Page 2 • June 1990 • Solares Hill Solares Hill • June 1990 • Paee 3 WhatTheyRltLike, YoifdBe Wearing Them Now. $ ...footprints 610 Duval Street Old Town Key West ( SUBSCRIBE \ u © o o S 43 on e- ye ar , T3 S w ar n OS fc. • ^ ^ "I I 'I 53 8 .̂ » n EDITORIAL For years, members of Key West's artis- tic community have complained that the Monroe County Fine Arts Council has failed to meet their needs. In most counties, a fine arts council provides services to its artists in the form of writing for grants, matching funds with state and national resources, assembling mailing lists and coordinating schedules. Under the leadership the Parvan Bakardjiev, MCFAC, critics say, has done none of this. While MCFAC is hoping to gain control of TDC dollars earmarked for cultural funding and to push through an ordinance which would supply it with a steady stream of county money (See "Fine Arts Council Under Fire, Page 3), members of the artistic community have banded together and formulated a counter strategy. This month the Key West Art and Historical Society, directed by Susan Olsen, will present Monroe Commissioners with a proposal to make the society an umbrella organization for TDC cultural funding, which amounted to $450,000 last year. Olsen says she can double that amount in two years through matching funds; the addi- tional money can be used for purposes other than advertising. The proposal makes good sense. Olsen has a strong success record in matching funds. In her work on Lighthouse Project, for example, Olsen was awarded $297,000 in state funding to match the $365,000 the TDC put toward it. Additionally, she raised about $300,000 in private donations. MCFAC, last year, received $50,000 from the county and $75,000 from the state. That money went to promote the Festival of the Continents, which involves no local Solares Hill is a community news- paper published monthly by Key West Publications, Inc., 1217 White Street, Key West, FL 33040. Phone: (305) 294-3602. Thomas Geyer, President Frank E. Taylor, Vice President Geddy Sveikauskas, Secretary-Treasurer Editor Ann Boese Resident Artist Marko Fields Sales Manager Michele Grahl Sales Richard Weiner, Jack Snodgress Typesetting/Editorial Assistant Christine Naughton Accounting Patti Anthony Contributing Photographer Kevin Crean Member of Key West Chamber of Commerce © 1990 Key West Publications, Inc. With a little help from our friends talent, and Arts Explo, which does. One of the primary purposes of an arts council is and should be to assist and promote local artists. Susan Hawkens, a founding officer of the Red Barn Theater, says that her group has never been able to cultivate productive dialog with MCFAC. She says it's cost the theater opportunities. When Norm Easterbrook—the county's contact at the State Division of Cultural Affairs^was in town, MCFAC failed to notify the Barn, as well as others, of the official's visit. It was a potential meeting that Hawkens sorely missed. George Brashears, former artistic direc- tor of the Tennessee Williams Fine Arts Center, says TWFAC's relationship with MCFAC is "non-existent." And one local musician, who spent countless hours attending MCFAC meetings and pleading for a chance to benefit from the council, finally, about two years ago, threw his box stuffed with letters and memos and notes into the street and lit it with a match. Key West teems with artistic talent, ripe and ready to be nutured, fueled into action. Susan Olsen says the Art and Historical Society should run the cultural show because it's the most qualified and because it will focus its energies on local talent, local needs. Based on past performances, Solares Hill agrees. Ann Boese This month's cover, "Angles in the Sky," was photographed by Kevin Crean and designed by Tracy Livesey. All photos were shot in Key West. Both artists live and work on the island. fe AN OCEANFRONT RESTAURANT DiNINfi Indoors or Under The Stars. aS- Entertaining Food and Drink. THEAFTERMCSi A Transom's Height Above The Water. Cocktails. Enjoy All Of Our Views 11:3OAM-2AM 700 WADDELL* 294-1061 (Vernon & Waddell Oceanfront) Fine Arts Council Under Fire Ordinance proposal, TDC funding and arts community heat up debate by Kip Blevin MJ213 Truman A ve. Key West FL 33040 (305) 296-7744 still are, the biggest consumers of shrimp. Last year, the Americans alone gobbled up 800-million pounds of several different species. Pink gold is just one of them. • Purina is no longer involved in shrimp aquaculture. But its initial efforts paid off for companies that picked up where it left off. Today, shrimp is a readily available, non-seasonal seafood staple. Granjas Marinas de San Bernardo has been perfecting its shrimp farming tech- niques since 1974. And its seed hatchery in the Keys is barely one year old. Mike Chambers is a marine biologist and GMSB's hatchery director. "We're just get- ting up to speed now," he says. "We only breed Penaeus vannemei, a white shrimp from the Pacific. Pink shrimp don't perform with any type of consistency for growth and survival in an aquaculture situation." National Marine Fisheries' Ed Little fur- ther notes that, "Back in the 70s, we tried to grow pink shrimp in ponds here, but the venture was unsuccessful. I doubt that a full-blown shrimp farm of any kind could operate in the Keys because of the space needed and the varying temperatures that are punctuated with severe storms." So a brood stock of 3,000 mature shrimp from GMSB's Honduran farm are mated indoors at its compact facility in the Keys. Fifteen hours after a female is impregnated, 50,000 to 250,000 spider-like nauplii are hatched, collected and placed in one of the 42 holding tanks in the hatchery. "The development process from nauplii to post-larval shrimp is a series of stages that takes about two weeks," says Jim Norris, GMSB vice-president and technical guru who engineered the elaborate watering and filtration system. "Our water is internal- ly purified. Constant temperatures, pH content and salinity are maintained night and day. And specially-built back-up generators kick in if we have a power failure." From conception in the Keys, about 50 percent of the post-larval shrimp grow to market-size shrimp on the Honduras farm. 'L'hina and Ecuador meet more than half the world's steadily increasing demand for shrimp through a combination of captured and cultured shrimp farming. In the U.S., more than 75 percent of the 800-million pounds consumed is imported. In this massive global market, shrimp farms produce only 30 percent of the shrimp consumed. And, according to GMSB's dir- Key West's Premier Restaurant, located over the water, is the island's best seat for Sunset, and the recipient of the 1989 Soudt Florida Magazine Critics Choice Award and the coveted 1990 AAA Four Diamond Award for Fine Dining. We're the home of Key West's World Famous Key l ime Pie - join us/ For reservations call 2964600, ext 555. LIZ KING Tuesday thru Sunday 9 P.M. to 1 A.M. at the ector, Bill McGrath, shrimp aquaculture is merely picking up the decline being realized by shrimpers fishing the ocean. "We don't know why they are declin- ing," says Dr. Peter Sheraton, marine bio- logist for the National Marine Fisheries Ser- vices in Galveston, Texas. "There's no indication that we're overharvesting pink shrimp, but something's wrong." Hence, dozens of Everglades and ecolo- gy experts gathered at the Galveston Labor- atory in late October. In attendance were scientists and marine biologists from Flori- da's Department of Natural Resources, the Everglades National Park, Florida's Marine Fisheries Commission and South Florida Water Management District. The workshop, conducted by the National Marine Fisheries Services, was the first step in bringing to- gether state and federal agencies concerned with the ecology of marine life in the water . system from the Everglades to the Tortugas. Since 1981, the shallow waters of Flori- da Bay at the basin of the Everglades has . been restricted from shrimping to give baby pink shrimp a shallow water sanctuary. As the shrimp mature, they are carried with cur- rents to the deeper waters of the Lower Keys and the Dry Tortugas. "Because these shrimp live close to the human environment and their food source is near the bottom of the food chain, and because they are harvested during the first year of their lives, they're good indicators of the aquatic environment and water quality," says Dr. Sheraton. "The seagrass beds for this nursery have been dying off since the summer of 1987, and we're concerned, there will be an even larger decline in pink shrimp." Though pink shrimp may be the caged canary in the gold mine, proposals are being developed to study more than just the pink shrimp fishery. Money is being sought to look at such critical issues as the freshwater inflow patterns of the area, pesticide spraying along the Keys and the effects of seagrass die-off and revegetation. Dr. Sheraton calls the project "a long-term, natural experiment." v-racker Seafood is an empty fish house on Stock Island where the shrimp docks are located, behind the greyhound track. Today, there are just five shrimping com- panies—down from ten in 1983—doing business here. "The rent went up $6,000 a month, so Cracker Seafood packed up its 13 boats and headed for Tarnpa," says Freeman Bateman. "Neither the city nor the county offered him incentives to stay. When you consider each boat brought in $140,000 to $250,000 in shrimp each year, that's a chunk of change to throw away." Or, more accurately, that's the kind of change that converted the shrimp-dock site of yesteryear to hotels, condos and restau- rants. In 1950, shrimp boats lined the north- west side of Key West from City Electric System to the Pier House. Yes, there are some boat slips in the Bight today. But they're filled primarily by pleasure boats, not shrimp boats. As one lifestyle and industry gives way to another, scientists will begin researching Solares Hill • June 1990 • Page 15 what forces are adversely affecting the marine life and crystal clear waters of the Keys—the very heart and soul of its tourist attraction. And while these tanning tourist bodies —burnt gold, if you will—are covered with oil and glistening on the beaches of that seemingly endless blue mine, it becomes apparent that, alas, even the deepest, richest mines get panned out. Isfj] Emma's Brunch Emma's Extraordinary 40 Item Buffet Wolfgang's German Apple Pancakes "Diablo" Gourmet Pizza Danish Grav Lox with French Dill Sauce Chef Siri's Oriental Duck Salad Homestyle Blintzes with Fresh Fruit Toppings French Pastries by Jean Claude Omelettes, Fresh Fruits, Belgian Waffles and Complimentary Minosas $14.95 ADULTS $7.95 CHILDREN UNDER 12 SUNDAY 7AM - 3 PM EMMA'S SEAFARE AT THE REACH SIMONTON STREET AT THE OCEAN 296-5000 LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Fine 19th Century Antiques, Furnishing & Collectables 414 Greene Street 292-0082 Discount for Locals RON'S SOUTHERNMOST CAR CLINIC "Serving Old Town Key West for Seven Years FOREIGN & DOMESTIC CAR REPAIR AIR CONDITIONING • BRAKES • TUNE UPS • WATER PUMPS LUBE, OIL & FILTER • SHOCKS LOW PRICES ON NEW RADIATORS 296-4615 1300DUVALST. Moisturizes All Day or All Night (ALOEGENETlCt ALQE- THERA@ with Vitamin E a therapeutic moisturizer for abused extra dry skin 524 FRONT SI. & 540 GREENE ST., KEY WEST M M 82.5 OVERSEAS HWY.. ISLAMORADA CALL TOLL FREE 1 -800-445-2563 w Page 16 • June 1990 • Solares Hill Bending Over Backward Gymnastics coach Jan Beets takes flips with flops by Sioux Rose tllan Beets believes that children can fly, unless told otherwise. Cartwheels, hand- springs, flip-flops, arabesques: Up into the air and over soars child after child. A missed move? A small fall? No problem. In peak season, Jan, owner of Island Gymnastics, has 80 gymnastic students, primarily girls; she hopes for more male gymnasts this year. Last year, 35 of Jan's girls competed at various events, including bars, beam and floor exercise. A team of two judges evaluated each girl, and several gymnasts won high scores of 5 or 5.3. Since spring of 1986, Jan has held classes at the Mary Immaculate School gym. Raised in Bloomingville, Indiana, Jan spent her early life tumbling about on her own. Her home was near the University of Indiana* where winding roads allowed her to tone her body through biking and uni- versity teams gave her role models of physical fitness. UpperDeck We have a New Casual Island Menu featuring • Chef James Ehler Come and try our DINNER SPECIALS or enjoy j our Appetizers & Cocktails with a View! Welcome Back Locals! 2 FOR 1 HAPPY HOUR with Free Appetizers j 4:30-6pm Nightly • Dinner Nightly from 6pm Four on the floor: Shelley McKeman, Rachel (clockwise, from front left) flip-flop along a stretch Her father's career change moved the family to Southern Indiana. Jan enrolled in gymnastics classes at her new high school, "Minting & Prints to Wear" ; available exclusively al CODY 806DuvalSfreel / (305)294-2722 "Barrelhead Bar (The Raw Bar-Lower Deck) Try our New Frozen Rum Runners and 2 FOR 1 HAPPY HOUR with Free Munchies Enjoy our Harbor View featuring Live Entertainment Come try our New Spicy Menu Featuring Fresh Baked Breads & Pastries Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner 7am to 10pm Waterfront Dining 711 Eisenhower Drive • 294-9343 OEEP ROCK0 NATURAL WATER FLORIDA'S FINEST SINCE 1919 SERVING THE FLORIDA KEYS (305) 872-3778 (305) 292-1636 Lower Keys (305) 664-2262 Upper Keys Rosenberg, Devon Sarver and Sarah Thompson of mat in the Mary Immaculate School gym. finding herself on the team. The star of the team urged her to consider taking classes, which were even more competitive, across the state border in Louisville, Kentucky, but Jan's parents, like many, didn't feel a girl's athletic potentials were worth cultivation in as far as money was involved. They told her high school participation was enough. This may be the reason that Jan focuses on positive reinforcement today. Later, in college, Jan studied recreational development. A part of the accreditation process involved community work in one's chosen field. Jan ended up teaching begin- ning gymnastics to tots until she suffered a viral infection; her face was paralyzed for nearly a year. Although weak from body strain, Jan returned to teaching in three months. But when colder weather settled in, Jan's doctor recommended that she go to a warmer cli- mate or "stay out of the cold." About that time she met Timi (of Timi's Tuxedo), with whom she later moved to Key West. Jan arrived here in November of 1982, and began teaching gymnastics at Key West High School the next semester. She says the general feeling at the high school was that women's sports were not essential to a balanced extracurricular program. School officials said the Conchettes and dancing GO KARTS ARCADE 7 Days A Week OPEN TIL MIDNIGHT • 294-1617 Party Rates Available 3029 N. Roosevelt Blvd. (Across From Ames) of the Florida Keys, Inc. Word Processing Sorvtoo Ewcuthw Suites Typing and Secretarial Servtea Temporary Office Personnel 501 Whiiehead Street Check Our Low Price on PHOTOCOPIES JurfOw OfTheMaiyfeuom ToMalttUi Yaur One Stop Source F«r All Of Your Office Support Strviooi Tutefthone number. 299-M7S Fax twnber: 2M-C7M O Horsing around: Devon Sarver springs into action, while the coach spots, dolls were sufficient. But, as every feminist knows, jumping up and down to cheer for the men's team isn't the same as executing a perfect move for yourself, or receiving "oohs and aahs" from an appreciative audience. When the high school floor was refin- Fine form: Rachel Rosenberg leaps from a bar as coach Jan Beets looks on. ished in 1984, the administration decided to nix the gymnastics program: moving large pieces of equipment around, they said, was too risky. Jan relocated her classes—about 50 students worth—to the Gerald Adams School cafeteria. Daily, a troupe of little gymnasts in leotards cleared 108 chairs and 31 tables from the cafeteria before the equip- ment could be set up. After about six months, the process grew tiresome. "I wish we had that kind of equipment," moaned one of Jan's prize students during a meet in Miami. A coach overheard the com- ment and asked Jan if she were interested in buying any used equipment. They ex- changed phone numbers and eventually negotiated a very fair deal. To help pay for equipment and other gymnastic necessities Jan has innovated fundraisers. This year's cartwheelathon yielded 3600 cartwheels and raised $1100. At present she needs to replace the wood on the bar apparatus; each bar costs $450 and has metal tubing running through it. To be eligible for insurance, Jan must maintain her equipment at federal standards. Today Jan teaches her classes in Mary Immaculate's large gym. Happily installed, she initiated a program called "Mommy and Me," which she says is more of a "Daddy and me." The tots as young as one-and- one-half years experience the spring board, low balance beam, or bar. Building co- ordination skills and familiarity with the pieces, these tots usually end up more advanced than children who start cold at age Solares Hill • June 1990 • Page 17 three. Jan hopes to expand this class, which meets on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. and Saturday at 9:30 a.m. Island Gymnastics charges a fee of $30 a month for one class and up to $75 a month for the gymnast who requires more classes; customized coaching is reasonable. Each gymnast has insurance coverage at $20 a year. Island Gymnastics may be reached at 294-8897. &j HEAWH INSURANCE GROUP & INDIVIDUAL WE REPRESENT OVER 20 INSURANCE COMPANIES TO SERVICE ALL OF YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE NEEDS. F. COURTNEY & COMPANY 296-9696 SOUTHERNMOST COMFORT Key West Style Accommodations A charming Victorian Guest House conveniently located In the heart ol Old Town. Kay West Step back in time and relax In beautiful tropical gardens with spa. Comfortable Victorian apartments with private porches and marble baths. Each unit corrpletewith... Full Kitchen, AC, TV, BBQ. 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FREE BROCHURE REAL ESTATE G r e g O ' B e r r y , I n c . 1304 Simonton St. • 292-1223 Page 18 « June 1990 • Solares Hill Hot Fun in the Summertime Camps and programs structure children's vacation by Elizabeth M. Smith i t 's going to be a long, hot summer. With the community pool out of commission and government agencies feeling the squeeze from funding cutbacks, parents—and their fun-loving kids—-have fewer summer programs from which to choose than in previous years. Thanks to community diehards, there are still options available; no child needs to find himself mid-July with nothing constructive to do. Nonetheless, parents may find summer planning less than a breeze. Although bids for repair opened in May, the pool is not expected to re-open until the end of July. The pool at Key West High School would have been an alternative site for the summer swim program had it not also been down, for the third year in a row, awaiting about $10,000 in repairs. Thus, there will be no free swimming lessons this year and no free lunch program at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center, where the community pool is located. • The gazebo in the adjacent Nelson English Park may be the site of other summer programs. Working parents are going to feel the crunch as less is available, particularly for pre-schoolers. Some part-time activities are being offered, but they don't address parents' needs for a safe, full-time, afford- able program for their children. That leaves few obvious options: hiring a private baby- sitter and/or relying on friends and relatives. Joe Barker, executive director of Wesley House, a local day-care facility, which will be open for the summer but has no spots available, fears that some parents will believe they have no choice but to lock their youngsters in the house while they go to work. "Any cases I find out about I call into the abuse hotline," says Barker. "I'm afraid that there are instances of this out there which I don't hear about." At press time, many proposed programs were still in the planning stage or awaiting final approval. A partial list of local sum- mer activities for children follows. Keep watching for further details. City of Key West Summer Youth Program Dates: June 18 through July 27. Times: Afternoons, Monday through Thursday, possibly Friday. For: Children aged seven to 14. Activities: Water-related activities, supervised by lifeguards, at alternating beach sites; details have yet to be finalized. Other activities, being eyed for Fridays, await approval. Summer Youth Program Sponsored by the Key West Housing Authority This, too, is awaiting final endorse- ment. Based on the information available: Dates: Beginning of July for six weeks. Times: Noori to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. For: Children aged five to ten who are residents of public housing projects. Activities: Swimming, arts and .crafts and field trips. Cost: Free. Contact: Key West Housing Authority, 296-5621. Schools Summer Recreation Program This program is jointly financed by the Monroe County Commission and School Board. Watch local publications for further information on locations and times. Dates: Begins June 18 for six weeks. Times: Full day, Monday through Friday. For: Students, from kindergarten to 13 years of age, who are enrolled in Monroe County public schools. Activities: Arts and crafts, baseball and computer fun. Participating students can be bused to relevant sites; free lunches available. Locations: Locally, Key West High, Poinciana, Horace O'Bryant and Sugar- loaf Schools. Cost: Free. Math Explorers' Camp This camp is funded by the Department of Education. Dates: Three, two-week sessions, to run from June 18 through July 27. Times: Summer-school schedule. Activities: Marine field experiences to collect data during snorkeling trips, prob- lem-solving techniques and computer ap- plications will be used to organize data into a data base. For: Students, Grades 4 to 8, who per- formed well on standardized math tests. Locations: Locally, Gerald Adams, Horace O'Bryant and Sugarloaf Schools. Cost: Free. Grace Lutheran School Summer Day Care This private school is gearing up for its 27th annual summer program. Dates: June 11 until school starts. Times: 7:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. For: Children aged three to ten. Activities: Arts and crafts, singing, games and others. Location: Grace Lutheran School, 2713 Flagler Avenue. Cost: Full day—$50 per week or $ 10 per day; and half day—$30 per week or $6 per half day (five hours). Contact: The school office at 296-8262. Teen Center Summer Program In its third year, this program is sponsored by the Monroe County School Board and the Youth Club. It will be staffed by high school students employed in the summer-work program and volunteers. Dates: To be announced. T imes : Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Early drop off available for working parents. For: Monroe County children aged three through Grade 6. Activities: This year's theme is "The Environment," which will be -explored through field trips, crafts and other activities. A visit to the Dolphin Research Center on Grassy Key is planned. Tyler Hill, the. club's director, also hopes to arrange swimming expeditions to a private pool. He is awaiting final approval. Location: Florida Keys Youth Club, Inc., 3465 South Roosevelt Blvd. Cost: About $30 per week. Contact: Tyler Hill at 294-2878. The Youth Club For: Monroe County junior high and high school students. Activities: Regular activities will con- tinue throughout the summer. These in- clude Friday night dances. (There is a $3 cover charge for these and other special events.) Tae Kwon Do and aerobic classes are offered biweekly. Parents' Night Out meets Wednesday nights for mothers and fathers of students in elementary or junior high school. Saturday is recreation night with billiards and table-tennis tournaments (no cover charge). Some special events are being planned for older kids: two night-time beach parties* (no cover charge) and a concert in July. A high school summer camp, will travel to Tennessee, North Carolina and Georgia from August 9 to 20. White-water rafting and a trip to Six Flags Over Georgia are on the action-packed itinerary. The cost of $450 includes transportation, hotels and all food while at camp. Contact: Tyler Hill at 294-2878. Church Programs Vacation Bible Schools Dates: June 18 to 29. Times: Monday through Friday, 6 to 9 p.m. For: Children, aged three years to Grade 5, and adults. Activities: The theme will be "Learning from the Bible." Activities will include crafts, bible-learning and study, games and recreation. Refreshments will be available. ***and*** Dates: July 20 to 25. Times: Monday through Friday, 6 to 9 p.m. For: Junior high and high school students. Activities: For the youth group, the theme is "Christian Joy." Those attending will have opportunities to minister others in a community out-reach program. Location: Both programs will be at Fifth Street Baptist Church, 2318 Fogarty Avenue. . Cost: Free for both programs. Contact: The church office at 294-2255. *** Dates: Last week in July through the first week in August. Times: Half day, Monday through Fri- day. For: Children aged three to 17 years. Location: Bethel Church Annex, 223 Truman Avenue. Cost: Free. Contact: The church office at 294-9951. *** This is a cooperative program, sponsored by all local Methodist churches. Dates: July 30 to August 3. Times:.Monday through Friday, 9 to 11:30 a.m. For: Children from preschool through Grade 5. Activities: The theme "Ways in Which Bible People Lived" will be explored through bible study, crafts, music and recreation. Refreshments will be available. Location: First United Methodist, Old Stone Church, 600 Eaton Street. Registration will be through July 16. Solares Hill • June 1990 • Page 19 Cost: Free. Contact: The church office at 296-2392. Monroe County Library Dates: From June 12 to the first week in August. Times: One hour, weekly. For: Elementary school children. Activities: "Sea! Travel! Adventure!" These will be some of the exciting topics explored by the Summer Bookaneers. Activities, which include story-telling, reading aloud, crafts, movies and puppet- making will relate to the theme of "Pirates." Preschool story hour on Thurs- day mornings will continue throughout the summer. Location: The Monroe County Public Library, 700 Fleming Street. Cost: Free. Contact: The library at 294-8488. Summer Music Camp Dates: Starts June 11 for ten weeks. Q0OO00O00060O0OQOO0OOOO004 Jewelry Genius" Don't leave Key West without Whltf leld Jack's famous conch pendant. (Those who wear the conch, they say, return to Key West again someday)) This elegant boutique In an enchant- ing tropical garden features original designs by a brilliant local craftsman. See the famous Laughing Dolphin Rings with dozens of tiny smiling dolphins. Open every day from 10 to +. (AMX, MC, Visa). Catalog available. 111 DUVAL • KEY WEST, FL 33040 • (305) 294-7092 JAPANESE CUISINE 722 DUVAL KEY WEST 294-2288 NEW SUMMER HOURS LUNCH MON-FR! 12:00-2:30 PM DINNER MON-SAT 7:00-11:30PM TAKE OUT AVAILABLE O0OOOOOOOOOOO Specializing In 100% Cotton Children's Clothing Preme to 7 in Boys • Preme to 4 in Girls Gift Certificates Available * Free Gift Wrapping Open Mon.-Fri. 10 am-5 pm, Sat. 11 am-4 pm Closed Sun. 1023 White Street • Key West • 294-3865 Frances R. Rouse A MATERNITY AND CHILDREN'S BOUTIQUE Page 20 • June 1990 • Solares Hill Times: One hour, weekly. For: Children of all ages from the Keys. Activities: Sharon Frank, of Sharon Music/Keyboard Enterprises, is offering a music awareness camp. Musical fun, with games, music videos, songs and dance, is planned. Percussion instruments and microphones will be provided; those at- tending will be encouraged to bring along their own musical instruments. Location: Grace Lutheran School and/or Sharon Music's Studio at the Key West Baptist Temple, 2nd Avenue, Stock Island. Cost: $62 for ten weeks. Contact: Sharon Frank at 294-4543. Sailing Lessons for Beginners Dates: Not finalized. Times: One afternoon per week For : Children aged ten to 17. Activities: Lots of fun and the learning of valuable skills for island lubbers. Italian and French Cuisine 524 Duval Street Key West, Florida (305) 296-1075 OPEN DAILY Sailing in Sunfish boats and water safety will be taught. Location: Key West Sailing Club, 700 Palm Avenue. Ernest Hemingway Home one! Museum A Registered National Historical Landmark OPEN DAILY 9:00 A.M. TO 5:00 P.M. 907 WHITEHEAD STREET, KEY WEST, FLA. Take a leisurely tour of the home and gardens of the late Nobel Prize winner, Ernest Hemingway. H was here that Mr. Hemingway wrote For Whom the Bell Tolls, Green Hills of Africa, A Farewell to Arms, The Fifth Column, The Snows of Kilimanjaro, and The Macomber Affair. Mr. Hemingway was the first important writer to dis- cover and make Key Wfest his home. He owned the home from 1931 to 1961. Coswre On* Acre Including Poo) & Qmat HOUM "Where the Locals Relax" The Whistle Happy Hour 5-9, Daily THE BULL & WHISTLE BAR Corner of Duval & Caroline Streets "the most laid back bar in Key West" Cost: Not established, will be nominal. Contact: Key West Sailing Club, 294-9125. the Soccer Camp This camp is sponsored by Southernmost Soccer Association. Dates: Begins August 20. Times: Mornings and afternoons, Monday through Friday. For: Children aged five through 18. Location: Sigsbee Soccer Fields. Contact: Joy Fiore, 294-7548 or Bobbi Perloff, 745-3892. Camp Mariner Watch local publications for further information. Dates: A four-week session is tentatively scheduled to begin in July. For: Children aged four through 14 Activities: Sailing, wind surfing, fish- ing, tennis, gymnastics and music. Location: Mary Immaculate School. Cost: Last year's fee was $100 per week. Keep in Mind for Next Year: Seacamp Now in its 25th year, all three summer sessions have been booked since early February. Seacamp will begin taking appli- cations for next year around Christmas. Dates: Three, two-and-one-half-week sessions per summer. Times: This is a live-in camp. For: Children aged 12 through 17. Activities: Marine biology is the orien- tation here—a slew of hands-on classes are offered. Also on the roster are snorkeling, sailing, windsurfing and scuba diving. Location: Newfound Harbour Road, Big Pine Key. Cost: $1,695 per session. Contact: Seacamp, 872-2205. gl DUVAL STREET SALON Haircuts Men $18 • Women $26 Support Systems Permanents $50 and up Conditioning Systems Moisturizer $2.50, Reconstractor $10 Clarifying scalp Treatment $15 (includes jojoba oil & scalp massage) Chromotology Tint touchup $27 • Tint (extra long) $35 Bleach (2-step touchup) $40 « Bleach (virgin) $50 Frosting Cap $40 • Highlighting (foil) $60 Corrective Color—consult Stylist Wash & Blow Dry $16 - $18 and up 296-4247 or 294-6171 503 Duval Street • Key West Sunday 1-5, Mon thru Thurs. 10-6, Fri & Sat 10-7 Solares Hill • June 1990 • Page 21 City Buys Time on Planning Efforts by Geddy Sveikauskas J\.t a special meeting May 29, the Key West City Commission bought itself 30 days of extra time before it must transmit its Comprehensive Plan to Tallahassee. The major planning document is now due on June 29. Planning consultant Les Solin, who successfully pleaded for extra contract money up to $20,000 for the additional work his team will have to perform in the next 30 days, warned commissioners that there were a lot of loose ends still to be tied up. Particularly hard to predict, he said, was the amount of new public input to the more controversial parts of the plan. "You don't know and I don't know what issues are going to be raised in the next month," he said. The city commission and Planning Board will meet Tuesday, June 12 to consider the' plan, and Tuesday, June 19 and Wednesday, June 27 to hear input from citizens. All meetings are in commission chambers at 5 p.m. In rushing to avoid state sanctions and to meet a state-imposed deadline for sub- mission of its plan, Key West finds itself under virtually the same pressure as does Monroe County (The county's deadline is September 1). Moreover, Key West is able to blame one of the same factors—inability of its staff to help with the planning effort— that the county has cited for its delays. When it signed its contract with Les Solin, its chief outside planning consultant, the City of Key West agreed to use planning staff for some data-gathering tasks—or at least that's what Solin claimed. But then planner Tom Wilson left for greener pastures, soon to be followed by Art Moseley, the other city planning professional. There was a long hiatus. Now the city has a new planner, Ted S trader, who has only been in Key West three months. "You didn't have the resources," Solin bluntly told the commissioners, who were expecting him to ask for $10,000 and not $20,000 more. "You needed me, and I did what I had to do." What he did, Solin said, to the dismayed and angry commissioners, was do a lot of what the city itself had promised to do. Commissioner Sally Lewis got Solin to run through the new calendar for the submission of the Comprehensive Plan. On July 1 the state will begin a 90-day review period. By October 1 the state will send Key West a critique, judging by previous performance between 75 and 200 pages long. From October receipt the city will have 60 days to change the plan (that period might be extended under certain circumstances). Then the changes will go back to Tallahassee, and between January 1 and January 15 the city will be notified whether it is in compliance with state regulations. 1 hat's the easy part. Because the city has been unable to do many of the planning tasks it had been asked by the state to do, it did what any non-compliant debtor tries to do: it delayed the time the obligation was due. The Comprehensive Plan draft is peppered with 40 or 50 tasks the city has promised to complete by June 1, 1991. They all begin, "The city shall by June 1, 1991 ..." "We've got six months to do all those shalls," Commissioner Harry Powell observed gloomily. "Well, that [schedule] gives us five and a half months," Sally Lewis corrected him. Some of the tasks will be easy. Some of them won't be. Many of them are con- nected to state concurrency requirements, which forbid new development unless public facilities are available for it. Much of the state's zeal to force localities to write and defend their Comprehensive Plans is to force them to look at their own infra- structure needs. In the opinion of many, that's an exercise that Key West has been loathe to do. The price of Paradise may not easily be measured in dollars, but when it is, the numbers are not consoling. Indeed, the capital requirements discussed in the Comprehensive Plan are enough to make even a river-boat gambler flinch. Key West has enormous public infrastructure demands for new facilities, for public services and for environmental compliance. It was thus appropriate that the last subject discussed at the commission meeting that night was an economic study to assess the Comprehensive Plan, toward which the Chamber of Commerce has offered a $5000 contribution. And it was only fitting that the commissioners were unsure of where they would get. the money to study where they were going to get the money. | | "1 1 g 1 I i WATERFROMT WITH THIS AD BUY ONE DRINK GET ONE FREE Open 11 am - 4 am 292-9520 202 Wi 11 iam St. ART i by the slice Illustration Design i Ideas Marko Fields 2964814 Want To Reach Over 20,000 Upscale Consumers? Advertise in Solares Hill and you do just that! We offer the widest variety of editorial content in the community along with special features that directly benefit advertisers. For Further Information Call 294-3602 KtYWUT T Y N Owners Dana L. Severns and Richard A. Van Hout, GRI CONGRATU- LATE local celebrities Bobby Nesbitt and Mike Mulligan on their purchase of #1 Lowes Lane, The Buyer-Broker program was selected to be used for this transaction. If YOU want expert advise and not just someone who claims to be an expert, call Rick or Dana. Buyer-Brokering saves the Buyers money. Our job does not stop once the property is found, that is when it just begins. K E Y WEST REALTY, INC. Managing and selling the finest properties in Key West 1-305-294-3064 619 EATON ST. KEY WEST, FL 33040 Page 22 • June 1990 • Solares Hill Wfe are walking over to Reynolds School! playground, my houseguests—Step Sister ; and her mother, "Mama"—and I. Mama, gone 94 years, wants to ride the teeter- totter. Mama, light as a bundle of kindling, goes skipping along over Key West's lumpy sidewalks, her little goatish head of grey hair bobbing. Four or five bristles on her chin flutter in a slight post-solstice breeze. Mama has ridden teeter-totters in San Antonio, Oklahoma City, Washington,- D.C. and Stuart, Florida. When we get to the playground, Mama spies the slide and goes for it. Step Sister John the steam carpet cleaning upholstery water extraction oriental specialists SAME DAY SERVICE 296-8083 HANDMADE IMPORTED FABRICS Send $4 for Swatch Catalog to: ONE WORLD FABRICS , P.O. Box 4755, Dept. SH, Key West, FL 33041 cries, "You can't go on the slide. You're not wearing your bloomers today." Two lads, kicking their motorbikes into life, pause, caught up with incurious observation. Step Sister says, "She stumbled and nearly extinguished the Eternal Flame at Kennedy's grave." Watching Mama on the teeter-totter, Step Sister's face bears a small, pained, proud smile. I interpret this as Step Sister's anguished desire to be with Mama—and to be away from her. It's that terribly old line of goods—umbilical love, the monstrous, compelling bond linking mother-daughter. Step Sister's midnight-blue eye shadow, powder, rouge and mascara fight for space on her face. The dress she wears is out of fashion though not enough to be really interesting. She has long, dry, brown, sinus-colored hair. Step Sister continues, "Her underwear always is doubtful." You can tell she's so put out by Mama's doubtful underwear that she's too far gone to take heart from her own spitefulness. . She waves at Mama who is kicking her heels, finding a lot of life's color and significance. Mama wears a seaweed frock that she bought in Galveston. Step Sister says, "You're going good, Mama." Treacherous smile here. Step Sister's ex-husband, a Texas oil ACOUSTIC & ELECTRIC GUITARS • AMPS DRUMS • SOUND SYSTEMS • HARMONICAS BANJOS • MANDOLINS • HEADS • TUNERS STRINGS & MANY OTHER ACCESSORIES 901B DUVAL ON OLIVIA 296-0954 Mon.-Sat. 10-6 PM 1 KAYAKJHHE KEYS® with lhe]tey[*>J»»l /2 DAY WILDLIFE TOII»5<»/ >>>»SMOBKEL/WILDLIFE TRIPStfff »>»TR0PICAI. 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Mama is persuaded to postpone a trip to the Bird's Nest pet shop to buy ant's eggs for her goldfish back in Texas. Step Sister says, "Mama, please stop. You have broken a fingernail off in my arm holding so tight." When we are back at my place, we are settled in the front room. Robert Dole, ray cat with a cast in his eye, sits under the lounge chair, mournfully watching all activity in the room. Mama occupies her space completely and assuredly like a cat. She sits at the table cutting ice-cream cones and an apple pie out of Country Homes Magazine. It isn't that Mama is not short on good sense, but now she often seems to live one notch above reality. Mama says, "If you are thinking I won't ride the slide tomorrow, you can save your breath to cool your grits." Step Sister mutters, "The single-rnindedness of two-year-olds and 94-year-olds!" While we are in the kitchen, Mama shows me the tulip tattoo on her arm. "Hides my smallpox vaccination." Mama has put on her Robin Hood hat with a feather for tonight's dinner party. -Her Rutabaga Delight sizzles away in the pan. She has contributed some kind of funny drink, East Texas tomato wine. I have invited two friends who take themselves quite seriously, so this may become a dinner party of guests so mismatched it's like a stoopful of cats. Here I fall to thinking. These two houseguests fall under the category: step relations that mistakenly I believed I'd grown away from but hadn't the courage to sack. Step Sister putting on her good store of patience but really carrying a vast accumulation of annoyances. Mama in advanced age but somehow clearheaded, unpredictable and lively. Now it comes clear that I've grown a fondness for their foibles. Never could I sack them. Pondering Mama and her weighty age, I'm always anxious to find merit in undiscovered areas. I quite agree that life for a human body should have an end on Earth. It seems to me better arranged like that. And, it's not Death that distresses one, but dying when one's body isn't ready to bow to its destruction. Of course the spirit within . is forever. It's destination? Apparently we are not meant to penetrate this veil just yet, notwithstanding frequent and bizarre con- jectures. Oh, stout-hearted Mama. You're not ready for your closing yet. Mama, wheezing onto- her cameo, mumbles, "There are people who take the heart out of you. And people who put it back in." Now Mama topples out of her seat asleep like the Dormouse in Alice in Wonderland. Step Sister, with more love than chagrin, bundles her onto the sofa. Mama rouses to cry, "Float a boiled chicken foot on each bowl of soup for decoration. Frances, can I trust you to be certain the ankle on each chicken foot is topside?" One may well ask, Mama. [sRl Solares Hill • June 1990 • Page 23 Kevj West ln< Bill Manvilie V^onversations at the end of the road. Here are some things I've recently learned from my friends. Champion Jack Dance: 1. Key West stands, in relation to the Upper Keys, much as New York City does to the rest of the nation. In Key Largo or Marathon, they tell you right off the bat, they don't even like to go near Key West. Which means there is a combination of fear and envy at work. The only answer I give them is, "I'm sorry you don't think Key West a great place to visit, but I'm glad you don't live here." 2. Don't underestimate the power of smell in romance. Every animal species puts out a secretion called pheromone. Biologists classify it as a "sex-attractant." For instance, one molecule of female-moth pheromone — I read this in Scientific American — afloat on the night air will draw males from up to a mile away. Betty Bennet: 1. There is an enormous castle, built by nobody knows. It is night, darkness all around. Inside the castle Great Room, there is light, warmth and music, people eating and dancing, making love. A little bird flies in from the surrounding darkness, crosses the room in one straight, quick flight, and flies out the opposite window, back into darkness again. My favorite metaphor for life is the flight of that bird. 2. I saw a car in the Pier House parking lot. The bumper sticker said, "Life is too short to dance with an ugly man." Mab: 1. As you drive from Key West to Sugarloaf Key, you pass a little key on the oceanside so small it isn't even named on the map. Nobody lives there, but every time I go by, there is a guy in the water, wearing hip-boot waders, fishing. The water around him looks like milk in which someone has dropped transparent green ink. And it gets darker in bands — light green, dark green, blue. The last time I drove by I stopped and took off an earring. I threw it to him, he caught it in mid-air, we looked at each other. I drove off. That's all. 2. If I have only one life to live, let me live it as a blonde. Jim Palm: 1. You can't live on a semi-tropical island like Key West and do nothing. That's the fallacy of being rich as an end in itself. You do nothing, pretty soon you're doing booze and dope, and then they're doing you. Being'rich all by itself is not enough. It's like hiring people to live for you. 2. My friend Suzi had an experience along these lines. She knew this guy Charlie from back in St. Louis. He had been marking days off on his calendar since April, 1987. "Only 647 more days till retiring in Key West," he would tell her. "Fishing, a swim, then fish some more, sleep when you want." Retirement came, and he moved to Key West. Suzi recently met him at Boulevard Travel, buying a ticket back to St. Louis. "When will you return?" Suzi said. "I'll send you a card," Charlie said. For a man to know what he really wants, Suzi says, give him what he thinks he wants. 3. I heard what Betty Bennet says about life. I have a metaphor of my own. In Canada, the lynx prey on the hare until they eat down the hare population. Then the lynx die off from famine. This creates space for the hare to breed again, which brings back the lynx. If you are a hare lucky enough to live when there are only a few lynx, you naturally decide there is a benign Higher Power watching over you. In the phase when the lynx are dominant, you feel maybe the HP is malign. Same for the lynx, only in reverse. But to the observer who sees the pattern over a long space of time, the only reasonable conclusion is that the HP is guilty of Inelegant Design, constructing too elaborate an apparatus to play what is in the end merely a zero-sum game. 4. It is the early worm that gets caught. 5. When I was over at the Key West Yacht Club the other day, I picked up a Safety Council pamphlet about "Don't drink when you drive your boat." Alcohol and saltwater don't mix, they say. They're wrong. They do, but taste rotten. m / 6. Familiarity breeds attempt. 23 ' The Only Complete Photo Finishing Service Sn Key West ENLARGEMENT SALE TWO FOR THE PRICE OF ONE (Any size from same negative. Present coupon when ordering. Offer good until July 1.) 4 x 6 Jumbo Prints in 1 Hour Custom Enlargements To 24 x 30 E-6 Slide Processing Slide To Print Dupe Slides Passport Photos Dark Room Supplies 1 Hour Processing Black & White Processing Black & White Enlargements Copy Negatives Duratans Film, Cameras, Acces. Night Drop PRO 1 HOUR PHOTO 335 Duval St. (Corner of Eaton & Duval) 294-9331 Open 7 Days • 9am - 9pm • Free Parking in Rear Today's Investment With Tomorrow In Mind Countries all over the giobe are interested in the protec- tion of our environment. With Oppenheimer Global Environment Fund, you can participate in the world's environmental industries for as little as $1,000. Down-To-Earth Growth Potential With These Advantages: • Access to both domestic and foreign investments in the stocks of companies that contribute.to a cleaner environment. • Diversification by country, industry and individual issue. • Professional management by a seasoned team of Oppenheimer fund managers. Don't Miss An Opportunity! Learn About Oppenheimer Global Environment Fund Today! OppeniieimeF Funds Raymond James & Associates Inc. Porry's Plaza, 3706-H N. Roosevelt Blvd., Key Weal, FL 33040 (305) 294-9575 I would like to learn more about Oppenheimer Global Environment Fund. Please send me additional details as well as a pro- spectus containing more information about the Fund, including all charges and expenses. I will read it carefully before 1 invest or send money. Name Address- Cily _Stale_ -Z ip - Daytime Tel. No.L -Evening Tel. No.L • - # &*ti*n*B>&il>im&63a^^ Page 24 • June 1990 • Solares Hill Community Notes Fantasy funds. The notorious Fantasy Fest, which annually attracts more than 30,000 visitors to the Keys at Halloween time, received $62,068 from the TDC last month. The council also appropriated $3,200 for the 56th Metropolitan South Florida Fishing Tournament. For its finan- cial support of environmental projects in the Keys, including construction of the Mu- seum of Natural History of the Florida Keys, Key West Lighthouse restoration, and renourishment of Smathers Beach, the TDC received the 1989 Phoenix Award of the Society of American Travel Writers. The police and you. Last month Key West police chief Tom Webster hired Cynthia Edwards as crime prevention and public information officer for the department. Webster said the move was significant in implementing the department's crime-prevention program. Edwards, who wrote a column for Solares Hill in the 1980s, has been a city resident for five years and has experience in journalism, public relations and law enforcement. For The Dive Of Your Life Exciusively thru Captain's Corner "Tropical Mike" PADI-OWSI 38679 Zero Duval St. Key West, FL 33040 EXPERIENCE SCUBA FREEH with this Ad Open Water Certification thru Assistant Instructor Novice Resort Dives Ask About Group Rates Underwater Guided Tours (Bus) 305-296-8865 R e f e r r a l s (Res) 305-296-7410 The public pulse. The state's department of Health and Rehabilitative Services spon- sors a weekly chronic-disease screening clinic through their Monroe County Public Health unit. For a minimal fee, county residents will receive EKG; physical examination; blood pressure check; blood tests for cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose and anemia; urinalysis; Pap smear test for women; and a health history. Life-style counseling is available. Call the public health unit at 294-1021 for information and appointments. Shop for a better world. The National Consumers League, a non-profit organi- zation that is concerned with health care, workplace safety, consumer fraud and other consumer issues, is distributing a ten-page guide, "The Earth's Future Is in Your Grocery Cart." The free publication in- cludes information and tips on how to buy with environmental savvy in the super- market. For a copy, send an SASE to: National Consumers League, 815 15th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20005, Attention: Smart Shopping Guide. Roses are red. The Key West Poetry Guild holds its monthly reading, which is open to the public and all poets with original work to share. The group meets at 812 Caroline Street, at the Mostly Magnificent Museum Shop, at 7 p.m., the first Sunday of each month. There is no charge, but participants should bring refreshments. For information call Jody Adams at 296-0785 or 294-1848. Want to be a playwright, kiddo? The Lovewell Institute for the Creative Arts is seeking local students interested in creating orignal musical theater or music videos. Students, age 13 through 19, who want to be songwriters, playwrights, lyricists, directors, designers or choreographers are invited to apply. The summer workshop is July 17 through August 5 in Salina, Kansas; it is directed by Big Pine resident David America's Leading Diamond Centers In the Diamond Directory of outstanding jewelers, published by the National Bridal Service in MODERN BRIDE Magazine, you will find only one name from our area... Old Town 513 Duval 296-0291 Duval Square 1075 Duval 296-7189 Pick-Up Your Free 1990 Wedding Guide 11-7 Week Days' 11-6 Week Days 12-5 Sundays Closed Sunday Jewelry Express Instant Credit and Major Credit Cards Accepted M E M B E R N A T I O N A L B R I D A L S E R V I C E Spangler, who has written songs for Broadway shows and Warner Brothers films. Deadline for applicants is June 15. Contact David Spangler, Rt. 5, Box 42-F, Big Pine Key, FL 33043 or call 872-0011. Rocky retires. Lt. James A. Portier, Jr., known to his friends as Rocky, retired from the Monroe County Sheriffs Office after 21 years of service. Portier began his law enforcement career as a dispatcher in August of 1969 and worked his way up. Real estate recycling. The Key West Association of Realtors, as part of its program to educate and inform people of the need to recycle and to conserve natural resources, recently installed a public service banner at its headquarters at 1217 White Street. The message: Realtors Are Constantly Recycling—Are You? The association is also sponsoring a petition, for which it seeks 50,000 signatures, supporting a state-mandated recycling program as soon as possible. Legal eagle. The Monroe County Sheriffs Office has hired Mark Willis to replace Susan Vernon, who recently left her position for other pursuits. Willis served as an assistant state attorney at the Monroe County State Attorney's Office for five years. During that time, he prosecuted a variety of criminal cases, including handling all child abuse cases in 1988. Willis was responsible for the first two racketeering convictions ever obtained in the county. The word is ... William Clift was named to head the Literacy Volunteers of America Monroe County operation after a state-wide search by the unit's board of directors. Clift is a graduate of Yale University, with a degree is sociology. LVA is a non-profit agency which trains volunteers to teach adults basic reading. For information call 294-4352. Ahoy, teacher. Ecological problems and human interaction with maritime environ- ments will be studied during an eight-day workshop for Monroe County teachers. The program, available to 15 teachers, will include snorkeling, boat trips to the reef arid historic shipwrecks, museum visits and archaeological excursions. The experience is designed to generate new classroom materials and strategies for teaching envi- ronmental marine science throughout the Keys. For information call 296-6523. Criminals beware. Deputy Emil LaVache of the Monroe County Sheriffs Department reports there are 101 Crime Watch groups organized in the Keys. To start a neighborhood effort call the deputy at 296-7116 or 296-9081, extension 200. Belly up to the bar? The March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation reports that between 20 and 35 percent of pregnant women drink regularly and that as few as two drinks a day pose a risk to a fetus. "The use of alcohol by pregnant women is one of the leading causes of mental retardation in this country," says Dr. Reed V. Tuckson, March of Dimes senior vice president. GE bill is a shocker. City Electric System received a bill from General Electric Company for $101,228—over $56,000 more than the original board-approved estimate—for repair work on the Stock Island power plant. Robert Padron, CES general manager, said GE underestimated the quote because it did not include time, travel and living expenses in the original estimate. "I have no intention of paying this," said Marty Arnold, a utility board member. The board is awaiting explanation from GE. Conservancy brochure is dynamic. "The Florida Keys," written by David Rains Wallace and co-published by the Nature Conservancy and the Wilderness Society, delivers a powerful environmental message. The text gives an overview of problems and solutions unique to the Keys ecosystem. Tying in the effects of recent action, such as the 1988 opening of a canal floodgate which killed most of the marine life in Barnes Sound west of Key Largo, it is a learning tool for tourists as well as locals and students. Call the Nature Conservancy at 296-3880 or the Wilderness Society at 289-1010 for copies. Right to choose. The Monroe County Coalition for Choice recently began publishing its newletter, which updates members on governmental and private shifts concerning the issue of abortion. The publication's focus is to encourage people to become actively involved in the coalition's cause by writing congressmen and com- panies that financially affect pro-choice programs and institutions. For information contact Iva Stanley at 745-1 111. One acre for Key deer. As part of its Florida Keys Initiative, the Nature Conservancy, which protects 71,000 acres of wildlife habitat across the country, recently acquired a single acre for the globally imperiled Key deer. The tract of slash pineland on Big Pine Key was purchased for $23,000 from Charles E. Mitchell, Jr. Less than 300 Key deer are left, worldwide. Can you help me read? Volunteers with professional skills in communications and community relations are being sought urgently by Literacy Volunteers of Monroe County, according to Bill Clift, executive director of the local program. In addition to reading teachers, the program needs someone to take charge of making media contacts. For information call Clift at 294-4352 or stop by the office in the United Way building, 724 Truman Avenue, weekdays, between 1 and 5 p.m. Train for Helpline. On June. 18, Help- line will begin a training session for those who wish to volunteer to man phones at the organization's 24-hour crisis intervention, information and referral base. Helpline serves the entire county. For information call Barbara Kellner at 292-8445. No help like self-help. Sponsored by the Key West Alliance for the Mentally 111, a member-run club called Project Return will hold its first meeting at 7:30 p.m., June 13 at Fellowship Hall, Peace Covenant INSIDEOQJTT natural load Your complete source of natural foods, macrobiotics, vitamins, bodycare, New Age tapes, •literature and crystals. For all of you. on Southard at Simonton 296-2393 Open 10-6 GREAT FOOD. GREAT FUN. THE WHARF. Inn & Suites at the Wharf is centrally located and just minutes from beaches, tennis courts, the golf course and historic Old Town. Fishing and diving boats are within walking distance. Relax by the pool amidst tropical foliage and the Splash Pool Bar, or spend an exciting day on the water riding the wet and wild Wave Runners. Whether you're looking for great food or great fun, there's always something happening at the Wharf! Our room packages start at only $99. Solares Hill • June 1990 • Page 25 Presbyterian Church, 2610 Flagler Avenue. The club, in which mentally ill or emo- tionally disturbed members create their own social environment, is part of network of 160 such groups. For information call Helen at 294-4875 or Rosie at 296-8491. FKCC registration. From June 18 to 28, Florida Keys Community College registra- tion will take place at all campus centers. Term IIIB classes begin June 22 and end August 7. For information on procedures and to make a registration appointment, call 296-9081. | j ^miimiiiiiiiiiiiimimiiimiinniiminiiiigiiiiiumiiHnnHitiismnnininnu Key West Furniture § Repairs - Refinishing | Buy & Sell 1 Insurance Estimates i 5 Showrooms of Antiques 3 1222 4th St. (Behind Burger King) S 294-8595 at 294-WOOD (9663) § s John & Donna s himtuiiimBHmnuuuinimHLiiinimiiuiiuuiiiimiiiiiiHiniimiininumff DYNASTY A CULINARY JEWEL Authentic Chinese Cuisine Indulge Yourself in Sizzling Hunan, Cantonese & Szechuan Specialties Open Nightly from 5:30 pm Reservations Suggested 918 Duval St. Key West 294-2943 Take Out Available KENNY D'S Frittatas to Fritters to Fajitas to Fun, in an atmosphere unmatched in Key West. Open 7 Days Per Week • 10:30 AM to 10:30 PM Featuring nationally known comedians. Open Wednesday thru Saturday • Showtime 9PM Tickets $6 2400 Inn & Suites 296-5700 Restaurants 294-8882 N. Roosevelt Boulevard • Key West Major Credit Cards Accepted Open for Cocktails Wednesday thru Saturday 4PM to Midnight Page 26 • June 1990 • Solares Hill ALL COUNTIES JMU9T wirrt in>ftvfy Uttfo4n|ia#l i Readers Write "Pitch me, Maestro!" Dear Editor: This is in response to Anne Carlisle's column "Aisle Seat," published in the May 1990 issue of Solares Hill. In particular, it refers to her comments about the performance of "La Traviata." Some of the comments were to the point. However, the comment about the leading lady was, in my opinion, wide of the mark. I attended that performance, being in the ninth row, slightly left of center. In most opera performances I have attended, a prompter is available, whose duty it is to give the performers the first few words of a given phrase. In this case, it would appear that function was performed by the conductor, in addition to his duties conducting the orchestra. This led to the contretemps in the third act, where the orchestra fell silent for at least ten and perhaps as many as 20 seconds. It was at this time that Violetta, showing extreme embarrassment, exclaimed "Maestro!" And that was all she said. She did not say "Pitch me, Maestro!"—at least not in my hearing. It was unfair to put the entire blame on the company. While it is true that these singers were not of the first class, the real problem was that the stage direction was done by the promoter, Mr. Parvan Bakardjiev. At least, he was so credited in the program. He might do well as a promoter, but as a stage director he leaves much to be desired. I might mention here that I have been attending opera performances since 1957, and am quite familiar with the text of this opera. I observed many cuts, some of them only a phrase or so, in this performance. This was all the more remarkable in that Alfredo's second act cabaletta, "Oh, mi rimorso!"" which is cut in most perform- ances, was restored in this one. The third act bullfighter sequence was entirely cut. Mr. Bakardjiev also added an entirely gratuitous skit at the beginning of the fourth act, with a priest and an acolyte, Mr. Brian Bakardjiev. I leave it to your imagination why that was added, I will conclude with the words of an Italian critic, "Better a bad performance than no performance at all!" David C. Shepardson Key West A Jail Tale Dear Editor: Your readers may be pleased to know our Monroe County Sheriffs Department is operating at top efficiency, judging from my jail term recently. I was at the Wash-O-Mat when a very polite deputy walked in. "Are you Ed Bixby?" "Yes I am," I replied. "I have a warrant for your arrest." "What for?" "I don't know, but if you come to the jail at 8 a.m. I won't have to pick you up at your house." Curious, I agreed and arrived at eight to be told the computers were haywire and to return at nine. At nine the jailers had a fancy red jump- suit ready for me and put my belongings in a sealed bag and escorted me to the "holding tank," where perhaps a score of similarly clad prisoners were. I asked the jailer, "What am I in jail for?" He didn't know. About eleven, all of us, with a half-dozen female prisoners, were led up the rear stairs to the judge. I asked the judge's secretary, "What is OF CHAKACTeflS /N TJf/S C/iizrooti To WHAT TUG COMIC STRIP Solares Hill • June 1990 • Page 27 $1 il TWO YEARS AGO, DAD AND I TOOK ATRIP TO WICHITA, DAW HOMETOWN. I WAS FIVE MONTHS OLD. 5IMC6 THEM A LOT HAS HAPPeWEfc DAt> AND MOM F £ U W L0V6 AND GOT MARRl££>. I GREW UR D63A VU MOVED IN AND $?\M,WiCk% MOVED ON. LIFE CONTINUED ON UNTIL, A MONTH AGO, IT WAS ONCE A6A1M... T IMk TO TAKE A VACATION- 50 W£ LOADED UP THE CAR, FILLED UP WITH -GAS... HAVE CONSIDERED THE VAGARIES OF MAN.. . AND FOUND THEM WANTING. BUT THIS TRIP WAS DIFFERENT THAN FIRST ONE... I COULD see.. THB WINDOW/ OUR FIRST STOP WAS [M NORTH CAROLINA. FROM THERE WE HEADED WEST. i TWAS IN KANSAS THAT I M E T M Y D HOLD IT/ WHAT ARE THOSE?/ ryR£LL,THAT'5 A COW. LOOK, AMV.TVRELtS QUIVERING.^ QUIVERING,HELL. SOMETHING WAS TAKING OVER MY SENSES/ WE STOPPED FOR A CLOSER LOOK. I FOUND AW OPENING* INTHEFENC£ANE>... WAS AFTER THOSE COWS! SOMETHIN'TOLD M E W NEEDED SOME GOOD HERDING... AND NOW MY LIFE WILL NEVER BE THE 5AME. I 5PEND AW TIMEDREAMIN'OFCOWlWMfN' IWA5ONC6AGAINONTHEHIGH PLAIN* OF KANSAS AND SOUTH DAKOTA, THE SWEET 5MELL OF COW POOP ALL OVER MY BODY (KNOW NONE OF THIS MAKES SENSE I CANT ALWAYS 66 RMNX THERE? NOPUNCHUN&HERE. BUT THIS ISN'T THE END...ITS JUSTTHE &E6INNIN! my charge?" She didn't know. Finally, I asked the judge the same thing and he didn't know either, but said that if I would deposit $100,1 would be released on my own recognizance. I indignantly informed him that I didn't have $100 to spare, and that I'd stay in. After a very tasty meal, we sat around for two hours and a deputy took me to be photographed and fingerprinted—he didn't know why I was in jail, either. After my release, I was rather amused and phoned my wife, which was a mistake, because she became very agitated and called my children and told them of my ordeal. The next day my middle son, through his lawyer in New York, found that my incarceration was due to insurance rea- sons—my car insurance was expired when an accident occurred, and the financial responsibility act was the reason for my arrest. I'm sure your readers will be gratified to know that I've paid my debt to society and am once more a solid citizen! Ed Bixby Stock Island Solares Hill encourages readers to send letters expressing opinions on any subject of local interest.Send to: Editor, Solares Hill, 1217 White Street, Key West, FL 33040. ISLAND XnfELLNESS f^ Summer Wellness Classes 'Message Therapy • Hair Salon • Juice Bar 530 Simonton at Southard -Key West, FL 33040 (3051 296-7353 FLLICWJV1AO0O4391 THE i3€E)y$H€P AT THE REACH offers A SIZZLING Sl/MMEK SPECIAL A 3-MONTH BODYSHOP MEMBERSHIP WITH UNLIMITED CLASSES $9900 JUNE, JULY & AUGUST 1990 The Bodyshop at The Reach Simonton Street at the Ocean 296-5000 ext. 686 The New York Times says it's, " Excellent consistent popular and special." With an emphasis on fresh local seafood. You'll find it special too. Reservations Suggested. 1208 Simonton/Key West 305-2940717 Page 28 • June 1990 • Solares Nature Notebook Living with by Capt. Gaff McKetchum attitude adjustment a newcomer to the Keys must make is in his tolerance for indoor fauna. Sharing one's abode with creepy crawlies simply is not the norm up North. But here palmetto bugs, ants, mos- quitos and lizards are our southernmost house guests -- invited or otherwise. I admit to engaging in vicious hand-to- bug combat with mosquitos, slapping the CARDS Special Orders Promptly Handled Tasteful Selection of Greeting Cards Sunday NY Times Gay Studies Section 817 DUVAL STREET KEY WEST, FL 33040 (305) 296-3508 slow ones; and I am still locked in guerilla warfare with kitchen ants. Palmetto bugs, infrequent intruders anyway, are easily evicted. But in my home, the lizards, more than tolerated, are welcome guests. In the Keys, what are generically called lizards are actually geckos (family: Geck- konidae) and anoles (family: Iguanidae). If any have taken up residence in your house, they are probably members of the gecko clan, as the anoles prefer outdoor living. The most common house gecko is the elegant gecko -- Shraerodactylus elegans. Formerly known as the ashy gecko, it reaches about three inches in length. From a distance it is a drab yellow-olive color, but close examination shows a fine reticulation of white or yellow spots over the body. The juveniles are even more elegant, with their brilliant bands of black and red against a yellow or olive background and red on the legs and tail. When they hatch from their tiny 1/4-inch eggs, they are about 5/8-inch long and ready to join the other house geckos. High up on the walls or ceilings, geckos feed on small flying insects and spiders. Their ability to climb even smooth walls or across ceilings is due to microscopic hairlike structures that cover the undersides of their toes. Called v/7//, these hairs cling to sur- faces through friction, not suction. Generations of geckos have served generations of Conchs as bug exterminators long before the Orkin man came to town. Anyone who has remodeled an older wooden Key West home has seen evidence of geckos as long-term house guests. In wall cavities or beneath windowsills will be piles of gecko eggs, both broken and intact. Nocturnal or crepuscular - active at early evening and just before sunrise — geckos catch their share of mosquitos. And, when the termites swarm, they feast until near bursting on juicy termite bodies, leaving behind a trail of wings. For that reason alone, they will always be welcome in my wood-frame home. Anoles are the lizards commonly seen scampering around yards, bushes and trees all over town. When fiftysomething- year-old Little Orphan Annie exclaimed "Leaping Lizards, Sandy!" to her dog, the lizards in question were undoubtedly anoles. From a perch in a bush, tree or fence anoles stalk their insect prey, then leap out, jaws open in hope of clamping down on a meal. More than half their attempts seem to be unsuccessful. The most abundant lizard in the Keys is the brown anole, Anolis sagrei. Twice the size of our geckos, it can reach a length of six to eight inches, most of which is tail. The males, much larger than the females, are light to dark brown and have a deep, red extendable throat fan with a yellow border. This fan is present but smaller in females. As a territorial declaration, the brown anole extends its fan while bobbing up and down in a manner similar to push-ups. The brown anole is shorter-headed and stockier and moves more erratically than the green anole described next. Territorial by nature, brown anoles establish favorite spots and can be reliably found there. One recognizable individual resides on my rear steps and has such a secure claim there that he moves aside for human traffic only with great reluctance. Another lives inside my outdoor grill. We have an agreement: I give him fair notice before lighting a fire. The other common anole in the Keys is the green anole, Anolis carolinensis. Often mistakenly called chameleons, these six-to- seven-inch long green lizards have the abil- ity to change instantly from bright green to grey-brown or splotchy dark brown, but are not related to the true African chameleon. Like the brown anole, it is active by day and prefers sunny areas. This preference may be due, in part, to its movable eyelids, a feature not present in geckkonidae. cmimat crackers **> fill Breed Pet Grooming Salon "Show quality grooming at pet prices" BY APPOINTMENT AT THE BIRD NEST A FULL SERVICE PET SHOP 517 FLEMING ST., KEY WEST 296-9890 OHAW0BA0S oBAMD/WAS TI£ DY£5 , GUATAMAU4N Nature Notebook Royal Poincianas Set Island Aflame by Carl Weekley, Jr. .Trom May to July, Key West is aflame with the orange-red blossoms of the royal poinciana (Delonix regia), without a doubt the most ostentatious tree in South Florida. The tree flowers so luxuriantly that its blossoms obscure the lacy foliage; hence, its other name— the flame tree or flamboyant. The poinciana is no longer found on its native island of Madagascar, located off the east coat of Africa. But thanks to its pen- chant for making a spectacle of itself in or- der to reproduce, it is a common street and park tree in the tropics and subtropics. A member of the large pea and bean family, Leguminosae, mature trees in South Florida are usually 20 to 30 feet tall with a wide-spreading, flat-bottomed canopy. Trees in open spaces are often broader than they are tall. Combine its growth patterns with the profuse flowering and it is easy to see why some authors liken the tree to a huge umbrella of sundry poetic hues of red. The leaves of the royal poinciana resemble fern fronds. They are 12 to 18 inches long and bipinnately compound—12 to 20 pairs of leaf segments called pinnae are each divided into 50 or more tiny, oval leaflets. This type of leaf is common among legumes and accounts for the lacy appearance of the foliage of such related species as the tamarind. The flowers occur in dense clusters and are individually large and showy. Each flower is three to four inches across with five claw-like petals—narrow at the base where they attach to the center of the flower, but broad and crinkly at the margins. Four of the petals are flame red; the fifth, which is much larger, is mostly white bordered with red, and serves as a nectar guide for pollinators. The flowers are bisexual with 10 stamens and a pistil. In its native habitat, the royal poinciana was probably pollinated by birds, but in most areas where the tree is cultivated, they are pollinated by bees. Despite its profusion of flowers, the poinciana's fruit set is sparse. Pods grow up to three feet long and contain numerous seeds. Poinciana rarely volunteers—which means to grow from a self-sown or accidentally dropped seed—and it is difficult to propagate because many seeds abort. The tree is deciduous. Standing leafless from November to April, the poinciana remains starkly conspicuous because of the pen- dulous black pods. Over the last several years Key West has Solares Hill • June 1990 • Page 29 lost many royal poincianas due to land development, accident, disease or abuse. The City Landscaping Department has a policy of planting royal poincianas wherever appropriate to compensate for the losses. (Contributions to this program are gratefully accepted.) Twelve to 15-foot, balled-and-burlapped poincianas are available through local nurseries for about $125. To attain its glo- rious best, the tree needs a 30- to 40-foot spread, but requires little care after it be- comes established. In the blistering days of a Key West summer, this flamboyant umbrella will do you proud, gj] Quality Discount Bedding & Bath Searstown, Key West (305) 294-9901 The Only Authorized Full Line Dealer in the Keys BRING IN THIS AD AND SAVE AFURTHER 5% 15 Styles To Choose From Prices Starting at $399/Set 1 . SUPERB COMFORT For maximum comfort Ihe soft top of a Somma conforms to your body shape. Annoying hard spots, pres- sure points and side to side move- ment are completely eliminated. 2 . PERFECT SUPPORT Each person can adjust the dimness on (heir side of the mattress for the exact support they want and need by simply varying the amount of waler in the individual cylinders. 3 . PRACTICAL BENEFITS The Somma is lightweight, it uses standard bedding and a standard cenler supped bedframe. And many lickings aie treated with DuPontTEFLON* soil and stain matlress protector. Page 30 * June 1990 * Solares Hill Old House Handbook Preservation Board Gives Awards A 'he Historic Florida Keys Preservation Board expanded its annual awards this year to include new construction. Work by three local architects, Bert Bender, Tom Pope and Dennis Beebe, was the first to receive recognition in this category. Awards were also presented for rehabilitation, preser- vation and master craftsmanship. New work on the building at 626' Canfield, which is owned by Peter Whelan, won two awards (designer-contractor, Paul Mikolay). The addition to the historic resi- dence was recognized for overall craftsman- ship. In their award statement, jurors focus- ed on the scale and massing of the addition in relation to the existing structure, the dis- tinction of exterior siding, and overall in- terior design. An award in the new construction cate- gory was given to for work on the Montes- sori Children's School at 1221 Varela (architect, Bert Bender). Gato Village at 1203 and 1205 Calais Lane won a new con- struction award (JB Enterprises, owners, Jaime Benavides and Joe Baert; architect, Tom Pope). The Cuban Club at 1102 and 1108 Duval won a new construction award (architect, Dennis Beebe; contractor, Golden Era Construction). In addition, two resi- dences, one owned by the Davidsons at 6 Key General Maintenance CLEAN-UP SERVICE 24 HOUR Commercial or Residential Service Bob Jenkins 294-0797 626 Canfield: The photo- graphs depict the screened entryway and a detail of the arched window on the fa- cade. Judges commended "the special quality of crafts- manship" by Paul Mikolay, the designer-contractor. Hurricane Alley and the other by Robert Sykes at 320 Peacon Lane, won recognition in this category (architct, Bert Bender). Three awards for rehabilitation were given this year. One went for state- supervised work on the historic San Carlos at 516 Duval Street (architects, George and Maggie Khuly). The other two went to homes at 525 Margaret and 1016 Eaton, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Troy Bivings, III and Sherri Smallwood, respectively. Two structures were recognized in the preservation category. The home owned by Mr. and Mrs. David Mesker at 512 William won two awards (architect, Tom Pope.) Andrew Helm's building at 700. Margaret was awarded for its well-preserved exterior. Jurors felt Helm had exhibited "inherent respect" by leaving his old building virtually intact. Helm was commended "for his persistence in finding and restoring original historic shutters to working order, for the sensitive treatment of the interior floors, which were varnished rather than poly- urethaned, and for maintaining the small-room configurations and the interior floor plan." The judges were John Meffert of the Preservation Society of Charleston, Historic Architectural Review Commission chairman Dennis Beebe, Historic Florida Keys Preservation Board members Vince Mancini Carpet 6? Casuals Serving Key West & Lower Keys Since 1967 Storewide Moving Sale in Progress QUALITY BEDDING BY SIMMONS SPRING 45% OFF MINI & VERTICAL BLINDS KING KOIL BRAND NAME FURNITURE • CARPETING • VINYL 416 EATON ST., KEY WEST 294-1377 ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS • NEXT DAY DELIVERY FINANCING SPECIALISTS Buying or Refinancing Low Rate Programs First Mortgages Second Mortgages Home Improvement Licensed Mortgage Broker Jonatan Zahav Member FAMB Solares Hill • June 1990 • Page 31 525 Margaret: The judges applauded the owners' removing a balcony and sensitive treat- ment of interior features and materials, particu- larly the return of double-hung sash windows to the residence. and Lois Stormont, and Linda Stevenson, a Bradenton architect currently at work on Key West's Old City Hall project. El MICHAEL MILLER Fine House Design • (3U5) 29't-7CH7 • 517 Miiynl Street jiKey West | Old Town 292-1223 Searstown I 294-6637 Big Pine 872-3052 Scar© Cook I n c ^ PROPERTY MANAGEMENT' "SALES A Personal Finn With A Proven Track Hecord Specializing In Full-Service Management Seasonal & Yearly Rentals MLS 905 Truman Ave REAL ESTATE G r e g O ' B e r r y , I n c . White we are involved in MORE REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS THAN ANY OTHER BROKER in the area, we really sell SOLUTIONS and SATISFACTION 362 PROPERTIES AVAILABLE marketed exclusively by Greg O'Berry from $12,500 to $3,500,000. 262 Rental Units - Seasonal & Long-Term FANTASTIC SALES INCREASE OVER 1989 IN A TOUGH MARKET. WHY? CALL AND FIND OUT. ******************************* SALES ASSOCIATES WANTED. We provide the environment, training, backup and facilities necessary for you to succeed in real estate. : If you are not reaching your full potential where you are, or you want to start in real estate, call now. GENE MOODY, BROKER, 294-6637 HOW TO AVOID GETTING LOST IN THE CROWD. Start by listing your house with a real estate company that stands a little taller to begin with in terms of strength and heritage. The Prudential Knight Realty. With our help, instead of getting lost in the crowd, your house will be drawing one. JhePrudential w Knight Realty, Inc. For over 30 years, Key West's leading real estate office. 336 Duval Street, Key West, Florida (305) 294-5155 Each Office Independently Owned and Operated Page 32 • June 1990 • Solares Hill Featuring stoneware, porcelain, hand-blown glass & wooden utensils from some of America's finest craftsmen. 717DuvalSt. 294-3143 Open 10-6 Daily Art Circle SIMPLY MARBLEOUS. Gifts for every season, for any reason. Spoil a friend. indulge yourself. MARBLES Unique Gifts and Nonessentials for the Home 1102 Duval • Uptown...At ihe Cuban Club • 296-5075 Gaspar Mendoza Carves His Niche by Judi Bradford A s a sculptor, Gaspar Mendoza is a natural. The South American artist has no training in art. But a close look at the way he handles wood, his feeling for shapes that coax response from timber, indicates an insight into the secret life of the material. Before woodcarving, Gaspar's only similar experience had been chiseling stone for the family construction business in his native Guatemala. He is from Lago Atitlan, a 1000-foot-deep crater lake in the Central American highlands. Last month Gaspar opened Gallery Mendoza in one of the new retail spaces at the foot of Whitehead Street, adjacent to the Treasure Salvors Museum. The shop is light and airy and crammed with sculpture. In addition to Gaspar's work, it carries small boxes of drawers carved by Gaspar's bro- ther, some Jay Grant dovetail constructions, Guatemalan paintings and Gary Sibley photographs.. Key West jeweler Claude Dussel says Gaspar's artistry "comes just out of himself. He grew up in a tiny village with no museum—without anything—just himself and a few books." Gaspar confirms art was not part of his childhood."My family does not understand much about art. If I would do this in my village, they would think 'Who can buy this?' 'What is that for?" 'What is that?1' Gaspar Mendoza Harrison Gallery'; &!Music. LOCAL ART & MUSICAL SUPPLIES other work from NEW MEXICO • OLD MEXICO GUATEMALA - COSTA RICA Ben & Helen Harrison 825 WHITE STREET 294-0609 . They look for something they can use because nobody has a house where they can put something." Coming to Key West in the early '80s, Gaspar worked odd jobs, sometimes mak- ing mahogany frames for Gary Zimmer- man's painted mirrors, other times assisting Ernesto, a Sunset artisan. Ernesto, known as much for his outrageous personality as for his zany brass creations, speaks English and Spanish—a real plus for Gaspar who, at the time, spoke no English. Even now, he says he understands only part of what he hears, although he interprets for family .•members who have come to the states to help in Gaspar's thriving business. Working for Ernesto, Gaspar saw artists selling their work at Mallory Square and tried his hand at it. Claude Dussel worked Mallory in those days and observed Gaspar's first attempts. "He threw down a blanket on Mallory Square with atrocious work, he did not know how to cut wood or anything. I saw him two weeks later and his pieces were 300 times better. The progress M.A.R.C. PLANT OUTLET STORE (Monroe Assoc. for Retarded Citizens) .. Heliconia Psittacorum Varieties Golden Torch • Fireflash • Lady Di Andromeda • Nickeriensis Other Varieties Heliconia Jacquinii • Heliconia Carabea Pupurata • Heliconia Rostrata •Heliconia Latispatha • Heliconia Orthotricha Free Delivery in Key West 812 Southard • Old Harris School HRICQNIA 296-9556 , Open Monday-Friday 9-5; Saturday 9-1 i 517% DUVAL STREET, KEY WEST 292-1295 ill was so fast and there was so much thought behind it." Claude helped Gaspar "survive in Amer- ica" and offered art counseling as well. Still somewhat of a mentor to Gaspar, he has "total faith" in the woodcarver and sees great potential in his career. "When I was in Paris," Claude says in his strong Conti- nental accent, "I was a painter. I knew Caldenas, Costas, Cesar, even Giacometti. I knew these people and I know a certain quality in them. I find that in Gaspar." "He just works hard," says .Rudy Prazen, whose workshop is near Gaspar's studio on Caroline Street. "That's the secret. He's here from early morning till late at night." Prazen is known in Key West for his remarkable wood sculptures, including a giant mermaid that once reigned over the Pier House lobby. To form wood blocks from which to carve, both he and Gaspar laminate planks. The first time Gaspar bought wood, it was a truckload of walnut from Illinois— $16,000 worth. Now he gets most of his wood from Miami in 2-inch by 10-foot or 2- inch by 12-foot planks. Handsome burls from mahogany trees that were cut down on Simonton Street years ago, and similar pieces from trees removed for the Duval Square construction, form bases for a few of his carvings. Gaspar uses exotic woods for their color and grain: purple heart from Belize, teak, fruit woods and others. During Fantasy Fest '82, Gaspar sold early pieces made from driftwood from the sidewalk on Duval. After a run-in with the police, he restricted sales to Mallory Square. Carvings sold themselves, and an audience of collectors broadened. Marion Stevens carried some of his work in her Duval Street Gallery, Art Unlimited. Gaspar also exhibited in the Key West Art Show. "People are astounded," says Florence Recher, coordinator of the side- walk event, "at the quality and magnitude of Gaspar's work." She adds that he has won awards, including First Place two years in a row, at almost every show since he began. Gaspar's images are predominantly sea creatures: angel fish, grouper, blue crabs, seahorses, dolphin. He has completed five abstract pieces, for which he has a special fondness, but the market here prefers his realism. His vocabulary of abstract shapes, however, speaks in the animals he portrays. Scale is enlarged, form is simplified. These days Gaspar is doing some paint- ing, experimenting with abstract forms in a cubist mode. On cotton fabric, he is also doing some rubbings, using woodblocks he carved with Mayan design. But first and foremost comes the carving—an empire of Gaspar's which is clearly expanding. |ih| Solares Hill • June 1990 « Page 33 I The CoffeeMill ~ Vacationing in Key West? Spend an hour with us and make them sit up at the beach. CoffeeMill Dance & Aerobics 916 Ashe St. * 296-9982 Stop by and pick up a free schedule! Look for the tin building with blui trim next to White & Truman Chevron. Come Join Our Classes! •?: -l-j^ Key West Artists • -S-^:: 706 White Street • 296-2679 •MasterCard • Visa / w L in Guild Hall Gallery, 614 Duval : Street. Summertime Blues: Cerulean, Cobalt, Indigo, Manganese, Prussian, Sky, Thallo, Ultramarine & Windsor in Oils, Acrylics, Watercolors or Fabric Paints. ARTIST SUPPLIES • CUSTOM FRAMING • ART CLASSES NOW! 910 DUVAL ST. • PARADISE • 11 -6 TH URS-MONDAY • 294-6660 Working on your 'one true sentence'? enter the 1 0 t h A n n u a l •—«—»--—• Short Story Competition of the Hemingway Days Festival 1st Prize - $1000 f Two 2nd Prizes - $500 each y^-m^z*m*. i. ti t I Rules •g . . :jg • Story must be original & unpublished • Hemingway style not criterion for § judging • 2500 word maximum • Entries typewritten, double spaced • Official S- Entry Form (below) must be completely filled out (3 x 5 card is acceptable = with all information included) • Name & address must not appear on ^ manuscript, only the title of the story • Manuscripts will not be returned • A •5 SI0.00 entry fee and entry form must accompany each story • All entries | must be received by July 9, 1990. Official Short Story Entry Form Nai me ' A d d r es s . City, St., Zip Telephone (Day) (Night) Title of Story Send all stories & entry fees to: Hemingway Days Festival (294-4440) P.O. Box 4045 Key West, FL 33041 Winners will be announced at 5 pan. on Sunday, July 22,1990 Page 34 » June 1990 * Solares Hill Art in Your Neighborhood North End of Whitehead by Judi Bradford W'alking along the north end of White- head Street these days is like touring the Western Hemisphere. Within a single block, art enthusiasts may buy or simply admire Spanish artifacts at the Treasure Museum, English and American antiques at the Audubon House, Southwestern contem- porary art at Santa Fe, crafts from Central and South America and the Caribbean. Gallery Mendoza features Gaspar Men- doza's wood sculptures, paintings from his native Guatemala and Mayan rubbings.One of the new shops in the newly renovated Galleon Square, it is adjacent to Mel Fish- er's Treasure Salvor's Museum at the end of Greene Street. Lorelei is Mendoza's neighbor to the south. Eighty-five percent of the merchan- dise in this gift shop is artist-made. Though none of the artists represented are local, many live in Florida. Generous wet water- colors of tropical fauna by Pat Madden, Key West scenes in prints by Bill Borough, Rick Hill prints and originals, handmade paper and clay pieces by Peggy Banks Otto, and June Decker etchings comprise the two- dimensional art. The novel crafts, copper fountains and wind chimes, blown glass are charming. To the other side of Gallery Mendoza, Rainforest sells crafts from Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, South American and the Caribbean. Their weavings show true artistry. Flexible wooden snakes, gators and whales are painted to look realistic. Boxes with Haitian animal scenes, fruits and vegetables, airplant vases (with airplants)— all these make attractive accents. They-also carry clay vessels, cornstarch dolls, jewelry and rosewood collectibles. Claude's Bounty is closest to Treasure Salvors of these new shops. Owner Claude Dussel is a jeweler, specializing in hand- some handmade chains with irregular links. Using 18-karat gold and silver, Claude de- signs free-form stone settings and boldly forged belts and necklaces. His shop is also a treasure outlet for piece-of-eight hounds. Then, of course, there is the Treasure Salvors Museum with the bounty from Nuestra Senora de la Atocha. Its proper Solares Hill • June 1990 • Page 35 JUNE ART CALENDAR <>•* Gallery Mendoza Wood Sculptures & Paintings Galleon Square #3 218 Whitehead St. Key West (by Mel Fisher Treasure Museum); 294-2011 Gaspar Mendoza, Wood Sculptor Open 10 am-6pm Daily ! Art Collections Key West • Hawaiian artist James H. O'Neill will be painting Carib- bean scenes on site during June. Monday through Thurs- day, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. 600 Front Street in the Bottling Court, 296-5956. Art Unlimited • Oldest pri- vate art gallery in Key West. First to carry Haitian art. "I go in after it." Daily, noon to 5 p.m. and by appointment. 217 Duval St., 296-5625. Audubon House • Children of the House, photographs of the children who grew up in the Audubon House during the 19th century, now through the summer; $5 admission, children under 6 free, AAA discount. Daily, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 205 Whitehead St., 294-2116. Banana Boat Batik • Hand- painted silk and cotton by Key West Attitude. New ceramic work by Walt Hyla: animals, fish, lidded vessels, functional ware, and hanging fish sculptures. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Satur- day, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. 419B Duval St., 296-2380. Lee Dodez Showroom • Clay work by Lee Dodez and others. Monday through Thurs- day, 9 a.m. to noon; weekends whenever. 901 Duval St., rear, 296-5901 East Bank Gallery • Paint- ings by local artists, limited edi- tion prints, pottery, custom framing and art funiture. Open daily from 10 a.m. or by appoint- ment. 706 White Street. 296- 2679. East Martello Museum & Gallery • Remember the Maine, one of the best collec- tions of Maine memorabilia in the U.S.: flags, photos, artifacts from the Captain's quarters. Also Howard England model of the Maine. Daily, 9:30 a.m. to 5 .p.m. $3 admission for non- members. 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd. 296-3913. Farrington Art Gallery • Greg Biolchini pastels; Igor Gal- anin bunnies and strawberries. New Antique Room of framed antique prints. Thursday through Saturday and Monday, Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Wednesday and Sun- day. Gallery and framing by ap- pointment also. 711 Duval St. 294-6911. Florida Keys Community College Library Gallery • The Best of Monroe County High School Art, through mid- June. June 29 through August 3, four women artists in various media. Open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Junior College Rd., Stock Is- land, 296-9081, ext. 202. Nancy Forrester Gallery •Antique prints of plants.and animals: 1690 to 1890. Noon to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Satur- day. 518 Elizabeth Street, 294- 0015. Galerie Moderne • Closed for the summer. 516 Amelia St., 296-3156. Gallery Mendoza • Wood sculptures and wood-framed paintings by Gaspar Mendoza and others. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 218 Whitehead St. 294-2011. Gingerbread Square Gal- lery • Our regular stable of art- ists. Thursday through Mon- day, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 901 Duval St., 296-8900. Great Southern Gallery • Sensous figure drawings by Evie Baskin. New works by Gay Cunningham. Thursday through Monday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 910 Duval St., 294-6660. Guild Hall Gallery • Draw- ings, paintings, prints, soft sculpture, cartoons, printed and hand-painted cards, ceramics, T-shirts, leather bags, photogra- phy, painted mirrors, stained glass and ironwork by 16 Key West artists. Daily, 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Evenings sometimes. 614 Duval St., 296-6076. Haitian Art Company • Paintings, wood sculpture, pa- pier mache, metal cutouts by Haitian artists. Open in Key West daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 600 Frances St., 296-8932. Harrison Gallery • Paintings, photographs, sculpture and crafts by local artists. Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5:30 p.m. 825 White St., 294-0609. Is It Art • Hand-painted art- wear, prints and wall-hangings. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 913 Duval St., 294-0411. Kennedy Studios • Graph- ics, limited-edition prints. Daily, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., 133 Duval St., 294-5850; daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., 716 Duval St., 292-0215; and a new store at 511 Duval St., 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. 294-8564. Key West Art Center • Edna Damron acrylics and wa- tercolors, June 1 through 15; Nurith Gordan watercolors, June 15 through 29; Florence Recher watercolors and acrylics, June 29 into August. Also, members'work. Daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 301 Front St., 294-1241. Lane Gallery • Beth Nablo, to June 10. Daily, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 1000 Duval St., 294-0067. Lucky Street Gallery • New paintings and construc- tions by Roberta Marks. New watercolors by Tom Colbert. Daily, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 919 Du- val St., 294-3973. Mosquito Coast Island Outfitters • Metal sculpture by Tom Joris. Back country paintings and prints by Michael Shannon. Bird prints by Marian- na Bauerlein. Daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. 1107 Duval St., 296-6124. Parker Chase Gallery • Oils by Sherrill Chase, antique fur- nishings, quilts, collectibles. 1024 Truman Ave. 296-0706. Adam Peck Designs • Inter- national folk art, ethnic musical instruments, tapestries, toys, oriental rugs and kilims. Also, Adam's island and African in- spired furniture. Daily, noon to 5:30 p.m. 534 Fleming St. 294- 3771. Plantation Potters • Stone- ware and porcelain vessels, lamps. Handblown glass, wood- en utensils. All made in USA. Daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 717 Du- val St., 294-3143. Rose Lane Antiquities • Pre-Columbian art. Daily, noon to 5 p.m. and by appointment. 524 Rose Lane, 294-2270. Santa Fe • Southwestern art, jewelry and furniture. Open noon to dark, Thursday through Tuesday; closed Wednesday. 219 Whitehead Street. 294- 0397. Whitehead Street Pottery •Stoneware, porcelain, Raku vessels. Daily except Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 1011 White- head St., 294-5067. name is Mel Fisher's Maritime Heritage So- ciety, and it exhibits authentic gold treasure salvaged from the 16th century Spanish trading ship wrecked near Key West. Across Whitehead Street stands the Audubon House, former home of Capt. John J. Geiger, a harbor pilot and master wrecker. Now owned by the Mitchell Wolfson family and administered by the Florida Audubon Society, it has been restored to its 19th century elegance. Anti- ques, Audubon lithographs, tropical gar- dens and rare porcelains are among the de- lights to be savored there. Around the corner on Greene Street is Silvermine South, an anachronistic boutique which carries Rawcliffe limited-edition pewter keepsakes in Renaissance themes, and the last two pewter chess sets based on Dungeons and Dragons fantasies. A Merlin castle and wood nymphs carved from cypress by Robert Wazelle, intricately crafted jewelry, painted eggs, crystals and fetishes continue the sorcerous atmosphere. Down Whitehead Street a bit is Santa Fe, an appealing little gallery of Southwestern arts. A peek through the windows reveals strikingly colorful sculptures and crafts combining native American and contem- porary elements. Inside, wonderful wood furniture, energetic sculptures and metal cutouts in desert designs grace the gallery space. Santa Fe also carries the paintings of two women who specialize in desert scenes. It's been difficult to catch this shop open, so call first. I5i] A "slow summer" is fine for those tanning on the beaches, but it's bad news for local businesses. We believe there are ways to avoid "slow" sales off-season ... and we're experts in creating great ideas and outstanding designs that tutu Summer info Success/ Grab your share of the market by calling the Design Group today. Page 36 • June 1990 • Solares Hill Music Review Infinite Tolerance: Rethinking Reggae by Christine Naughton No, no, no man—you can't drill no hole No, no, no man—not even for your liquid gold No, no, no man—precious are the Keys so few No, no, no man—there'll be disaster 'fore you're through Oil and Water Don't Mix Steve Murphy With its Caribbean sidestreet decor, Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville on Duval Street seems a logical backdrop for Key West's own reggae band, Infinite Tolerance. Indeed, on a recent evening marking its first appearance in that cafe, the group looked in its element on the small stage tucked into the back wall. While the guys tuned up, the room filled to about half with locals and tourists, evenly mixed. Infinite Tolerance provides a thoroughly enjoyable musical experience. There are no weak links here; each musician is a con- summate professional doing exactly what he does best. Collectively, their writing is fresh, intelligent and frank—they don't speak "down" to their audience. The set spun off with "Holy Wedding Invitation," an original reggae tune by Steve Murphy, the band's synthesizer, sax- ophone and flute player. On this one, drummer Devon Thompson kicked the skank—steady bass drum emphasis on the third beat of each measure, which creates ICE COLD BEER And other frozen beverages pi- indigenous to the tropics Happy Hours 10 am-1 pm and 4-7 pm Live Music Sat. Nites Bill Blue & The Nervous Guys Infinte Tolerance (Bands alternate Sat. Nites) Jamming to island rhythms: Infinite Tolerance band members KeiuT Murphy and Devon Thompson (from left) set up for another Key West gig \ the heart of reggae rhythm. Murphy sang the melody line, with Thompson and bassist Keith Ricks contributing backup harmonies, and took an abbreviated solo on tenor sax between choruses. Infinite Tolerance is anything but shy about its political philosophies, expressing them through songs such as "Man on the Street," another original by Ricks. In this piece about the homeless, Ricks handled the lead vocal, emphasizing his rich, full tenor and perfect diction. Every word was un- derstood in this heartfelt tune which asks: "Is there no one asking why?" With Murphy playing tenor sax fills between choruses and steady rhythm coming from McAlpine, Thompson and Ricks, this song's message is impossible to ignore, and rightly so. . But Infinite Tolerance doesn't overdo the heavy-hitters. The band knows the value of a good party. "This, is a song about living free and easy in the Florida Keys," said Ricks about Robert French's "Single Life." Following a guitar solo by McAlpine, Ricks took on the lead vocal, with nice harmo- nization by Murphy and Thompson. During a vamp, which was too long, McAlpine took another solo: elegant lines and mastery of phrasing are trademarks of his playing. Thompson, who is a former member of Jamaica's "Jah Children" and possesses the most authentic reggae voice, sang lead during a cover of one of Bob Marley's most famous compositions, "Three Little Birds. "Don't you worry / 'bout a t'ing' 'cause every little t'ing / is gonna be alright." Thompson produced excellent vocal improvisation toward the end of the piece. Too bad he didn't sing more lead. _ "Oh Jah Free Us," another Murphy original, opened with a prodigious, some- what ominous bass line on synthesizer, with McAlpine's guitar fills lightening the tone after several bars. This tune illustrates Murphy's flare for the dramatic—some of his musical ideas definitely have rock opera overtones. Reminiscent of Lloyd-Webber and Rice's Jesus Christ Superstar—big, loud punches and hushed pauses, it was an impressive and well-executed piece. Back to politics with Murphy's "Oil and Water Don't Mix." As the title implies, this is a song protesting oil drilling and ex- ploration in the Florida Keys, and it minces no words, delivering the message: Don't even think of drilling here. This is one of the band's showcase pieces, and with lead sung by Murphy and another beautiful solo by McAlpine, it was quite effective. Again, Murphy's dramatic tendency was evident, as he delivered a rhythmic, spoken plea in a sort of reggae rap. "Eco-madness, sludge and waste / oil derricks, Arab states / mile-long tankers block our view / oil slicks—the danger's true." At this point, the guys tried to announce a well-deserved break, but the crowd was in a veritable frenzy after that last tune, re- fusing to let them leave the stage without playing one more. The encore choice was brilliant—a reggae coyer of Zager and Evans1 1969 release, "2525." Remember this one: "In the year 2525 / if man is still alive / if woman can survive / they may find ...." A hot tune still, after 20 years, it asks: Where are we going? Where will it end? After what became a purely funky treatment of 2525, with some cool vocal interaction between Ricks and Murphy and exciting bass and tenor sax solos, the band segued smoothly into War's "Galaxy," for the last tune of this fantastic set. Jah bless us every one! Watch the telephone poles and listen to the coconut hodine to catch Infinite Tolerance regularly around town and up the Keys. Do it soon. n i i r i U T I I I I I J I AISLE SEAT by Anne Carlisle An her introduction to Gypsy, the mem- oirs of Gypsy Rose Lee, Whoopi Goldberg makes the point that Gypsy was "a true artist" who took calculated risks by com- bining unrelated traditions into a new form. The stripper bumped and nudged her audiences into re-examining their assump- tions about highbrow and lowbrow, about the connections amo'ng sex, brains and money. "Which proves," states the ini- mitable Whoopi, "that no matter what you do, as long as'you do it with class and style, it's acceptable in a tight-ass world." During the past season the Waterfront Players have attempted to bring avant-garde theater to Key West. With offerings such as Psycho Beach Party and "Lypsinka," they seemed to be approaching their mission in the same way Gypsy Rose Lee did, with swerve and verve. Sometimes they got away with it, sometimes not; audiences for the most part stayed away, and that is a disappointment, though hopefully not a discouragement for future attempts. The Waterfront's closing effort this season, El Salvador, represents another kind of reach—one which, alas, falls short of its aspirations. Only the most sophisticated theatergoer foregoes "Twin Peaks" and shells out his 12 or so bucks in hopes of being shaken up. (Also, only the very best of America's playwrights is able to evoke real emotions; Wendy Wasserstein's Heidi Chronicles, for instance, is a play which has the power to change a person's life while entertaining. But even in New York City this experience is a rare one.) Sometimes when the artist has "been there" the work is heavy-handed. El Salvador, Rafael Lima's drama about tele- vision journalists undone by the daily lurid- ness of Third World corruption and civil war, is based on the Cuban-American's own experiences as a news correspondent. The emotional content of El Salvador is thickly laid, yet thinly realized by the actors and insufficiently felt by the audience. Perhaps because they follow fight scenes which seem out of control, the scenes in which the six men flash back to personal losses have a deadening effect. The result is a kind of emotional roller coaster, rather than a gradual building toward the dramatic climax, in which Fuller, a photographer played by Ira Howard, reveals that the young boy gun- ned down in his footage was going to get his camera, bag. "We got bang-bang," shout the men at each other when receiving news of U. S. bombardment. The supporting special ef- fects by light designer David Bird and sound designer Dan Simpson are excellent; one feels the tremor and sees the lights flicker as the ground heaves. The set design by Darryl Marzyck also creates the illusion of disturbances in the field. However, the experience as a whole is not so disturbing as it is meant to be. This is because the acting and the script never quite coalesce. George Gugleotti, a fine actor, is simply not convincing in the role of a sa- distic womanizer. Too bad that director Rae Coates, who has had positive influences on local theater, returns to his native England on such a dreary note—not a bang, but a whimper. Part of the challenge for a .company lies in knowing and even perhaps educating its audience. A typical theatergoer's tolerance for provocation doesn't come overnight; au- diences require some training. The Red Barn Theatre over the past few years has done a good job of defining to its audience what it is they do—and then doing it. A few years ago, the Red Barn put on Coyote Ugly, a challenging and first-rate production. The group's most recent ven- ture, Greater Tuna, works the same mine but in a safer vein. Tourists from Ft. Lauderdale who walked out on Coyote probably would have stayed the course with Tuna, a quirky spoof on small town bigotry. Bigotry, after all, is easier to take than incest. In Tuna, as in the Waterfront's latest production, we see the media in action—in this case, two cornball radio announcers (reminiscent of the real-life types who do the farm report in the bread-basket states.) Actors Tom Rhatigan and Gordon Mackey veer toward campiness in their imperson- ations of the townspeople, who range from the psychotic to the dumb. Mackey, having more mugs than Dansk, as a friend says, was more than up to the female imper- sonations in the play. One-liners were de- livered with the kind of up-and-out panache that the School of the Ridiculous requires: "Yeah, her hips are so big she has to lay down on the bed and groan into her jeans." Rhatigan was also funny; however, his delivery was suspiciously reminiscent of the style he developed in Boys Next Door, the "Barn's previous production. This raises the question of whether the Red Barn's stable of engaging but aging hippies is challenging itself enough. Tuna was chosen at the last minute, after director Richard Magesis was unable to cast Irma Vepp. Some new faces, some broader reaches, might be in order. With this said, an unadulterated—not to mention adult-rated—pleasure awaits Key *FREE Solares Hill • June 1990 • Page 37 Westers whose hindquarters are not overly retentive. With the exception of some background music that grated on the nerves in the first act and some dead spots in the second, Frankie and Johnny in the Claire de Lune, now playing at the Barn provided one of the finest and most moving per- formances delivered recently by seasoned actors John Wells (Johnny) and Susan Hawkens (Frankie), under the attentive direction of Joy Hawkins. Right down to the toaster, everything works, beginning with Terence McNally's lyrical, wonderfully funny script. McNally . has a Wasserstein-like capacity to probe modern love with a surgeon's sharp eye and a Jewish mother's hopeful attitude. Frankie and Johnny are lovers—whether for the night or for a lifetime is the question. Co- workers in a New York grille, they are also, by coincidence, both bora in Allentown, He says: "I want you to notice how we're connecting." She says: "It isn't how a sandwich gets made." Is he a creep? Or is she undercutting the real thing, a man who can give his heart away? The disparity that exists in all human relationships is persistently examined. A- ghast at Johnny's passionate declarations of love, Frankie tries to explain her skepticism: "It's like if you sent me a million roses. I would be impressed but I wouldn't know what to do with 'em." Considering the sex and nudity, the roles are physically as well as mentally chal- lenging, but the actors are up to them, only occasionally stepping on each other's lines and consistently at ease with their bodies. A must see—but do leave the kiddies at home.ffl of the Florida FISHERY* KEY LARGO MM 102.5 10255 Overseas Hwy. 33037 (3051451-1834 Keys STEA.KERY • LOUNGE KEY WEST 3S0O N. Roosevelt Blvd. 33040 (305) 294-8472 Men's & Women's Cotton Casuals Small To Xtra Large FREE PARKING Mon.-Fri. • 10-6 Sat. -11-4 Hand Made Creative Gifts (305) 296-3317 Luani Plaza • Kennedy Blud. • Key West. Florida 33040 ONE WEEK FREE FREE PRO CENTER FREE Hours: Weekdays 6 am-9 pm; Sat. 9 am-7 pm; Sun. 10 am-5 pm 294-1865 1111 12th St. In the Professional Bldg. Behind De Poo Good for 1st time Members. Must have Local ID. Must be" IS or Older. Expires 6-30-90 Page 38 •• June 1990 • Solares Hill The Boys Next Door MARC House residents lead secure, productive lives by Barbara Moss consider MARC Key West's place to buy a Christmas tree or a plant outlet which sells greenery for the deck. Others, such as neighbors near Windsor and Amelia Streets, are used to seeing MARC house residents and their dog sitting on the front porch at twilight. And there are those who, encountering these childlike men cleaning the grounds at the cemetery or making a run to a local store, simply avert their eyes. The Monroe Association for Retarded Adults, Inc. (MARC) has been the principal provider of services to developmentally disturbed adults—another name for men- tally retarded, not mentally ill—in Monroe County for 22 years. MARC is an extended family: the parent figures and the kids, the home and its structure, the bills and how they are paid, the rules and the recreation, the teaching and the learning, and finally the love, commitment and pride that make it all work. MARC executive director Don Moore is a soft-spoken man with a trace of a Hoosier accent who says the private, non-profit organization is led by a team of several equally paid and equally ranked administra- tors. They include Moore, workshop manager Mark Lindas, client services coordinator Diana Flenard and administra- tive assistant David Stotts. The group's home manager, Albert Fouet, died recently,' causing much sorrow among the residents. A 35-member board of directors, headed by president Sally Parr, provides the balance among parents of clients, professionals and other interested friends. formerly institutionalized adults have the opportunity to live in a mpre normal environment. To qualify as a client, an individual must have been retarded from birth, or if brain damage is the source of disability it must have occurred prior to the age of 18. A potential client must complete an elaborate Health and Rehabilitative Services applica- tion and evaluation process to be accepted into the program. Funds for services are not necessarily provided by the families of the applicants; technically, parents of the devel- opmentally disadvantaged are not respon- sible for their sons or daughters beyond the age of 21. The world of the "profound borderline" Pn. rior to the deinstitutionalization of mental facilities 14 years ago, MARC was a volunteer service which supported develop- mentally disabled children and those who were not doing well in public schools. Today MARC is best known for its group home in which, according to Moore, The most dramatic evidence of MARC's work is the group residential home at 1106 Windsor Lane, where 15 full-time adult males are supervised and nurtured 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Ranging in age from 19 to 63, they are categorized as "profound borderline," with IQs ranging from 20 to 69. Though Moore is quick to point out that there may be inaccuracies in these measurements due to the impaired verbalization skills of the retarded, he does characterize their capa- bilities as "those of a three-year-old child with 30 years of experience." An extra bed is available for "rotational respite" for community clients. Seen as a reward or special treat by the clients, this accommodation is offered to help out during temporary difficulties. The group home is In the kitchen: William Castro, Allan Perry and Scott Hart (from left) mingle at mealtime, now filled to capacity. There is no waiting list, in contrast to comparable agencies in Florida, which often have waiting lists in the hundreds and a waiting period of up to several years. Porch gathering: David Avery, Neal Dovall, Andre Levy, Larry McKinzy, James Zades and Louis La- Bose (from left) chewing the fat at the MARC group home on Windsor Street. he Day Training Workshop in the for- mer Harris School serves residents of the group home as well as 11 clients, from as far away as Big Pine Key, who are picked up at their homes each morning by the intrepid executive director and then returned at the end of the day by another staff member in the MARC station wagon. "The work ethic," says Moore, "is ab- solutely the vital core of everything we do with our clients. Good, clean work helps our guys with their sense of identity— whether planting seeds and watching them grow or sweeping. They have the same sense of accomplishment as a working person earning $40,000 a year." The day program runs from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The nursery and horticulture pro- gram, which provides sheltered work for both the severely impaired and the more capable clients who need work adjustment training, is what's visible to the public. Wholesale sales to local landscapers and plant retailers have supported this facet of the program. The retail plant outlet attracts members of the community to the facility and pro- vides social and business interaction for the clients. The client-cum-salesman greets the browser with an offer to "get someone" for more information or help. The Southard Street program may be the permanent worksite for a client, or it may be a steppingstone to an off-site job. Some workers maintain a portion of the cemetery through a contract with the city. Others move out into the business community and end up working successfully over the years for supportive island employers. MARC residents can be seen helping out at the Lighthouse Museum, groundskeeping for the School Board, and working at the Ocean Key House and Hukilau. One of the men has been employed at the Bird's Nest for several years. Jimmy Weekley of Fausto's Food Palace says about his MARC employee of four years, "Alvin's a good employee, more dependable than most. He's always here, even when he hasn't been feeling well. He has come to work [so sick] we had to send him home." "Excuse me?" I ask. "You're pretty," Billy says. The private segment of the training con- sists of classes in academics, arts and crafts, community awareness, physical education, personal grooming, recreation and leisure, and coaching in banking and shopping. The workers are paid for their labor and are responsible for their own budgets. They take a trip each Friday to deposit savings at the Navy Key West Federal Credit Union, a long-time MARC supporter. As Moore points out, the entire community is really a classroom. New services have been initiated for the Upper Keys between Marathon and Key Largo: transportation, recreational outings, medical supervision, and a comprehensive assessment to determine community needs. The staff of MARC numbers 20, including the five administrative positions. There are 12 full-time and eight part-time slots. Moore mentions long-time senior counselors Vallie Miller and Ronnie Goldstein, Martha Rodriguez, and therapeutic recreation specialist Rick Canevari. Additional assistance comes from volunteers and senior-citizen employees. Antonia Krzykalski, one of the two senior employees, was recently named the National Council on Aging's Senior Community Service Employment Program's Older Worker of the Year. As a MARC aide, the 70-ish Polish immigrant helps to train the men in such self-help skills as cleaning rooms, preparing meals and learning proper table manners. -T rom the outside, the home on Windsor Lane is a simple restored Conch house—neat, tidy and trim. Several men sit on the front porch, drinking diet cola. They seem to be absorbed in private reveries, watching the stranger with restrained curiosity. Some of them are very outgoing; others, Moore says, are only "superficially friendly." "If they see real interest," Moore says, "like children they fun to hide behind mama's skirts. Strangers at the door may want to talk 'big-people talk,' and this BIG BIG A AUTO PARTS 3 1 2 8 N. ROOSEVELT BLVD. AUTO PARTS KEY WEST, FLORIDA 33040 PHONE 294-5193 JOHN FAUON, OWNER brings about a sense of wariness." Not Billie. He could well be MARC's official greeter. We shake hands six times. Then he announces, "You're pretty." "Excuse me?" I ask. "You're pretty," Billie says again. A middle-aged ego is stroked. We shake on it. Another man wanders over and wants to chat. I don't understand a word he says. He repeats himself, over and over. Jane Cook, group home counselor and acting manager, understands every word. Her patience, warmth and humor seem endless. The visitor is struck immediately by the tidiness of the home. Furnishings are sparse, but pictures decorate the walls, and there are the omnipresent TV and VCR. World Wrestling and MTV are popular. Star Wars, The Karate Kid and Star Trek are among the favorite videos. The heart of the home, the kitchen, is spotless. From it appear the breakfast waffles and supper casseroles. A hot lunch is served at the day program. The rooms in the main house of the com- pound are for those men who have lower levels of independent living skills or who need medication. The three outer buildings have single and double apartment-like rooms for those who can live more independently. The rooms are decorated as an adolescent boy's might be—with posters, artwork and stereos. We compli- ment Milton on his artwork—three birds, each fashioned from Milton's thurnbprint, on the branch of a tree. MILTON is printed carefully on the bottom in huge block letters. The grounds are well-lighted. There is a picnic table, grill, basketball hoop and the family dog, trusty sentinel. An abandoned mutt, she adopted the guys working at the cemetery. She's named Mary Grace for the resident of the final resting place over which she was found. This Mary Grace is uncom- monly protective of her charges. On this evening, the men were excited and apprehensive as they packed for the trip to the Spring Special Olympics in Miami. In 294-3771 INTERNATIONAL FOLK ART AT ADAM PECK DESIGN GALLERY Oriental Rugs • Kiiims Art Furniture by Adam Peck Textiles • Tapestries • Tribal Art 534 Fleming St. • iHours 12-5:30 or by Appointment Jc&4 IS OFFICIALLY CLU 8CC RESTAURANT Turn at Sheriff's Substation MM2I 800 Drost Drive, Cudjoe Gardens 745-1646 Open. Tues. thru Sun. Waterside or 6 pm-10 pm Air Conditioned Dining Casual Elegance • Affordably Priced Solares Hili • June 1990 • Page 39 the main house, Herb rushes to catch up— he has just changed his mind and decided to make the trip after all. Cook stops to check his packing. There is a haunting portrait on the wall. Herb says it is a picture of his mother. There are two equally impressive pictures of his father. Congratulated, Herb simply nods and continues silently going through his dresser drawers. Residents are encouraged to interact with each other L/uring weekdays, the house is virtually empty. The men are off to their jobs at Southard Street. But from 4 p.m. to midnight, the house springs into action. During intensive therapy and training, which occurs from 4 to 8 p.m., residents are encouraged to interact with each other and within the community, rather than be reclusive in their rooms. Lately, a number of birthdays have been celebrated. Weekends are filled with recreation. There are trips to Boca Chica for bowling, to a local video- arcade, to the movies. The guys may be treated to supper at The Deli. They share island activities and celebrations with the rest of Key West. And, of course, there are those daily runs to the store for the Earth Day. Every Day. Don't let your commitment die. Don't keep putting it off. Recycle. Conserve. Care. Today. Dolt. Now. Visit us at our Environmental Gift Store. We may have answers to a lot of your questions. Of course, all pro- ceeds go toward Greenpeace Environ- mental Campaigns. An Environmental Store 719 Duval Street Page 40 • June 1990 • Solares Hill staff of life: a candy bar. Days are also the time to complete. assigned chores around the compound: helping in the kitchen, mopping and sweeping, picking up palm fronds. All have responsibilities. Moore is asked about the conspicuous absence of retarded women in the Group Home. This, we are told, is a holdover from the lack of co-ed facilities. Further, it has been traditional for the parents of retarded women to care for their daughters at home. Typically more docile and easily managed, they stay under the watchful eyes of their parents and learn homemaking skills. Retarded men, on the other hand, tend to be louder and more active. At the time of deinstitutionalization, public institutions were full of these men, several of whom are now happily ensconced on Windsor Lane, after having spent more than half their lives behind locked doors. Cook and I sit at the picnic table in the early darkness. It grows cooler, and she sniffles. One of the men stops and asks, "Are you sick? Are you crying?" "No," she assures him. "Everything's fine." A he personalized, high level of services provided by MARC bears a high pricetag. The state average for community-based facilities such as MARC is said to be around Til $ a.m. Outdoor Dining American Cuisine Evening Specials $7.95 to $12.95 70G Duval St. • Key West $15,000 per year per client; MARC averages approximately $17,500 for an all-client average. Though Key West is an extemely supportive community, Moore points out that "there's a lot of money involved in our operations and services." "Clearly we're not in it for the money" The five managers are paid, according to Moore, less than a first-year schoolteacher gets. "Clearly, we're not in it for the money," Moore says. The higher pay emphasis is on the lower end of the staff: the lowest staff wage is $6.69 per hour, which has made for low turnover in a vocation where burnout is common. Where does the money come from? According to Moore, HRS contracts account for more than 55 percent of expenses. The balance comes from "an amazing combination of a little of this and a little of that," says Moore. The sale of Christmas trees has been the largest single income- producing activity, contributing more than six-and-a-half percent of the budget. Monroe County contracts added over five- and-a-half percent; United Way almost a percent and a half; and the City of Key West, including the cemetery project, seven percent. Miscellaneous donations, including fundraisers, add three percent; and an assortment of food stamps, contracts and sales to the public add the final 19 percent. MARC has hopes that its retail plant outlet will soon become a legitimate income- producing activity. Sales have increased virtually every week. The constant scramble for funding in the face of escalating operating costs and the high cost of living in Monroe County hasn't stopped Moore from other plans. He'd like to establish a group home for women in the Upper Keys, offering special care and placing Group Home residents in the more independent setting of apartment houses. • ack in the MARC office, the conversation drifts back to the endearing quality of innocence of "the guys." "These are the most innocent people I have ever been around," Moore says. "Even by the age of three, most youngsters are jaundiced by the process of acquiring identity. I think that, somehow or other, innocence is a very important part of being a human being. As a basis of curiosity, it's part of the learning process—trying things that may not work out." After seven and a half years with MARC, Moore, former art education department chairman for the University of Indiana and self-described "education generalist," expresses deep concern for the future funding of health services. The constant shifting in federal, state and local priorities, Moore says, "decreases the availability of energies and dollars to simply care for the less fortunate of our society." On the community level, he fears that in five or ten years "greater pressure may fall on the same generous and conspicuous shoulders who donate their resources to promote our work." Moore and his staff struggle to build a "space within a small universe" for their guys, a space with "dignity and a sense of belonging." They continue to stress the credibility and worth of the service they offer. Expressing gratitude to the community for its ongoing support, and proud of its work, the MARC family looks forward to the time when a more civilized means to care for their people becomes a graceful reality. MARC pledges to its clients a safe and secure home; a high level of health and nutrition; guidance, education, training and help in all areas of need; friendship and a sense of family; the promotion of self-respect and concern for one another; accomplishment as the basis of self-worth and pride; and the development of values beyond immediate material gain. These goals are light-years away from the institutionalized existence provided not long ago to this country's mentally retarded, [sh] 294-0 1015 Flem at Eden House Business Briefs In an effort to support the television and movie industry in the Keys, The Advertising Agency announces the addition of its new casting, model and talent services. The Florida Film Bureau, Columbia Pictures, Orion Productions and MGM are among companies that will send the agency's casting material. Registration is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at the agency's 724 Simonton Street address. For information call 296-1843. Artist Bruce Zabov's company, Decorative Paint Finishes, offers the owner's talents in specialized painted finished. Zabov's painted marble and wood grain can be seen at T.L. Marbles and Hair West. Les Bisouxes de France, which will open in the Cuban Club, will be decorated with Zabov's white faux marbre floors embellished at the entrance with trompe I'oiel bikini panties and a long-stemmed rose in matching hot pink. For appointment call 296-3346. For the first time since 1962, the Florida Keys played host to the Florida Outdoor Writers Association's annual conference last month. The five-day conference was based at Cheeca Lodge on Islamorada and featured reports by government officials and environmental experts on ecological concerns and areas of interest to the outdoors enthusiast. Sponsors included Budweiser, Key Largo and Marathon Chambers of Commerce and the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. The Reach has named Connie Cantrell, an employee of the resort since it opened five years ago, employee of the year. Contrell, who is night supervisor for turn-down service, received $250 in cash and a roundtrip ticket to Mexico from Pan Am airlines. Management helped Cantrell celebrate by putting on a talent show. Keys Dry Cleaners announces the opening of its new store in Perry Plaza, next to McDonald's restaurant, on North Roose- velt Boulevard. Owners Betsy Hurst and Steve Cupery have been offering quality dry cleaning in their Marathon location for almost two years. Open seven days a week, the new store may be reached at 292-1112. Dr. John A. Hughes-Papsidero Announces the Opening of His New Office at 605-A United St. Key West Specializing in Ear, Nose & Throat Head & Neck Surgery Facial Plastic Surgery • Allergy Hearing Testing • Hearing Aids Adult & Children 294-7018 Offering services to adults and children, Dr. John A. Hughes-Papsidero has opened a new office at 605-A United Street. His specialties are ear, nose and throat, head and neck surgery, facial plastic surgery, allergies, hearing testing and hearing aids. Call 294-7018. Established in 1978 by Neal E. Hirsch, Property Management of Key West, Inc., 1213 Truman Avenue, has grown from one to seven employees. The small realty firm provides service, sales and management for Villa Vacation Rentals, which offers over 200 selections in its portfolio of vacation homes. The company is currently involved in the restoration of the Casa Gato building on Virginia Street. Call 296-7744. "Tropical Mike" of Captain 's Corner, 0 Duval Street, is offering a summer diving special for Keys residents. With scheduling at client convenience, locals can discover scuba for the first time or become certified scuba divers in a few hours. A special rate, which is applied to groups of two or more, includes diver's manual, log book and use of all equipment required for the course. Call 296-7410 and leave message. In January, Nick Dunn and his co-pilot, Dan Haggerty, opened Sugarloaf Soar- ing, which offers the only sail-plane ride in the Florida Keys. Sail planes provide a smooth, peaceful ride over the aqua and green mangrove islands. Located at Mile Marker 17, at the Sugarloaf Airport on Sugarloaf Key, the company can be reached at 745-2217. Alan Sanches, formerly of Aloha, Michael Welchman, from Madge's Dropoff Donald Wilson, piano instructor and Robert Duncan have united to form Laundry Boys Dropoff. Located at Grinnell and Truman, the service specializes in pick up and delivery at home or office; it is open Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call 292-1726. Tropical Screen Service, 221 Pat- terson Avenue, has been owned and oper- ated by Frank and Sandy Cartonia since 1982. The company manufactures and re- pairs aluminum screens, sliding screen doors, screen patios and pool enclosures. Expertly Guided Tours & Shark Feedings Daily $1.00 OFF Adult Admission with coupon The Key West #1 Whitehead St. in Mallory Market 296-2051 AQUARIUM Solares Hill • June 1990 • Page 41 Its newest product is a pet screen door, good for animals up to 30 pounds, which mounts in a window or sliding screen to give pets swinging-door access. Call 294-6031. Diane Pansire, owner of Rich's Cafe, located at the Eden House, 1015 Fleming Street, has announced the restaurant's closing for the filming of "CrissCross," starring Goldie Hawn. During summer months, classes at Island Wellness, 530 Simonton, will be geared toward locals. They include yoga, stress management, children's playshop, massage workshops, a gay men's group, Healing Circle, self-hypnosis, teenage wellness and t'ai chi. Call Gary Young at 296-7353. gl FLAMINCJ0 CROSSING Enjoy made fresh daily ice creams, j sorbets, honey yogurts and all-fruit vitari in a tropical garden. The usual favorites plus •tropical flavors made fresh daily. ! Florida Keys Finest Kay Lime Pie FHEE TASTINGS Open Daily from Noon to 11 p.m., Fri. &Sat. 'til Midnight 1105 Duval Street 296-6124 Lay's Transmissions AM. Automatic & Standard Transmissions Overhaul • Exchange»Leaks General Service 294-4913 McDonald Ave. Stock Island COT~RfTt Specializing In Furniture Upholstery Boat Tops • Marine, Auto & Commercial Upholstery One of the Largest Selections of Fabric & Foam in the Keys 116 Gauge Plastic on Hand - 54" Wide /Terry Cloth on Hand • FREE ESTIMATES Established 1953 • Serving Big Pine to Key West 296-2121 • 1100 White Street PLANT NURSERY Orchids • Fruit Trees Houseplanfs Landscaping Plants Xeriscope Pictnfcs Hibiscus Ofher Exotics Ui I CITY ELEORIC EATON 3Wb\£S JAMES 9 AM - 6 PM 7 DAYS 916 JAMES ST. • KEY WEST 292-0272 I Page 42 • June 1990 • Solares Hill JUNE CALENDAR Cultural Events Through 6/10 • Frankle and Johnny at the Claire de Lune, a comedy, love story directed by Joy Hawkins at the Red Barn Theatre. Wednesday through Sun- day, 8 p.m. Tickets are $12.50. Call 296- 9911. Through 6/30 « Papa returns to Jan McArt's Cabaret Theatre for an extended run. William Hindman is back by popular demand in his moving portrayal of Ernest Hemingway in John DeGroofs one-man play. Curtain is 8 p.m.; tickets are $17 and $18. Call 296-2120. 6/2 • Festival of the Continents grand finale, Caribbean Night at The Reach, starts at 8 p.m. Reggae star An- drew Tosh and the Soul Syndicate Band. Refreshments, special dinner available. Concert tickets $12 in advance, $14 at the.- door. Call 296-5000, extension 630 for reservations. 6/20 • Spec, an original play by Key West's Tom Grimes, will be the final play at the Red Barn Theater, 319 Duval Street. This first production is an hilarious show-biz farce about Hollywood writers and producers. Call 296-9911 for informa- tion. 6/29 • Florida Keys Community Col- lege Library Gallery presents "Six Women Artists" in various media through August 3. Reception with refreshments from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Lovers: Actors Susan Hawkens and John Wells in Terrence McNally's funny ro- mance, Frankle and Johnny in the Claire de Lune. Directed by Joy- Hawkins, the play will run Wed. through Sun. through June 10 at the Red Barn Theatre, 319 Duval Street. Tickets are $12.50; 296-9911. Coramon Good 6/1 • Florida Keys Community Col- lege in conjunction with Barry University, Florida A&M University and the Miami Veterans Administration Medical Center, is holding a workshop on "Keys to Clinical Management of the Cognitively Impaired Elderly," from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Call 296- 9081, extension 268. 6/4 • City Commission Meeting, Key West City Hall, City Commission Cham- bers, 525 Angela Street, at 6 p.m. Always open to the public and televised on Chan- nel 5. Call 292-8200. 6/11 • Florida Keys Youth Club at 3465 South Roosevelt Boulevard will hold a bike auction during the second week of June with over 100 bicycles from the Key West Police Department's "lost or stolen" department. Proceeds benefit club. Call for exact date. 6/18 «City Commission Meeting, Key West City Hall, City Commission Chambers, 525 Angela Street, at 6 p.m. Always open to the public and televised on Channel 5. Call 292-8200. "6/13 • Project Return, a new self-help club, part of a 160-club network for the mentally ill or emotionally disturbed, holds its first meeting at 7:30 p.m. in the Fellow- FLORIDA KEYS COMMUNITY COLLEGE PICK A WINNER, ship Hall of Peace Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2610 Flagler Avenue. Call Helen at 294-4875 or Rosie at 296-8491. 6/17 • Fifth Street Baptist Church will hold an outdoor service next to Astro City at 7 p.m. Puppet show and watermel- on feast; all are invited. 6/18 • Helpline training session begins for volunteers to man phones and make referrals. Anyone interested should call 292-8445 or 296-HELP. Always Happening Adult Children of Alcoholics meets at Holy Innocents Church, 901 Flagler Ave- nue Mondays at 7 p.m., Tuesdays 5:30 p.m. and Thursdays 8:30 p.m. 294-8912. AIDS Help needs volunteers to assist in the office, as well as to be buddies to peo- Hospitality Marketing and Sales Scuba Diving Geography of the US & Canada Effective Selling in the Small Business Introduction to Sociology FKCC's Summer Term IIIB Registration --June 18 through June 28— Classes start June 22 For registration information, call 296-9081 LINGERIE BOUTIQUE Announcing Our Exciting New Location! 1108 Duval Street—In the Cuban Club Grand Opening Week Special 20% Discount on All Merchandise Through June 8th Featuring Silks and Cottons by Dior, Jezebel, Bob Mackie. Kama Sutra Massage Cream or Oil, and More! ^Mon.—Sat. llam-6pm ^ 294-6194 pie with AIDS. Call Ann Weekley, director of volunteers, at 296-6196. Anchors Aweigh Club, Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings daily. 404 Virginia Street, 296- 7888. Breezeswept Beach Estates Civic Association holds meetings at 7 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month in the Youth Center of Big Pine Key Methodist Church, 872-2861. Card & Game Night, Senior Citizens Center, Big Pine Key, 745-3698. Guardianship of Monroe County helps disabled adults and elderly resi- dents in decision-making. To volunteer or for more information call Elizabeth Covino at HRS; 292-6728, Betty Cambell at Flori- da Keys Memorial Hospital, 294-5531; or Liz Kern at Hospice, 294-8812. Island Wellness, at 530 Simonton Street, offers a variety of regularly sched- uled courses and activities. Yoga, T'ai Chi, meditation, rebirthing, metaphysics, gay issues, personal growth and hypnosis are some of the subjects covered. A gay rap and a healing circle are also featured. Call 296-7353 for details. Just Say No supper club meets Mon- days from 4 to 6 p.m. 292-8248. Key West Worship Group holds two meetings each Sunday at 8:45 a.m. and 3 p.m. The Quaker form of worship is held in silent meditation waiting upon the Lord. Meetings are held in various friends' homes and gardens around Key West. 294-1523. La Leche League of Big Pine Key meets at Big Pine Methodist Church 9:30 Monday mornings. 872-2148. Literacy Volunteers of Monroe County is seeking volunteers to help in Saint Mary, Star of the Sea Windsor Lane & Truman Ave. MASS SCHEDULE Saturday Vigil: 6 pm Sunday: 8 am, 10 am and 11:30 am (bilingual) Monday-Friday: 8 am Monday, 10:30 am at Senior Citizen Plaza Holy Days: 7 pm Vigil 10 am Holy Day Veiy Rev. Eugene M. Qninlan, VF Pastor &. Dean of the Keys Rev. Mr. Kxiby McOain • Permanent Deacon Religious Articles Shop Open before & after weekend Masses and Friday & Saturday - 10 am-Noon 10% Discount with this ad working with the media and in teaching others to read. Call Bill Clift. 294-4352. Lower Keys Friends of Animals helps animals that are victims of misfor- tune. For membership information call 296-8682 or 296-3926. Mental Health Care Center of the Lower Keys conducts an ongoing thera- py group for manic-depressives every Thursday at 5:30 p.m., with Dr. Elizabeth Saenger. Another new program is Com- ing with Depression, which meets with Dr. Christina J. Taylor, on Thursday evenings. Call 292-6843. Monroe County Public Library, Fleming Street, offers preschool story hour on Thursdays at 9:30 a.m.; Saturday movies 10 a.m. 294-8488. Native American study and participa- tion group meets every Thursday at 8 p.m. at 1700 Flagler Avenue, upstairs. There is no charge. Old Island Harmony Barbershop Chorus, Old Stone Church, Key West.meets Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. Open Poetry Reading meets the first Sunday of the month. Bring original work only. Also prose, music, dance; listen or perform. Free, refreshments served. 296- 0785 or 294-1848. Pool & Dart Tournament, Big Pine Moose Lodge, Wednesdays, 872-9313. Recycle Key West, sponsored by the Women's Resource center and located in Peary Court off White Street, is open eve- ry Wednesday, 2 to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to accept clean, separated glass, newspaper, aluminum and plastic. Volunteers are needed. 294-6241. Small Business Counseling third Fri- day of each month at Barnett Bank of the Keys, Tavernier. To make an appoint- ment, call 352 -2661 . COME IN AND SEE OUR COLLECTION OF SUITING AND SPORTCOATS Solares Hill • June 1990 • Page 43 Sweet Adelines, Presbyterian Kirk of the Keys, Marathon, Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. Writers' Walk, about one mile, takes place every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. The cost is $10. Meet at Ocean Key House, 0 Duval Street. Make reservations. 745- 3640. REEBOK-BROOKS-KEDS-U UNISA-9 ¥EST-CANDIES WHAT GEO STEE PAR I TOWER S WHAT-AEROSOLE OJBRUTINI-PIER 'GATE-BUGLE B -1990 INK BARE A S S E T S - I O t r N i SKOOTERS-NUVOTLASSI J ANSEN-SAMANA- STAR IBfBHI8B19HB|8|HBBBMlHMiWH|ii!|jj|H8™ iiSliisliii^i u|-pn|^>ah;\i!PiincJriis&5^-;ivcf^?iI^ wUlfi i O A 1 } o yj h E R7?TTTTWT_PTFP RESTAURANT S T O R E FOOD SERVICE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES PARTY SUPPLIES & RENTALS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC I Business Hours: M.-F. 9-6 • Sat. 9-5 • Sun. Closed 294-7994 • 294-8828 925 TRUMAN AVE KEY WEST, FL 33040 Page 44 • June 1990 • Solares Hill Mars spends June in his own sign, Aries, causing many of us to spring into new or assertive action. However, Mars forms strong squares to a number of planets this month, creating resistance to plans or teaching lessons about initiating changes. Add to this the Sun in dualistic Gemini and, for many of us, the realities of forethought surface. Mars makes us impulsive June 10 to 12, confused about direction the 18th and 19th, and overzealous on the 24th. ARIES This month increases your salesmanship. Keep in mind that ruler Mars, now in your own sign, increases confidence, but it also suggests that others may find you extremely assertive. Expend Mars' energy through manual work, gardening and planting, or fitness exercises. By the 22nd, you want to connect with relatives or find yourself senti- mentally drawn to something, someone from the past. Southern Bell will love this. TAURUS Money matters dominate. However, with Mars in the house of karmic retreat, it may be best not to lunge into any committed Financial dealings now. There are too many risks. Your practical no-nonsense approach to business resurfaces next month. Mean- while, gather data and prepare from behind the scenes.You exude sexual or romantic charisma this month. You may even treat yourself to an expensive gift, body massage, or facial. GEMINI Powerful Mars favors you during your month. Life renews your efforts with a Jetstream of energy. Social life is apt to be demanding and enriching. Improve your 0 I h A Christmas Shop Mon-Sat 9-9 • Son 11-8 Ornaments, Gifts & Christmas Collectables Including: Dept. 56 Dickens and Snow Villages, Fontanini, Nativities, Byers Choice Carolers, Cuthbertson Christmas China and so much more... 120-122 Duval St, Key West • 294-6001 appearance by the last week of June, when lovely Venus enters your sign. You may experience volatility and a tendency to act without enough thought from the 10th through the 12th. Monetary issues, security or home improvements come into focus. CANCER Take a backseat and watch the drama. Before a birthday it is best to recoup energy rather than squander it. Mars in Aries stimulates your professional sector. You may be asked to take on more leadership at work; or, if you own a business, you feel the pressure of your position. Don't get caught up in details. Instead, flow along to avoid conflicts. Power struggles are pos- sible from the 10th through the 19th. You run the risk of being misunderstood. LEO June brings social activities and a gift of choice. Mars in Aries suggests that the pio- neer from your inner psyche comes forth strong and clean, and you want to explore new places and faces. Venus and Mercury bring news from friends. Writing, teaching or publishing efforts are favorable. By the end of June, however, you enter a more reclusive space. Respect that need. VIRGO Career matters are important. Increased authority and recognition lay ahead. With planets in the dual sign of Gemini, you may find yourself making "Sophie's choices." Do what is best, but beware of rigidity or formal perspectives. Strong energy de- mands that old conditions yield to new forms of expression. Some Virgos will ex- perience a feeling of starting over. LIBRA The stars smile on travel. The Sun, Mer- cury, and your ruler, Venus, all move through the chart sector of vacations. Be re- newed by the sounds, smells and tastes of a new locale. Philosophical renewal (and re- charged faith) may result from this trek. Mars in your partnership sign may deliver a new Romeo or Juliet; coax new dimensions from your current mate; or bring feisty matters to a head in order to clear the air. SCORPIO Money matters seem important. You may look into a loan or forge a strategy in a financial partnership. This is time for finan- cial renegotiations; reviewing inventory or sales strategies; or otherwise cutting losses to make space for new areas of expression and development. Venus in your partnership sign brings the aid of a supportive indi- vidual. Love may flow along well. Set energetic new work goals, or work out and reduce the flesh of winter. SAGITTARIUS Partnerships dominate. You have much to discuss with a mate; Mercury opens the way for good talks and Venus brings the joys of speechless communication. Mars in the sector of romantic love boosts any active libido, and you may find yourself far more. aggressive. Children will be ready for movement and adventure. Exercise feels good now—so indulge. CAPRICORN It's time to innovate new strategies at work. You may change employees or employment and the systems you work with. There's a strong focus on both the work you're doing and how you're doing it. Improvement is cosrnically scheduled. You may need to fine-tune your health by ob- serving basic rules about good eating and living. Issues of partnership demand atten- tion. If allowed, the joys of sharing will be doubly yours. AQUARIUS Love is in the air. With the versatile twins on your natal chart angle of love, you may also have romantic choices to make. Perhaps more than one relationship is beginning to bloom. The twin energy may also indicate your love for two dissimilar children, both of whom demand extra atten- tion now. Mars intensifies your gift of gab, and you may be drawn to sales, seminars, local events or community activities. Cha- risma runs high this month. PISCES Muchhappens at home and you may feel pulled in at least two directions at once. Perhaps one relative comes to stay while another leaves. Act on an interest in minor redecorating or gardening, and enjoy your home—plan social events to take place there. With Jupiter in the social sector, love, the arts, and enjoyment are accessible. Mars can make you surprisingly assertive where financial matters are concerned. . Don't let a squabble over money mar the social vibes this month offers to you! [§! and A & A DISTRIBUTORS OPEN 7 DAYS MEATS ® GROCERIES FRUITS • VEGETABLES DELI & BAR-B-QUE BEER & WINE COMPLETE LINE OF PET FOOD FOR HORSES « DOGS • CATS • CHICKENS • RABBITS ETC 296-9474 4O8 WHITE ST. RBS POOL CONSTRUCTION' CUSTOM SWIMMING POOLS o Designed By Professionals • Free Estimates « Swim Year Round With Our » Bank Financing Economical Heat Pump Available • Shot Crete Pools RESIDENTIALS • COMMERCIAL RON BARTON OWNER 745-3223 STATE LIC. RP 0047741 BOBCAT RENTAL SERVICE AVAILABLE Solares Hill • June 1990 • Page 45 Mango: Peach of Paradise low chicken salad with green grapes, mixed into A was sitting on the shady porch of my old conch house, a long, curved fruit knife in hand, a pile of mangoes in my lap, and an empty bowl beside me. Preparing my mangoes, I began to imagine what it must have been like on this tiny, tropical isle in 1910, in the days when the porch was the coolest,spot around and the place to visit neighbors while pleasantly peeling potatoes—or mangoes. Then, all too soon, the neighbors came screeching up in their noisy 1990 vehicle; I picked up my mango bowl and went inside. Native to the Himalayas, the mango has been under cultivation for more than 4000 years; today, more than a thousand varieties thrive in the world's warm climates. Buddha had a mango orchard; and it is said that an Indian emperor was so enamored of "Eve's apple" that he had 100,000 trees planted for himself. In Indian art, the mango hue and shape frequently recur. In fact, the fruit was probably the inspiration for the paisley design. Given its wondrous qualities and widespread appeal, it is surprising the mango didn't make its way to the States until a hundred years ago. South Florida today has some 200 varieties available from May to September. But many Americans—those from the North, in particular—are still relatively ignorant of the mango because they were unavailable prior to the advent of shipping perishables by air. For cooks, mangoes make an ideal ingredient, usable at any stage of ripeness. But before plunging into a recipe, rub a fleshy piece of mango peel over the back of your hand. Mangoes are distantly related to poison ivy and you may develop a rash. If so, work with rubber gloves or under cold running water. -feeling a mango can be difficult, as the flesh does not pull cleanly away from the pit, which is engulfed in a nearly impenetrable fiber. Here's how to succeed: stand the mango on end and slice as close to the pit as possible around the entire fruit. To remove the flesh from the peel, cut it in sections---Hor including the fruit. Bend the peel back so the fruit pops up, and either eat or cut it off the peel— a serrated grapefruit knife is a good tool for this. Green but mature mangoes make glorious chutneys— pickles, relishes, jellies, jams and preserves. They can also be treated as vegetables, or as a substitute for green apples. Green fruits may be ripened at room temperature and may take from three days to a week unless you hasten the process by closing them in a brown paper bag. A ripe mango has a full, fruity aroma emanating from the stem. Avoid those with a turpentine-like or sour smell. When chilled, unpeeled mangoes will last for three or four days; peeled and sliced with a little lemon or lime juice added in, they will keep about the same amount of time. To freeze ripe mangoes, puree the pulp and pack in airtight containers, adding sugar to taste. Or cut the fruit into bite-size pieces, put into ice-cube trays or on a flat tray, and freeze in airtight bags. They will keep up to a year. To dry mangoes, spread peeled slices out on a rack and put in the oven, with the door ajar, for about eight hours at 130 degrees, until the mango is leathery but still flexible. Seal and freeze. Or for about $100, you can buy a dehydrator, which, in Florida, may be a worthwhile investment. Although the mango has a fairly high sugar content, a quarter-pounder has only about 70 calories, about the same as a banana; one cup contains only 12 grams of sodium. Mangoes provide a high supply of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, potassium and even some B vitamins. Mango is a good substitute in peach recipes. It also combines well with tropical fruits for drinks, puddings and custards, cakes, pie fillings .and quick bread. The versatile fruit also offsets grilled meats and fish wonderfully, and it is very much at home in green salads or blended into a cottage cheese or yoghurt. Try mango chunks in sliced, blanched almonds peeled kiwi slices for garnish ice cream, or as the fruit for an upside-down cake Possibilities are endless. ISLAND MANGO CHEESECAKE Makes one 9-inch cake 12 honey cinnamon graham crackers, crumbled 4 tbsp unsalted butter or margarine, melted 3 eggs, room temperature 1 tsp vanilla extract 1/2 cup milk honey 3 pkgs 8-ounce regular or lowfat cream cheese, cut up 1 cup sour cream or plain yoghurt, drained or stirred 1 small lemon 2 to 3 cups peeled, sectioned mango 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees 2. Finely crush graham crackers with rolling pin or in food processor. Pour butter over and combine thoroughly. Press firmly over the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. 3. Blend in processor or mixer eggs, vanilla, honey and half the cream cheese until smooth. Blend in remaining cheese. 4. Wash and rinse lemon in hot water; finely grate half the peel into mixture. 5. Add the mango and process until smooth but not pureed. 6. Spoon cheese mixture evently into pan. Bake 45 minutes, remove from oven, sprinkle with almonds, return to oven, bake another 15 minutes or until cheesecake is firm to the touch but soft in the center. Remove from the oven and let cool. 7. Unhinge outer ring and remove cake. Refrigerate until chilled, preferably overnight. Decorate with kiwi and serve wedges on chilled plates. DINNER. Come to Benihana on your birthday with a party of 4 or more and we'll buy the honored guest a combination Hibachi Chicken and Teriyaki Steak Dinner. Sliced diced and sizzled right before your eyes. Offer good year-round on your birthday only. Proper I.D. required. One free Chicken and Steak Dinnerparty of 4 or more). Tax & tip excluded. THE JHPRnESf STEHHHOOiE Open nightly 5:30 PM. Major credit cards accepted. S. Roosevelt Blvd.

1990-06 Solares Hill Newspaper, Vol. 18 No. 6, June 1990

Publication

Florida Keys History Center

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Collection