from our leaders and those of moral authority as the norm, the act of fibbery, the telling of lies and the spreading of falsehoods quickly permeates all levels of society. It becomes acceptable for city staff to tell a fib when not wanting to anger a resident or admit a mistake. It’s OK for elected officials not to be honest with constituents so as not to lose a vote. It becomes OK for supervisors to make up lies instead of implementing company policy. This sends the wrong message to our children, that it’s easier to lie and fib than to face and deal with the truth, not a good barometer of where we are heading as a society. Feeling good at all costs, making everyone happy and keeping up the charade, with no bad news to upset anyone has become the accepted norm. One little fib today, big lies tomorrow. Residents of Wilton Manors should never expect fibs or lies from our elected officials, our city staff, or organizations operating within our city. Unfortunately, we are not immune to the rampant
choice of fibbery over truth. Most of us would much prefer the harsh truth over being lied to, except perhaps when talking about good looks and weight loss. This is a major benefit and importance of having a free press in our society that will ask questions and hold a spotlight on those who are misbehaving. Thankfully for Wilton Manors residents, South Florida Gay News publishes “The Wilton Manors Gazette,” offering local news and so much more. Having a quality news outlet reporting and asking tough questions makes this community a better place in which to live and do business. So, as we move ahead in 2018, there are some tough questions for city staff and our elected officials that need some honest answers and future planning. As the City of Oakland Park moves ahead with a total redesign project of Andrews Avenue from Prospect Road to Oakland Park Boulevard with medians, bike lanes, crosswalks and so much more, why is nothing planned for Wilton Manors as we continue to wait for our Land Use Study? Why do we keep getting told that it’s a county road and the county’s responsibility? Obviously, the City of Oakland Park found a way make things happen. Why has Leisure Services plopped down an eyesore of a storage shed right next to the painstakingly restored historic Richardson Carriage House? Why should so many residents who donated large sums of money and time on the restoration project be so unhappy with the recent actions by city staff? Why have so many surrounding cities initiated wrapping utility boxes with locally inspired artwork while none have been done in our city? Why should we believe that the new unfunded Public Art Committee will have any success at making this happen? Why are so many residents in River Manor still not receiving the Town Crier, even after numerous phone calls, complaints; and why does city staff keep responding that the problem has been taken care of? The fibs of the past by city officials as to why things are done a certain way or cannot be done at all are catching up with them as we see other cities moving forward with projects that many here in Wilton Manors have been asking about for many years. How can we make these things happen? By actively participating in our local government, holding officials responsible, and knowing the truth, we will continue to make life just better here. WMG
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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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January 31, 2018
Community
Science Night Aims to Create Future Scientists, Engineers By Michael d’Oliveira Science Night at Wilton Manors STEM [science, technology, engineering, Elementary was part fun, part future job and mathematics] related fields and get kids excited in math and science where training. “It’s everything. It’s technology, it’s they have a tangible example of what that means,” said Nick Ogle, living things, it’s sound education outreach program experiments . . . We’re manager for FIU’s College of preparing them for jobs [in “The kids Arts Sciences and Education. science and technology] work really The hope, he added, is we don’t even know exist. that this is a part of what It’s very cool,” said Lori hard... gets students interested in Goldsmith, the school’s above and pursuing a STEM-related magnet program coordinator. career. Held Jan. 25 at the school, beyond a School administrators Science Night featured handsnormal funded FIU’s participation on science demonstrations school.” through a grant the school about sonar, buoyancy, won for its environmental marine life, plankton, - Melissa Holtz sustainability efforts – the P3 marine conservation and Principal Eco-Challenge. research, and other scientific “The kids work really principles. “You have to do the hands on. That’s how the kids construct hard . . . above and beyond a normal school. We do [environmental sustainability] their own knowledge,” Goldsmith said. The scientific expertise was provided because it’s the right thing to do. But when someone recognizes us, it’s amazing,” said by Florida International University [FIU]. “In general, it’s to garner excitement for Principal Melissa Holtz. “We’re the first
elementary school in the county to win [this award],” said Goldsmith. Maria Schwartz, a first-grade teacher and the school’s science contact with FIU, said the students have put a lot of effort into making the school more environmentallyfriendly. Exotic plants have been removed and
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replaced with native vegetation, the butterfly garden has been renovated, students participated in a campaign to promote the use of sustainable materials, learned about climate change and sustainability issues, and more. “A lot of the grant prize came from getting the kids involved in local sourcing for food,” said Schwartz. WMG
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BRIEFS
Business
Check out what’s happening
Around Town
Lightship Media The small Wilton Manors creative agency with big clients
By Michael d’Oliveira
By Michael d’Oliveira
Permit fee reductions extended Near the end of 2017, Wilton Manors commissioners approved a 25 percent reduction in permit fees related to fencing, windows and doors, existing shed replacement, and re-roofs. Recently, the reduction was extended to March 30. The reduction was approved to help property owners impacted by Hurricane Irma. Those who apply should mention that the permit is related to the hurricane. Call 954-390-2180 for more information. WMG
CANA meeting The Central Area Neighborhood Association will hold a meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. at Hagen Park, 2020 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors. Other scheduled meetings are May 2, July 25 and Oct. 24. Visit CanaWM.org for more information. WMG
Books for sale The Friends of the Wilton Manors Library will have its Book Tent on Saturday, Feb. 10 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Hagen Park Community Center, 2020 Wilton Drive. Books, videos, and audio materials are available in exchange for a small donation. Money raised by The Friends is used to fund programs and buy equipment for the city’s library. WMG Photo courtesy of the City of Wilton Manors.
Splash pad opened in Mickel Park On Jan. 19, city officials and residents celebrated the unveiling of the city’s latest park improvement – the splash pad at Mickel Park. According to the city, the splash pad is one of several Mickel Park improvements paid for by a $356,752 grant officials secured from Broward County’s 2000 Park and Open Space Trust Fund. Other addons to the park include new energy-efficient LED lighting, and an electric vehicle charging station. Officials estimate the new lighting will save $18,000 a year. WMG
2nd Annual Art With A Heart 2nd Annual Art With A Heart, benefiting artists and the Poverello Eat Well Center, will be held Saturday, Feb. 10 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Kiwanis Club Wilton Manors, 2749 NE 14 Ave., Wilton Manors. Artists are invited to sell, donate, or display artistic pieces that are made of paint, ink, pencil, mixed media, photography, or sculpture. Artists who want to participate should email art@poverello.org. For more information, call 954-561-3663 Ext: 106. WMG
Andy Perrott and Denise Wissmann with Lightship Media.
In a city populated mostly by small planning. “We’re a small agency, but we businesses, which don’t do television or deliver big ideas,” he said. The two are particularly proud of other advertising beyond social media or newspapers, one business in Wilton the New York Grilled Cheese television commercials they and their team, which Manors helps companies think bigger. Lightship Media, founded in 1999 by includes producer Louis Pedraza and social Andy Perrott, is a full-service creative media director Andrew Low, have created. The series of commercials features agency with a client list that includes companies large and small, including Brie Waffleton, a drag queen mother who Disney, The Singing Machine, R6 dislikes New York Grilled Cheese at first Cosmetics, Tri-Rail, Safety Harbor Resort because her son prefers their cooking to hers. But, she eventually and Spa in Clearwater, and becomes the restaurant’s New York Grilled Cheese biggest fan and champion. here in Wilton Manors. And, “We can just “It all came off their slogan: added Perrott, more could really take ‘It’s not your mother’s grilled soon be added to the list. “We the rains cheese,’” Perrott said. are on our way with a couple Leor Barak, owner of New big companies.” and move York Grilled Cheese, is very The agency also has a forward. pleased with the ads and the host of non-profit clients, You dream it, impact they had. “It’s not just including Stonewall, Gay me [who is a fan of the ads]. Men’s Chorus, and Our Fund. want it, we Our customers are big fans. “I think we’re involved in all do it.” They wound up following and the gay non-profits in one walking through our doors. It way or another,” Perrott said. - Denise Wissmann partner was the right place, right time Like the rest of Wilton . . . You also have to push the Manors’ small business community, Lightship prides itself on its envelope to have people remember you.” Wissmann said she loves the opportunity level of service. “We offer a certain level of customer service. We can just really to “let your inner sassy come out” with take the rains and move forward. You Waffleton. “Why do the norm? If you do dream it, want it, we do it,” said Denise the norm, you’re not going to cut through Wissmann, who recently became a partner the noise. The character is great to work with. That’s what makes my job exciting. at Lightship. Originally focused on multimedia, Being able to create on a daily basis.” Asked, jokingly, if their creative ad television, animation, real time video, and live events, the addition of Wissmann, agency is anything like “Mad Men,” the said Perrott, brings a lot to the table: an show about a 1960s Madison Avenue ad enhanced capability to handle websites, agency, Wissmann responds, “There might social media, print, virtual reality, be a few moments like that. We certainly marketing, increased creative, and event have fun.” WMG
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44 •• September January 17,6,2018 2017
News
Politics
Wilton Manors Approves Marijuana Treatment Centers
City May Increase Fire Fees on Non-profits
By Michael d’Oliveira
Wilton Manors commissioners have get their medicine in the mail. “I’m glad we approved allowing the opening of decided not to ban them,” said Resnick. “Given the options we have, this is the marijuana treatment centers in certain right way to go,” said Vice Mayor Justin parts of the city. At their Jan. 23 meeting, commissioners Flippen. “I understand we’re limited voted to approve the centers and redefined by the state. I wish we weren’t,” said pharmacies to make them in line with the Commissioner Julie Carson. Commissioner Tom Green said he was state’s definition. The city also approved the repeal of previous regulations because supportive of allowing treatment centers. “Any business, within reason, they weren’t in line with that wants to open in the Arts requirements by Tallahassee. & Entertainment District The Florida Legislature has is better than a bar.” But he given every local government expressed some nervousness a choice – treat marijuana at what could happen in the treatment centers as future. pharmacies or ban the centers Currently, medical entirely. Wilton Manors marijuana is provided in pill officials chose the former. form. “In the future, there If someone does open a may be a lot of smoke coming treatment center, as long from these places. Let’s see as it is located at least - Justin Flippen what the legislature does,” 500 feet from a school or Vice Mayor said Green. Resnick also said daycare center, they will be the city would most likely able to do so in the Arts & Entertainment District, Oakland Park have to alter its own policies on employees Boulevard, Andrews Avenue, Northeast 26 using medical marijuana. Commissioners, on Jan. 23 and a Street, and a small part of Powerline Road. At a previous meeting, Mayor Gary Resnick previous meeting, expressed worries about said someone had approached him about rents going up even more on Wilton Drive opening a treatment center, but the mayor if a treatment center opens. They also talked about how the new regulations did not name the person. Resnick said he’s met residents who might limit other businesses from opening use medical marijuana and he thinks a in the Arts & Entertainment District, such treatment center in the city would provide as sleep disorder clinics. “I think we’re much-needed convenience to them, as limiting the diversity of our community,” opposed to having to travel to Miami or Carson said. WMG
By Michael d’Oliveira Wilton Manors Commissioners may increase the fire assessment fees on nonprofits, which own property in the city. At the Jan. 23 commission meeting, Commissioner Tom Green said he wants to “look again” at possibly increasing the fire fee. Fire assessment fees are levied on property owners to pay for fire-related services provided by the Fort Lauderdale Fire Department, which contracts with the city. After years of toying with the idea of making non-profits, such as churches and organizations like Kids In Distress, pay the assessment fee, commissioners approved charging property-owning organizations 20 percent in 2015. Vice Mayor Justin Flippen was the only commissioner to vote against it at the time. “I don’t know if this is the right direction,” said Flippen in 2015. Mayor Gary Resnick said at that time that even non-profits, which benefit from the fire services provided by the city, should pay their fair share to fund those services. WMG
“Given the options we have, this is the right way to go.”
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