Folio Vol. 37, Issue 22

11.15

2023

Obtaining Bodily Perfection: A Deep Dive Into the Rituals of Female Bodybuilders

CONTENTS

VOL. 37, ISSUE 22

COLUM N S

FEAT U RE S

4

10

29

Angela Phillips

Prevent Seasonal Depression

Kerry Speckman

Letter From the Publisher

Reclaiming What Daylight Savings Steals: How To Mallory Pace

7

33

15

Horoscopes Ambar Ramirez & Carmen Macri

Holiday Gift Guide Folio Staff

13

Folio Weed: Doctor Is In Shelton Hull

13

Mallory Pace

Jacksonville

The Rituals Of Female Bodybuilders Su Ertekin-Taner

In Your Own Words D. Michelle Maule

Debunking Fake News Kelila Ritchie

Combined Minds

Unacceptable

Dracula Amiyah Golden

43

Folio’s Back Page: Racing Against Hate Like

26

38

Living At Home Until It Is Socially

36

Obtaining Bodily Perfection: A Deep Dive Into

20

Carson Rich

Carmen Macri

22

Shelton Hull

Strikes Of Compassion

35

18

Give Thanks, Give Back: Homelessness In

Weird Wild Stuff

Lucy’s Legacy

My Life Depends On It Suzie Pollak Becker

Ambar Ramirez & Carmen Macri

42

Dear Dumbs Shari & Terry Jaymes

BEHIND THE COVER: “Obtaining Bodily Perfection: A Deep Dive Into

FOLIO STAFF:

The Rituals Of Female Bodybuilders” Cover story by Su Ertekin-Taner ANGELA PHILLIPS Publisher

SHELTON HULL Writer

TERESA SPENCER General Manager

SU ERTEKIN-TANER Writer

JOHN PHILLIPS Vice President

CARSON RICH Writer

KERRY SPECKMAN Copy Editor/ Writer

AMIYAH GOLDEN Writer/Photographer

AMBAR RAMIREZ Creative Director

MALLORY PACE Writer

CARMEN MACRI Multi-media Creative/ Social Media Manager/ Lead Writer

Photos by Amiyah Golden

KELILA RITCHIE Writer DALE RATERMANN Crossword Puzzles Contributor

3

LETTER

From the Publisher

The phrase “a seat at the table’ usually refers to a power position. It often means the “seated” person is a decision or change maker.

Someone of value.

But what about a seat at the table for acceptance, a sense of belonging or being included?

In this season of Thanksgiving, consider who else may benefit from a seat at your table. Or to take it a step further, who may you and your family benefit from learning from if they had a seat at your table — or if you asked for a seat at theirs?

As this busy festive season comes upon us, think about how you and yours can be grateful, accepting and maybe even learn a few things.

P.S. Don’t forget: Support Small business Saturday and Giving Tuesday to support our community and business owners this holiday season.

Angela

For many of us, November is the month of Thanksgiving and the beginning of the holiday season. It is a time when people gather with family and friends to express gratitude and appreciation for the good things in their lives. Families celebrate Thanksgiving as one of the few days of the year they are blessed to have so many loved ones under the same roof. Those less fortunate may spend Thanksgiving in homeless shelters or the cold. A few may receive a traditional Thanksgiving lunch, but many others will go hungry.

November is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month. The purpose is to raise awareness for unhoused children and families and to educate the public on ways to help end this occurrence. Estimates say 1.3 million children under six experience homelessness in the United States. Over one-half of them experience depression and anxiety. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, approximately 550,000 unaccompanied youth and young adults up to age 24 experience a homelessness episode longer than a week. 43% of homeless youth are unsheltered. Many of them have experienced significant trauma before and after being unhoused.

Based on a 2022 study by the National Library of Medicine, suicide is the leading cause of death among unhoused youth. Other studies have shown that more than one-half of homeless youth have experienced suicidal ideation in their lifetime. Another study from the National Health Care for the Homeless said that 40% of homeless teens struggle with depression, which is higher than their housed peers. Major depression is a significant risk factor for suicide. Homeless youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide than students who live at home.

Youth.gov suggests that providing timely and direct interventions to youth experiencing homelessness is important to protect them from suicidal ideation and other risks from living on the streets. Also important is providing these young people access to mental health care. Suicide rates are higher among young people with mental health disorders. In fact, many have never been diagnosed with a mental health disorder.

The Jason Foundation is dedicated to the prevention of youth suicide through educational awareness programs that equip us with the tools and resources to help identify and assist at-risk youth. If you have friends or loved ones who are homeless, it is necessary to know the warning signs and risk factors associated with suicidal ideation. Knowing this information could be crucial in saving that young person’s life. For more information, please visit jasonfoundation.com.

Scott Knight The Jason Foundation 615-264-2323

THE

MAIL

BOUQS & BRICKS

BOUQUETS

BRICKBATS

mission to make Northeast Florida an even better place. The non-profit or-

26.7% of children and 17% of adults are food insecure, giving Duval County

ganization works with local restaurants and farmers to alleviate hunger for

one of the highest rates of food insecurity in the entire state of Florida. The

those in need by raising funds, collecting food and distriburing donations

consequences of this issue are profound. Children who don’t have access to

and meals. They accept fresh food, gift cards and monetary donations.

healthy food may have difficulty learning or deal with behavioral or mental

Chef Tyrone Bennett. The founder of We Feed St. Augustine continues his

Eligibiity for food assistance. According to the University of North Florida,

health issues, like depression; adults also suffer with mental health issues, Feeding Northeast Florida. As the largest food bank in Florida, Feeding

as well as obesity and chronic disease like diabetes and heart disease. The

Northeast Florida serves Baker, Bradford, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Put-

Florida government needs to change the eligibility requirements to receive

nam and St. Johns counties offering over 85,000 meals to those in need

food assistance. To qualify, a household of two must make under $39,440

every day.

before taxes to qualify while a household of four cannot make more than $60,000.

UNF Center for Nutrition and Food Security. Their mission is to bring individuals and organizations together in a coordinated and sustained effort that finds solutions and eliminates barriers in order to improve food access and nutritional health in the local and global community.

5

HOROSCOPES ARIES

LIBRA

Your strong drive to succeed will lead you to exciting opportu-

First thing we want you to do Libra is take a deep breath in and

nities for financial growth. However, it’s essential to be care-

a deep breath out. This November we are giving you one task

ful when it comes to impulse purchases and risky investments.

and one task only, and that is to relax. Not in the take a chill pill

Stick to a budget and save for unexpected expenses. Believe in your abilities and make thoughtful decisions to secure your financial future.

TAURUS

way, though, you probably should do that too, but in the book a day at the spa way. Or if you’re feeling extreme, book a flight to the most relaxing place you can think of.

SCORPIO

We know what you’re thinking, Taurus. Why worry about tomor-

November promises transformation for you. Mars fuels your

row’s problems today? While we are all for living in the moment,

energy and determination, making it a great time for tackling

what you’ve got a bad case of is procrastination. And not just

challenges. In your relationships, Venus’ presence brings an air

any regular doing-your-homework-day-of procrastination, but

of passion and intensity. You’ll find deeper connections and a

the type of procrastination that builds anxiety and puts relation-

heightened sense of desire. However, be mindful of potential

ships on thin ice. It’s best if you get through the uncomfortable

conflicts, as your intensity can sometimes lead to emotional

conversations now so that come Thanksgiving, you’ll have more

confrontations. In other words, you scare partners away.

to be thankful for.

GEMINI

SAGITTARIUS

The stars and planets align to boost your intellectual prowess

Happy solar return, dear Sagittarius! The holiday season can

and communication skills this month, Gemini. Your ruling plan-

get pretty wild. It’s not just about family gatherings; your birth-

et Mercury is on your side, enhancing your ability to articulate ideas and negotiate effectively. This is an ideal time for networking and collaboration, as the alignment of celestial bodies brings new opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Keep an eye on your financial matters, as Jupiter’s influence may present both opportunities for gains and potential expenses.

CANCER

As the weather starts to cool down, your emotions heat up. Not in the relationship type of way, though, it could if you wanted it

day festivities kick in early. If you’re feeling a bit low, just remember – you’re in for double the presents!

CAPRICORN

November brings you a balance of ambition and introspection, thanks to Saturn’s influence. The New Moon in your sign offers a fresh start for various life aspects. Venus fosters charm and deeper connections in your social and romantic life. Financially, Jupiter provides stability and growth opportunities. This

to, but in the sense that everyone is a threat. It’s OK to want to

month, focus on goals, relationships and financial planning for

stay warm during these colder months, but there are other ways

a well-rounded and successful November. A bit boring but its

of achieving that. Maybe make it a point to take more relaxing

better than the alternative!

baths with candles and bath bombs.

LEO

Leo, this November, you’ll find a boost of creative energy and self-expression. With the Sun as your ruling planet, shining brightly, you’ll exude confidence and charm. This is a prime time to let your artistic talents flourish, whether it’s at work or in your personal endeavors. Venus, the planet associated with love and beauty, graces your sign, enhancing your allure and making it a favorable period for romance… if you know what we mean.

VIRGO

We hate to say this, but Virgo, you just might be the problem.

AQUARIUS

I know you’re tired, Aquarius. October was full of spooky chaos, and if you thought that November would be the time to recharge your social battery, think again. Not only are we entering the busiest season of all, but you’re picking up new hobbies left and right. Mental note, you don’t have to do it all. And frankly, you can’t.

PISCES

The cosmic energies set the stage for a month of creative and emotional exploration. With Neptune, your ruling planet, in the spotlight, you’ll feel a surge of imaginative and spiritual energy.

And you know what? Sometimes it’s OK to admit that; some-

This is an ideal time to embrace your artistic side and engage in

times it’s best to admit that. Contrary to what most Virgos be-

activities that nourish your soul. The New Moon in Scorpio early

lieve, you are a perfectionist and with perfection comes control.

in the month may prompt you to dig deeper into your emotions

The best way to keep peace is to relinquish control.

and forge new beginnings. Use this opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery.

7

to a local child in foster care

Be an Angel is Family Support Services’ annual gift drive for local children in foster care, from infancy to young adulthood, who are less likely to receive holiday presents without your support.

With more than 1,600 youth in support programs in Duval County this season, every penny counts!

Your donation provides holiday joy for these children and teens.

Help FSS make the season bright for local kids in foster care.

Contact Leigh Ann Luttrell at Leigh.Luttrell@fssnf.org and

!

in partnership with

with your phone to learn more about Be an Angel and make your gift today!

FOLIO WEED THE DOCTOR IS IN Words by Shelton Hull One of the main questions asked by readers of this column is whether or not I, the author of the column, have a medical marijuana card. The answer to that remains “no,” but why? Well, it’s just general laziness. Having grown up in and

According to the most recent report from the OMMU, there are exactly 854,178 licensed medical cardholders in Florida as of October. With each patient paying the $75 fee, twice per year, that works out to about $128 million that goes right into the state’s coffers. That provides a healthy incentive to maintain the status quo, which helps explain the ongoing legal dispute related to recreational use. But as things stand, it looks likely that we’ll have about 14 months of the current system in place before something new and as yet TBD is put in place instead. What that means for current cardholders, and the doctors who make it possible, remains unclear.

around the black market, old habits die hard. Also, I balked at the fee, which I was only going to pay if it was a business expense, and it’s all way more hassle, way more paperwork than I can tolerate. So no, not yet.

I have, however, put myself into the system, and it’s all my friend’s fault. She got her medical card last year, at my recommendation, and she took to the gimmick like a duck to water. The product has shown real, positive results for her, and thousands of other senior citizens (though she might hit me with a shoe if I called her that) in dealing with things like arthritis, appetite and neuropathy. But her card expired recently, and since she needed to renew her license, I figured I’d tag along with her, and take a look at how the process works, from the inside.

First step was finding her a doctor to renew her prescription, and I knew the perfect guy: a local doctor and longtime friend of “Folio” who runs his own medical marijuana clinic not far from where I grew up. I’ve known him for about five years: Tracy Rigdon (creator of “The Contrast Project,” one of several podcasts that I contribute to) introduced us at Lemonstreet Brewing Co. at one of those Find Your “Folio” happy hour parties late in the 1.0 era.

The doctor has proven invaluable to this column on several occasions, so I booked appointments with him for a sunny Saturday afternoon on the near Northside.

There are currently exactly 2,702 doctors licensed to prescribe medical marijuana in Florida, and the doctor is one of about 100 or so listed in Northeast Florida. Each of them must pay $250 to take the two-hour Florida Physician Medical Marijuana Course provided by the Florida Medical Association and the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association, whose annual conventions are probably lit. But as the late great Madeleine Albright said, incorrectly, about something else, we think the cost is worth it.

After getting things lined up with your doctor, you can mail your application, along with the $75 fee, to the OMMU (Office of Medical Marijuana Use) in Tampa, or just apply and pay online. The physical card will arrive within four weeks or so, but once you’re approved, you’re able to make purchases at any dispensary, even before the card arrives by showing your valid Florida driver

LOVE IN VERONA

license. Then it’s just a matter of finding a dispensary (the WeedMaps app lists about 30 within driving range of Downtown) and almost all have some types of sales or discounts going at all times. (Note that Florida does not accept medical marijuana cards issued by other states. Also note that your card does not allow you to carry any products past state lines, at which point your stash is subject to the laws of that jurisdiction.)

9

RECLAIMING WHAT DAYLIGHT SAVINGS STEALS: HOW TO PREVENT SEASONAL DEPRESSION Words by Mallory Pace

I have a bone to pick with whomever came up with daylight saving time. It’s

Experiencing seasonal depression is different from feeling “winter blues,”

a concept I have never fully grasped, no matter how many times it’s been

and serious symptoms of depression should be addressed with a healthcare

mansplained to me. Each year we “spring forward” just to “fall back” a few

provider or a therapist. But you don’t have to be considerably depressed to

months later, and each time havoc is wreaked on our daily routines. It’s not

want to combat the feelings these next few months provoke. Symptoms of

the “springing forward” part I have an issue with, no, it’s the “falling back”

SAD include, but are not limited to, increased sleep and daytime drowsiness,

that catches me by surprise each year. Who wants to “fall back” anyway? It

loss of interest and pleasure in activities formerly enjoyed, irritability and anx-

just sounds depressing. But alas, on the first Sunday of November, we turn

iety, feelings of guilt and hopelessness, etc. Safe to say, these are not great

our clocks back an hour and the premonition of imminent gloom replaces our

feelings to have, but it’s even more frustrating when it’s difficult to pinpoint

beloved sunlight.

the cause or trigger. You can’t make the sun stay out longer, nor can you change the weather. So how do you prevent or mitigate symptoms of SAD

OK, that might be a tad dramatic, but if you’re like me, these next few months

before it swallows you whole?

feel like hell. It started a few years ago, when I began to notice my mood shift during the last phase of the year. I chalked it up to the stress of the

Unfortunately, there’s no rulebook or guidelines on how to achieve this, but

holidays and colder weather that was depressing my mood. I found that on

there are certain habits, routines and tricks that might help, at least a little. To

days where the sun was especially present and it was warm enough to spend

start, and I honestly hate to say it, but exercise really does help. According

time outside, I was noticeably happier … shocker. That’s when I discovered I

to the Mayo Clinic, exercising releases “feel-good” endorphins, which help

was experiencing seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, (how fitting!) and that

ease depression and anxiety. Doing 30 minutes or more of exercise a day

my mood changes were a result of, you guessed it, daylight f*cking savings.

for three to five days a week may significantly improve depression or anxiety symptoms, the Mayo Clinic suggests. Exercise can mean anything that moves

About 5% of Americans experience seasonal depression, and it typically lasts

your body and increases your heart rate, so feel free to get creative with how

about 40% of the year, according to the American Psychiatric Association.

you choose to exercise. This also might be a good time to spend more time

It’s more common among women than men (of course), and it’s been linked

with others and less time in bed. It may seem nearly impossible sometimes,

to a chemical imbalance in the brain catalyzed by shorter daylight hours and

but being out of the house and around other people is a great start. You could

decreased sunlight exposure. Vitamin D is produced in our bodies in the

try joining a beginner sports league or one of the various Jacksonville run-

presence of sunlight and it’s a major factor in our serotonin levels, accord-

ning groups. This will help move your body while staying social. Recognizing

ing to the Seasonal Affective Disorder Association (SADA). To make matters

depressive symptoms is also vital to mitigating them.

worse, decreased sunlight exposure increases our melatonin levels, making us sleepier and more fatigued. The severity of SAD varies with each person, and symptoms appear in different forms and magnitudes.

10 Folio Weekly

Studies also suggest being outside and exposed to sunlight can improve depressive moods. As Floridians, we’re lucky enough that the sun never really goes away during the day and the colder weather is tame, but prioritizing time outside is still crucial. A two-birds-with-one-stone approach might look like exercising outside and basking in the sun, you know, like a lizard. If that doesn’t work, you can imitate the sunlight in your own bedroom with a SAD lamp, which emits a bright, white light similar in spectrum to that of the sun.

SADA suggests sitting in front of the lamp for at least 30 minutes right when you wake up to help regulate the body’s circadian rhythm and improve energy levels throughout the day. Hell, I might get a SAD lamp to use year-round.

If you feel especially low or unmotivated, don’t push yourself. SADA suggests to set realistic goals in light of the depression, “break large tasks into small ones, set priorities and do what you can as you can.” It sounds abstract, but developing and practicing a positive mindset might help you make it to spring. Listening to positive podcasts, reading self-help books (or any books, for that matter), trying guided meditation and journaling your thoughts are great ways to get your mindset into shape. Winter months might make you feel vulnerable, but try making conscious decisions and intentional choices in your life these next few months. Don’t run away from bad feelings or shut down at the first sight of fatigue — push through and push hard.

Where does daylight savings come from, anyway?

I find the whole concept a bit contradictory. You’re telling me we can manipulate time and sunlight, but we can’t print more money? OK. So, who do we blame for the creation of this seemingly meaningless, man-made, socially constructed concept? Apparently, not the farmers. I vividly remember learning that daylight savings was created so farmers had more time to work in the field, but it turns out they were actually against it. I don’t know where the miscommunication came from but someone should probably let my middle school teacher know so she can apologize to the farmers. It was first used in Germany in 1916 to conserve coal usage during World War I, which the U.S. shortly followed suit. The concept is mostly centered around conserving energy with the logic being that if the summer sunlight lasts longer into the evening, there’s one less hour of darkness needing to be lit, cooled or heated.

Sen. Marco Rubio introduced the Sunshine Protection Act to the Senate in 2018, a bill that would adopt a permanent daylight savings time across the U.S. It was sent to the House of Representatives where it failed to pass because, here’s the kicker, they couldn’t agree on which time zone to adopt. I mean come on, you can’t write this stuff. Rubio reintroduced it in March, but the law awaits to be voted on until the House can come to an agreement, so don’t hold your breath. If we can’t agree that shorter days and less sunlight is a bad idea, what can we agree on? In fact, extra daylight means extra time to spend money … isn’t that what this country is all about?!

Whatever the reason, and whoever to blame is irrelevant. If we’re going to continue with daylight savings, we should rebrand it. We should take back what we lose in those extra dark hours and reclaim our power. Just because the sun is setting, doesn’t mean we have to. Seasonal depression is very real, but it doesn’t have to be debilitating and take away from the fun of the holidays. Kickstart healthy habits, be kind to yourself and breathe … it’ll be over before you know it.

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Weird Wild Stuff Words by Shelton Hull

Here’s some breaking news: Men are vain. You may know that already, if

worth of cell cultures and other research, causing over $1 million in damages.

you’re a Carly Simon fan or just a woman in general, but this is extreme. “GQ,”

The janitor had no malicious intent. He thought he was helping, but “Good

which has been at the forefront of masculine culture for decades, recently ran

Will Hunting,” he was not.

an article about a disturbing new subculture of men who are, shall we say, not tall, but who have taken extreme measures to achieve new heights of,

Children have shown remarkable ability to emulate and copy the behaviors

well, height. They’re getting this done in the worst possible way: by paying

of adults, which sometimes leads them to achieve things that might have

upwards of $75,000 each to have their damn femurs broken with titanium

seemed physically impossible to outside observers. The most recent example

nails inserted down the center and gradually adjusted to stretch out the thigh

of this phenomenon comes from Duluth, Minnesota, where a couple of nature

bone and add a few extra millimeters to their height. Of course, this is insane,

lovers decided to start taking their young daughter on hikes with them with

and anyone doing this is probably wrestling with issues way beyond body

incredible results. By age 2, she had already visited 44 national parks. By age

dysmorphia. Frankly, these guys could have spent that money on a fancy new

3, she had broken the record for being the youngest person to ever visit all

car and had similar results, socially.

63 of America’s national parks, from the Dry Tortugas in Key West to Denali Park in Alaska and every one in between. Her fate may have been written in

Do you love pizza? Of course you do, and so do we. Studies will vary, but it’s

the stars, given the name her parents picked for her: Journey.

been estimated that the average American eats 156 slices of pizza per year, more if you’re a mutant turtle; that works out to roughly 100 acres of pizza

We’ll wrap things up in Florida this month with news worth sharing with your

every day or about 300 slices every second. So this is a highly competitive

friends, especially the weird ones. The first Florida Man Games is coming to

market, and pizza purveyors pursue marketing gimmicks with the relentless

St. Augustine on Feb. 24, and they are looking for contestants. The games

zeal of minor league baseball teams or new craft breweries. Domino’s is lead-

were created by Peter Melfi of the904.com, who had originally planned a ba-

ing the way this year, starting with their new “Emergency Pizza” concept, in

sic 5K before deciding to expand his vision to include obstacle courses and a

which every customer who makes a $7.99 minimum order gets the right to

mud run. At least two of the judges will be former American Gladiators, so you

claim a free two-topping pizza within 30 days afterwards. You may recall that

know it will be fair. Events include the “Weaponized Pool Noodle Mud Duel,”

last year, Domino’s pulled one of the greatest stunts ever, when they sent a

“Chicken Coop Bingo,” “Evading Arrest Obstacle Course,” “Beer Belly Florida

deliveryman on a six-hour trek to deliver a pizza to hikers at the summit of Mt.

Sumo,” “911 Fight Night: Brawl of the Badges” and, of course, the “Florida

Fuji, the largest peak in Japan, not to be confused with the late Emily Dole of

Ma’am Pinup Contest”. We have no idea who’s going to win the games, but

“GLOW” fame

you can be sure that Weird Wild News will be there to witness the madness in person … and maybe even participate!

Earlier this summer, the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York suffered a truly catastrophic blow to some of their research, and the culprit was part of their own staff. After a janitor got annoyed at a beeping freezer unit, he tried to fix it and ended up doing the exact opposite. As a result, the temperature inside the unit dropped from -112 degrees to -26 degrees, still cold enough to kill humans but, unfortunately, too warm to destroy decades’

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GIVE THANKS, GIVE BACK: HOMELESSNESS IN JACKSONVILLE Words by Mallory Pace For many, November indicates the beginning of the holidays, meaning family

Of the 1,247 person count, Duval County made up 1,176 of those numbers,

gatherings with a table full of food, giving thanks. For others, it’s the begin-

while Clay County totaled 16 with 55 in Nassau County. Considering the over-

ning of a cold, unforgiving season full of hardships. November is National

whelming difference of population sizes between the counties, these num-

Homelessness Awareness Month, and it’s a growing issue in America and in

bers might be expected. Even so, they’re staggering.

our own backyard. This month, counting our blessings takes on a whole new meaning when we take a step back to grasp the harsh reality of homeless-

Individuals ages 45-54 represent 30% of the 396 identified as unsheltered,

ness in our community.

while ages 25-34 make up 15%. The gender ratio is approximately three males for every one female. As for the 851 sheltered, 22% are under the age of 18.

As of January 2023, a total of 1,247 individuals were classified as homeless in

Ages 55 and older represent 25% of this population. The gender ratio is clos-

Northeast Florida, according to the 2023 Point-In-Time (PIT) count conducted

er to one to one with 56% being male.

by the Northeast Florida Continuum of Care (CoC). Of those 1,247 people, 851 were considered sheltered and 396 unsheltered. Florida has the third largest

The National Center for Education Statistics estimates that roughly 1.3 million

homeless population in the U.S. below California and New York.

children experience homelessness in the United States each year. The Florida Department of Education reported that there were 79,949 homeless children

Each year, the Northeast Florida CoC joins with community partners, elected

attending public schools, including those who were “doubled-up,” as of Sep-

officials, staff and volunteers to conduct an annual PIT count, a one-day snap-

tember 2020. Experiencing homelessness as a young person takes a toll on

shot of Jacksonville’s homeless community on a given day and night. The

the individual in many ways. Studies show that suicide is the leading cause of

count spreads across Clay, Nassau and Duval counties.

death for unhoused youth.

“While it is just one day, it is anchored and focused on real people and the

The Jason Foundation is an organization dedicated to the awareness and

summation of this data should never minimize that we are person-centered

prevention of youth and young adult suicide through a series of programs

and most dedicated to the people experiencing homelessness and not the

aimed at recognizing troubled individuals and providing help. Brett Marciel,

number they represent,” the report said.

chief communications officer for The Jason Foundation, explained that a lack of safe and stable housing is a significant risk factor for why someone might

Homelessness takes on different disguises. One can be considered homeless

consider suicide. Young people who experience homelessness are more like-

while being sheltered, meaning they reside in an emergency shelter or tran-

ly to show symptoms of depression and other long-term mental health condi-

sitional housing temporarily. Being unsheltered means someone is sleeping

tions. In addition, these individuals are two to three times more likely to abuse

in places not meant for human habitation — cars, streets, tents, etc. The U.S.

substances, which leads to a high risk of suicidal behaviors. Marciel explained

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) defines homeless-

this occurs for a number of reasons, including the use of substances to cope

ness in four categories: (1) individuals and families who lack a fixed, regular

with stressors or trauma or as an alternative to mental health services they

and adequate nighttime residence, which includes a subset for those exit-

often cannot access.

ing an institution where they have resided for 90 days; (2) individuals and families who will imminently lose their primary nighttime residence; (3) un-

“Regardless of the circumstances leading up to homelessness, a young per-

accompanied youth and families with children who are defined as homeless

son without stable housing experiences daily stressors that can be traumatic,

under other federal statutes; (4) individuals and families who are fleeing or

such as a worry about where they will sleep the next night, where they will

are attempting to flee domestic violence, sexual assault or other dangerous

find food, whether they will experience violence in their daily life, and wheth-

or life-threatening conditions.

er they will be judged by their peers for their housing status,” Marciel said.

Statistics

The organization focuses on training educators and school staff to identify suicidal behaviors or risk factors in students, especially in those experiencing

This year’s analysis compares data to 2020 findings, which represents pre-

homelessness. They believe that awareness is the first step to prevention as

COVID data. Given this, the report wrote found “both 2021 and 2022 were

they strive to educate communities on the magnitude of suicide. Marciel said

significantly impacted by the COVID pandemic, and the community was fo-

that just like there is a stigma surrounding conversations about mental health

cused on implementing solutions to sheltering and housing people.”

and suicide, there is often a stigma around homelessness, so National Homelessness Awareness Month is crucial to breaking down those walls.

Compared to data from 2021, the PIT count shows a decrease of 295 in homelessness in 2023, considering both sheltered and unsheltered. Although the

“Devoting a time to speak about homelessness and listen to those experi-

pandemic may contribute to a skew in individuals counted, the report shows

encing it helps to inspire compassion and empathy in those who do not know

a 25 person increase from 2021 to 2023. The total number of persons expe-

about the struggles housing instability can cause,” he said.

riencing homelessness in Northeast Florida decreased by 55% from 2013 to 2023 and 19% from 2020 to 2023.

18 Folio Weekly

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Marciel added that some people may be unaware how prevalent homelessness is in our society and communities. Many individuals facing housing insta-

20 21 25

bility live in motels, cars or temporarily with friends and family, and although they’re not as visible to the public as someone forced to live on the streets, they still experience homelessness. Marciel concluded that by recognizing Homelessness Awareness Month, people can broaden their definition of what

26

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it means to have unstable housing, which allows more room for innovative solutions to the problem.

Being a helping hand in a cruel world Data shows a downward trend in homelessness over the last 10 years, but any number is too many. Jacksonville’s Downtown and Beaches remain scattered with unhoused people, sleeping on cardboard or under bridges. It’s easy to walk past and continue with your day, I’m just as guilty, but taking a step back reveals the cruelty and inhumanity of this reality. People forced to live on the

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streets are someone’s son or daughter, brother or sister, and they deserve to be treated as humans. Sometimes the systems set in place to help those in need, fail them. Sometimes people make choices; sometimes choices are made for them. No matter the reason or circumstance under which someone experiences homelessness, one thing’s for sure — everyone deserves a bed at night.

This November, consider spending some time helping those in need at the various homeless shelters across Jacksonville. Put this Thanksgiving to good use and give back to the community if you’re able to do so. The St. Augustine St. Francis House welcomes individual and group volunteer opportunities.

Jacksonville’s Trinity Rescue Mission accepts all kinds of donations, like food, clothing and other essentials. Serving the homeless and needy in Northeast Florida since 1946, City Rescue Mission accepts donations and offers a variety of volunteer opportunities. Mission House in Jacksonville Beach, Sulz-

6

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bacher, Clara White Mission, the list goes on.

American novelist Toni Morrison once said, “If you have some power, then your job is to empower somebody else.” As a community, we must look out for one another and help those in need when possible. A community without support is simply a population of inhabitants, and Jacksonville is so much more than that. During this season of thanks, let’s recognize our fortune and be a helping hand in a cruel world.

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“Can you provide an overview of your organization’s mission, the size and demographics of the homeless population you serve, the types of food items and resources you typically provide, and your collaborative efforts with local organizations to support homeless individuals beyond food provision?”

The Clara White Mission is the oldest Black nonprofit in the state of Florida. It was founded 120 years ago by humanitarian and philanthropist Eartha M.M. White. During Eartha’s lifetime, the Mission gained a reputation as a soup kitchen for the homeless and veterans in need. As the organization has grown and evolved, the mission has expanded to include programs that offer food, housing and training services. Those services are provided through four programs: The Clara White Mission Veterans Center, The Clara White Mission Feeding Program, The Eartha M.M. White Historical Museum and Eartha’s Farm and Market (formerly

In Your Own Words

White Harvest Farms).

Our feeding program provides hot meals to the homeless, we have a food pantry for people in need of assistance, and we have a 10.5-acre farm that grows organic fruits and vegetables to serve food desert communities.

The veterans center offers 24-hour facilities for homeless veterans. We can house up to 23 men in our dormitory. There’s an in-house laundry facility, rec room, computer lab and staff on site who prepare three meals each day for residents. Residents are provided caseworkers to help them prepare for independent living. Our staff provides life skills programs and substance abuse resources, garden therapy and several resources that help expose the men to positive activities that will help them lead productive lives and make choices that support sobriety, mental wellness and independence.

The museum is a collection of furnishings and artifacts that belonged to our founder Eartha M.M. White. Museum director Adonnica Toler curated the museum in such a way that people can learn about the life of Eartha M.M. White, not just her work. Visitors can tour the museum for $5 and learn about historic LaVilla and the influence Eartha had on Jacksonville in the early 1920s through the 1970s, which includes the Harlem Renaissance Era and the Great Depression. Much of her life was spent in service to others, but she was well known among society’s who’s who in Jacksonville, involved in the civil rights movement and the suffragist movement among other historic events that shaped Jacksonville.

20 Folio Weekly

D. Michelle Maule

executive marketing aministrator and community liaison for the Clara White Mission Eartha’s Farm and Market (formerly White Harvest These programs are dedicated to funding and partFarms) is a catalyst for economic revitalization in nering together to have a positive impact on the Historic Moncrief Springs. This program was made system of care model. possible with the help of local city officials, and dedicated donors who wanted to support the vi- The Clara White Mission offers hot meals that range sion we had to support local business owners and from breakfast items to various stews or what we small growers. Every Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

can refer to as one-pot meals. If individuals are

visitors can eat, shop and explore the farm. We of- veterans, they can take advantage of our Day fer more than 20 + vendors, workshops on garden- Center which is a resource for daytime services ing, farm tours, and volunteer opportunities for the

only. Those services include showers, restrooms,

entire family.

computer access, laundry service and occasional snacks/coffee. We have allowed clients to use

Through a partnership with Changing Homeless- the Mission as their mailing address so they can ness, we can document the homeless/unhoused continue to receive correspondence from family or population. According to a PIT count report pub- take care of business affairs. lished in 2023, we know 73% of the homeless population who are unsheltered are male. We also Our most recent collaboration was with the Sierra know that 30% of unsheltered homeless people are Club. Bill Snow, a member of their board, reached aged 45-54. These are the demographics with the out to us after touring our facilities to offer our vethighest number of people identifying as homeless/ erans recreational experiences with their Military unsheltered. While the Clara White Mission offers Outdoors group. This provides recreation for the its meal programs to the general population of residents and community with other veterans in a homeless/unhoused people (we don’t turn anyone positive setting. We have also partnered with We away), our target clients are homeless veterans. In

Can Be Heroes, a nonprofit organization that has

2023, 102 people identified as homeless veterans.

supported several events we host to fundraise for

These numbers are significantly lower than a de- the veterans program, by offering meals and percade ago when Changing Homelessness report- sonal care items for the residents and participating ed 324 people identified as homeless veterans in in our Adopt-A-Veteran Christmas party every year.

2013. It is important to note that we are part of a robust community that offers Supportive Services for Veterans Families (SSVF).

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OBTAINING BODILY PERFECTION: A DEEP DIVE INTO THE RITUALS OF FEMALE BODYBUILDERS Words by Su Ertekin-Taner and photos by Amiyah Golden The process doesn’t begin at the start as most processes do. There is

Perhaps, the nature of the interview prompts this temporal divi-

a prestart, a prelude to the prelude.

sion. Regardless, throughout the interview, Barile exclusively refers to bodybuilding in present and permanent terms, even referring to

The urge to body build begins in those moments before the decision

bodybuilding as a “whole life” affair at points. Everything before

to do it, 32-year-old female bodybuilder Shalom Barile informs me. We

bodybuilding is past and accordingly, in the past tense.

are on a Zoom call now, and she feels the need to justify her shuffling after she says this. She tells me she is returning to her apartment after

Later and upon transcription, I found that Barile echoed the perspec-

her ER shift. She is energetic considering the time — 8:10 p.m. — and

tives of my other female bodybuilder interviewees — 38-year-old,

the length of her work day as a nurse practitioner — 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

two-year bodybuilder Sarajane Maples; 29-year-old, three-year bodybuilder Kristiana Brush; and 21-year-old, two-year bodybuilder Chloe

She spritely attacks my next question about the aforementioned pre-

Jones. Bodybuilding is their present.

cursors that led to her now year-long bodybuilding career: “I don’t know anyone who just decides to start exercising and immediately

—-----

goes into bodybuilding or bikini prep. There’s usually always a story as to how they got there.”

Bodybuilders begin their preparation for competition season with a pre-preparation — another one of those prestarts of bodybuilding.

Before elaborating on said narrative arc of her personal fitness jour-

This pre-preparation is called an off season, sometimes improvement

ney, Barile, now stationed in her apartment’s kitchen, admitted, “I’ve

or building season; other, more traditional sports that involve intense

tried it all.” She nearly had. For her, group fitness institutions like F45

bodily regimens also use the term. While the “off” of off season seems

and Orange Theory, CrossFit and conventional weightlifting — also

to imply a relaxation and flexibility in training, there is little relaxing

referred to as progressive overload — were precursors to bodybuild-

or flexible about bodybuilding — or its sister sports for that matter —

ing. The gym was already a second home for Barile before she began

during this time, especially for serious female bodybuilders.

bodybuilding.

Jones is the first to point out that the premise of the wording “off As much as she affirms that she moved from exercise to bodybuilding

season” is entirely wrong for bodybuilding. “Bodybuilding, if you take

on a natural, expected continuum, Barile also parses out her more

the sport seriously, there is no such thing as an off season,” she said.

tumultuous emotional motives or, as she understood them, the true “why” of the change. The graduation to bodybuilding was meant to

Instead, the off season is a period of several months for structured

reform the aesthetics of her “ugly duckling” body and wean her off

body building and refining via training schedules and meal plans. For

of the emotional dependence on food that she struggled with from

my cohort of interviewees, all bikini division competitors, this means

childhood to grad school. Between smiles, she assures me that most

the sculpting of an “X” or hourglass shape. In the most official of

girls experience the same struggles with weight and food.

terms, judges look for a healthy, muscled belly, a trimmed waistline, rounded glutes, toned legs, sculpted but not too capped shoulders

In repairing her relationship with her weight and her eating habits,

and a pronounced glute-hamstring tie-in for bikini competitors.

bodybuilding, Barile hoped, would encourage more self-assuredness in her body. She found that she desired this positive emotional prod-

Accordingly, off season rituals may involve a bulk, a period of gaining

uct of bodybuilding when she observed female bodybuilders at her

muscle mass in appropriate areas accompanied by eating in caloric

gym: “[I saw that female bodybuilders] had a lot of self-esteem. So

surplus or smaller tweaks of physique for those competitors who have

much self-esteem. I wanted that for myself.”

already competed and received judge feedback on their physique.

While judges dole out their desired tweaks effortlessly, the achieve-

At 31, Barile made the catalytic decision to begin bodybuilding —

ment of these small adjustments is the culmination of processes that

catalytic because she divides her life into two timelines: before the

are anything but effortless.

switch to bodybuilding and after the switch to bodybuilding.

22 Folio Weekly

Each female bodybuilder’s weeks and days are numerically divided for ease.

They all weight lift five to six days a week. The remaining one or two days that they affectionately and, for the general public, improperly call their “rest days” are devoted to cardio. Each interviewee also eats five to seven times a day in predetermined time intervals. Brush, who is currently on an off season, chuckled a bit as she admitted, “In this off season, we’re eating good, good.”

This numerology varies from off season to off season depending on the equally variable judge critiques. Bodybuilding coaches build tangible training and nutrition regimens each off-season in response to these broad, sometimes abstract judge critiques (i.e., rounder glutes, more pronounced glute-hamstring tie-in, tighter, etc.). They are as necessary for the sport as the competitors themselves who follow their instructed regimens.

But Barile, Maples, Brush and Jones all suggest their coaches are more than experts in bodily manipulation; they are partners in the process. The right “mesh” of personalities, Maples said, between bodybuilder and coach creates a comfortable enough environment for usually uncomfortable body-related conversations. She lists some of the uncomfortable knowledge she must divulge to her coach, Laura Ruggio: “She knows when I go to the bathroom — when I do my check-ins. I write when I’ve had a BM [bowel movement]. She knows when my menstrual cycle is. She writes the macros [macronutrients] for my food, so she sees my weight. She basically sees me naked in the photos I send over, so it’s a very intimate relationship.”

During the rest of her interview, Maples rarely refers to herself as a separate entity from Ruggio. Her bodybuilding career and the process of bodybuilding is taken on by the collective “we” — the bodybuilder and the coach.

Her non-bodybuilding related emergency appendectomy and partial colon removal, for example, led to an intermission in her bodybuilding career. The subsequent recommencement of training two months later gave Maples — or rather the “we” — promise for future competition. “We plan on competing again in the springtime,” Maples said.

In addition to maintaining full bodily alignment with the bodybuilder, a coach must maintain emotional alignment. Barile and Jones, who share coaches Steve Mousharbash and Britni LaRue of Flawless Physique, note that their coaches suppress the habitual body dysmorphia that accompanies weight gain during the sport’s off season. Both agree that their coaches are the necessary objective lens that views their bodies and corrects their own subjective, often pessimistic observations. “What my friends and my coaches see versus what I see are two very different things, so I sometimes have to really trust my coaches’ eyes rather than my own,” Barile says.

It is with this physical and emotional support from coaches that female bodybuilders approach the intense physical rigor of on season.

“Dialed in.” Maples and Jones use these two words to define the on season contest preparation or “prep” process. For female bodybuilders, dialing in means putting all effort toward chiseling their newly built, tweaked muscles.

It is this 10-24 week process that defines bodybuilding as an “extreme sport” for Barile.

Prep involves a tailored ratio of bulking and cutting (the process of losing fat while maintaining muscle through caloric deficit) for each competitor. Barile rattles off her personalized numbers.

23

She’s memorized them by now: a six-week bulk and a 10- to 12-week cut.

as they do so. Judges may also “call out” pairs of competitors to be compared to one another. To move to their instructed spots, competitors perform their

More than this personalized ratio, prep signals the termination of the niceties

prescribed walk between “X” marks on the stage while flexing.

of the off season. Meals decrease in number and sometimes in size, cardio elongates every workout, cheat meals are omitted entirely, alcohol is for-

“Pre-judging” deceptively suggests that this process is a precursor to the

bidden and black coffee becomes the morning norm. Each bodybuilder lifts

important, more decisive judging of the competition. However, judges make

lighter weights to compensate for the leanness that results.

most of their decisions at this point: The competitors who finish toward the center of the stage after rounds of rotating and performative walking are

The body may suffer as a consequence. “You deal with extreme burnout,

more likely to rank higher.

extreme fatigue. Your hair loses its shine sometimes. Your skin looks kind of dull. Your sleep suffers immensely,” Barile admitted.

By finals held that night, bikini competitors have nearly resolved themselves to their ranking. They perform their 10-30 second posing routine in a specta-

Competitors like Brush who compete multiple times a year experience these

tor-filled room, dramatizing their bubbly personalities for the scoresheet, as

intense physical constraints before every competition. Last year, Brush com-

personality is a factor in judging. Anticipated rankings are revealed after the

peted four times.

posing, sucking in and flexing comes to an end. Often rankings close out a 12-14 hour day.

She knows she’s crazy. She says so, as she prefaces quite a few sentences with the phrase “I’m a little crazy” when we talk. But she quickly follows up

In reality, competition day is more than a one-day affair: It is the result of a

with something along the lines of “but I love it” or “this is what it takes.”

months- or even years-long investment. The burnout and fatigue of bodily perfection become worth the work and deprivation on the stage. The relation-

While forming this vascular, conditioned body, female bodybuilders practice

ships sacrificed in furtherance of this bodily perfection are forgotten. When

the posing that will allow them to effectively show it off. Barile puts the art

loved ones cheer — or, in the case of Maples, bring cardboard cutouts of

of posing in her own words. “Posing is meticulously flexing and standing and

female bodybuilders — the “grind” makes sense. “I’ve never felt more beau-

rotating and transitioning into different muscular poses with enough grace so

tiful,” she recalled of her first competition. “I’ve never felt more supported.”

that it looks like you’re doing it effortlessly,” she said, “but in reality, you are

While competition day can be the exciting climax of physical and emotional

flexing every muscle on that stage.”

investment, it can also be a financial investment. Female bodybuilding is an especially costly sport. When appearance and aesthetics matter as much as

Such a meticulous exercise requires the expertise of a posing coach: Some-

they do in the sport, female bodybuilders want the finest of things: the best

times an already-hired training and nutrition coach performs this role, some-

hair, makeup, competition suit or personalized, crystal covered suit (which

times a new coach entirely is required — and at least half an hour more in

can cost $1,000 alone), tan, etc. The price of travel to the competition site,

front of a gym mirror.

the hotel, food and training add an additional burden.

While my cohort of female bodybuilders agrees unanimously that prep is the

Sponsorships from suit sellers and training teams alleviate some of these

most difficult part of the sport, they also agree this process precedes the best

burdens. For college student Jones, her sponsorship through Flawless Phy-

part of bodybuilding: competition day.

sique means everything, especially because Jones has been on the brink of inability to financially invest in the sport. After Jones’ car had broken down the month before her second competition, her coach bought her a competition suit to alleviate the financial burden of paying for both the car’s repair

Competition day, as the term suggests, is a full-day affair, usually beginning at

and the suit.

10 a.m. with a round of pre-judging. Competitors are grouped into categories depending on their physique and experience level.

Perhaps, the financial cost of bodybuilding became worthwhile to Jones when she won novice bikini overall at her most recent competition. She will

The true novice category accepts competitors who haven’t competed in

compete at Junior Nationals next June.

bodybuilding before. The novice category accepts non-pro competitors or those who have not earned their pro card at a national competition. The pro

—-----

category accepts pro competitors. The open category accepts all competitors of the same gender and the overall category group competitors according to

Female bodybuilders return to their jobs post competition, touting a title or

their weight and height.

feeling the increased desire for one. Maples resumes her hairdressing, Brush her personal training, Barile her nursing, and Jones her college life.

Competitors in each category approach competitions with varying goals. Nov-

Between shifts, the competitors begin their off season rituals again. The “cra-

ices attempt to qualify for national competitions — of which there are seven

zy” ones stay in condition and compete in several subsequent competitions.

— where they may earn pro cards depending on their national ranking. Pros

All female bodybuilders commit to growing again, maturing their bodily per-

attempt to prove their sovereignty over the sport.

fection. They continue their prescribed bodybuilding cycles and rituals again, empowered by their strength, beautiful and feminine because of it.

Regardless of competitor category and during pre-judging, judges line up sparkly bikini and clear heel-clad bikini competitors on a stage and instruct them to switch spots with each other, assessing each competitor’s physique

24 Folio Weekly

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25

DEBUNKING FAKE NEWS Words by Kelila Ritchie

I don’t know if it’s the journalist in me or if it’s just me in general, but I absolutely cannot stand the idea of everyone mistaking misinformation or blatant disinformation as fact and running with it. Honestly, it’s become increasingly difficult for me to be an active member of the social media community for this reason. It’s frustrating to see so many stories and posts being written as gospel and “Terri Jo from the Westside” just wrote it because she just woke up with this on her mind with absolutely nothing to back up her claims. And I know a lot of you will say “well, social media isn’t for facts but for opinions … blah-blah-blah,” but where do we draw the line between stating how you feel on a subject vs. sharing supposed “facts” to support your opinions.

As Americans, I believe it is our civic duty to stay up to date on news especially when it directly affects our communities. But honestly, it’s becoming a lot harder for us to be able to differentiate between what’s real and what’s fake. This is where we allow ignorance to creep into our minds because many people don’t take that extra step into researching information that is being fed to us. Simply put, we are just too trusting when it comes to accepting information as fact. Instead of taking the time to look into the subject, we would much rather a 30-second TikTok that gives us a little preview of the issue. In the current social and political climate, this does the general public a terrible disservice. An awful disservice. Fake news makes it hard for people to develop a clear stance on social and political issues. Fake news breeds confusion and misunderstanding, that is her jam.

So why do we continue to be victims of fake news? One reason for this according to Matthew Asher Lawson, an assistant professor of decision sciences at INSEAD Business School, is because conformity and social pressure are key factors in the spread of fake news. We want to be socially correct, whether that is a conscious or subconscious decision, keeping in mind some people do not share fake news with malicious intent but because someone in their social circle also shared it.

We are living in a time where inaccurate news and the sharing of inaccurate news are detrimental to our everyday lives. From elections to pandemics, people need to have the most accurate and up-to-date information to make the best decisions for themselves. Historically speaking, fake news was typi-

Photo created using Openart.ai

cally put out by people in positions of power to foster a certain belief or sup-

A study conducted by the University of Southern California found habitual

port a specific position. What makes it “fake” news is it is intentionally false.

users of social media shared six times more fake news than occasional or

Social media has created the perfect breeding ground for fake news and

new users. In a separate experiment, USC researchers found that the habitual

more recently, AI (artificial intelligence) deep fakes. Bots are used to spread

sharing of fake news is not inevitable. Yes, this is something that 100% can

propaganda by people who are paying to do so.

be avoided if we, as a union, cared enough. Researchers also concluded that effectively reducing misinformation would require restructuring online plat-

During a time where real information was crucial to the wellbeing of citizens,

forms that promote and support its sharing.

we saw a drastic rise in fake news. The COVID-19 pandemic is an amazing example of how fake news polarizes whole communities. There was a lot of

And then there is artificial intelligence. AI has been one of the scariest things

misinformation surrounding the spread of the illness, vaccines as well as what

to me recently. There are whole images and videos that portray a story that

communities were impacted the most. Also, many Americans don’t like — or

literally never happened. I personally fell victim to the AI gimmick when pho-

want to “accept” — news that doesn’t align with their own personal beliefs.

tos of Donald Trump being arrested hit Twitter. These things look so real, it’s

This is how we fall into the category of disinformation or information created

actually terrifying. But also, honorable mention to the pictures of Steve Har-

to deliberately mislead. But it is also our responsibility to go the extra mile

vey being chased by an alligator. Anyway, back to the not so funny uses of AI,

into doing our own research.

deep fakes are used for the same reasons as fake news.

26 Folio Weekly

According to “Nevada Today,” deep fakes are used to purposefully spread false information or they may have a malicious intent behind its use. These are particularly harmful as women are disproportionately affected through revenge porn. Even scarier, it is incredibly easy to create a deep fake. Again, it is of the highest importance that we acknowledge the dangers of artificial intelligence and how this goes hand in hand with the spread of fake news. As a young adult, crafting her views on the world and establishing values, I prioritize fact checking. As should the members of my online community! It simply isn’t enough to trust what is being told to me. Likewise, it is irresponsible for me to spread information that just isn’t true.

Now is not the time to make jokes or false images about important political events. We are living in a time where being in the know is imperative. Propaganda is at an all-time high. This isn’t a time where anyone can create a video full of “facts” to further push their agendas. But unfortunately, that’s just where we are at with it. So here are some tips to help you decipher fake news from real news:

• Be suspicious. Assume all of the facts are not there. Google is free: Use it!

• Consider the source. Check the validity of whatever or whoever you are reading from, also consider if this could be propaganda.

• Check the date. Make sure it is recent; old news is not always relevant to current events.

• Acknowledge your own biases. Your personal feelings on a subject can easily affect your opinions and judgment.

• Fact-check and fact-check again. Compare reports between reputable and respected journalistic outlets. Discuss subjects with the people who are involved. Ask a librarian if you have to.

• Ask yourself if this is too silly to believe. If it is too outlandish, it could be satire.

I have given you the keys to rise above fake news. The spread of fake news can reap harmful consequences on entire communities, can tarnish reputations and threaten societal stability. Take the extra five minutes to do your own research and form your own opinion based on facts. It is totally OK to not agree with everything your social media inner circle agrees with. Having your own information and actual facts to be able to quote when you need them and knowing you are speaking from a place of truth is one of the most empowering feelings, in my opinion. Stand for something or fall for anything.

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28 Folio Weekly

LUCY’S LEGACY Turning lemons into lemonade stands and funding for childhood cancer Words by Kerry Speckman Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children past infancy in the U.S. Let that sink in for a minute. Then consider this.

The federal government allocates billions of dollars each year to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and National Institute of Health (NIH) for cancer research. Among the 2 million Americans who are diagnosed with cancer each year are thousands of children diagnosed with pediatric (or childhood) cancer. And to those children, the U.S. government designates less than 4% of all of its cancer research funding. Even more shocking, not to mention heartbreaking, is the fact that approximately 1 in 285 children in America with be diagnosed with cancer before their 20th birthday.

Jordan and Jessica Donmoyer had no idea about these statistics back in 2020 —until their daughter became one of them.

In February, just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Lucy, who was 4 at the time, wasn’t acting like her bubbly self. She also had a lingering fever. After multiple trips to her pediatrician and the ER and lots of tests, Lucy was found to be anemic. By this time, however she also complained about pain in her back and hip. After more testing, it was revealed Lucy had a large mass in her abdomen, specifically, an aggressive neuroblastoma, a type of cancer that forms in the adrenal glands, neck, chest and spinal cord. By the time it is finally diagnosed, it’s usually already metastasized. For children with highrisk neuroblastoma, like Lucy, the 5-year relative survival rate is around 50%.

Devastating news at any age, but for a 4-year-old, it was almost unthinkable.

Taking care of Lucy — and her little sister Charlotte — was obviously the Donmoyers’ priority, but they also wanted to do something to help other families and children with pediatric cancer, who were going through the same devastating experience. The first year after Lucy’s diagnosis Jessica promoted Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month by posting statistics and other information on social media every day in September. The following year the couple knew they were ready to take on a bigger project.

Inspired by Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer, a non-profit that spreads awareness, raises funds for research and supports families affected by childhood cancer, Jessica suggested setting up their own lemonade stand to benefit childhood cancer research and having family and friends do the same. Jordan did some research, and Lucy’s Lemonade Stand was born.

“We didn’t really know what to expect,” Jordan said of the first event which included 22 lemonade stands. “But we were ecstatic when the money started rolling in, and [we] ended up raising $22,000. We were blown away.” They donated the money to Fourth and Gold, a Jacksonville-based non-profit that seeks to “find and fund the most promising research that will lead to more humane cures for childhood cancer.” The charity was started in 2020 by Erin Tracy, a pediatric oncology nurse at Wolfson Children’s Hospital (and one of Lucy’s favorite nurses).

“[That year] I had two special kids that I was really close with who were both in remission from leukemia, who died a week apart,” Tracy said. “And that’s when I really sat down and I was like, I can’t do this anymore.” After several weeks, however, she realized she needed to do more.

Finding out the dismal rate at which childhood cancer research is funded was bad enough. But working as a pediatric oncology nurse, she also knew the horrors of what pediatric cancer patients go through. “Any side effect that you can think of, these kids have experienced because the treatment is made for adults. It’s not made for 50-pound little girls,” she said.

The reason there’s no specific protocol for children with cancer, she said, isn’t a matter of money but a matter of priorities. “It’s because children aren’t profitable. They’re not in society making money. They’re not holding jobs. If you lose a child, of course the family is affected and the community may be affected, but the money-making world is not affected. The pharmaceutical world is not affected,” she explained. “The National Institute of Health will tell you childhood cancer is rare and that’s why they don’t seek out more drugs, but it’s not rare: 43 kids a day get diagnosed with cancer. That’s a school bus of kids.”

The Donmoyers learned this, too, only making them more determined to raise money to fund pediatric cancer research, which they did big time. Year 2 of Lucy’s Lemonade Stand had 60+ locations across the country, as well as Italy.

The results were even more astonishing as the stands, along with sponsorships, raised $92,000. And just before presenting the check to Fourth and Gold, a magical thing happened … another $8,000 came in at the last minute, bringing the total to $100,000, which was the exact amount of the research project the organization was hoping to fund.

Sadly, Lucy wasn’t able to witness the miracle for herself. She passed away Sept. 26, 2024, one week after her eighth birthday. But Jordan knows she’d be ecstatic. “Lucy was very, very passionate about helping raise money so kids wouldn’t have to go through what she did,” he said. “She would have been amazed at how everything turned out.”

Jessica summed it up best when she wrote in a post on the family’s #LUCYSTRONG Facebook page after Lucy’s passing: “Life without Lucy is unreal, unfair, and is still unfathomable even though it has continued in the days and weeks that it has been that she has passed.

As much as I miss everything about Lucy, I am at peace knowing that she is looking down from Heaven and watching over us. … She leaves behind a legacy that we will continue to uphold and work to keep her spirit alive forever.”

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STRIKES OF COMPASSION Travis Etienne Jr. Charity Bowling Night Words by Carson Rich and photo by Carmen Macri In a sport that brings fame and fortune to so many young players, it also creates people who care and want to make a difference. Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. held a celebrity bowling event for charity last month in celebration of both true sportsmanship and philanthropy, demonstrating his own generosity toward the causes he has been fighting for since he was drafted. Creating positive change on and off the field, the football superstar showed why he deserves his role on the team, not only by getting first downs, but also by giving back to the community he cares so deeply about.

In a private event held at Bowlero on Southside Boulevard, Etienne Jr. and team members treated fans and families with a special gathering that made many participants’ dreams come true as he walked along the lanes. The venue, bedecked with Jaguars decor and colorful balloons, provided the perfect backdrop for the event. A wide variety of catered food and drinks were complimentary, and there were plenty of opportunities for raffle drawings and silent auctions for a multitude of collectibles. As guests arrived, they were greeted by the warm smiles of volunteers who were there to make them feel special. The atmosphere buzzed with camaraderie and goodwill as the sounds of bowling balls crashing into pins filled the air.

The charity event was sponsored by Vibrancy 21 Agency and benefitted the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida. Etienne has always fought for causes similar to this, as his cousin’s passing from lupus gave him inspiration to donate to the Lupus Foundation of America. He has also worked with the Headstrong Foundation.

The expression on the running back’s face told everyone how good of a time he was having, and he was very personable throughout the entire night. Every person he encountered lit up with joy as he walked up to them for pictures, and he never denied the opportunity for a selfie or an autograph. His charisma and calm attitude ensured everyone that he is a man of the people.

He would be seen smiling and laughing with some of the kids that attended, and it seemed like he knew just how much those interactions meant to them, making their day. Toward the end of the event, Etienne stepped up and tried his luck at knocking some pins down, showing everyone that football is not his only specialty.

This event was not just about spares and strikes, however. It was more about Etienne’s commitment to giving back to his community. It was a reminder that even in a world of professional sports and celebrity, there are those who understand the true meaning of success: using their platform to make the world a better place. It is clear that he has a love for the city of Jacksonville deep in his heart, and he displayed nothing short of that by presenting himself for who he is and always has been.

33

LIVING AT HOME UNTIL IT IS SOCIALLY UNACCEPTABLE Words by Carmen Macri We live in an era where kids are so eager to leave their parents’ nests to experience adulthood. And by all means, do it. But take some time to think before you spread your wings and fly — about your financial (and mental) stability.

If you are leaving your hometown for college, this article is not for you, but for you kids who are going to a local university, listen up.

Stay home.

Choosing whether to hunker down at home or dive headfirst into the on-campus experience at your local college is all about what floats your boat.

It's like trying on shoes — what fits like a glove for one person might pinch for another. So why might you want to cozy up to home sweet home

1

while you're hitting the books locally? Here's the lowdown:

SAVING MONEY: Staying at home can be a real wallet-saver

because you can skip the hefty bills for on-campus housing or rent. It's like giving your bank account a breather and lightening

4

NO NEED FOR A JOB: You don't need to work to make ends

meet. While it's certainly valuable and often recommended to have a part-time job during college, it's not necessary if you're

the load of college expenses. Since you already have to spend

living at home. With your classes and study sessions filling up

an arm and a leg on textbooks, school supplies, online course

most, if not all, of your available time, any remaining moments

material, etc, living at home and cutting out the cost of rent is

might get eaten up by a job. However, living at home lets you

a brilliant option (and one I wish I chose). Plus you’ll be saving

check working a minimum-wage job off your seemingly end-

money on food. No need to grocery shop or eat out every day if

less to-do list. This means more free time to hang out with your

you are coming home to a homecooked meal (something I deep-

friends and family. (Again, something I wish I considered before

ly miss and underappreciated at the time).

5

I packed up my belongings and moved out at 18).

2

SAVING MONEY X2: If you opt to juggle work and college

HEALTH BENEFITS: Trust me, the grub you'll find in your fam-

ily kitchen beats what comes out of the cafeteria or your nearby

while enjoying the comfort of living at home, it's like you've got a financial superpower at your disposal. Why? Because every

drive-thru by a mile. Fewer sugar-loaded sodas and way less of

hard-earned dollar you rake in can be stashed away safely in

those artery-clogging, greasy indulgences. It's like giving your

your savings account, patiently waiting for that moment when

well-being a turbo boost in the right direction. I mean, during my

you're ready to spread your wings and fly from the family nest.

freshman and sophomore years of college, I lived off Top Ramen

This means you're not just making ends meet or covering daily

and PB&J’s (I still do), and it showed. They aren't kidding about

expenses. Instead, you're building a financial cushion, a safety

3

that freshman 15.

net or even a ticket to your future dreams. Whether it's for your post-graduation adventure, a down payment on your own place or that dream vacation, having your earnings go straight into

DODGING THOSE PESKY DISTRACTIONS: You know, for a

bunch of students being on campus or shacking up with roommates can turn into a bit of a circus with all the social happenings and the somewhat wild and unstructured atmosphere. Now choosing to chill at home? That’s like getting yourself a backstage pass to a quieter, more laser-focused study zone. Plus, it

savings is a game-changer.

6

comes with the bonus of a more dependable daily routine and a generally cleaner, Zen-like atmosphere.

THE FAMILY PET: Last but certainly not least, you don’t have

to part ways with your furry family member. This one will likely strike home with most of us. Saying goodbye to a pet is quite possibly the worst feeling in the world, believe me, I know from experience. But staying at home means you get a free ride while staying your best friend since most dorms don’t allow pets. Plus owning one while freshly on your own is a whole other responsibility on its own — this I also I know.

As I said, staying at home is not for everyone, of course. Some factors play into these types of decisions for everyone's unique situation. But if the stars align in such a way that it could be seen as beneficial both financially and mentally for you to stay at home — do it. There is nothing wrong with staying at home just a little while longer to ensure success for your future. In many cultures around the world, it is considered normal for children to live with their parents well into adulthood.

35

‘DRACULA’

The Perfect Gift for Tea Lovers

Words by Amiyah Golden and photos by Nicole Hartley As we close out another spooky season, we can’t do so without acknowledging the recent production of Roberto Forleo’s “Dracula” performed by the Florida Ballet and featuring the Jacksonville Symphony. With opening night

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music provided by the Jacksonville Symphony, led by conductor Kevin Fitzgerald.

The dancing and music came together cohesively to tell Forleo’s unique adaptation of a tale as old as time and also to move fans to see beyond the fear and horror we automatically associate with ancient vampire lore and point attendees to engage in a deeper plot.

As I sat down in the red seats at the Moran Theatre, I took a moment to clear my mind of even prior lore that subjugated my imagination and remembered that I was here with little to no expectations — I had honestly never read the book, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. The Dracula name is so infamous but, my knowledge was so limited to the select movie adaptations, such as “Hotel Transylvania” and the annual “America’s Top 10 Halloween Costumes” articles where Dracula always seemed to be listed in the top three. I was bound to the gimmicky personas that Dracula’s story had often been reduced to and wasn’t

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aware the original story was written in the inspiration of love and tragedy by the original author, Abraham Stoker, best known as Bram Stoker.

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necessarily on technique: This was The Florida Ballet. These are dancers who have trained their whole lives to be a part of a company that includes some of the best from all over the world. I knew toes would be pointed and limbs elongated, but I was ready to see how they would be able to convey this story. I didn’t know it in detail. (I just knew a vampire was at the center of this whole tale.)

Many trained dancers can do 12 pirouettes in a row and a grand jete across the stage, but dance is so much more than that. When you’re capable of translating such a dramatic story to someone in the audience who may not be familiar with it, that is an entirely different level of dance.

With simple stage props to support each act but not overwhelming enough to cause distraction, the focus remained on the dancers and their chemistry, which exuded beyond the stage and landed in our very laps. Although I sat on the balcony, there was never a disconnect for me.

What made this ballet stand out from other renditions of this tale was Forleo’s interpretive focus. He could’ve easily told the story from the same stale perspective — focusing on terror and death — and although both were still very present, they weren’t overdone, making it appropriate for both children and adults alike.

There would be no Dracula without violence and power: This is who he is.

But Forleo allowed us to catch a glimpse into some moments of empathy and caring from the “monster.”

“THE DANCING AND MUSIC CAME TOGETHER COHESIVELY TO TELL FORLEO’S UNIQUE ADAPTATION OF A TALE AS OLD AS TIME AND ALSO TO MOVE FANS TO SEE BEYOND THE FEAR AND HORROR WE AUTOMATICALLY ASSOCIATE WITH ANCIENT VAMPIRE LORE AND POINT ATTENDEES TO ENGAGE IN A DEEPER PLOT.” I was able to talk with Forleo prior to the performance and pick his brain about his creative process for creating the show. Forleo touched on his personal convictions in telling the story, his inspirations and his standouts. With a long career in the ballet world, Forleo is not new to the art of movement. After taking over as creative director of The Florida Ballet in 2020, he has reimagined and awakened the whimsy in performance art, which not only supports aesthetics but also fosters an array of emotions from spectators.

For years I have heard so much griping regarding the art community in Jacksonville. That it’s “dead” and “non-existent,” but there is so much life being breathed back into such a vast collective of creatives within our own city. It’s always been here, and it’s time we acknowledge the beautiful productions, shows, and stories being curated by people like Forleo, whose goal is to bridge the gap between arts and the people by bringing performances back into accessible spaces.

For those of you who missed Roberto Forleo’s “Dracula,” don’t fret! It is only one of the many performances that The Florida Ballet has coming this 20232024 season! Their next production is the holiday classic “The Nutcracker,” Dec. 9-10 at Thrasher-Horne Center in Orange Park, followed by three days of performances at the UNF Fine Arts Center, Dec. 15-17.

There is no better way to spend the holidays than enjoying the beautiful dancers who train so hard to give us an immersive experience with the ones we love.

Make sure to check out floridaballet.org for their upcoming schedule.

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AMBAR: I would be lying if I said I didn’t gossip. I would also be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy gossiping. And surprise, surprise, if you claim that you don’t gossip, then you’re also a liar. Everyone gossips. It’s actually very natural and can be traced through developmental, cultural and evolutionary levels.

CARMEN: Patriarchal values wasted no time in swooping down and giving gossip a makeover, shaking it to its core. Now, gossiping, as we all know, isn’t exactly picky about who participates, but back in the Middle Ages, women who indulged in it did so right out in the open, practically painting a target on their backs for danger and shame to take aim. Meanwhile, the guys? Well, they were still in on the chatter, but they had the luxury of huddling up in private to do their thing.

AMBAR: Over time, gossip became something only women did. And god forbid men share anything with women. We all know who heels were originally created for, right? Once common folk and women started wearing heels, men of higher rank couldn’t fathom wearing them anymore. Regardless, this isn’t a hate piece on men.

CARMEN: Or is it?

AMBAR: OK … maybe it is. But more importantly, it’s a hate piece on the patriarchy. Sorry, not sorry. Because you know what happened the second gossiping became something “dangerous”? Witch trials.

CARMEN: Basically being a woman with friends — witchcraft. Being a woman who enjoys chit chatting with her friends — witchcraft. Enjoying spices and essential oils — burning at the stake.

AMBAR: I wish we were joking. In 1547 a proclamation was issued against the “gossip and babble of women” with the stated purpose of fending against witchcraft. Like what??? Explain how that makes sense.

CARMEN: Men literally forbade women from speaking. So much so that they invented a “gossip bridle” which is essentially a sadistic mask made of metal

The Girls Talk Gossip… and Witchcraft?

Words by Ambar Ramirez and Carmen Macri CARMEN: Ever heard of a tea party? What do you think are the real reasons for such parties? To drink hot tea and eat delicious crumpets? No. It was to talk a massive amount of shit about their courtiers, that’s what. Kidding, kidding … maybe.

AMBAR: Gossiping has been ingrained in our history from the beginning of time and hasn’t always been seen as a negative social practice. In fact, during the 12th century, Medieval churches framed gossiping as a morally neutral practice and went as far as using the term in sermons. Many even argue that gossip dates back to our primate cousins in which they loosely gossiped as a way to solidify relationships and form groups of a larger size. So when did gossip become something negative?

CARMEN: Cue the patriarchy ruining everything for women. Today, gossip usually refers to a person (usually female) who talks about other people’s private lives. But at its very core, gossiping is just a form of communicating, albeit, a very entertaining form of communication.

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and leather placed in the same fashion you would put a muzzle on a dog — I am not even kidding — and walk them through their town for public humiliation … for chit chatting.

AMBAR: I have no words. How did something that comes naturally to humans become a way to dehumanize women? I’m genuinely asking.

CARMEN: This is now a hate piece on men.

AMBAR: I am officially starting a petition to forbid men from gossiping. Actually, simply forbid them from speaking. Period.

CARMEN: Going back to the bridle… it was often studded with spikes so that if the offender moved her tongue it inflicted pain and made speaking impossible.

AMBAR: Once again, this is a hate piece on men.

CARMEN: How did we get here?

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Across 1 St. Paul Catholic Church service 5 Summer hrs.

8 Fairy tale monsters 13 One spreading garbage 15 Vishnu worshiper 16 Nickname for athletes and students at Florida State College at Jacksonville that is being changed (maybe because it was deemed too political for a Florida state school?)

17 WTLV affiliation 18 Scrapbook items 20 Was ahead 23 Apt feature for a doorway at First Coast Podiatry 24 Killer whale 28 Bay windows 31 Cool cat’s quality 33 WJCT teaser 34 A buck or two 35 Quick swim 36 FSCJ grad and US Representative John ___ 39 Massage Envy, e.g.

41 Caribbean and others 42 King Charles’ subjects, briefly 45 Stay or sit, to a dog 47 Schooner, e.g.

48 Climate control system letters 49 First female Asian-American Cabinet member (Bush’s Secretary of Labor) 51 That girl 52 Chinese restaurant on San Jose Boulevard or the hot brew on its menu 56 Greek marketplace

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59 FSCJ President John ___ 63 Hip-hop head covering 64 Like a Christmas tree decorated with sparkly strands 65 “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” author 66 ___-pitch softball 67 Stash cash Down 1 Org. for Marlins and Rays 2 Feel sick 3 VW forerunners?

4 Flower part 5 Some Island Theater offerings 6 Cut apart 7 Ditch diggers 8 “Yikes!”

9 FSCJ grad and former State Senator Audrey ___ 10 Grp. concerned about 16-Across?

11 Jax summer clock setting 12 Coggin’s Pilot or Passport, briefly 14 Queen of she-baa?

19 Burglar 20 Cut off 21 Get it wrong 22 3-D art project 25 Like flushed cheeks 26 WJAX forensic series 27 Venomous viper 29 Jax Zoo bird 30 “___ luck!”

32 Certain NASA launch 34 Ties in races 37 Subsequently 38 CSX lines

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40 Individual perspective, initially 43 Peg of the LPGA 44 Camera model letters 46 Former FSCJ student and country singer Tim ___ 47 Say nay in the Florida House 50 Ear bone 53 Fury 54 USN rank 55 Fruit drinks 56 Folio revenue source 57 Attained 58 Spanish gold 60 Fla. neighbor 61 Calif. neighbor 62 Lyric poem

M A S S D S T O G R E S H I N D U L I T T E R E R N B C T V B L U E W A V E M E M E N T O S L E D A R C H O R C A H I P N E S S O R I E L S D E E R D I P P R O M O R U T H E R F O R D S P A S E A S B R I T S V E S S E L C O M M A N D C H A O H E R H V A C G R E E N T E A A G O R A A V E N D A N O T I N S E L E D D O R A G S L O S A V E S T O W E

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A Y R E L C L B R B U T A A R T B U U Y C A C E B R T C T E L C Y A R U T B A Y Solve this puzzle like a regular sudoku, but instead of using numbers, use the letters C-U-T-L-E-R-B-A-Y (for the Florida town, Cutler Bay) to fill each row, column and box.

A Y B R E L U C T R E C T Y U L A B U L T A C B Y E R Y A R L T E B U C T B U Y R C A L E L C E U B A R T Y B R A C U T E Y L C U Y E L R T B A E T L B A Y C R U

1

41

Dear Dumbs,

SHARI: What’s that?

TERRY: He who cares the least wins. Act like you don’t care and a woman like Lisa gets all confused and thinks something’s wrong with her.

Dear Dumbs, I’m a 44-year-old single woman, and I have a bit of a situation.

SHARI: He who cares the least wins works when woman do it too.

A little about me first. I have a great job, I take care of myself, and I don’t want

TERRY: It’s universal, and we should have won a Nobel Peace Prize for un-

to sound egotistical, but I have never had a problem attracting men. I’ve been seeing a guy for a year now. Physically he’s not usually what I go for. But his personality challenged me so he has my interest. He doesn’t treat me the way other men have in the past. Most of them fall in love really quick and this guy played it really cool at first so I hung in there.

This problem is that I’m learning that he’s far from what he says he is. Here’s

covering the information.

SHARI: Lisa, I think if you’re making lists of what you don’t like about a guy then he may not be for you.

TERRY: And to get serious here, you obviously can’t trust the guy.

a list of examples:

SHARI: At the end of the day it’s all about trust.

1) He’s at least 50 pounds overweight. He said he hurt his back when we first

TERRY: This is hard for me because I always want to have the dude’s back. I

met and that lead to a lot of weight gain. Turns out he just eats a lot.

think overall we’re pretty misunderstood, but this guy’s making it really tough.

2) He never has any money to go out due to a couple of bad decisions. He

SHARI: How about this, Lisa. Why don’t you make a list of all the things you

led me to believe that his financial issues would be cleared up by now, and

like about him? I bet you can find some, but they will be overshadowed by his

they haven’t.

lying nature.

3) He’s a slob. Absolutely no style. Granted, I live in Jacksonville so that’s

TERRY: That’s a great idea. It does seem like this guy’s days are numbered.

pretty normal here, but ball caps and sweats everywhere we go isn’t my idea of a man. There’s a time and place for that but every day?

4) He seems to lie about everything. All I have to do is ask one question and his story changes.

5) He’s plays the part of a victim really well.

I keep hoping he will change. At 50 you would think he would have a few of these things figured out by now. It’s getting to the point where we just stay in and eat a lot. And I find myself OK with that because I don’t want to really be seen on his arm in public. But there’s something about him that makes me want to give him more time.

What are your thoughts? WWSD (What Would Shari Do?) Lisa B. TERRY: Hey, what’s wrong with ball caps and sweat pants?

SHARI: Nothing. Just not all the time.

TERRY: What’s an acceptable percentage?

SHARI: How about on date nights for starters?

TERRY: So 1% of the time. Cool.

SHARI: This just may be the easiest question we’ve ever had.

TERRY: Well, I would like to point out how the patented Lex and Terry advice worked, though.

42 Folio Weekly

SHARI: A year is enough time to know who a person really is.

FOLIO’S BACK PAGE

Racing Against Hate Like My Life Depends On It Words by Suzie Pollak Becker

#MeToo #BlackLivesMatter #LoveIsLove

On October 7, 2023 a series of coordinated attacks

#StopAsianHate

by the terrorist group Hamas, from the Gaza Strip, tore into bordering civilian areas of Israel, includ-

I decided that my part in our collective responsibil-

ing the Tribe of Nova Peace Festival, to murder,

ity to our global citizenship would be understand-

rape, decapitate, burn and viciously slaughter as

ing how we became disconnected and work on

many people as they could. Over 1,400 men, wom-

how to de-silo our communities. So I have been

en, children and babies were killed in the most

I always have a valid passport, cash on hand and

listening, receiving, exploring, questioning and

gruesome manner known to humanity. They are

a heightened fight or flight instinct braided like

feeling it all while training, navigating and holding

still trying to identify their bodies by the parts to-

challah into my DNA. Why? Because all four of

accountable.

day. We know because the monsters filmed them-

my grandparents were hunted, captured, tortured

selves and each other. (#HelpIsrael, See: “People

and marked for extinction. Their grandparents es-

But then Kanye and marches … (#NeverAgain?

Love Dead Jews” by Dara Horn)

caped pogroms. My most curious cousin traced us

“Not as bad as the Holocaust.”) … Florida-Georgia

getting chased out of our homes as far back as

game (#NeverAgain? “You’re being too sensitive.”)

Hamas terrorists kidnapped over 220 men, wom-

the Spanish Inquisition. My mom was raised in Is-

… I95, VyStar building, harassment of Jewish kids

en, babies, toddlers and children from Israel back

rael between sirens and taking shelter during the

on the streets, a rise in antisemitism at higher rates

to Gaza. I finally caught my breath for a second to

Sinai War, Six-Day War, War of Attrition and Yom

than any other form of racism per the White House

cry out at the single most horrific attack against

Kippur War. Until she emigrated here in 1975 and

and ADL [ Anti-Defamation League] in a matter of

Jews since the Holocaust. #NEVER — “Sorry, the

met my father. They were introduced by their fa-

months … (#NeverAgain? “We gave you a bill.”)

statute of limitation has expired.” Also #genocide

thers. Frankly, they were only alive because both

Then Nazis marched freely in the middle of the

#colonizer #FreePalestine #FromTheRiverToThe-

men had watched their first wives and children be

day, two hours away. (“Before you even start, it’s

Sea.”

slaughtered.

not that serious.”)

My experience with race is unique to my upbring-

Then someone murdered three people in my

Palestinians have become 2 million.

ing and informs my biases. In my home, we didn’t

hometown at a Dollar General 35 minutes away

Colonizer? Ancestral homeland, cousins, sharing

choose whether we would discuss people hating

with a swastika on the gun. I brought my children

is caring

or wanting us dead. Every single person I grew

to stand with our community to grieve the loss of

Free Palestine? From Hamas!!

up with — my parents, sisters, cousins and first

life and teach them in real time how the depraved

From The River To The Sea?

classmates — are named for someone who was

ideology of a group can cause lasting damage in

Slaughter and murder every single one of us —

murdered for being a Jew by a member, supporter

our hometown. I responded by volunteering to

that can’t be the only option.

or opportunist of the Nazi party. The Bible stories

“Resist Hate and Repair The World” at the Jack-

Cease fire!

we read and holidays we celebrate are a series

sonville Public Library, and I became a docent on

#FREETHEHOSTAGES

of: “They tried to kill us. Thank God we survived.

“The Americans and the Holocaust” exhibit. I ex-

#BRINGTHEMHOMENOW

Let’s eat.”

plained that the Nuremberg laws of the Nazis were

Genocide? 150,000

based on the Jim Crow laws in the United States.

There has to be more to our #BOLDCITY than ig-

Generational trauma is something that millions of

And that Nazis had sought global domination while

norance and propaganda. Join me in modeling

people deal with every day. I addressed mine by

succeeding in murdering 13 million people before

#BETHECHANGE for our kids. #CYCLEBREAKERS

working on character development and community

being stopped. I showed the pictures of Adolf Hit-

#ModelCity

outreach. Knowing that my grandparents were sur-

ler and the Grand Mufti of Egypt. We talked about

The JCA and First Coast YMCA’s Racing Against

vivors of a nearly successful, systematic genocide

propaganda and being a bystander.

Hate 5K Run/Walk at the Winston Family YMCA is

because of their race made me understand that I

on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024, at 1 pm. I hope to see

had to have my finger on the pulse of progress.

I registered for every single one of the Jewish Com-

you there so we can find out the kind of people

So this means I’ve spent a lifetime navigating the

munity Alliance and First Coast YMCA’s “Together

we are.

mixed messages we get hit with daily. You know

Against Hate: Promoting Unity in Our Community”

those conversations where we wonder if it’s safe

speaker series events from September through

#WeAreJacksonville

to speak our minds? Can we share our experienc-

January that address topics impacting our area

#GlobalCitizenship #GooniesNeverSayDie

es? Should we voice our fears and concerns or just

including prejudices in faith, race, antisemitism,

#AmIsraelChai

keep our mouths shut? As author and psychologist

ethnicity, LGBTQ+, gender and diverse abilities.

Edith Eger says, “You can’t heal what you don’t

I want to listen and learn from the distinguished

Stay inspired,

feel.”

speakers from 904Ward, JASMYN, the Anti-Def-

Suzie

amation League, The Arc Jacksonville, The LJD So I leaned all the way into building my compas-

Jewish Family & Community Services, OneJax and

“If you don’t know the kind of person I am

sion and awareness muscle and using my well-

Interfaith Center, who are empowering our neigh-

and I don’t know the kind of person you are

honed and not shy #StandUpSpeakOut skills for

bors with the knowledge needed to have a voice in

a pattern that others made may prevail in the world

everyone. Because our hearts beat in a different

taking a stance against bias. I was making plans to

and following the wrong god home we may miss

language, we have to accept when people tell us

attend a Civil Rights trip to Montgomery.

our star.”

how they feel and nobody should be forced to prove the extent of the discrimination they faced.

– William Stafford

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44 Folio Weekly