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Independent News | August 20, 2020 | Volume 21 | Number 34

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winners & losers 4

outtakes

news

6, 8

So our revenue has decreased while our expenses have gone up.

cover story

buzz

10 publisher Rick Outzen

graphic designer Tim Bednarczyk

editor & creative director Joani Delezen

contributing writers Savannah Evanoff, Jennifer Leigh, Jeremy Morrison, C.S. Satterwhite

happenings 17

Independent News is published by Inweekly Media, Inc., P.O. Box 12082, Pensacola, FL 32591. (850)438-8115. All materials published in Independent News are copyrighted. © 2018 Inweekly Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

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winners & losers

Al Martin / City of Pensacola

winners AL MARTIN Pensacola’s piano man was surprised with proclamations of recognition from the City of Pensacola and Escambia County during a book signing event last Wednesday. The children’s book "Al's Ten Fingers: He Used Them to Play Music” features Martin’s childhood. Co-author Sandra Winborne organized the event at the Gordon Community Arts Center. Martin has been an icon on the Pensacola music scene for decades and currently teaches at Blues Angel Music. JOSEPH MARSHALL Pensacola's new Citi-

zen Police Advisory Committee has elected the pastor of St. John Divine Missionary Baptist Church as its chairman. Dr. Marshall is a Pensacola native who served 23 years in the Navy, including as the assistant administrative officer for the Blue Angels from 1996-99, before he was ordained a minister in 1995. The advisory committee also elected Jonathan Green as its co-chairman.

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PATRICIA SWANZ-REINERS Reinvented Magazine named the Escambia County School District school counselor among the four finalists for its Educator of the Year Award. Swanz-Reiners is a counselor assigned to Lipscomb Elementary School. The Educator of the Year award recognizes the critical role that K-12 educators have in sparking an early interest in STEM and opening opportunities for young people, especially those underrepresented in the field. KEEP PENSACOLA BEAUTIFUL Keep

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Florida Beautiful recently honored 10 affiliates and businesses for their efforts to keep the state clean, green and beautiful. The organization held a virtual ceremony to award those who were instrumental in organizing cleanup events, increasing recycling efforts and hosting beautification projects. Keep Pensacola Beautiful received the Outstanding Communication Outreach award.

LANDRUMHR The company is celebrating its 50th anniversary this month. Founded by H. Britt Landrum Jr., the personnel placement company became the largest provider of staffing services in Northwest Florida. Several years later, he expanded into employee leasing and the Professional Employer Organization (PEO) space.

Tim Wyrosdick / Santa Rosa District Schools

losers TIM WYROSDICK The superintendent of schools in Santa Rosa County last week announced that at least 80 teachers were laid off and an additional 80 were to be re-assigned to remote learning positions. The announcement was a crushing blow to educators who had spent their summer preparing lesson plans for the coming school year, only to learn less than a week before they returned to campus that their services weren’t needed. While we sympathize the district had low enrollment numbers because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we had hoped Wyrosdick had developed other options during the months leading up to his announcement. BILLY WOODS The Marion County Sher-

iff last week prohibited his deputies from wearing masks at work and also banned visitors to his offices to wear them. According to the local newspaper, the Marion County Jail has seen at least 200 inmates test positive, along with 36 jail employees. A nurse at the jail has died of COVID-19. The announcement came after Sheriff Woods participated in a conference call with President Trump and other sheriffs, and on the day, the Florida Department of Health reported 13 new COVID deaths.

ALEX ARDUINI The New York transplant

was upset that the Democratic primary for District 3 county commission seat wasn’t open to Republicans. He tried to have Commissioner Lumon May disqualified because a write-in candidate, Jason Laird, had qualified for the general election, but under Florida law, write-ins and no-partyaffiliated candidates limit the primaries only those registered to the party. Arduini accused Laird of not being a real person. He said he should be disqualified because he hadn’t filed any financial reports, and he also was upset that Laird’s father supported Commissioner May. Being new to the area, Arduini may not have realized Republicans have been closing their primaries for years with write-in candidates, the most recent being the 2018 GOP primary for District 4 county commission. Elections Supervisor David Stafford tried to set him straight. inweekly.net

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GET ME A STAMP President Donald Trump doesn’t want people voting by mail in the presidential election. He prefers they—not him or his family or White House staff—show up to their precincts and vote in person on election day the old-fashioned way. In the White House press briefing on Thursday, Aug. 13, the president said, "I want them to vote, but that would mean that they'd have to go to a voting booth like they used to and vote." This summer, he has made it clear that he doesn’t like people voting by mail, repeatedly tweeting that such votes are open to fraud. However, someone must have told him that Florida Republicans love to vote by mail. For the Aug. 18 primary, 21,757 Republicans in Escambia County cast their votes by mail. “Whether you call it Vote by Mail or Absentee Voting, in Florida, the election system is Safe and Secure," Trump tweeted earlier this month, encouraging supporters to vote by mail in the state. Trump then shifted his message away from mail-in ballots to attacking universal vote by mail, which means every registered voter receives a ballot in the mail. He said at the briefing, “Absentee good, universal mailin very bad." However, only eight states—California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Vermont and Washington—and the District of Columbia currently have universal mail-in ballots. Last week, New Jersey announced that it would likely switch to universal mail-in ballots. In 2016, Trump lost all those states to Hillary Clinton, except for Utah with six electoral votes, and he will likely lose them to Joe Biden, although some view Nevada, also with six electoral votes, as a toss-up. Montana, North Dakota and Nebraska have left that decision up to individual counties for the November election. Trump won all three states and their combined 11 electoral votes. He will likely win them again, regardless of how they vote. Most other states—the ones that the Trump campaign covets—have liberal mailin voting laws. Pennsylvania and Florida voters can vote absentee without needing

an excuse. New York, which Trump lost in 2016, and 15 other states require an excuse, such as being over 65 years old, out of town during Election Day, in the military or now the coronavirus. The White House has failed to provide any evidence of widespread fraud with mail-in voting. Over the weekend, White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows couldn't list any facts to support the president’s fears when he was questioned by CNN’s Jack Tapper. Meadows tried to flip the question, “There's no evidence that there's not, either. That's the definition of fraud, Jake." Really? Trump claimed the Mueller investigation lacked any proof of Russian interference and election fraud, but now we learn that no evidence was required, according to Meadow’s dictionary. Trump is making a fuss about something that will not impact his re-election bid, and that really isn’t unusual for him. But what is troubling is he has used his baseless claim to sabotage a critical lifeline for citizens, the United States Postal Service. He has blocked a COVID-19 aid package because it includes $25 billion for USPS to prevent the postal service from delivering ballots, and "that means you can’t have universal mail-in voting because they’re not equipped to have it." Meanwhile, mail delivery has slowed. Bills, checks and medications haven’t arrived on time. There have been media reports of cuts to staff hours and high-volume sorting machines taken out of service. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy admitted to his employees that his initiatives have had “unintended consequences that impacted our overall service levels.” He will have a chance to defend himself at House committee hearings next week. I hope Republicans will join with Democrats and not let the White House abuse its powers to undermine yet another government institution and will allow the votes to be cast. At some point, the president’s whining has to stop. {in} rick@inweekly.net

Trump is making a fuss about something that will not impact his re-election bid, and that really isn’t unusual for him.

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SUPER SUPERS Johnson also collaborated with our local universities and colleges and business partners. He said, "You will hear me say thisâ€”every student should have that important adult in their lives. So we want to make sure that all of our students had some mentor when they came to the school." In one year, the school went from a D to a B and continued to maintain that B. Science proficiency score moved up from 15% to 61%, math from 57% to 87% and reading from 57% to 76%. "I feel that we need to be very intentional and laser-focused on our intentions of student achievement," said Johnson. "And you have to have buy-in from the community, from the business partners, from the families." Keith Rittel is the superintendent of the Provo School District in Utah. He said he wanted an administrative team made up of "qualified people who are not only excellent educators, but also bring different points of view." "I do not desire to be surrounded by people who only wish to agree with me," he said. "Better decisions are made when a variety of perspectives are considered."

Rick Outzen By the end of this month, the Escambia County School Board will appoint the school superintendent that will replace Malcolm Thomas in November. In the age of COVID-19, the six semifinalists submitted videos in which they talked about how to improve diversity and inclusion and their experiences in turning around low-performing schools. Last week, Dr. Vincent Cotter withdrew his name. On Tuesday, Aug. 18, the board was scheduled to interview the candidates and decide which ones would be invited for in-person interviews. Inweekly did not have the names of the finalist prior to our publication deadline. Board Chair Patty Hightower told Inweekly, "Each one of us will talk about what our feelings are about a particular person." However, the board won't rank the candidates. Hightower said, "Oftentimes, it ends up that they're bringing back all of their semifinalists." With most Inweekly readers concerned about how the new superintendent will turn around the school system, Inweekly has culled their responses from the videos submitted by the candidates. You can read more about each at ecsd-fl.schoolloop. com/superintendentsearch. Marques Stewart, a 1996 graduate of Woodham High School, currently is the ninthgrade principal at Frederick Douglass High School in Atlanta. He talked about his experience as the turnaround principal of Brenda 66

Scott Academy, located in a Detroit neighborhood with the highest crime rate in the country. "The year prior to my arrival, there were only 1% of the students that were proficient in math and 17% proficient in reading," said Stewart. He added that over 200 discipline incidents had resulted in over 600 out-ofschool suspensions, and the average daily attendance was only 77%. He hired a new staff, abolished grade levels and placed students in classes based upon their instructional levels. Stewart said, "We assessed it three times per year, and they changed classes based upon the academic growth." Within two years, Brenda Scott Academy was ranked number five of 122 Detroit schools for academic growth. He said, "It is my belief we cannot do this work alone. It takes a community. And as your next superintendent, I look forward to partnering with each of you to have the same great impact here." Dr. Earl Johnson is the executive director of Leadership/Operations of Flagler County schools. He also talked about his time as principal of an inner-city school "in the middle of a generational impoverished area," where 97% of the students were on free or reduced lunches. With his teachers, Johnson created small-group instruction that grouped students based their achievement levels in reading, math and science. He said, "We used formative assessments to assess where those students were, and our small groups were fluid. Once students grasp a concept in a specific area, then they can go to another group."

"I do not desire to be surrounded by people who only wish to agree with me. Better decisions are made when a variety of perspectives are considered." Keith Rittel Rittel said the key to his success has been that he and his team have been very effective in working with every student and family. "As a superintendent, I believe one of my top priorities is to ensure that highquality teaching and learning takes place in every class every day," he said. He said that he uses the dual principle of hope and urgency. He worked with a school with alarmingly low performance scores in math, 19%. Instead of berating the teachers, Rittel worked with the principal to analyze the data and found a small area of successâ€”third-grade math. "We celebrated it, published in far and wide, dissected how we got there, and new goals and action plans were formed," he said. "The next year, the math scores on the state assessments skyrocketed to over 59%." Rittel said, "I've led many schools through turnaround processes. I enjoy and have been successful working with schools to get them to improve to even the very highest level. Dr. Timothy A. Smith is the executive area director of high schools for the Orange County School District. He has served as a principal of an inner-city middle school, an internationally diverse middle school and a large comprehensive high school.

"In those schools, students work together and interacted with each other respectfully and with appreciation of different cultures," he said. "I led those schools to embrace settings of care and respect for all people." In his five and half years as principal of Howard Middle School, he saw the school go from a D to a B school. Prior to his arrival, the school was dysfunctional, devoid of structure and unruly. Smith said, "Staff members craved support, and respect was lacking." Smith asked questions and listened to teachers, administrators, support staff members, parents and community members. He formed a team and hired talented teachers who wanted to be at the school. "Discipline, safety and orderly classrooms had to be established," he said. "Trust, dependability, fairness and strong leadership was also needed. I began to establish fair and equitable systems and practices while simultaneously focusing on teaching and learning." He admitted that progress was slow, and he encouraged his staff to stay the course, and the work began to pay off by the middle of the second year. Smith said, "The key to the turnaround was a committed team of administrators, teachers, support and staff members, students, parents and community members who united and believed in a vision that our middle school family had grit, rugged determination and perseverance, which positively impacted students and changed the school." Keith Leonard is the assistant superintendent of Human Resource Services for the Escambia County School District. He talked about how he has helped principals turn around their schools. "We all know there is no greater force than an excellent dedicated teacher who engages each student," he said. "You can be guaranteed if you take the time to talk to one of our administrators or faculty members from any of the schools that have found themselves in the throes of turnaround, I have always been there to provide support." He cited one principal who was assigned to the only failing school within the district with whom he worked on a daily basis. "We discussed student performance solutions; we discussed employee performance issues and develop strategies for focus within content areas," said Leonard. "After the first year, the school earned a school grade of D. The principal and faculty knew they could do better." Over the summer, he helped the principal find the funds to acquire content area experts to assist and train the teachers in reading and math. He said, "I am proud to say this school team established a learning culture that led to a school grade of A and has maintained student success." Leonard added, "All of our schools knew then and they know now I will always be there to assist them any fashion they so desire." {in} inweekly.net

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DIVING DEEP FOR DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION This month, Shands is CivicCon's featured speaker. In a free virtual event Aug. 24, she will bring her message of inclusion, diversity and equality to Pensacola.

A HOLISTIC APPROACH

Marida Shands / Courtesy Photo

Jeremy Morrison What exactly is diversity? Mardia Shands, considered an expert on the topic, takes a broader view than some. "A lot of people tend to think of diversity and they confine it to typical race, typical gender, typical ethnicity and so forth," Shands said recently, explaining that she views diversity through a "human capital" lens. In her work with various organizations, Shands stresses this human capital concept, which serves to distill the notion of diversity into a simple question most businesses can readily grasp—"What makes it unique? What makes it your competitive advantage?" "And what makes it unique is not necessarily race, ethnicity, gender and the typical things you see in diversity," Shands said. "What makes it unique is what are the diversity of thought your employees bring into your organization."

Shands has been in the human resources field for more than 25 years now. Currently, she's the chief diversity officer for TriHealth, an Ohio hospital group. Over the course of her career, Shands has worked for various organizations—ranging from International Paper to United Way—both in the private business and nonprofit sectors. She's worked in the United States, as well as in Europe and Africa. She's been a fellow at the Aspen Institute. The main focuses of Shands' work are the issues of diversity, equity and inclusion—DEI, if you need a shorthand acronym—viewed through that business-brained human capital lens. "In all of my work, I was making sure we looked at the human capital of the business and how do we utilize the human potential and the capital of an organization and get it at maximum capacity," she said. Shands' work with any organization always begins the same way—with an assessment. "A cultural assessment of the organization to figure out exactly where the organization is in the continuum, on the journey of DEI and find out what the readiness of the organization is to accept the inevitable changes that are going to come before you start making any plans, putting a strategy in place for DEI," she explained. Once an assessment is made and hurdles to realizing any DEI potential are identified—"Where are the outages, the gaps?"—Shands encourages diving deep into a holistic approach. For example, if an organization doesn't

examine the issue of childcare and ensuring its employees are covered on this front, it could become a hurdle to diversity, specifically when it comes to female employees— "If we don't have things like childcare issues under control and your organization is predominately female, that's gonna have an impact on your organization." Shands points also to the issue of an organization or area's available pool of employees, which leads deeper down this holistic path. If area employers are bemoaning a dearth of available employees, she said, perhaps it's time to look to local educational institutions. And if a local industry—say, manufacturing or aviation—is searching for STEM-centric applicants, then maybe start looking at the available STEM programs in local schools and the available social program network that might facilitate particularly minority students in pursuing a STEM-related path. "That's how DEI connects to industry, how it connects to colleges and universities and how it connects to families. And so that's what I'm looking at, what a community can do to promote diversity, equity and inclusion. That's how the cycle work," Shands said. "It is not short term and it is holistic."

THE BENEFITS OF DEI

For three years now, the community organization CivicCon has presented a wide field of speakers addressing issues pertinent to the local community. There have been presentations from urban planners as the city ponders its downtown landscape and a presentation on educational achievement gaps as the area struggles to improve that very thing. This year, there's one on affordable housing. According to Terry Horne, executive director with CivicCon, inviting Shands to town to speak about diversity and inclusion is indicative or the organization's thinking. "With what is going on in the country right now, it has become obvious we need to hear from experts on social justice, workplace diversity, bias and inclusion if our

community is going to thrive and improve as a great place to live for all," Horne said. While much of her work is with private business or nonprofit organizations, Shands said her advice to wider areas, like a city, is much the same. "If I'm talking with community leaders, I would ask them to take a look at what's happening in your community from a DEI perspective," she said. First, Shands explained, she'd want to see groups like the chamber of commerce and local colleges and universities coordinate on a general assessment. And then they would need to draw up a plan for addressing any desired improvements aimed at ensuring the community was fostering an inclusive environment. In business, Shands emphasizes the benefits of an environment diverse in both people and perspectives from a mostly business angle—"That's how we look at DEI. We look at it from a business imperative—how we're going to use it to maximize peak performance from our employee perspective." But there are bigger benefits beyond any talk of "human capital" or maximizing peak performance that can be found along the many fronts to Shands' holistic approach to the issue of diversity and inclusion. These benefits span society and pertain to the professional, educational and social. Shands maps out the aims and benefits of a diverse community thus—"So think about it—If industry has the workforce that it needs, now all of a sudden, you start seeing people who have economic stability. And it all starts with, why do kids go to school? Why do kids go to school? We want educated kids because kids then go on to higher ed and higher ed graduates then so that they can go into business and industry. And why do we do that? Because we want thriving communities. We want people who are productive members of society so that we can all live the lives that we desire and that we want to achieve." {in}

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dollar increase spending, and government size, which covers percent of spending on salaries and benefits, FTEs per 100K residents and average public employee salary. The C was for government debt—the county's six-year average per capita debt and total dollar increase in debt. Escambia ranked 23rd out of 32 large counties. The D's were predictably for crime and education. Crime covered violent crime rate, property crime rate and total crime clearance rate. Education included average school grade and graduation rate. Escambia ranked 25th and 29th out of 32 large counties for crime and education, respectively. Pensacola did even worse, receiving only one B—Government Spending: D, 80th out of 90 large cities; Government Debt: C, 58th; Government Size: B, 36th; Crime: C, 60th; and Education: D, 75th. Santa Rosa County received four A's and one B, which was in Education. The city of Gulf Breeze received all F's for not reporting its data. Milton received B's for government spending and crime and C's for government debt, size and education.

COUNTY AND CITY GRADED The Florida

House rolled out a new website that grades and lets people compare cities and counties based on spending, crime and education. House Speaker Jose Oliva, R-Miami Lakes, said in a press release the new Taxpayer Accountability & Transparency Project, floridataxpayers.com, "gives residents a useful tool to help them make educated judgments and hold their elected officials accountable." The Taxpayers Accountability & Transparency Project and the Local Government Report Card were created by the House without approval of the Florida Senate. It aims to provide Floridians with real data about the performance of local governments. The collected data provides a visual representation of the overall performance of your city and county governments as

well as an opportunity to see how you stack up against 400-plus other cities and 66 other counties. "If someone is satisfied with their county's or city's spending and debt and thinks that funds have been properly used, that is a positive outcome for this analysis," Oliva said. "On the other hand," he continued, "if someone believes their county's or city's spending is too high and feels that their quality of life or infrastructure is unfavorable, this project may help inspire them to get involved in their local government's funding decisions moving forward." Escambia County received two B's, a C and two D's. The B's were for government spending, which includes the county's sixyear average per capita spending and total

NURSING HOME VISITS While Escam-

bia County approaches the 1,000 mark for cases associated with long-term care facilities, state officials are looking at how to allow visitations at the nursing homes. Members of the Task Force on the Safe and Limited Re-Opening of Long-Term Care Facilities are discussing how to allow "essential" and "compassionate" visitation at nursing homes and have floated a proposal that would have visitors wear personal protective equipment, such as face masks, but not be required to be tested for COVID-19 before entering the facility. "Testing is very important for a host of reasons, but my cautionary note about testing is it's a point in time. You can test someone yesterday and they can be positive the next day, which is where the PPE is important," Agency for Health Care

Administration Secretary Mary Mayhew told the News Service of Florida. "What we don't want is for it to detract from the vigilance around the use of PPE because fundamentally I am confident that with the right (personal protective equipment), with the right training, we can safely allow individuals to be back with their loved ones." Florida Department of Health Secretary Scott Rivkees, also a task force member, backed Mayhew's position.

"A test is a point in time. Somebody can test negative one day and be positive the next day." Scott Rivkees "I agree completely. A test is a point in time. Somebody can test negative one day and be positive the next day," said Rivkees, who is also the state surgeon general. "But by wearing masks, by having the distancing, by having the hygiene and by having the screening, you can mitigate the risk of transmission even if somebody would happen to be in there and would be positive." Allowing limited visitation without testing also is at odds with the Florida Health Care Association, the state's largest nursing home industry. The association recommended that indoor visitation only be allowed in facilities that do not have any cases of COVID-19 and that visitors be tested for the virus before being allowed to enter a facility. The task force hopes to have recommendations on how to allow visitations to Gov. DeSantis by the end of the week.

TOURISM PLUMMETS The News Service of Florida reports the state's tourism industry suffered an estimated 60.5% drop in visitors as the COVID-19 pandemic hit hard during the year's second quarter, with international travel off more than 90%.

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And the outlook remains dim for the state following the nearly 20 million visitor drop from April through June. The tourism industry must combat ongoing negative perceptions of Florida's handling of COVID-19, international travel bans, people slow to return to entertainment venues and double-digit unemployment. During the second quarter, an estimated 12.801 million people came to Florida as businesses were shut down in April and amid harried reopening efforts in May and June, according to numbers posted Sunday by the Visit Florida tourism-marketing agency. In 2019, Florida recorded 32.4 million visitors in the second quarter and 68.2 million for the first six months. For the first half of 2020, the state saw its tourism numbers drop 35.2%, attracting 44.188 million visitors. Among the second-quarter 2020 numbers, Florida saw just 235,000 overseas visitors and 9,000 Canadians, per the numbers posted by Visit Florida. The state, which had been on a nineyear run of increasing tourist numbers, estimated nearly 2.65 million overseas visitors in the second quarter of 2019 and 931,000 Canadians in the same time. After releasing the second-quarter numbers Sunday, Visit Florida added a note online that the pandemic has impacted the way the numbers were estimated and that the international figures released may be higher than the actual totals. "Please note that due to the unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact it has had on data used to produce visitor estimates, the numbers provided … are likely to face larger-thannormal revisions as new data become available," Visit Florida said in the note. "Also note that for Q2 2020, Visit Florida believes that the number of overseas visitors to the state was actually 20,00030,000, but the officially published estimate was calculated using the standard methodology per request from the principals of the Revenue Estimating Conference," the agency note said, referring to a state panel that analyzes economic data and revenues. With Florida continuing to add thousands of coronavirus cases a day, a sharp rebound in the tourism industry isn't expected soon.

JUDGE NOMINEES The First Circuit Ju-

dicial Nominating Commission conducted interviews on Aug. 11 with 14 applicants to fill the vacancy on the Escambia County Court created by the elevation of Judge Jennifer J. Frydrychowicz to the Circuit Court. The Commission submitted the names of four nominees, listed in alphabetical order, to Gov. Ron DeSantis—Barry E. Dickson, Kristina Lightel, Frederic Longmire and Andrew McGraw. August 20, 2020

COVID UPDATE The good news for the

week ending Aug. 15 is Escambia County had three consecutive days with its positivity rate below 9%, which brought its positivity rate for the week down to 10.6%. The bad news is the county had 32 deaths last weekend, the deadliest week since the pandemic began. Also, the Florida Department of Health only entered 6,812 tests into the system— down 29.6% from the previous week and the lowest weekly total since early July.

COVID SMALL BUSINESS IMPACT SURVEY The Florida SBDC Network, Flor-

ida Chamber Foundation and the University of West Florida Haas Center have joined forces to assess the impact of the COVID-19 virus on Florida's small businesses. "Small businesses are critical to Florida's economy," said Michael W. Myhre, CEO of the Florida SBDC Network. "This has been an incredibly challenging time for our state's small businesses. This survey represents an important opportunity for our organizations to come together to give small businesses a voice when they need it most." Data collected through the survey will be invaluable in supporting small business recovery efforts and better informing legislators and policymakers of potential gaps in available resources.

"Small businesses have been seriously impacted, and this survey represents an opportunity for us to help craft a strategy for their recovery." Dr. Jerry Parrish "Florida's small businesses are the foundation of our economy," said Dr. Jerry Parrish, chief economist at the Florida Chamber Foundation. "Small businesses have been seriously impacted, and this survey represents an opportunity for us to help craft a strategy for their recovery." Small business owners impacted by the pandemic are encouraged to participate in the survey and share their experiences. The survey will ask businesses to weigh in on a variety of topics, including revenue loss, employment impacts and need for assistance. The survey deadline is Sept. 1. "Supporting the state through data is key to our mission," said Nicole Gislason, Executive Director of the UWF Haas Center. "Our hope is that the data collected through the survey will help shed light on the challenges small businesses are facing." To take the survey and to sign up to receive the results, please visit floridasbdc. org/disaster/covid-impact-survey/.

NEW STARTUP PROGRAM Startups on the Blocks, a new entrepreneurial program 11

that supports founders of color, has kicked off in the historic Belmont-DeVilliers neighborhood. The program has a mission to share best practices to grow a startup from the idea stage to the launch stage with a minimum viable product. The inaugural Startups on the Blocks begins on Thursday, Aug. 13, with a focus on entrepreneurial ecosystems, startup best practices and one-on-one networking. Every Thursday, participants connect individually and learn the methods for creating and growing a successful startup. "We'll make sure our participants get introduced weekly to different startup topics and resources," said Lloyd Reshard, the Kukua Institute's board chairman. "Pensacola has an ever-growing entrepreneurial environment," he said, "and the Kukua Institute is excited to contribute and make it stronger and more inclusive for communities of color." Leading the Kukua Institute's entrepreneurial outreach efforts is Vercell Vance, a national award-winning computer scientist and entrepreneur. "These efforts will also lay a foundation for sound business practices, investment plans

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and market entry," Vance said. "Our program participants will have tools for their use when investors and venture capitalists engage with them, especially at early-stage market opportunities like boot camps, accelerator programs and pitch competitions," he said. Registration for the free inaugural Startup on the Blocks event is at kukuainstitute.org.

FOOD FOR ONLINE STUDENTS When school starts on Aug. 24, the Escambia County School District's Food Service Department will be providing a drive-thru meal pick-up service for students planning to participate in distance learning. Parents with students who have chosen distance learning were asked to go into their Focus Parent Portal Account by Monday, Aug. 17, and complete the Meal Pick-up form. The form needed to be completed for each student. A final plan with school sites for food distribution and the hours for pick up will be available by Friday, Aug. 21. It will be posted on the Food Service Department's website and District social media pages. VIRTUAL JOB FAIR GPS Hospitality will host a virtual job fair to hire managers,

crew members and Pizza Hut delivery drivers at its Burger King and Pizza Hut locations in southern Alabama and Pensacola. GPS Hospitality is hiring at all GPS restaurants throughout 13 states with openings for more than 250 full- and part-time positions locally, including 80 managers and 15 Pizza Hut drivers to join the team immediately. The search for applicants is taking place digitally via online applications and video interviews, as well as at the individual restaurants when requested. For those looking for their first job or an entry-level position, GPS offers "work today, get paid tomorrow" via Instant Pay app for Burger King employees, quality training, flexible hours and ample opportunities for growth. After one year of full-time employment, all team members are eligible for accrued paid vacation time. Management level employees are eligible to receive performance-driven monetary bonuses, awards within GPS and other benefits. The virtual job fair will run from Aug. 17-21. Video chats and phone interviews will be scheduled with qualifying applicants. Exceptions will be made for ap-

plicants who prefer to interview at their desired restaurant location. Applicants can text "GPS" to 37872 or visit bit.ly/workforgps2020 to view GPS restaurant locations and open positions and apply online. For more information and interview requests, please contact Cindy Stoltz at cstoltz@alliedglobalmarketing.com.

RE-EMPLOY ESCAROSA The Greater Pensacola Chamber has partnered with CareerSource EscaRosa, FloridaWest, Gulf Coast Minority Chamber and Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce to host the first "Re-Employ EscaRosa Campaign." The campaign will take place during September and will include a variety of virtual job fairs, in-person job fairs and virtual professional development opportunities. Registration will be available on pensacolachamber. com for both employers and applicants for the virtual job fairs that that will be held on Thursdays, starting on Sept. 3 and ending Sept. 24. For more information, contact the chamber's director of external affairs, Sara Lefevers at slefevers@pensacolachamber.com. {in}

inweekly.net

PENSACOLA VOTES:

HOW TO GET INVOLVED Now that both presidential preference and local primaries are completed, we are in peak election season. Time to roll up our sleeves and get in the game. While we could definitely drop a joke here about how there’s nothing better to do in 2020, we are challenging each of ourselves and you, our dedicated readers, to make a commitment to donate your time, skillset and social influence to a cause that’s important to you and will keep the momentum up as we barrel toward November.

LEVERAGE YOUR CURRENT ROUTINE

What groups are you already a member of? Professional networks, faith communities or hobby-based groups are all fair game. By this point, most of the organizations you’re involved with should have figured out their strategy for dealing with the age of social distancing. Check the latest newsletter or reach out to the organizing committee to see if they are planning to do any candidate forums or other election season activations. If there’s nothing on the books, request it. Better yet, volunteer to make it happen. With most meetings and forums happening virtually, make sure you’re actually setting aside time for these the way you would an in-person meeting or event. If you can’t make the live event, see if you can get a recording or ask a friend who can make it to take notes and give you the highlights next time you catch up.

GO TO THE SOURCE OF THE ISSUE

If you’re personally passionate about any specific issues, you probably follow or donate to nonprofits working directly to create change. Check out their website to see if they have any resources on how to volunteer virtually or join local activations that are connected to campaign season. Even if the organization is totally separate from politics, balancing your election-focused efforts with some direct action can be a great respite and keep you focused on making a real difference in our community. Whether it’s helping distribute food with a food bank or cleaning up litter around the beach, don’t forget to invest some elbow grease where it can make an immediate impact.

In Escambia County, poll workers are paid a small stipend and required to go through special training once selected. Escambia County Supervisor of Elections escambiavotes.gov/election-worker-information

GET INVOLVED WITH A VOTING ADVOCACY GROUP

A nonpartisan way to advocate for a healthy democracy is to get involved with a voting organization. Each group has a slightly different mission, so check out their websites to see how you can get involved at a local level or even make a difference nationally by utilizing technology. League of Women Voters of the Pensacola Bay Area lwvpba.org True the Vote truethevote.org Vote Common Good votecommongood.com Bring It Home Florida bringithomefl.org Rock the Vote rockthevote.org

GET INVOLVED WITH A POLITICAL PARTY

Once the primary dust has settled, it’s a great time to connect with your political party of choice or commit to campaign for candidates you support. We’ve included information here on local major party chapters and minor state parties organizations. A quick Google or social media search should direct you to the campaign hub for local and national candidates where you can find out how to volunteer your time. Escambia County Democratic Party escambiademocrats.org Escambia County Republican Party florida.gop/escambia Constitution Party of Florida cpflorida.org Ecology Party of Florida ecologyparty.org Green Party of Florida gpfl.org Libertarian Party of Florida lpf.org Party for Socialism and Liberation pslweb.org Pensacola Democratic Socialists of America facebook.com/pg/pensacolachapterdsa Reform Party of Florida reformpartyfl.org

WORK THE POLLS LOCALLY

If you’re able to make it work with your schedule and you can take a calculated risk with potential exposure to the coronavirus, consider applying to be a poll worker for the general election. You’ll help set up and break down polling places on election day, assist voters in casting their votes and be an active participant in the voting process.

DATES TO REMEMBER

OCT. 5 General Election Voter Registration Deadline OCT. 24 General Election Vote-by-Mail Ballot Request Deadline OCT. 24-31 General Election Early Voting NOV. 3 General Election August 20, 2020

NOW ON VIEW PURCHASE TIMED TICKETS AT PENSACOLAMUSEUM.ORG TUESDAYS, THURSDAYS & SATURDAYS 10AM-4PM

CivicCon empowers the Pensacola area through civic conversations

Workplace Diversity and Inclusion Mardia Shands serves as chief diversity officer for TriHealth, a major hospital group in Ohio. Her career has spanned from multi-national global corporations to small not-for-profits. She has an extensive history of leadership in the discussion of inclusion, diversity, equality, and awareness. At this CivicCon event, she will share how diversity in the workplace has broad benefits for a community. She will show how it impacts neighborhoods, families, and connections within the community.

Mardia Shands

Monday, Aug. 24 6 - 7:30 p.m. You can RSVP to attend this virtual event:

studeri.org/events

Moving forward into the 21st Century with Police Reforms and Social Justice Dr. Cedric Alexander and Quint Studer

focused on policing, social justice and helping everyone understand “we are all in this together.” Dr. Alexander has served more than four decades in law enforcement and public service. Throughout his career, he has been pivotal in reforming troubled police departments and restoring trust between police and their local community. Alexander is the author of “In Defense of Public Service: How 22 Million Government Workers Will Save Our Republic.”

Watch now online pnj.com/civiccon Dr. Cedric Alexander

Lisa Nellessen Savage lnelless@gannett.com

Terry Horne thorne@civicconversations.org

CivicCon is a partnership of the News Journal and the Studer Community Institute to make our community a better place to live, grow, work and invest through smart planning and civic conversations.

inweekly.net

August 20, 2020

At the height of the pandemic, Manna Food Pantries faced a 128% increase in need from March to June. Grocery store shelves were empty, it was unclear if it was even safe to accept food donations—which typically make up about 95% of the nonprofit's food inventory— and their volunteer pool dropped from 84 people to 11. Manna had to find a way to do a lot with a little. And the answer was costly. "By year-end, our food purchases will likely exceed $90,000, which is more money than we have spent in nearly a decade," said DeDe Flounlacker, Manna's executive director. "We are beginning to take food donations on a limited basis since we have new procedures for handling the food and limited manpower." Even as some reopening efforts begin, one big challenge Manna and most other nonprofits continue to face is how to drum up community support without traditional fundraising. With a rising number of cases and deaths in Escambia County, it's unlikely that big galas and indoor events will be happening anytime soon. Yet, nonprofits must continue their mission. We talked to Flounlacker and few other nonprofit directors to see how they're adjusting and how people who are in a position to help can.

MEETING THE NEED

With schools closed and families staying home, many experts have expressed fear of a rise in domestic abuse. That has been a concern for Stacey Kostevicki, executive director of Gulf Coast Kid's House (GCKH), the child advocacy organization that serves victims of child abuse. As she told Inweekly in April, about 20% of child abuse reports come from school teachers and guidance counselors. When schools closed, that safety net was lost. Last year, GCKH served 3,330 victims of child abuse and neglect in Escambia County, which is about an average of nine children a day. They could be facing an even bigger need in 2020 but, this time, without the support from fundraisers. Annual events such as Chocolate Fest, Brunch and Bubbles, and the Dragon Boat Festival have been canceled due to COVID-19. Fundraisers are about $250,000—or 35%— of GCKH's annual budget. Fortunately, GCKH has worked to maintain its mission, even if a few cuts had to be made.

"We furloughed that team for a couple of months, but I'm happy to report they're back and trying to figure out how to deliver prevention training virtually for 2020-2021," said Kostevicki. They've also had to scale back on client support such as financial assistance. Arc Gateway, which serves persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, has faced challenges as programs closed and reopened with limited capacity. When programs started to open back up in June, they needed personal protective equipment (PPE), which the organization has to pay for.

"Without fundraisers, the impact has been pretty wide at this point." Chip Henderson "So our revenue has decreased while our expenses have gone up," said Chip Henderson, chief advancement officer at Arc Gateway. "Without fundraisers, the impact has been pretty wide at this point." And those who are impacted the most are the clients at Arc Gateway. At their group homes, residents have been in isolation with no visitors for more than 146 days. Adult clients have also missed the opportunity to work, which is where they build skill sets, set routines and socialize. "Like any of us, they want to be productive," said Henderson. "The longer they're without work, they have the potential to lose their skill set and get out of their routines. Some say the isolation feels like a punishment."

"Like any of us, they want to be productive. The longer they're without work, they have the potential to lose their skill set and get out of their routines." Henderson With fundraisers canceled, Arc Gateway is looking at a loss of about $400,000, said Henderson. Like most nonprofits, they're always looking at grant opportunities, but that's proven to be a challenge as well. "We've heard from some of our tried and true funding sources that there's been less of a budget or no budget at all," said Henderson.

For Manna, a major hit has been the loss of food drives. They've seen a 70% decrease in food donations from March to June. A big hit was the cancellation of the National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. That drive alone represents a loss of 82,849 pounds of food," said Flounlacker. "So we've been forced to purchase food to supplement our donated food inventory that we had on hand as of mid-March. Including pounds of food lost March to June, we estimate the total to be around $250,000." The demand for food assistance has slowed down, said Flounlacker. But staff isn't counting on that to last, so they've been working to adjust services to get food to the hungry. That includes increased partnerships within the two-county area and increasing the amount of food provided to clients. "Demand will be driven by numerous factors—reduction of unemployment benefits, evictions, daycare costs and availability, parents reducing work hours to be at home with school-age children, cost of food and unexpected expenses like medical bills," said Flounlacker.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

If you're in a position to help financially, the easiest—and safest—way to support nonprofits around Pensacola is by going online and making a donation. Earlier this month, GCKH launched its Hope & Healing campaign as a way for their regular event donors to give back. Even without the usual draw of a fundraiser event— there's no photo booth or flashy theme—the goal is still the same. "I call it a baby capital campaign," said Kostevicki. "Really, we are reaching out to our event supporters (sponsors and attendees) and asking them to support GCKH financially through this campaign in lieu of an event donation. It just didn't make sense to keep spending time and effort on event planning knowing we may have to cancel that event." It's wishful thinking to wait for the pandemic to end before stepping up to support the causes you care about. And there are still things you can do if donating money doesn't work for your personal finical situation. Manna, for example, is once again accepting food donations for its pantry. Additionally, businesses can employ Arc Gateway clients

for various jobs or through the Pollack Industries manufacturing program. Whether it's sending a $20 online donation or sharing a Facebook post with your friends, every effort counts. Monetary donations are still the quickest way to help fund the most immediate needs, said Henderson. "Traditionally, you see charity during specific holidays like Thanksgiving, but now is the time when nonprofits are all feeling the need," he said. "Those donations could help a client pay for electronic devices for school, electricity at our group homes or PPE." Despite these so-called "trying times," Flounlacker said she's been touched by the support she's seen in the last few months.

"So many things have changed in our day-to-day lives because of COVID-19—no hugs, no gatherings to celebrate, no solid ground for what tomorrow or two months from now will be." DeDe Flounlacker "So many things have changed in our dayto-day lives because of COVID-19—no hugs, no gatherings to celebrate, no solid ground for what tomorrow or two months from now will be," she said. "But Pensacola, despite all the no's, just keeps saying yes to helping people in need, to being compassionate to our neighbors that are hurting, to offer support in whatever way is needed." {in}

HOW TO HELP •Pensacola is rich with nonprofit organizations that make our community better. Look for ways you can help by visiting uwwf.org or donate by texting UNITED850 to 41444. •Donate to the Gulf Coast Kid's House Hope & Healing Campaign at gulfcoastkidshouse.org. •Donate to Arc Gateway and find out how you can support their employment services at arc-gateway.org. •Donate to Manna Food Pantries at mannahelps.org.

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inweekly.net

a&e happenings Attending "normal" events might not be happening yet—but that doesn't mean local businesses and nonprofits aren't still keeping the community connected in creative ways.

NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS

PHS HOSTS BACK TO SCHOOL PHOTO CONTEST Enter your back-to-school

pics to win prizes and support Pensacola Humane Society. Whether your kids are homeschooling, attending in person or a mix of both, snap a cute back-to-school pic with your kids and pets and enter to win. You can vote on your favorites for a $1 donation now through Aug. 28. All proceeds benefit Pensacola Humane Society. Encourage your family and friends to vote for your pet—the more votes that you get, the more the shelter animals win. A $1 donation feeds three shelter cats or two shelter dogs for one day. For more information, visit pensacolahumane.org.

FEED THE ONE FOOD AND SCHOOL SUPPLY GIVEAWAY Jubilee Church,

Pensacola Caring Hearts and local neighborhood churches are joining forces to distribute 10,000 pounds of food on Saturday, Aug. 22. The drive will begin at 9 a.m. at Jubilee Church, located at 5910 N. W St. If you would like to volunteer, sign up at signup. com/go/HDzsEWU. For more information, visit facebook.com/jubilee.church.

DOGGIE BATHE-INS RESUME The Pen-

sacola Humane Society 2020 Doggie BatheIn season has begun, with proceeds going to fund its foster program and kitten supplies. Bathe-ins offer low-cost dog bathing and flea dips during the warm weather season. Events are held the third Saturday of the month, April through October, and continue as follows—Sept. 19 and Oct. 17. Charges are based on the dog's weight and range from $8-$11. Please bring your own towels, or you may rent a towel for a $1 donation. Pensacola Humane Society is located at 5 N. Q St. For more information, visit pensacolahumane.org.

ARTS + CULTURE

GULF COAST CULTURE FEST On Saturday, Aug. 22, check out all of the sights and sounds from artists with a day of music, dance, poetry, theatre and visual art. The festival will take place at Seville Square and Bartram Park in downtown Pensacola from 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Admission is free to the public. A community-wide film festival will take place the night of the festival. For more information, visit gulfcoastculturefest.com. FIVE FLAGS DANCE ACADEMY PRESENTS: MOVIES THAT MOVE YOU Five Flags Dance Academy will have two performances Sunday, Aug. 23, at noon and 5 p.m. at the Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox. Tickets are $29-$32. Masks will be required. For more information, visit pensacolasaenger.com. August 20, 2020

MUSEUMS UPDATES+NEW EXHIBITION

The T.T. Wentworth and Pensacola Museum of Art (PMA) are now open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Both museums are operating at limited capacity. To ensure social distancing guidelines are kept, visitors must reserve a $5 timed ticket online. The tickets are good for both museums for one day only. Starting Aug. 15, PMA's latest exhibition opens. "…I Forgot to Laugh" demonstrates how artists in recent years have used humor to explore identity, social injustice and the absurdity of modern life. By subverting expectations through surprising materials, challenging the notion of fine art and using humor to create space for taboo subjects, these artists show the power of tackling serious topics with levity. Other exhibitions on display are "DocuFlorida 3" and "Lessons in Ink" at the T.T. Wentworth Museum. You can also still enjoy virtual tours of exhibitions and collection highlights. For more information on both, visit pensacolamuseum. org and historicpensacola.org.

ARTEL GALLERY'S EXHIBITIONS ON DISPLAY Artel's latest exhibition is titled

"The Good, The Bad & The Ugly." The exhibition is on view now-Sept. 3. Other exhibited shows include "Places I Went To, People I Saw" and "How to Disappear by Summer Sevi." For more information, visit artelgallery.org.

COLLECTION UNCORKED: AT HOME

The Pensacola Museum of Art has teamed up with Wine with Hilary Shaffer and Pot Roast & Pinot to bring their popular "Collection Uncorked" wine tasting into your home. Collection Uncorked invites visitors to learn more about the permanent collection through curated wine and art pairings. Chief Curator Anna Wall and Shaffer, a certified specialist of wine, are collaborating to match works of art with wines whose flavor profile or origins complement the art, artist or subject matter. This limited-edition curated box of three wines allows you to recreate the experience at home. Inside, you'll find reproductions of the works of art with narratives to guide you on your journey. Each box is $65. Order by noon on Wednesday of each week and pick up at Pot Roast & Pinot the following Saturday. For more information, visit potroastpinot.com/ product/collectionuncorked.

BALLET PENSACOLA VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING The Ballet Pensacola Virtual

Programming Series gives ballet fans a look at performances in the comfort of their own homes—or anywhere their devices take them. Utilizing a new soundstage built by the ballet's technicians, the artists will reimagine, repurpose and relaunch two beloved ballets from the Ballet Pensacola repertoire—"Alice in Wonderland" (a 2017 premiere) and "The Matrix " (a 2013 premiere). For more information, visit facebook.com/balletpensacola.

PENSACOLA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA "VIRTUALLY TOGETHER" Be sure

to follow Pensacola Symphony Orchestra on Facebook to see videos of orchestra musicians performing special works from their homes. To watch, visit facebook.com/ pensacolasymphony.

OPERALIVE Pensacola Opera is keep-

ing patrons connected through their new online series OperaLIVE. Episodes typically include things like interviews and performances with artists, plus appearances by Pensacola Opera staff. For updates on new episodes or to watch past ones, visit facebook.com/ pensacolaopera. You can also subscribe to their channel on YouTube.

WORKSHOPS AT STUDIO SOUTH

Face-to-face workshops have resumed at Studio South. Studio South is located at 955 E. Nine Mile Road, Ste. 101. For more information and to see a complete list of July events, visit studiosouthon9mileroad.com.

SINGERS' CINEMA Every Friday after-

noon through August, enjoy a movie pick from the Choral Society of Pensacola. Information on each week's movie and where to find it online will be available on their Facebook page, facebook.com/choralsocietyofpensacola. Some can be viewed free; most are available for rent for under $5. Watch the movie over the weekend, and then join the Choral Society Monday evenings for a Zoom session to share your thoughts.

CALL FOR ARTISTS

FCAC JURIED SHOW Calling all local artists to submit their work for Gallery 1060's Third Annual Juried Show at First City Art Center. All media is welcome. Entry Fee is $20 for FCAC members, $25 for non-members. Curbside drop-off dates are Thursday, Aug. 27, 1-4 p.m.; Friday, Aug. 28, 1-4 p.m.; and Saturday, Aug. 29, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Full details and requirements can be found on Gallery 1060's website at gallery1060.com/2020-juried-show. PIECES ADRIFT ART SHOW Keep Pen-

sacola Beautiful is recruiting artists to participate in their Pieces Adrift Art Show and Silent Auction. Pieces Adrift is a Keep Pensacola Beautiful programming fundraiser and pollution awareness event. Artists are welcome to participate with any level of experience, whether hobbyist or professional. Each piece submitted should be comprised of at least 50% litter. Due to COVID-19, KPB recommends using your discretion when picking up litter off the ground. Art pieces may also be created using trash from your home. Artists may also pick through sorted bins of trash at the KPB office left over from last year. "Pieces Adrift is a creative and unique way to unite the community in achieving a common goal—making Pensacola a beautiful place to live, work and play. It brings awareness to the perpetuating issue of litter and ocean pollution on our beaches

and roadways. By repurposing trash as art, we hope to inspire our community to be mindful of what and how they throw it away," says Madelyn Newton, Marketing and Development, VISTA. The deadline for submissions is Sept. 1. For more information, please email marketing@keeppensacolabeautiful.org.

LIVE MUSIC

BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY PRESENTS PINK FLOYD'S "THE WALL" Re-

scheduled from its April date, all previously purchased tickets will be honored. Show is 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21, at the Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox. Tickets are $35. For more information, visit pensacolasaenger.com.

OPEN JAM AT ARTEL GALLERY Artel

Gallery is open from 5-7 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays for open jam with Pensacola Folk Music Society. Feel free to visit and listen to music. Artel Gallery is located at 223 S. Palafox.

SIPS AND SERENADES Hang out curbside at the Pensacola Little Theatre for live performances from local and national talent and to-go cocktails. Mask wearing is encouraged. Events are 6-9 p.m. on select weekends. Visit pensacolalittletheatre.com for more information and dates. KARAOKE AT MUGS AND JUGS Sing

your heart out Sundays at Mugs & Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway, or just enjoy drinks friends with $4 Smirnoff and $6.50 domestic pitcher drink deals from 7 p.m.-3 a.m. For more information, visit facebook.com/mugsjugs.

LIVE MUSIC AT HUB STACEY'S Sit back with good food and live music at Hub Stacey's, located at 312 E. Government St. For a full calendar of bands, check hubstaceys.com. LIVE MUSIC AT PARADISE BAR & GRILL Enjoy live music at Paradise, located at 21 Via De Luna Drive. For more information and a full calendar, visit paradisebar-grill.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT RED FISH BLUE FISH

Live music is back at Red Fish Blue Fish from 6-10 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. For a calendar of bands, visit facebook.com/redfishbluefishpensacolabeach.

LIVE MUSIC AT WATER PIG BBQ Enjoy BBQ with a view and live music 6-10 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays at Water Pig BBQ. For a calendar of bands, visit facebook.com/facebook.com/waterpigbbq.

FITNESS + RECREATION

LATE SUMMER SHIP & SHOP SALE

This Saturday, Aug. 22, you can shop new markdowns while you sip on champagne at Wild Lemon, 3000 N. 12th Ave., from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. This sale will be inside the studio and masks will be required upon entry. Visit facebook.com/beawildlemon for more information. for more listings visit inweekly.net 17

free will astrology WEEK OF AUGUST 20 ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): "We

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never know what is enough until we know what's more than enough," said Aries singer Billie Holiday. I don't think that applies to everyone, although it's more likely to be true about the Aries tribe than maybe any other sign of the zodiac. And I'm guessing that the coming weeks could be a time when you will indeed be vivid proof of its validity. That's why I'm issuing a "Too Much of a Good Thing" alert for you. I don't think it'll be harmful to go a bit too far and get a little too much of the good things; it may even be wise and healthy to do so. But please don't go waaayyyy too far and get waaayyyy too much of the good things.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): Taurus author Honoré de Balzac (1799–1850) took many years to write "The Human Comedy," an amalgam of 91 intertwined novels, stories and essays. For this vast enterprise, he dreamed up the personalities of more than 2,000 characters, many of whom appeared in multiple volumes. I bring this to your attention, Taurus, because I believe that the next 15 months will be an excellent time for you to imagine and carry out a Balzac-like project of your own. Do you have an inkling of what that might be? Now's a good time to start ruminating. GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): Not until the 19th century did humans begin to take organized actions to protect animals from cruelty. Even those were sparse. The latter part of the 20th century brought more concerted efforts to promote animal welfare, but the rise of factory farms, toxic slaughterhouses, zoos, circuses and cosmetic testing has shunted us into a Dark Age of animal abuse. I suspect our descendants will look back with horror at our barbarism. This problem incurs psychological wounds in us all in ways that aren't totally conscious. And I think this is an especially key issue for you right now. I beg you, for your own sake as well as for the animals', to upgrade your practical love and compassion for animals. I bet you'll find it inspires you to treat your own body with more reverence. CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): Cance-

rian literary critic Harold Bloom bragged to The New York Times that his speed-reading skills were so advanced that he could finish a 500-page book in an hour. While I believe he has indeed devoured thousands of books, I also wonder if he lied about his quickness. Nonetheless, I'll offer him up as an inspirational role model for you in the coming weeks. Why? Because you're likely to be able to absorb and integrate far more new information and fresh experiences than usual—and at a rapid pace.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): "Magic lies

in challenging what seems impossible," says Leo politician Carol Moseley Braun. I agree with her but will also suggest there's

By Rob Brezsny

an even higher magic—when you devise a detailed plan for achieving success by challenging the impossible, and then actually carry out that plan. Judging from the current astrological omens, I suspect you're in an unusually favorable position to do just that in the coming weeks. Be bold in rising to the challenge; be practical and strategic in winning the challenge.

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): "Joy is a

mystery because it can happen anywhere, anytime, even under the most unpromising circumstances," writes author Frederick Buechner. What he doesn't say is that you must be receptive and open to the possibility of joy arriving anywhere and anytime. If you're shut down to its surprising influx, if you're convinced that joy is out of reach, it won't break through the barriers you've put up; it won't be able to land in your midst. I think this is especially important counsel for you in the coming weeks, Virgo. PLEASE make yourself available for joy. P.S. Here's another clue from Buechner—"Joy is where the whole being is pointed in one direction."

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): "I trans-

formed stillnesses and darknesses into words," wrote Libran poet Arthur Rimbaud. "What was unspeakable, I named. I made the whirling world pause." In accordance with current astrological potentials, I have turned his thoughts into a message for you. In the coming weeks, I hope you will translate silences and mysteries into clear language. What is unfathomable and inaccessible, you will convert into understandings and revelations. Gently, without force or violence, you will help heal the inarticulate agitation around you with the power of your smooth, resonant tenderness.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): "Your desires, whether or not you achieve them, will determine who you become," wrote author Octavia E. Butler. Now is a fertile time for you to meditate on that truth. So I dare you to take an inventory of all your major desires, from the noblest to the most trivial. Be honest. If one of your burning yearnings is to have 100,000 followers on Instagram or to eat chocolate-covered bacon that is served to you in bed, admit it. After you're through tallying up the wonders you want most, the next step is to decide if they are essential to you becoming the person you truly want to be. If some aren't, consider replacing them with desires that will be a better influence on you as you evolve. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): If you can manage it, I recommend taking a break from business-as-usual. I'd love to see you give yourself the gift of amusement and play—a luxurious sabbatical that will help you feel free of every burden, excused from every duty and exempt from every fixation. The spirit I hope you will embody is captured well in this passage from author Okakura Kakuzo—"Let us have a sip of tea. The afternoon glow is brightening the

bamboos, the fountains are bubbling with delight, the soughing of the pines is heard in our kettle. Let us dream of evanescence and linger in the beautiful foolishness of things."

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19):

Rapper Eminem advises us, "Never take ecstasy, beer, Bacardi, weed, Pepto-Bismol, Vivarin, Tums, Tagamet HB, Xanax and Valium in the same day." What's his rationale? That quaffing this toxic mix might kill us or make us psychotic? No. He says you shouldn't do that because "It makes it difficult to sleep at night." I'm going to suggest that you abide by his counsel for yet another reason—According to my analysis, you have the potential to experience some wondrous and abundant natural highs in the coming weeks. Your capacity for beautiful perceptions, exhilarating thoughts and breakthrough epiphanies will be at a peak. But none of that is likely to happen if you're loaded up with inebriants.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): "Everyone who has ever built a new heaven first found the power to do so in his own hell," declared philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. That's a rather histrionic statement! But then Nietzsche was a Maestro of Melodrama. He was inclined to portray human life as a heroic struggle for boldness and liberation. He imagined us as being engaged in an epic quest to express our highest nature. In accordance with your astrological potentials, I propose that you regard Nietzsche as your power creature during the coming weeks. You have a mandate to adopt his lionhearted perspective. And yes, you also have a poetic license to build a new heaven based on the lessons you learned and the power you gained in your own hell. PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): Here's

some knowledge from author John le Carré—"In every operation there is an above the line and a below the line. Above the line is what you do by the book. Below the line is how you do the job." According to my analysis, you have, at least for now, done all you can in your work above the line. That's great! It was crucial for you to follow the rules and honor tradition. But now it's time for a shift in emphasis. In the coming weeks, I hope you will specialize in finessing the details and massaging the nuances below the line. THIS WEEK'S HOMEWORK: Meditate on the possibility that you could gain personal power through an act of surrender.

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news of the weird CREEPY Srinivas Gupta, a businessman in Koppal, India, and his wife, Madhavi, were building their dream home when she died in a tragic car crash in 2017. But in many ways, she is still with Gupta—especially now that he has installed a life-size wax statue of her in the home. Madhavi's likeness is in a seated position, clothed in a pink sari and gold jewelry. "The planning for the house was all done by her and we couldn't imagine entering this new house without her," Anusha Gupta, one of the couple's daughters, told CNN. At a housewarming party on Aug. 7, friends and relatives posed with Madhavi on a couch and posted photos to social media. The family says they will keep the statue in their courtyard: "She used to enjoy the outdoors," Anusha said. MORE MONEY THAN SENSE A Chinese businessman living in the United States has commissioned the priciest face mask in the world from Israeli jeweler Yvel, the Associated Press reported on Aug. 9. Yvel owner Isaac Levy said the 18-karat gold mask will cost $1.5 million and sparkle with 3,600 white and black diamonds. "Money maybe doesn't buy everything," Levy admitted, "but if it can buy a very expensive COVID-19 mask and the guy wants to wear it and walk around and get the attention, he should be happy with that. I am happy that this mask gave us enough work for our employees to be able to provide their jobs in very challenging times like these," he added. Levy said he would not wear it himself, though. O! CANADA Social media has lit up recently in Canada with photos of unexpected additions to beaver lodges, including satellite dishes and a flagpole. Glynnis Hood, a professor of environmental science at the University of Alberta, confirmed that beavers could install a satellite dish, "but it would probably be covered in mud." So what gives? Hood and others think it's the quintessential Canadian prank: "I think that Canadians have this profound connection to beavers," she told the CBC. "It's our national symbol. (It) just seems to go well with the Canadian identity." Sure enough, Grant Carlson of Thunder Bay, Ontario, confirmed that he was one of the pranksters: "We decided to help the beavers. You know self-isolation isn't so bad with Netflix." COMPELLING EXPLANATION In Chesterfield County (Virginia) court on Aug. 12, prosecutors and the defense attorney for 55-year-old Robert Raff floated a dubious agreement in Raff's grisly murder case. Raff is accused of killing his father and his mother in the same home, during the same two-day period in 2019. Two psychologists agreed that at the time of the killings, Raff was insane. But the lawyers want to hold him culpable for his mother's death, but not guilty by reason of insanity for his father's death. "Explain to me how he can be guilty of one and not guilty of the other?" asked

By the Editors at Andrews McMeel

Circuit Judge David E. Johnson, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Raff, who has a long history of mental health issues, admitted to killing both parents. The lawyers' unusual plea agreement is designed to produce a suspended 40-year sentence for the killing of his mother that would compel Raff to adhere to treatment at the Central State Hospital for the murder of his father. AWESOME! It isn't often that you can thank your overweight belly for saving your life, but a 28-year-old man in Henan Province, China, is doing just that. The man, identified as Liu, fell through a wooden cover on a well in his hometown of Fuliudian Village on Aug. 7, Fox News reported. But rather than plunging to the bottom, he got stuck in the opening with his built-in life preserver. At least five firefighters were needed to hoist the man out of the well using a rope tied around his waist, but Liu escaped unharmed. OOPS At Shooters World in Orlando, Florida, a teenage girl walked into a display gun safe on Aug. 11—and the door closed behind her, locking her inside. Orlando firefighters responded to the scene, where they "tried the manufacturers' suggestions and unfortunately the fail-safe system failed on it," explained Chief J.J. White. Instead, ClickOrlando.com reported, responders used a hydraulic extrication tool to free the girl, who was not injured in the incident. BRIGHT IDEA Rev. Eileen Harrop of the Church of England is taking social distancing seriously as houses of worship reopen, Sky News reported. During holy communion, the church has decreed that communicants should be offered only bread, not wine from a "common cup." But Harrop is going a step further, using extra-long chopsticks to deliver bread. "I thought, 'Why can't I use a long pair of chopsticks, real bread rather than wafers, and drop it into the communicants' hands?'" she said. She's using the method at both churches where she serves. "This is ... perhaps a first in any parish church in the diocese," she continued. CHUTZPAH Daniel Albert Neja, 39, is a homeless man who resides in St. Petersburg, Florida. For nearly two weeks, however, Neja lived in relative luxury, the Tampa Bay Times reported. Neja was arrested on Aug. 9 after a cleaning crew found razors, shaving cream containers and blankets in a seldom-cleaned suite at Al Lang Stadium, where the Tampa Bay Rowdies soccer team plays. Neja had been helping himself to food and Rowdies clothing valued at more than $1,000. He had also consumed $250 worth of drinks. {in}

Send your weird news items to WeirdNewsTips@amuniversal.com August 20, 2020

Independent News | August 20, 2020 | inweekly.net