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Independent News | September 10, 2020 | Volume 21 | Number 37
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winners & losers
outtakes
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5
news 6
We really, really need Dolly.
cover story
buzz
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8 publisher Rick Outzen
graphic designer Tim Bednarczyk
contact us info@inweekly.net
editor & creative director Joani Delezen
contributing writers Savannah Evanoff, Jennifer Leigh, Jeremy Morrison, C.S. Satterwhite
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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
Bill Slayton / ecsd-fl.schoolloop.com
winners BILL SLAYTON The District 5 Escambia School Board member surprised us when he voted for Tim Smith to be the district's first appointed school superintendent. It was a tough vote for Slayton, a former band director of Tate High School. Many thought he would go for Assistant School Superintendent Keith Leonard, a former head baseball and football coach at the school and the quarterback when the Tate Aggies won the 1980 Class 4A state championship. The Tate alums thought that they had the superintendent job in the bag for Leonard. JOE OCCHIPINTI The Pensacola musi-
cian and bandleader is the newest inductee to the Gulf Coast Ethnic & Heritage Jazz Festival Hall of Fame. The Gulf Coast Ethnic & Heritage Jazz Festival, based out of Mobile, Ala., is a nonprofit with a mission to further the preservation and growth of jazz music for future generations. Occhipinti is a founding member of Jazz Pensacola, a member of the Civic Band, and an officer and board member of the Mystic Order of the Jazz Obsessed (MOJO) and musician's union #777 from Biloxi.
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Janice Gilley / myescambia.com
losers COUNTY TRANSPARENCY Once again, Escambia County Administrator Janice Gilley has failed to provide the materials on an item coming up for board approval, leaving the public and media no time to review and study her recommendation. The item was a big one—implementation plans for the Family Emergency Financial Assistance Grant and Business Assistance Grant programs, assistance for implementing those programs and how to spend the balance for CARES Programs in the initial allocation of $14,321,324—millions of dollars at stake with no information provided. Inweekly isn't sure if all the commissioners were briefed on the details. The county administrator comes from a world of backroom deals in state government. She doesn't appear to care for public scrutiny or input. QUEST DIAGNOSTICS Gov. Ron DeSan-
CARES FOR KIDS RADIOTHON A total of $117,628 was raised to help sick and injured babies and children during the Second Annual Cat Country 98.7 Cares for Kids Radiothon on Aug. 21. All funds raised will support the construction of the Bear Family Foundation Pediatric Oncology Center for Hope at the Studer Family Children's Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart. Wind Creek Hospitality matched funds donated up to $20,000.
tis severed all ties with Quest Diagnostics after they failed to follow Florida law and report all COVID-19 results in a timely manner. Quest's failure to report nearly 75,000 results dating back to April showed greater numbers for Aug. 31 than the governor wanted but had little impact on the current status of the pandemic, according to the Florida Department of Health. Upon announcing the action, DeSantis said, "To drop this much unusable and stale data is irresponsible. I believe that Quest has abdicated their ability to perform a testing function in Florida that the people can be confident in. As such, I am directing all executive agencies to sever their COVID-19 testing relationships with Quest effective immediately."
ESCAMBIA HIGH SCHOOL The 19-member student engineering team from Escambia High School won the Neil Armstrong Best Design Award in the high school division as part of the NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge. The award recognized the team that best designed their rover to take on the punishing Rover Challenge course. The rover was designed as a capstone project for the four-year engineering program at Escambia High School last year.
ANTHONY SABATINI The Florida state lawmaker failed again to convince a judge that face mask mandates are unconstitutional—his sixth defeat. Volusia County Circuit Judge Randell H. Rowe last week dismissed Sabatini's challenge to a DeLand ordinance requiring people to wear masks inside businesses. Judge Rowe wrote, "The ordinance is authorized not only by statute but by well-settled case law precedent dating back over a hundred years."
inweekly.net
outtakes By Rick Outzen
READY FOR THE NEXT LEVEL At times, it has seemed that the only ones satisfied with the performance of the Escambia County School District for the past 12 years were Superintendent Malcolm Thomas, his administration leaders and the school board itself. The district has some of the lowestperforming elementary and middle schools in the state. Escambia County has eight middle schools that aren't either charter or magnet schools. In 2019, two of them made the state's Persistently Low-Performing Schools list—Bellview and Warrington. Seven elementary schools made the list. The Florida House's Taxpayer Accountability & Transparency Project gave the education system in Escambia County a D grade based on the district's graduation rate and average school grade—29th out of 32 large counties. The voters realized that the district needed to quit having politicians run public education and passed a referendum in 2018 switching the superintendent position from elected to appointed. Last fall, NAS Pensacola Commanding Officer Capt. Tim Kinsella said publicly what other community and business leaders have been saying for years—our public education system has hurt the growth of Escambia County. Capt. Kinsella made it clear that Escambia County's school district was one of the biggest challenges facing Pensacola—one that scared military families away from wanting to move to the area. Yet some school board members appeared reluctant to change the leadership course of the district when they considered who would be the first appointed superintendent at their meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 1. Board member Bill Slayton seemed to lament Superintendent Thomas leaving. He said, "If Malcolm Thomas stayed, that's what he would have been doing, taking us to the next level." Kevin Adams, who had argued for Assistant Superintendent Keith Leonard to get the job, chimed in, "I believe Keith will be the same kind of superintendent." Instead of going with Malcolm Thomas 2.0, the board voted, 3-2, to select the candidate that was highly regarded by the se-
lection committee and has proved his ability to turn around schools, Dr. Timothy Smith from the Orange County School District. Smith wrote his doctorate dissertation on the performance of school districts compared when led by elected or appointed superintendents. He understands that simply changing the district's governance would not be enough to improve academic achievement. His research findings indicated that appointed superintendent-led school districts performed slightly higher than elected superintendent-led ones. However, the difference in governance structure did not have a statistically significant relationship with student achievement as much as poverty. In other words, he understands the challenges he will face in Escambia County. Smith has served as a principal of an innercity middle school, an internationally diverse middle school and a large comprehensive high school. In 1999, he took over Howard Middle School, a D school in the Thornton Park area of Orlando. In five years, the school went from a D to B school. In his interview, Smith talked about how the school was dysfunctional and devoid of structure and unruly when he arrived. He said, "Staff members craved support, and respect was lacking." Smith asked questions and listened to his staff, parents and community members. He admitted that progress was slow, but he gradually got buy-in from everyone. Smith said, "They saw our middle school family had grit, rugged determination and perseverance, which positively impacted students and changed the school." Howard Middle continued to thrive after Smith's departure and earned an A in 2019. His next assignment was as principal of Freedom Middle, an internationally diverse school that maintained an A throughout his tenure. He then took over Winter Park High and got its grade up to an A before he was promoted in 2018 as the executive area director for high schools in Orange County. I look forward to seeing what Smith does as superintendent of Escambia County schools. {in} rick@inweekly.net
He understands that simply changing the district's governance would be enough to improve academic achievement.
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THE RACE FOR SPACE COMMAND SpaceX people want to do more here. They saw the berth at the Allegheny Pier (at NAS Pensacola) and liked having a secure facility inside the base's fence line." The mayor admitted there were doubters when the city and FloridaWest first mentioned going after the space command headquarters, but that has changed. He said, "All of a sudden, it's like we have a chance to do really well and can compete."
NEW COMMAND
Photo courtesy of NASA/SpaceX
By Rick Outzen The competition to be home for the U.S. Space Command moved to a new level last week as communities seeking the headquarters submitted their proposals. The finalists are expected to be selected before the end of the year. What's at stake? A $1 billion complex to be completed by 2026, approximately 1,400 jobs, an estimated $104 million in earnings and $450 million in economic activity. To qualify to submit a bid, a site had to be in the top 150 largest Metropolitan Statistical Areas, be located within 25 miles of a military base and score at least 50 on AARP's 100-point Livability Index. The command is currently located at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colo., and that state's governor would like to see it stay there. Other cities in the competition include San Antonio; Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.; Dayton, Ohio; and Huntsville, Ala. Pensacola is among the nine Florida sites that Gov. Ron DeSantis has endorsed for the headquarters. The others are Jacksonville, Miami-Dade County, Pinellas County, Orange County, Tampa-Hillsborough County, Seminole County, Orange County and Brevard County. Pensacola may have nudged ahead of the pack thanks to the successful recovery of SpaceX Crew Dragon in early August, 66
but Pensacola also has a long history with spaceflight. Around 100 Navy and Marine Corps astronauts trained here, as well as seven of the men to walk on the moon. Currently, the Port of Pensacola is home to a ship owned by Blue Origin, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos' space company, that is being retrofitted to serve as a landing platform for its rockets. Gulf Breezebased Avalex Technologies has designed the interior of Virgin Galactic's suborbital spaceliner SpaceShipTwo. FloridaWest's Executive Officer Scott Luth saw the SpaceX recovery as a game-changer for Pensacola in the Space Command competition because it was "a third-party, private-sector validation of Pensacola's ability to be involved in space and space-related opportunities." "SpaceX is purely private," said Luth, "It was a third-party validation, not just us saying we could do it and not necessarily the government saying we could do it. This was a NASA and SpaceX validation of our capability." Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson shared that he had heard Elon Musk and SpaceX were "blown away by what was here." He said, "They didn't realize how many kinds of assets we have." Retired U.S. Navy Capt. Christopher Middleton, who serves as chairman of the West Florida Defense Alliance, and Luth have been the city's persons on the bidding process. Robinson said, "Chris said the
The U.S. Space Force was established on Dec. 20, 2019, within the Department of the Air Force. Its purpose is to organize, train and equip space forces in order to protect U.S. and allied interests in space and to provide space capabilities to the joint force. The command's responsibilities include developing military space professionals, acquiring military space systems, maturing the military doctrine for space power and organizing space forces to present to the military's combatant commands. Last month, Army Gen. James H. Dickinson took the reins as commander of U.S. Space Command, which allowed his predecessor, Air Force Gen. John Raymond, to focus exclusively on his job as chief of space operations, the highest-ranking officer of the U.S. Space Force. "What you have today is a different context that requires a different level of training, a different warfighting culture, the ability to go fast to stay ahead of a growing threat, to be agile, to develop partnerships that we haven't had before with our allies and intelligence community," Raymond said at the change of command. "On the organize, train and equip side, that's what the Space Force is all about." Space Force is expected to grow beyond the 90 people who comprise the Force today to about 16,000. Beginning Sept. 1 and continuing throughout the fall, more than 2, 400 active-duty Airmen in space operations (13S) and space systems operations (1C6) career fields will transfer into the U.S. Space Force. The community that hosts the U.S. Space Command will have a front seat as the independent military committed to space is forged.
PENSACOLA'S BID
The City of Pensacola, with the help of FloridaWest, submitted its U.S. Space Command bid on Sunday, Aug. 30. The bids will be evaluated in four areas on a weighted 100-point scale. The highest weighted categories are Mission Related (40 points) and Infrastructure Capacity (30 points). The remaining two criteria areas, Community Support and Costs to Air Force, comprise the remaining points—15 points each.
Mission Related covers available qualified workforce, proximity to mutually supporting space entities and ability to provide emergency and incident responses. "What they're looking for is an office that's able to do all of their planning, their management, their strategy," said Luth. "A huge part of that, obviously, is security, clearances, information technology and cyber professionals—expertise that our community offers." The FloridaWest CEO continued, "Our best case study is Navy Fed, who handles sensitive materials at its Pensacola campus and found local talent to fill its nearly 10,000 positions." Luth also pointed out that Pensacola is home to the Navy Information Operations Command, Navy Center for Information Warfare Training, National Security Agency National Cryptologic School, Department of Homeland Security National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center and other critical cybersecurity and training commands. The University of West Florida is one of only six NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence Cybersecurity regional hubs. Infrastructure Capacity includes facility space, communications bandwidth and redundancy, anti-terrorism protection and security, energy resilience and the activeduty military base to support service members with medical care, childcare, military housing and transportation. The Pensacola bid offers sites "inside the fence" at NAS Pensacola and Corry Field and also suggested the possibility of OLF-8 near Navy Federal Credit Union as a secondary option. "At the end of the day, this is a planning and strategic command," said Luth. "Obviously, access to information technology, secure communications and the ability to attract and accommodate folks with very highsecurity clearance are going to be important." He continued, "We have all that, plus the Department of Homeland Security located here, a training base around cybersecurity and, more importantly, IT infrastructure in the ground." Having grown up with "Star Trek" and "Star Wars," Mayor Robinson didn't hide his excitement about the space command. "We have the amenities and assets to do it, and we are realistically in the game in every possible way," he said. "You can't overestimate how important to the future the U.S. Space Force is. Space literally is the final frontier." Mayor Robinson added, "Those areas that are connected to the U.S. Space Command are going to naturally be places that progress and move forward. I think just having that connection is going to be a huge position for Pensacola and really all of Northwest Florida." {in} inweekly.net
CARES HELP COMING SEPT. 18…MAYBE
By Rick Outzen On Thursday, Sept. 3, the Escambia County Commission unanimously approved the allocation of the first $14.3 million of its Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) funds. Families and businesses will receive half of the funds—$3.58 million each. The state is expected to release another $42.9 million to the county before the end of the year. In voting for the allocation, Chairman Steven Barry said, "It's very clear that the lion's share of the money is going to direct support of our citizens. That's what's most important to me."
"It's very clear that the lion's share of the money is going to direct support of our citizens." Steven Barry The county's website had no background documentation on the board meeting's CARES Act presentation. Only three slides were released in the county's COVID update on Friday, Sept. 4, that showed the allocations and the funding sources and the recent housing assistance application process results. Deputy Administrator Chips Kirschenfeld told the commissioners the application process for the family assistance grants is tentatively scheduled for Friday, Sept. 18. However, the county has yet to release the specific details of the program. The application process for housing assistance for homeowners and renters only lasted four days after the county was overwhelmed September 10, 2020
with 890 applications with more than $3.3 million past due bills for the $813, 451 made available by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation Coronavirus Relief Funds. The remaining allocations of the $14.3 million covered rapid testing, food assistance, public health and safety, general government, FEMA reimbursement, operations and oversight, and replenishment. The commissioners expressed concern over the $250,000 that County Administrator Janice Gilley budgeted for COVID-19 Operations & Oversight. At their Aug. 27 meeting, the commissioners voted not to hire Integrity Group for a contract beyond its initial work of helping county administration set up its online portal for applications and the basic parameters of the program, for which Integrity Group was paid $25,000. County staff told the board that the $250,000 in the budget pays for the portal and staff time and overtime for the validation and processing of applications and training on anti-fraud measures. At the board's Aug. 27 meeting, the commissioners approved having different grant amounts available for households with those less than five receiving $1,500 and those with five or more members getting $2,500. Apparently, that staff had been discussing with the commissioner behind the scenes changing those amounts. "I know that there has been some discussions I've had about combining what we had previously discussed as the $1,500 and the $2,500 into one," said Commissioner Robert Bender. "Listen, I think what we were trying to do was well-intentioned, but it was told to me that maybe we just merge that into a $2,000 across the board because of what would be required to be able to certify those things."
He continued, "And so instead of doing an over or under five in the household, each household would just be able to get $2,000." Barry noted that the slide presentation showed the board had been changed to that amount. "My presumption is that there is discussions with the administrator and board members to kind of make that added on here," he said. The chairman asked Deputy Administrator Kirschenfeld, who was filling in for Gilley at the meeting, if the online portal would be available on Sept. 15, as announced the previous week. "We had a good Zoom meeting with the Neighborly technical people, and we already have draft applications for the Family CARES Act and the Business CARES Assistance," said Kirschenfeld. "And those should be finalized as early as next week. So the date that we had discussed beginning on Friday, Sept. 18, they've said that's very, very doable." Barry brought up the subject of hiring people to help the county with CARES Act. He asked, "Is there even potentially an appetite just over the next two weeks for 15 hours of help or something?" Commissioner May voiced support. He spent the first part of the week overseeing the county staff setting up assistance stations at the Brownville Community Center and expressed frustration at the agenda review about the lack of clarity on the eligible rule for housing assistance program. However, he objected to funds for an open-ended contract. Barry suggested spending about "$125 or $150 an hour for the next two weeks, not to exceed up to 20 hours of help." "I hear Commissioner May, but I'd be willing to make a motion to just say not to exceed $50,000 for the remainder of the year," said Bender. "I know that's a lot of hours; the rates that I have seen have been very competitive with other contracts that I've seen from other counties … And so I would make a motion to allow the administrator up to $50,000 on the use of a consultant." "Mr. Chairman, I'm not going to support that," said May. "I would support your $2,500 and looking at ROI in the scope and services provided. I'm not that opposed maybe to the $50,000 after the two weeks, but I'm not going to support $50,000 at this point." He wanted more details, and Barry stated he tried to talk with staff about it during the day but had been told to talk with Gilley. The chairman suggested $2,500 for two weeks of assistance. Barry asked, "Chips, would you see some value in access to 20 hours of help for two weeks? Would that be of value to you?" "Yes, sir, it would," replied the deputy administrator. "It's so difficult to define the
scope because we don't know what questions are going to come up that we're going to need assistance on and advise on. But yes, sir, that would be good for the next two weeks." Bender wasn't willing to amend his motion. "There's going to be a lot more, just making sure or working it to try and get this other 75%, which my understanding is getting a lot more difficult to do," said Bender. "We're trying to put these programs out for everyone but trying to get the governor to release some so that it's not just reimbursable expenses."
"I'd like to have something in place that is longer than two weeks to make sure that we can have some continuity going forward as we go through this money." Robert Bender He added, "I'd like to have something in place that is longer than two weeks to make sure that we can have some continuity going forward as we go through this money." "We've already spent $25,000; it's not like we hadn't spent a dime," said May of the payment to Integrity Group. "We spent $25,000 upfront in good faith, and now we're giving $2,500 a week. I think that's a fair pay for a fair 20 hours of work. And once that comes back with the scope, and if it's justifiable, I would be supportive." Bender's motion failed 3-2. Commissioner Jeff Bergosh made a motion for 20 hours for the next two weeks, which passed 5-0. The commissioners discussed a slide presented by Kirschenfeld on the locations where residents could get assistance in filling out grant applications. The slide wasn't displayed for citizens watching the meeting online and hasn't been made available to the public or media. Commissioner Barry wanted to make changes, and Bergosh was concerned no sites were in his District 1. The staff was told to get with the commissioners about sites in their districts. Kirschenfeld said the county planned to man each location with four people. He said, "We were talking about 24 personnel, and we were talking about a five-day period from the 18th to the 22nd, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays noon-5:00." The deputy superintendent was instructed to bring back a modified deployment plan to the board's budget hearing on Tuesday, Sept. 8. Inweekly will post online the details of the family assistance and business assistance grants as soon as the county makes them available. {in} 7
Photo by Tim Bednarczyk
MONUMENT CAN COME DOWN The City of Pensacola can remove the Confederate monument in Lee Square after Federal Judge M. Casey Rodgers ruled on Wednesday, Sept. 2, that the Ladies Memorial Association Inc. and other plaintiffs lacked standing. The plaintiffs failed to show any legally protected interest in the city's proposed removal plan, according to Judge Rodgers. She dismissed their lawsuit without prejudice and dissolved a temporary restraining order by Circuit Court Judge Gary Bergosh. "We appreciate the court's immediate attention to this matter, and we respect the court's ruling," Mayor Grover Robinson told Inweekly. "The City will be moving forward with hiring a contractor for the removal of the monument per City Council's decision. The City will take the utmost care to ensure the monument is removed in a respectful manner." On July 14, the Pensacola City Council voted 6-1 to remove the monument and voted unanimously to restore the square's original name, Florida Square. Save Southern Heritage filed on behalf of several plaintiffs for declaratory and injunctive relief in the Circuit Court for Escambia County, raising various state and federal claims. Judge Bergosh issued a temporary restraining order that blocked the removal until the case could be decided. 88
The city moved the lawsuit to federal court and filed a motion to dismiss. According to court documents, the plaintiffs failed to file a proper response, which led to Judge Rodgers dismissing the case without prejudice and removing the temporary restraining order.
CPAC DIGS INTO MENTAL HEALTH
About an hour deep into last week's meeting of the Pensacola's Citizen Police Advisory Committee, Chairman Joseph Marshall paused to stress the urgency of the group's mission to improve the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve. "We're in a time in the United States, I believe, that we've never, ever been in before," Marshall said, alluding to the national calls to address systemic racism with law enforcement. "This window of opportunity is soon going to close, and when it closes, I don't know how long it's going to take for it to open back up." With that in mind, the chairman continued, committee members would best serve their mission with candid discussions about the intersection of race and policing. "It is different," Marshall said. "I can honestly say my indoctrination came very early, at 6 years of age, being accused of stealing a bicycle and being thrown on the pavement in the middle of Ninth Avenue, being pressed
down on the ground in the middle of the road, with the officer with his baton in the back of my head, accusing me because the description was 'a Black guy.' This is reality, and it continued from that point on." On Tuesday, Sept. 1, much of the CPAC meeting focused on mental health, an issue the committee has identified as a priority. Discussions pertained to the mental health of police officers as well as the mental health of the people police encounter and interact with in the community. "It is my number one priority as a chief, is officer wellness," Pensacola Police Chief Tommi Lyter told committee members, explaining that the PPD is now requiring officers to sit down with a mental health counselor at least twice a year. Lyter described a professional environment in which the police are navigating one trauma after another—and one that is considered extremely mentally stressing. "Suicide in law enforcement outpaces line-of-duty deaths by more than double," the chief noted. "We're at a crisis point in law enforcement, have been for a long time." CPAC member Kyle Cole asked the chief how officers were trained to engage citizens who might have mental issues. He offered a personal example, recounting how he had a "mental breakdown" following the death of his mother and how he was subsequently "Baker Acted." "The officer that came and got me, he could have just talked to me," Cole said. "I had to literally go through the traumatization of being handcuffed, put in the back of a police car." Lyter said that the police weren't equipped to deal with people experiencing such issues and that they were trained to take people to where the appropriate services are provided. He said, "The officer, in his mind, was acting in your best interest." Earlier in the meeting, Cole had pointed out that police officers suffering from mental issues sometimes get "a slap on their wrist" when they have a "mental blowout" and are involved in questionable scenarios on the job, while citizens suffering from such issues are not afforded that luxury when dealing with law enforcement. "If I have a mental breakdown today and go out here tomorrow and slap John because he just didn't look right to me, I'm going to go to jail for that. I'm going to be prosecuted for that; my life is going to go down the drain. I'll have to go through that whole process; no one's going to be like, 'Hey, he just had a bad day. Let's not do anything about it,'" Cole said. "I have to answer for all of my outbreaks, but a police officer doesn't." CPAC member Jonathan Green suggested that the group consider making a recommendation that the city reappropriate some of the funding currently going to the
police department—around $4 million—and use it for addressing mental health issues in the community, as well as for officers. "It falls on the community to have the resources for kids and adults and all human beings to be able to thrive in our community," Green said. Chief Lyter cautioned the committee from digging into the PPD's budget, suggesting that the group "might lose some momentum on that initiative" when it was forwarded to the mayor and the Pensacola City Council. The chief said, "Let the mayor and the city council find the money. It doesn't have to be from our budget." Committee member Autumn Blackledge agreed, "They will find the money and the resources if it's important enough for our community."
SUPERINTENDENT SELECTION SHAKE-UP The Escambia County School
District will have a new superintendent this November. In a surprise 3-2 vote, the school board chose Dr. Timothy Smith from the Orange County School District on Tuesday, Sept. 1. Smith has worked in the state's third-largest school district, with 208,203 students, for three decades, most recently overseeing that district's high schools. The district had an A grade in 2019, the last time the state graded school districts, and earned 71 more points than Escambia, which barely earned a B grade. Of the 23 Orange County high schools that he oversaw, eight earned A grades, 11 had B grades and the remaining for four had C's. Escambia had only one A and one B. For much of Tuesday's meeting, school board members seemed stalled in gridlock, with solid camps established for Dr. Earl Johnson, from Flagler Schools, as well as Keith Leonard, who had been promoted to assistant superintendent in June after serving as Escambia's director of Human Resources for 13 years. Chairman Patty Hightower suggested the board consider Smith when an impasse grew obvious. Hightower said that Johnson had many of the qualities she was looking for in a superintendent but that Smith also appealed to her. She said, "When I talked to Dr. Smith, I saw some of the same attributes." District 3 representative Dr. Laura Edler said she felt Johnson would be best with "community engagement" and could best reach students from across a diverse district such as Escambia, including students at higher risk of falling behind in school. Edler also said she felt a connection to Johnson. "He said to me, 'I don't believe there's a neighborhood anywhere in the world that I'm afraid to go in,'" she said. "Now, that sounds like a Laura Edler statement, because I don't inweekly.net
believe there's a neighborhood anywhere in the world that I'm afraid to go in." Though both Hightower and Edler pushed for Johnson, they lacked the crucial third vote. Meanwhile, District 1's Kevin Adams lobbied hard for Leonard. Likewise, District 2 board member Paul Fetsko said he was "leaning" toward Leonard. And District 5's Bill Slayton noted a sense of "fear" among some district employees concerned about appointing an outside-the-district candidate, saying he felt that Leonard could follow Superintendent Thomas' lead. "If Malcolm Thomas stayed, that's what he would have been doing, taking us to the next level," Slayton said. Adams, too, painted Leonard as representative of a continuation of Thomas's legacy. He said, "I believe Keith will be the same kind of superintendent." Edler argued that voters had elected to switch to an appointed superintendent rather than an elected one so that the board could bring in the best-qualified candidate unrestrained by geography or politics. She felt selecting Leonard would show "favoritism" and amount to "an insult to the citizens of this community." "Just because you are in this district does not mean that position is handed to you on a silver platter," Edler said. Regardless, Adams put Leonard's name on the table for a vote. With Slayton joining Hightower and Edler voting against him, the candidate failed to secure the necessary three votes. Next, Slayton suggested the board select Smith—something both Hightower and Fetsko had indicated they would entertain. While both Edler and Adams voted no, Smith had the three votes he needed to become Escambia's next school district superintendent. Chairman Hightower, along with the district's legal counsel, will now begin contract negotiations with Smith. The school board expects to be reviewing the contract during its Sept. 15 meeting.
COVID STATS In August, Escambia County
had 3,348 new COVID-19 cases and 91 deaths, which made the month the deadliest for the virus. About 78% of the August deaths were among people 65 and older, and 89 deaths were associated with long-term care facilities. The number of test results reported for Escambia County residents dropped from 43, 420 in July to only 30,966 in August— a 29% decrease. The positivity rate was 10.6% for August compared to 12.4% in July. COVID testing at the state prison in Century accounted for 803 cases for Escambia County—about one out of every four new cases reported. The long-term care facilities accounted for 335 of the new cases—10%. Escambia County only tested 29 inmates in its corrections system in August, after testing 208 in July. The August positivity rate was 69%. On Aug. 29, the county had to suspend its inmate road crews for a second time due to the virus.
HOT DOG LICENSES Dara Kam of The News Service of Florida found bars owners throughout the state hurriedly are rehabbing behind-the-counter operations, adding triple sinks, carving out prep areas and signing up for food-handling training so they can get the go-ahead from state regulators to turn the lights back on. "I didn't do anything different but put a damn Crock-Pot on my bar," Becky Glerum, owner of PaddyWagon Irish Pub in Plant City, told The News Service of Florida last week, a day after she reopened her business. Glerum was able to start pulling beer taps again after she obtained a food-service license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, which oversees bars and restaurants. Bars were among the establishments that Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered to shut down in March to curb the spread of the coronavirus, which causes the respiratory illness known as COVID-19. When DeSan-
tis loosened the rules for bars in June, COVID cases skyrocketed around the state. Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Halsey Beshears ordered a shutdown of "vendors licensed to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises but not licensed to offer food service." However, he departed from the normal restaurant regulations. Beshears did not require that a minimum amount of bar owners' sales come from food. In late July, he toured the state, holding closed-door meetings with bar owners letting them know the state would allow them to reopen if they got a food-service license. As long as bars are serving dining options as simple as hot dogs boiled in a Crock-Pot, it doesn't matter how much food they sell. Locals have called the permits "hot dog licenses." The department's Division of Hotels and Restaurants received a total of 1,657 food-service applications, not including renewals, in August.
HURRICANE LAURA RESCUES The
Escambia County Animal Shelter is now housing cats from shelters and welfare organizations in Louisiana impacted by Hurricane Laura. Last week, the Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals transported 33 cats from Terrebonne Parish Animal Shelter and 25 cats from Louisiana SPCA to the Escambia County Animal Shelter. Several cats have also been placed with the Pensacola Humane Society. All recently transported animals are not animals that have been separated from their owners by the storm. The transported animals were taken out of Louisiana shelters to make room for incoming animals who were displaced by the storm, giving those displaced animals an opportunity to be easily reunited with their owners by remaining nearby. Animal Services Manager John Robinson said using the Escambia County Animal
Shelter to rehome these cats will provide a better opportunity for displaced storm animals in Louisiana shelters to receive the proper care and attention they need, without experiencing an overcrowding situation alongside the existing shelter animals. All cats were given a thorough medical exam and checkup upon arrival to the Escambia County shelter. "Escambia County Animal Services is happy to lend a hand to our neighboring Louisiana shelters," Robinson said. "We were able to collaborate with the Pensacola Humane Society and a few other local partner organizations, and we are looking forward to finding loving homes for the animals we took in this week." All cat adoptions are now just $10, plus an $11 fee for a required county tag. Due to the pandemic, appointments are still required for all adoptions. To make an appointment to meet or adopt a pet, email animalshelter@myescambia.com.
RESTAURANT COVID PLAYBOOK The restaurant industry landscape has been forever changed due to COVID-19. In an already fragile industry, it can be difficult navigating ever-changing governmental guidelines, changes in guest trends and necessary adjustments to ensure your business's survival. Florida SBDC at UWF is offering part two of its three-part series, developed to help restauranteurs and managers better understand how to surmount the challenges presented by COVID-19, from 9-10 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 16. Those interested are encouraged to register for and attend all three parts of this series but also have the option of picking individual sessions to register for at their convenience. A link for joining this no-cost webinar will be sent to those who register 24 hours before it begins for each date. Register for this online event at sbdc.uwf.edu under "Training & Events." {in}
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9
Empowering Pensacola Through Civic Conversation
How To Create Affordable Housing Marianne Cusato is renowned for her work on innovative housing solutions for disaster recovery and workforce housing. She is a partner in charge of design and development at Cypress CDC, a notfor-profit housing corporation dedicated to creating resilient and energy efficient homes that are also dignified and attainable. Cypress CDC built 450 Katrina Cottages throughout Louisiana after the Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Marianne serves on the faculty at the University of Notre Dame School of Architecture where she represents the School in coordinating with the newly formed Fitzgerald Institute for Real Estate. Marianne has been ranked the No. 4 most influential person in the home building industry by Builder Magazine, voted one of the 30 Most Influential Women in the Housing Economy by HousingWire Magazine and selected by Fortune Magazine as one of the Top Women in Real Estate.
Tuesday, Sept. 15 • 6 - 7:30 p.m. CST RSVP to attend this virtual live event: studeri.org/events
Marianne Cusato
CivicCon empowers the Pensacola area through civic conversations by: Attracting national experts to a speaker series that explores what “great” looks like and how others have overcome challenges in their communities.
Offering Civic Engagement Courses that increase the knowledge base and skill set for people who want to be engaged in public affairs and work to make this a stronger place to live, invest, grow and prosper.
Online: pnj.com/civiccon
Mentoring civic-minded individuals and groups to move ahead small and big projects that make life better for others.
Encouraging a Strong Towns approach to our communities to strive for resiliency and an affordable place where “the good stuff” in our community is available to all.
Working to make sure local elected officials understand the importance of transparency with community members and the power of government encouraging and embracing civic engagement by informed citizens.
Sign up for the CivicCon newsletter: studeri.org/newsletter-signup
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.
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This time of year, we typically start looking forward to all of the new offerings from our local cultural nonprofits. After several months of cancelations and postponements during the ongoing pandemic, there is still plenty to look forward to—even if it looks a bit different. Masks, outdoor shows, virtual premieres—it's all part of the "new normal." It's not enough for organizations to dream up new experiences; they have to find a way to share them safely. Every September in our annual Fall Arts issue, we encourage you to try something new. And this year will be no different. Here's a look at how some organizations are preparing for a season like no other.
TOUGH DECISIONS
Pensacola Opera's March production of "Il Trovatore" was in one of its final rehearsals when the decision was made to cancel it altogether. "The artists had only been here a little over a week, and we knew that we needed to make a decision quickly," said Executive Director Chandra McKern. "At the time, we were looking at what was happening around us in Europe and Italy shutting completely down. We wanted to make sure that the artists were able to get home as safely and quickly as possible." September 10, 2020
In addition to that, the nonprofit canceled its largest fundraiser, the Operazzi Ball. Some ticket holders for the March show didn't request a refund (instead, they looked at it as a donation to the opera), and then there was a virtual auction. But altogether, McKern said the Opera lost an estimated $175,000. And it's a similar story for other arts organizations. "Since February, we have postponed or canceled crowd-favorite productions like 'Winnie-the-Pooh,' 'Rock of Ages,' 'Cinderella' and our annual celebration of all art forms, 'Cabaret,'" said Sid Williams-Heath, executive director at Pensacola Little Theatre (PLT). "Individually, losing the revenue from one of those performances hurts. Collectively, losing the revenue from all of those performances threatens the theatre curtain from ever rising again. Big picture, we're looking at a $300,000 loss— at minimum."
ADAPTING
Zoom came to the rescue for many of us working from home, going to school from home and just trying to connect from home. Leave it to creatives to be even more innovative with the virtual conference medium. The Choral Society of Pensacola
started a weekly Zoom chat called "Singers Cinema" where like-minded choral fans can discuss a chosen choral-related movie, PLT has been hosting the monthly "Scripteasers" for people to read reach others' scripts and the Opera has streamed digital content monthly with their OperaLIVE series and streaming previous opera productions. "Digital streaming may not be the future of the opera, but for now, it's providing a way forward, rich with as many obstacles as opportunities," said McKern. PLT also made use of its courtyard space—or the PLT Terrazza—for their "Sips and Serenades" events, which allow volunteer artists to perform outside while audiences watch from a safe distance. "(It) has really been a game-changer for the much-needed engagement and morale of the community—and our nonprofit pocketbooks," said Williams-Heath. "You sip. We sing. And we all leave satisfied." Looking ahead at the 2020-2021 season, arts organizations will be utilizing some of that creativity. Ballet Pensacola has two virtual performances slated for the upcoming year, "Unhinge the Wind" in October and "Alice in Wonderland" in the spring. Late last month, PLT premiered its first performance since the COVID-19
outbreak, "A Sleeping Country," with performances both in-person and online. All upcoming shows this season will be streamable, said Williams-Heath. This not only allows options for viewers but presents an additional revenue source for the theatre. As for in-person shows, this will, of course, be different. For upcoming performances, actors and stage crew rehearsed with masks on and at safe distances. Seating in the theatre follows suit, said Williams-Health. "A room that initially seats 120 patrons now sits 20," he added. "A theatre that can hold up to 460 patrons now holds about 30% of that capacity. We are ensuring that distance and sanitation are the top priority of our upcoming performances. Intermission looks different. Sets look different. Staging and performer interaction looks different. But the stories that need to be told are finally getting their voice to do so once again." PLT has also implemented flexible subscription options, or the FlexPass, which allows patrons to give their support now and reserve a guaranteed seat for a future show once they feel comfortable going to an indoor theatre. They also have 11
apparel—just another way to support from near and far. At Pensacola Opera, McKern said they have adjusted their entire 38th season to meet safety standards. "We will have three distinct programming areas," she said, "the Mezzanine (digital content series online), Al Fresco (outdoor concerts in parks) and On Stage (mainstage productions)." Artists in Residence will also adjust to new guidelines, meeting virtually for the first four weeks and then coming to Pensacola from January to May next year, staying for 22 weeks in total. Donating frequent flyer miles or hotel points is one way to help support the Opera alongside season subscriptions, said McKern. "We recognize that now more than ever, people everywhere are turning to the arts for comfort, consolation and inspiration," said McKern. "Our goal is to innovate our performances and present them in new ways to as many people as possible, including outdoor concerts and performances for community members who are comfortable joining together, while observing all recommended social distancing."
"THE THRILL OF BEING PRESENT"
One of the more shared memes during the pandemic reads "I miss live music." Despite all the innovative ways artists have been connecting with audiences, it's hard to truly capture the magic of live music or theatre. "Actors in a film can't respond to an audience's laughter; they can't feel the tension or anticipation by those in the front row," said Williams-Heath. "Everything that happens on stage is far more exhilarating than what happens on screen—for the actors, for you, for your neighbor. We're all in it and experiencing this moment together. That's what people miss." "There is nothing that can compare to a live performance," added McKern. "The COVID-19 crisis has forced a sacrifice of so much of what makes opera so powerful— the massive casts, booming orchestras, elaborate staging, full-throated singing and the singular thrill of being present to experience it all, making opera the art form that comes closest to expressing pure emotion." But the "new normal" also presents an opportunity for intimate performances and a way to reach new audiences, she adds. "At its best, (opera) is hugely powerful and the most emotionally direct of all art forms. It's an art form in survival mode, and it may well come back stronger," McKern said. Whether it's a live performance or a live stream, the past several months have been a reminder of the role the arts play in our lives. We'd be lost without it—or at very least bored. And that's a responsibility these organizations take seriously. "I hope, as we make that move toward the new normal, that the community will remember how vital the arts have been during this time for engagement, education and good ole quality entertainment while stuck at home," said Williams-Heath. "We'll continue to be here to offer you the same fulfillment, joy and growth once this is over. We'll get through this—and we really hope that you'll support us in doing so." {in} 212 1
What to See and Stream This Season PENSACOLA OPERA
PENSACOLA LITTLE THEATRE
pensacolaopera.com
pensacolalittletheatre.com Pensacola Cultural Center, 400 S. Jefferson St.
This fall, you'll be able to enjoy opera through two series of events—Al Fresco (outdoor live music in Pensacola Parks) and The Mezzanine (online digital performances and programming) —plus two mainstage productions in 2021.
Al Fresco Concert Series
Starting Sept. 19 Enjoy fresh air and free performances from Pensacola Opera artists. All performances begin at 5:30 p.m. Sept.19 at Seville Square, Sept. 26 at Corinne Jones Park, Oct. 3 at Bayview Park, Oct. 17 at Bryan Park and Oct. 24 at Magee Field.
Sundays on the Mezzanine
ONLINE Sept. 20, Oct. 4 & 18, Nov. 1 & 15 This full-length concert series will be online every other Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $9.99 and can be purchased at facebook.com/pensacolaopera.
Meet the Artists in Residence
ONLINE Sept. 25 Meet the Pensacola Opera's Artists in Residence live on Sept. 25 from 7-8 p.m. The free online event will allow you to get to know the five artists and enjoy a brief performance from each of them. Tune in at facebook.com/pensacolaopera.
Backstage Pass
ONLINE Oct. 7 & 21 Enjoy the series of behind-the-scenes discussions with the mainstage production creative team giving audience members a chance to hear from singers, directors and creative staff in an exclusive conversation. Attendees will also be encouraged to ask questions and join the conversation. On Oct. 7, the series will be about the upcoming production "Carmen," and the Oct. 21 session will focus on "H.M.S. Pinafore." Details and ticketing information will be announced at pensacolaopera.com.
Artists in Residence Masterclass ONLINE Oct. 8 Renowned tenor and voice teacher Jason Ferrante will be viewable online as he works with the 38th season of Artists in Residence. Attendees will gain a better understanding of what goes into a singer's training and preparation.
Carmen
Jan. 22 & 24 Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox Bizet's operatic masterpiece returns to Pensacola, led by stage director Fenlon Lamb and starring Pensacola Opera favorite Elise Quagliata as Carmen. Tickets are $25-$115.
H.M.S. Pinafore
March 12 & 14 Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox A comic opera in two acts, with music by Arthur Sullivan and a libretto by W. S. Gilbert. Tickets are $25-$115.
Get ready for lots of opportunities to bring some drama into your life with PLT's upcoming season. For tickets or season passes, visit their website.
Steel Magnolias
Sept. 18-27 & Oct. 1-4 The story you know and love—minus Dolly Parton as Truvy. Tickets are on sale now.
Switzerland
Oct. 23-31 When an international visitor arrives at the home of a crime literature fan, fiction becomes reality. Tickets go on sale Oct. 5.
Junie B. In Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!
Dec. 11-20 A hilarious and endearing tale based on the best-selling book series by Barbara Park. Tickets go on sale Nov. 23.
25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Jan. 29-Feb.7 An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. Tickets go on sale Jan. 4.
Short Attention Span Theatre Feb. 12-20 An evening of six one-act plays. Tickets go on sale Jan. 25.
Hand to God
Opening Night!
Feb. 20 The 2021 season will kick off with Copland's Appalachian Spring and Paul Huang playing Brahms' Violin Concerto.
Russian Spectacular
March 6 Prokofiev's Classical Symphony and Jeffrey Biegel playing Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1.
Beethoven & Blue Jeans
March 20 This installment of PSO's annual show will feature Beethoven's Symphony No. 3, "Eroica."
Masterworks III April 24
Masterworks IV May 15
Masterworks V June 26
BALLET PENSACOLA balletpensacola.org Ballet Pensacola's 2020-2021 season features crowd favorites and brand-new pieces. Some performances will be virtual. For tickets and season passes, visit their website.
Unhinge the Wind
ONLINE Oct. 9-11 & 16-18
The Nutcracker
Dec. 18-20 Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox Tickets go on sale Sept. 16. For an exclusive pre-sale code, visit balletpensacola.org.
April 24-May 1 A man works out his stress and anxiety when his church ministry puppet takes over his left arm, with a hilarious and acidic personality of his own. Tickets go on sale April 5.
Ballet Pensacola Mardi Gras
A Night of Carol Burnett
April 9-11, 16-18 Pensacola Cultural Center, 400 S. Jefferson St.
May 7-16 A night of skits from the Carol Burnett Show. Tickets go on sale April 19.
Rock of Ages
June 11-27 A nostalgic book musical using the hairrock of the '80s to tell the story of a "just a small-town girl…livin' in a lonely world." Tickets go on May 17.
PENSACOLA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA pensacolasymphony.com PSO has postponed the start of its season out of concern for patrons and musicians. Streamable performances may also be available to subscribers.
Feb. 12-14 Pensacola Cultural Center, 400 S. Jefferson St.
Clue
Alice in Wonderland ONLINE Spring 2021
THE CHORAL SOCIETY OF PENSACOLA choralsocietyofpensacola.org This season, The Choral Society of Pensacola welcomes new director Peter Steenblik, who is developing a series of online sessions for singers until in-person rehearsals can resume as local conditions allow. Be sure to watch their Facebook page for announcements about online performances at facebook.com/choralsocietyofpensacola. inweekly.net
WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 10-16
Arts & Encouragement hope, help and other signs of humanity at a time when we really need it...
Hitting the High Notes By Jeremy Morrison
I'm Falling," came out in 1960. It spent 14 weeks at number one on the Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart and also crossed over into the pop world to peak at number eight on the Billboard's Hot 100 chart. By that time, Locklin had been performing at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tenn., since his 1953 hit "Let Me Be the One," as well as national radio broadcasts like Big D Jamboree and Louisiana Hayride. But on Nov. 12, 1960, he became a member of the Opry, performing there until 2007. By then, he was 89, but he still hit his trademark high notes. "One of the things about him is he never lost his voice," Riker noted. Here's another thing about Locklin—he's local. The singer began his career performing at roadhouses and radio stations along the Gulf Hank Locklin Hatch Show Print Poster / Image courtesy of WSRE Coast. And while he recorded and performed There's a chance you've never heard of plenty in Nashville, as well as around the country music star Hank Locklin, but country and internationally, he spent most of you've probably heard—probably even his life in Northwest Florida. hummed or whistled—his songs before, "He moved back to McLellan, Fla., where he songs so familiar their melodies float efwas from," Riker said. "He bought some propfortlessly in the nation's subconscious, erty. He had a ranch—The Singing L Ranch." tunes that are woven into our DNA. Seeing as how Locklin is from the region, Songs like "Please Help Me, I'm Falling." Riker felt like local WSRE viewers would "I was like, 'Whoa, I didn't know he wrote enjoy a documentary relaying his story. that song,'" laughed James Roy, who directed "He has a great story that people the new documentary "Hank Locklin: Counaround here don't remember, and it should try Music's Timeless Tenor" for WSRE. be told," she said. Or perhaps you know the hit song "Send Once the WSRE team dug into Locklin's Me the Pillow You Dream On." It's been covstory, they realized they were embarking on ered by numerous artists over the years. a mission that would resonate beyond the "I always thought it was a Dwight local area. Yoakam song," confessed Mary Riker, pro"Normally, we make local documentaducer of the WSRE documentary. ries on wildlife or the area," Roy said, recallLocklin's biggest hit, "Please Help Me, September 10, 2020
ing that moment of realization. "We're making a national quality documentary here." The director first recognized this when sitting down for the film project's first interview. "I realized on that first interview with Dwight Yoakam, 'Wow, I'm making a documentary about a pretty famous guy,'" he said. In addition to Yoakam, the team found themselves interviewing a who's-who list of country music. There were the big names, the headliners, like Vince Gill, Marty Stuart, Ray Stevens, Crystal Gayle and Charley Pride, as well as Nashville institutions like session guitarist Jimmy Capps. "We interviewed so many famous people," Roy said. "I think that we have enough celebrities, if you will, that other PBS stations will want to air it," Riker said. Some of the musicians interviewed for the movie hail from the mythic early days of Nashville's country music scene—"about half of our cast is about 80 years old or older"— and Riker felt a sense of urgency to hear Locklin's story from this older generation. "His story is going to leave this world when they do," she explained, adding that the film team ended up speaking with Capps just prior to his death. "We've actually already lost a cast member, and it broke my heart." The fellow musicians featured in the documentary, many of whom performed with Locklin or covered his songs, had plenty of accolades to offer. Yoakam called Locklin "one of the greatest ever," while Stuart said the singer "refined the old style and made it more beautiful." Stevens pointed to "Please Help Me, I'm Falling" as "one of the cornerstone songs that helped Nashville become Music City." "Everybody has been extraordinarily friendly and helpful," Riker said. "Everybody up in Nashville seemed grateful that we're doing this." The filmmakers decided to forgo a narrator for the project. Instead, they wove together the various interviews to tell Locklin's story. "It's kinda like a quilt," Riker said of the patchwork of interviews. "We've taken them apart and put them back together. It flows really nice, I think." The WSRE team also worked with Locklin's son, Hank Adam Locklin, on the project. In addition to helping them tell his father's story, he was also the person who connected the filmmakers with an interview that had been eluding them.
"I said, 'We really need Dolly. We really, really need Dolly.' He said, 'Hold on, I'll get you a number. Most people don't have this number,'" Riker recalled of snagging the Dolly Parton interview, during which the singer dubbed Locklin "one of the greatest that was ever on the stage at the Opry." While this WSRE project will be a treat for longtime Locklin fans, the producer said that it should also be entertaining for viewers just getting acquainted with the singer. "It was really important to us to make this for people who didn't already know him," Riker said, explaining that the film also serves as a trip through country music history. That trip through country music history, however, wasn't cheap. WSRE had to pay for the rights to use various images and music. One photo of Locklin at the Grand Ole Opry ran $450, while archival film footage cost $25 per second. To fund the project, WSRE received grants from "Country Music: A Film by Ken Burns," as well as, locally, the Bear Family Foundation. The documentary team is still working to secure funds to pay for the rights to the archival footage and photos and also the rights required for distribution beyond noncommercial broadcast and streaming, which would enable WSRE to host screenings and produce DVDs. "Hank Locklin: Country Music's Timeless Tenor" will premiere on WSRE at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29. On Saturday, Nov. 7, it will air on about 40% of the PBS stations around the country through a partnership with the National Educational Telecommunications Association. Then it will have a second airing locally on Thursday, Nov. 12, in celebration of the singer's induction into the Grand Ole Opry. Until then, Riker's office is filling up with memorabilia the Locklin family has shared with WRSE. She is currently working to coordinate an exhibit with the T.T. Wentworth, Jr. Museum in conjunction with the film's release in October to display the items. "These are legit," the producer smiled, hoisting a pair of Locklin's old boots onto her desk. "These are super cool." {in} WSRE is raising funds to help cover the final production costs of this documentary. If you make a donation of $20 or more, you will receive a commemorative Hatch Show Print poster as a thank you. To learn more, visit wsre.org/hanklocklinfilm. 13
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
PENSACON PARTNERS WITH WEEKEND BACKPACK FOOD PROGRAM
Pensacon is partnering with Saint Christopher's Episcopal Church to help feed children in need who attend O.J. Semmes Elementary School in the new school year. Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 8, Pensacon will be giving away passes to its 2021 event, scheduled for Feb. 26-28, to donors to Saint Christopher's Weekend Backpack Food program. The convention will award a pair of VIP Experience passes to one donor in September and a pair of weekend passes to one donor per month starting in October and running through February. A donation of just $135 can fill a backpack for one child for nine months, which covers the entire school year. All those who donate any amount of food or money each month will be entered into the monthly drawings. A collection table will be set up at the church, 3200 N. 12th Ave, on the Memorial Garden patio (in the front on the right) during regular business hours, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Additionally, a donation box is set up behind the church seven days a week. For more information on St. Christopher's Episcopal Church and the Weekend Backpack Food program, visit scpen.org. For more information on Pensacon, visit pensacon.com.
RALLY PENSACOLA'S DAY OF SHOPPING Rally Pensacola, an extension of Rally
Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, invites you to shop for a cause on Friday, Sept. 18, during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Rally's Day of Shopping event will support local businesses while raising crucial funds for childhood cancer research. Participating stores and restaurants will donate a percentage of the day's sales to Rally Pensacola. Some of the participating businesses will also include online sales and/ or to-go orders. In addition, Fiore of Pensacola will host pop-up vendors at their shop between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
For details and to RSVP to the Day of Shopping, visit the Facebook event at facebook. com/rallypensacola. Rally encourages everyone to shop safely while following the appropriate mask and social-distancing guidelines.
ping will be available as well as curbside pickup for locals. Check out the pumpkin inventory 10 a.m. Sept. 19; Oct. 3, 17 and 31; and Nov. 14. For more information, visit strongstreetstudioglass.com.
PENSACOLA OSTEOPATHS HOSTS IN-CLINIC FOOD PANTRY Pensacola
FIRST CITY ART CENTER THIRD ANNUAL JURIED SHOW FCAC's latest ex-
Osteopaths' in-clinic food pantry is open and available any time that the clinic is open, which is typically Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., for both patients and members of the community who are concerned about hunger and income during the COVID-19 crisis. Anyone is welcome for as long as there is food available—no questions asked. "As a doctor, I cannot ensure good health outcomes when my patients are hungry or when they're worried about their kids going hungry," said Dr. Alexys Hillman. "I've never been the type to stand by, see a situation and not take action. If there's something I can do to help, I'm going to do it, and in this case, an in-clinic food pantry helps a lot of people." Pensacola Osteopaths is located 14 W. Jordan St., Ste. C. Donations to the food pantry are accepted. For more information, call 368-7528.
DOGGIE BATHE-INS RESUME The Pensacola 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
VIRTUAL PUMPKIN PARTY For those
who never miss a Strong Street Studio's glass pumpkin patch, you don't have to miss out during the pandemic. This year, the pumpkin patch will be online. Ship-
hibit is on view through Sept. 27 at Gallery 1060 and online. First City Art Center is located at 1060 N. Guillemard St. For more information, visit firstcityart.org.
PENSACOLA BEACH ART WALK ON THE BOARDWALK Enjoy a good view
and some art Sundays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk, located at 400 Quietwater Beach Road. The weekly art walk will continue through Oct. 18.
KEEP PENSACOLA BEAUTIFUL PIECES ADRIFT ART SHOW AND AUCTION The Keep Pensacola Beautiful
Pieces Adrift Art Show and Auction will take an interactive approach to growing awareness around litter prevention in our waterways while benefiting a local community improvement nonprofit. "This year, Pieces Adrift will look a little different with COVID-19 protocols in place, but we think it will be the most fun and socially distant art show of the year. We're really excited about all of the amazing pieces we've had come in so far and can't wait to showcase the talented members of our community," said Madelyn Newton, Keep Pensacola Beautiful's marketing coordinator. The second annual Pieces Adrift Art Show & Auction will take place 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Studer Community Institute, located at 220 W. Garden St., with submissions from residents all over Escambia County with various backgrounds. The gallery will display pieces made of at least 50% trash or litter. There will be raffle prizes from businesses across Pensacola, live music and food vendors—like Le Dough, Jordan Valley, the ECUA Quench Buggy and a mobile bar from Tap the Coast. This event is for all ages. Due to COVID-19, Keep Pensacola Beautiful has implemented various health
protocols and asks that attendees wear a mask for the safety of all guests. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit Keep Pensacola Beautiful's Facebook event page or keeppensacolabeautiful.org/pieces-adrift/.
PLT PRESENTS: STEEL MAGNOLIAS
The Pensacola Little Theatre presents "Steel Magnolias" Sept. 18-20 and Sept. 25-27. Live performance dates and streaming options will be available. Watch website for details at pensacolalittletheatre.com. There will be limiting seating in the theatre, and masks will be required at live performances. Tickets are available online and by calling the Box Office at 432-2042.
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.-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. 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.
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
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a&e happenings 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 AND NEW SEASON Ballet
Pensacola's 2020-2021 season kicks off in October with the virtual performance of "Unhinge the Wind" premiering Oct. 9. The performance will be live streamed online Oct. 9-11 and Oct. 16-18. For more information, and to see the entire season lineup, visit balletpensacola.org.
PENSACOLA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PSO's season has been postponed until February, but 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.
NEW WAYS TO CELEBRATE PENSACOLA OPERA This fall, you'll be able to
enjoy opera through two series of events— Al Fresco (outdoor live music in Pensacola Parks) and The Mezzanine (online digital performances and programming). The Al Fresco Concert Series begins Saturday, Sept. 19, and Sundays on the Mezzanine begin Sunday, Sept. 20. For more information, visit pensacolaopera.com.
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.
LIVE MUSIC
NICOLE DEAN AT EMERALD REPUBLIC BREWING Hear Pensacola singer/
songwriter Nicole Dean 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Emerald Republic Brewing, located at 1414 W. Government St. Visit facebook.com/emeraldrepublicbrewing for more information. September 10, 2020
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.
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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
UNITED CONSCIOUS COLLECTIVE MEETING The mission of United Con-
scious Collective is to "support the physical, mental and spiritual well-being of conscious people through a social network created for individual connection and elevation of communities." The meeting will take place 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at Asher & Bee Apothecary and Tea House, located at 3014 N. Ninth Ave. For more information, visit facebook.com/unitedconco.
DISCOVER TALL SHIP LA NINA On
Friday, Sept. 11, The Nina—replica of the historic caravel—will open in Pensacola. The ship will be docked at the Palafox Pier, 997 S. Palafox, until departure early Wednesday, Sept. 16. The Nina was built completely by hand and without the use of power tools. The caravel was the style of ship preferred by Age of Discovery explorers such as Bartholomeu Dias, Gaspar Corte-Real and Christopher Columbus. Historians consider the caravel the space shuttle of the 15th century. While in port, the general public is invited to explore the Nina, an authentic floating museum. Admission charge is $5 15
a&e happenings for anyone 5 years and older and free to children 4 and under. The ship is open every day from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. No reservations are necessary. For more information or to schedule a group tour, call (787) 672-2152 or visit ninapinta.org. Guided group tours will be limited to 10 people. Social distancing will be practiced. Please keep six feet apart and wear a face covering on arrival. The general public will be staggered to ensure safety for both crew and guests. Dates and times are subject to change due to inclement weather.
BALLPARK GOLF RETURNS TO BLUE WAHOOS STADIUM Eagles in The
Outfield, Blue Wahoos Stadium's popular target golf experience, will return to the ballpark Thursday, Sept. 10, through Sunday, Sept. 13, offering fans the exclusive opportunity to golf at the baseball stadium. Tee times are available from 5:30-11:00 p.m. on Thursday, 4-11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 2:30-8:30 p.m. on Sunday and can be booked online at milb.com/pensacola/events/golf. The course features one dozen targets set up at varying distances across the outfield. Golfers, teeing off from beyond the outfield fence, compete to earn points by hitting the targets with their tee shots. Each tee time gives golfers an hour of unlimited shots from their tee box.
Groups of up to six can book a station at the Coors Deck Tee Box, located on the Coors Light Party Deck in right field, for $120 and enjoy shaded seating and direct access to the outfield bar and grill. Groups of four can book spots at the Scoreboard View Tee Box, located beneath the scoreboard at the stadium, or the Centerfield Tee Box for $80. Both right-handed and left-handed clubs will be available for participants to use, but golfers may bring their own clubs. Only short irons (sand wedge, pitching wedge, 9-iron) will be permitted for safety reasons. $5 from every booking will be donated to the First Tee of Northwest Florida to help youth across the Panhandle learn life lessons and develop their character while gaining access to the game of golf.
CRYSTAL CRAFT AT ASHER AND BEE
This class will guide you on your crystal explorations on the history and uses of them over time and throughout cultures. Class is 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13. You will learn how to incorporate them into your everyday living as well as uses in medicine. Asher & Bee Apothecary and Tea House, located at 3014 N. Ninth Ave. For more information, visit facebook.com/asherandbee.
NAVY FEDERAL 5K VIRTUAL RACE
Join hundreds of avid runners and walkers from all over the globe for the Navy Federal
All Virtual 5K on Sunday, Sept. 13. You choose your course and submit your results online. To participate in the All Virtual 5K, register for the race. Then measure your own 3.1-mile course and run or walk it any time on Sept. 13. If you'd like to submit your time or need help submitting, visit the race registration page. Shirts for the All Virtual 5K are very limited, so if you already have a race shirt from a previous year, you can choose the "I don't need a shirt" registration option to make 2020 shirts available for new race participants. Details about shirt distribution will be emailed at a later date. Bibs will be available for you to download and customize. Visit the registration page for more information or to sign up. If you registered for the Pensacola 5K or Vienna 5K, your registration will automatically be transferred to the All Virtual 5K. The beneficiaries for the All Virtual 5K are Achieve Escambia, Committee for Helping Others and the Gary Sinise Foundation. For more information, visit navyfederal.org/membership/event/5k.php.
RELEASE & RENEW AT FITNESS IMPACT TRAINING At 8:15 a.m. on Mon-
days, Wednesdays and Fridays, release into a yin yoga flow centered around low-stress training for high-stress individuals. The focus will be on the basics of breath and openness in the shoulders, hips and spine.
For more info, go to mindandmetta.online. Cost is $12 per class, and the location is 375 N. Ninth Ave, Ste. B. Limited space available. Ask about membership pricing.
GULF COAST BREWERY RUN Thurs-
days at 6 p.m., join Pensacola Runners Association for a 5K fun run. Enjoy a free beer after the run and complimentary games such as cornhole, ping pong and more. Gulf Coast Brewery is located at 500 E. Heinberg St. For more information, visit facebook.com/gulfcoastbrewery.
MEDITATIONS IN THE LABYRINTH
Join Empathic Practice and Felipe Muñoz for weekly mediations 5:30 p.m. on Fridays. The meditations are held at Long Hollow Park on Guillemard Street and are an opportunity for people to get together and practice guided meditations, singing bowl meditation and labyrinth walk meditation. All classes are free, although donations are accepted. Social distancing will be practiced. Bring your own mat or pillow. For more information, visit facebook.com/ empathicpractice.
OUTDOOR YOGA WITH URU YOGA
Every Friday at 7 a.m. near the Pensacola State College track, practice loving-kindness meditation, mindful alignment, corefocused vinyasa, and mobility movements. The goal is to cultivate clear awareness
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a&e happenings of yourself and others through union of a mental and physical practice. $13 per dropin class. Go to uruyoga.com to join.
BACKYARD YOGA AT ADONNA'S BAKERY Get your yoga practice in the backyard of Adonna's Bakery. Classes are 9 a.m. Wednesdays and 9:30 a.m. Sundays, weather permitting. Cost is $10. Class size is limited to 12 to allow for social distancing. Register through the fitDEGREE app. For more information, visit facebook.com/diskolemonade.
BEER GARDEN YOGA Join Coastal County Brewing Company Saturdays at 9 a.m. for the new Yoga in the Garden Series. Classes will be led by Tara Taylor, a highly experienced instructor from Breathe Pensacola. All skill levels are welcome. Cost is $10 and includes a pint of beer after the class. Coastal County Brewing Company is located at 3041 E. Olive Road. For more information, visit facebook.com/coastalcounty. YOGA CLASSES AT EVER'MAN Stretch your muscles with Beginner Yoga at 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. (at the Nine Mile store) Thursdays; 4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays; and 11:45 a.m. Wednesdays. Funky yoga is at 6 p.m. (eight-person limit) on Tuesdays. Vinyasa Yoga Flow is 6 p.m. Wednesdays. Vinyasa with Vincent is 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, and 12:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11. All classes are at Ever'man, located at 327 W. Garden St., unless otherwise noted. For more information, visit everman.org. HUMANISTS OF WEST FLORIDA Class
is 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Ever'man, located at 327 W. Garden St. For more information, visit everman.org.
TRANSMISSION GROUP WORLD SERVICE MEDITATION Class is 1 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 13, and 7:15 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, at Ever'man, located at 327 W. Garden St. For more information, visit everman.org.
EARTH ETHICS Class is 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14, at Ever'man, located at 327 W. Garden St. For more information, visit everman.org. ZUMBA WITH FLO Class is 4:45 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 16, at Ever'man, located at 327 W. Garden St. For more information, visit everman.org.
YOGA WITH ADRON CHAMBERS Yoga
with Adron is back on Thursday and Saturdays with Asher & Bee Apothecary and Tea House. Classes are 6 p.m. Thursdays and 9 a.m. Saturdays. Cost is $11. Classes are open to everyone including beginners, novices and masters. Asher & Bee is located at 3014 N. Ninth Ave. To register for classes, email 11adron56@gmail.com.
BLUE WAHOOS AND BUBBA WATSON OPEN STADIUM DISC GOLF COURSE The Pensacola Blue Wahoos September 10, 2020
and team co-owner Bubba Watson have partnered to bring disc golf to Blue Wahoos Stadium. The course covers the entirety of the stadium and is open to the public from noon8 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is $5 per player per round. Children ages 6-12, seniors, military members and first responders will receive a $1 admission discount. Children 5 and under receive free admission with a paid adult. To ensure the safety of participants and in adherence with COVID-19 guidelines, new groups will be allowed to begin playing the course every 15 minutes. Players are encouraged to bring their own discs or to purchase a three-disk starter pack from the Blue Wahoos for $25. Disc rental is not available in accordance with safety. Go to Wahoos Stadium and visit the Bait & Tackle Store behind home plate to register. A scorecard and course map will be provided to each player. For more information, visit bluewahoos.com.
BIKE PENSACOLA SHARES SLOW RIDE ROUTES If you're missing the
monthly slow rides, here's a chance to enjoy the routes. Bike Pensacola is sharing slow ride maps from popular events. Find the maps on Facebook at facebook.com/ bikepensacola. You will still need to adhere to safety and social distancing guidelines.
OCEAN HOUR BEACH CLEAN-UPS
Ocean Hour has picked up its weekly beach clean-ups in the Pensacola area Saturdays at 8:45 a.m. Supplies will be provided, but volunteers are welcome to bring their own. For locations, visit oceanhourfl.com.
FOOD + WINE
CELEBRITY CHEF COOKOUTS AT SEVILLE QUARTER Thursdays, a Celebrity
Guest Chef will be cooking up a delicious culinary experience from 5-7 p.m. in the End O' The Alley Courtyard. The featured Celebrity Guest Chefs will create their own menu in collaboration with Seville Quarter's executive chef, Cameron Mitchell. Look forward to a different entrée and side dish of entertainment every week. UPCOMING CELEBRITY CHEFS •Sept. 10—Bill Carlson, Andouille and Chicken Jambalaya
TOSTADAS TACOS TAMALES AT ODD COLONY Enjoy tostadas, tacos and tamales from Two Birds Street Food every Thursday at Odd Colony from 5-9 p.m. Odd Colony is located at 260 N. Palafox. For more information, visit facebook.com/oddcolony.
THE TAMALE TRUCK BY NOMADIC EATS Visit Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St., from 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 11, for tamales from Nomadic Eats. For more information, visit facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco. for more listings visit inweekly.net 17
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free will astrology WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 10 ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): "It’s not that some people have willpower and some don’t," observes author James S. Gordon. "Rather, it’s that some people are ready to change and others are not." Lucky for you, Aries, your willpower is even more potent than usual right now, and your willingness to change is growing stronger. And so very soon now, I expect you will reach the threshold that enables you to act crisply and forcefully. You will become so convinced that it's wise to instigate transformation that you will just naturally instigate transformation. Adjust, adapt, improvise, improve! TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): Psychologist Mihály Csíkszentmihályi is an expert on the mental state known as being in the flow. He defines it as what happens when you're completely absorbed in what you are doing—"immersed in a feeling of energized focus," with "full involvement and enjoyment in the process of the activity." According to my reading of the astrological omens, you are extra likely to enjoy such graceful interludes in the coming weeks. But I hope you will be discerning about how you use them. I mean, you could get into a flow playing video games or doing sudoku puzzles. But God and Life and I would prefer it if you'll devote those times to working on a sublime labor of love or a highly worthy quest.
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): According to researcher Rosalind Cartwright, "Memory is never a precise duplicate of the original. It is a continuing act of creation." Neurologist Oliver Sacks agrees, telling us, "Memories are not fixed or frozen, but are transformed, disassembled, reassembled and recategorized with every act of recollection." Reams of additional evidence also suggest that our experience of the past is always being transformed. In accordance with astrological potentials, I invite you to take advantage of this truth. Re-imagine your life story so it has more positive spins. Re-envision the plot threads so that redemption and rebirth are major features. Engage in a playful reworking of your memories so that the epic myth of your destiny serves your future happiness and success. CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): All of us are susceptible to fooling ourselves and lying to ourselves. And all of us are susceptible to the cowardice that such self-sabotage generates. But the good news is that you Cancerians will have an expansive capacity to dissolve and rise above self-deception in the coming weeks—and will therefore be able to call on a great deal of courage. As Cancerian author and Buddhist teacher Pema Chödrön says, "The essence of bravery is being without self-deception." LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): If you like, I will give you the waning crescent moon and the dawn breeze. Do you want them? How
By Rob Brezsny
about sudden bursts of joy for no apparent reasons and a warm greeting from a person you thought had a problem with you? Would you be interested in having those experiences? And what about an unexpected insight into how to improve your financial situation and a message from the future about how to acquire more stability and security? Are those blessings you might enjoy? Everything I just named will be possible in the coming weeks—especially if you formulate a desire to receive them and ask life to provide them.
VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): Virgo poet
Mary Oliver was renowned for giving herself permission. Permission to do what? To become a different person from the self she had been. To shed her familiar beliefs and adopt new ones. To treat every experience as an opportunity to experiment. To be at peace with uncertainty. I think you'll be wise to give yourself all those permissions in the coming weeks—as well as others that would enhance your freedom to be and do whatever you want to be and do. Here's another favorite Mary Oliver permission that I hope you'll offer yourself— "And I say to my heart, rave on."
LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): "The more unintelligent people are, the less mysterious existence seems to them," wrote philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer. I agree with that idea, as well as the converse—The more intelligent people are, the more mysterious existence seems to them. Since I expect you to be at the peak of your soulful intelligence in the coming weeks, I am quite sure that life will be exquisitely mysterious to you. It's true that some of its enigmatic qualities may be murky and frustrating, but I suspect that many of them will be magical and delightful. If you ever wanted your life to resemble a poetic art film, you're going to get your wish. SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): Co-
median and actor Aubrey Plaza bragged about the deal she made. "I sold my soul to the devil," she said. "I’d like to thank the devil." Plaza is quite popular and successful, so who knows? Maybe the Prince of Darkness did indeed give her a boost. But I really hope you don't regard her as a role model in the coming weeks—not even in jest. What worked for Plaza won't work for you. Diabolical influences that may seem tempting will not, in the long run, serve your interests—and may even sabotage them. Besides, more benevolent forces will be available to you, and at a better price.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21):
Many of you Sagittarians specialize in generous breakthroughs and invigorating leaps of truth. Often, you make them look easy and natural—so much so that people may not realize how talented you are in generating them. I hope you adjust for that by giving yourself the proper acknowledgment and credit. If this phenomenon shows up in the coming weeks—and I suspect it
might—please take strenuous measures to ensure that you register the fullness of your own accomplishments. To do so will be crucial in enabling those accomplishments to ripen to their highest potential.
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19):
Holocaust survivor and author Elie Wiesel wrote, "When you die and go to heaven, our maker is not going to ask, 'Why didn't you discover the cure for such and such? Why didn't you become the Messiah?' The only question we will be asked in that precious moment is, 'Why didn't you become you?'" I hope that serves as a stimulating challenge for you, Capricorn. The fact is that you are in an extended phase when it's easier than usual to summon the audacity and ingenuity necessary to become more fully yourself than you have ever been before.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): Years
ago, comedian Lenny Bruce observed, "Every day, people are straying away from the church and going back to God." His statement is even truer today than it was then. Pew Research Center, a nonpartisan think tank, has gathered the concrete evidence. Church attendance was way down even before the pandemic struck. Now it's even lower. What does this have to do with you? In my astrological opinion, the coming months will be prime time for you to build your intimate and unique relationship with God rather than with institutions that have formulaic notions about who and what God is. A similar principle will be active in other ways, as well. You'll thrive by drawing energy from actual sources and firsthand experiences rather than from systems and ideologies that supposedly represent those sources and experiences.
PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): Psychologist Carl Jung wrote, "The function of dreams is to restore our psychological balance by producing dream material that re-establishes the total psychic equilibrium." According to my reading of the astrological omens, you especially need this kind of action right now. To expedite your healing process, meditate on what aspects of your life might have become too extreme or one-sided. Where could you apply compensatory energy to establish better equipoise? What top-heavy or lopsided or wobbly situations could benefit from bold, imaginative strokes of counterbalance? THIS WEEK'S HOMEWORK: What's the best possible commotion you could stir up—a healing commotion that would help heal and liberate you?
freewillastrology.com
freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com Rob Brezsny © Copyright 2020
inweekly.net
news of the weird NEWS THAT SOUNDS LIKE A JOKE Ander Christensen, 27, of Lincoln, Nebraska, has had to take time away from his job to field the media requests that have been pouring in since his Aug. 31 appearance before the Lincoln City Council, reported The Washington Post. Reading from a script, Christensen, whose father, Roy, is a councilman, made an impassioned plea against the widespread use of the term "boneless chicken wings," pointing out that "boneless chicken wings are just chicken tenders" and don't "actually come from the wing of a chicken." Laughter and applause broke out in the chamber as Christensen made his presentation, and his father said the council was "taking the matter under advisement. ... He's a chemical engineer by profession," he said of his son, "but he's a comic at heart." BRIGHT IDEA Officials in Amsterdam have installed 12 hemp-filled urinals around that city's notorious red-light district in an attempt to control if not eliminate latenight public urination, or "wild peeing." The boxes, called GreenPees, resemble planters, according to CNN, and the hemp filters inside turn urine into an organic fertilizer and water that feed the plantings on top. During initial trials in 2018, inventor Richard de Vries said, "there was a 50% reduction in wild peeing. It was a great success." For his next project, de Vries is researching how electricity can be generated whenever someone pees into one of his GreenPees.
By the Editors at Andrews McMeel
express their feelings about socially distanced learning as schools struggle to open. "I have a daughter that's a teacher and both my sisters have kids who are in school and this is really, really difficult for them not to be in school," said Alyssa Idsinga, who created the art installation along with April Rutter and Abigail Pritchett. "It's just so lonely." She had the chairs in a shed and said the installation would remain as long as the pandemic continues or until the weather destroys it. COMPELLING EXPLANATION Nicole Dozois, 40, was arrested in Largo, Florida, on Aug. 23 on charges of domestic battery after allegedly attacking her father "due to his flatulence," according to an arrest affidavit. The Smoking Gun reported that Dozois, who shares a room in a home in Largo with her 59-year-old father, allegedly punched him in the face numerous times, leaving him with a "bloodied left eye and scratches all over his neck," authorities said. She pleaded not guilty before being released, with the proviso that she have no contact with her father.
BELIEFS Nguyen Van Chien, 92, from a village in the southern Mekong Delta in Vietnam, hasn't had a haircut in almost 80 years. A follower of Dua, a religion banned in Vietnam, Chien believes he has been called to grow his hair, Reuters reported, and his dreadlocks now measure about 16 1/2 feet. "I believe if I cut my hair I will die," Chien said. "I only nurture it, cover it in a scarf to keep it dry and clean and looking nice."
WAIT, WHAT? Villas Las Estrellas is a small settlement of about 100 people on King George Island in Antarctica with a school, a bank, a church and even a souvenir shop, but if you want to live there, you and your family -- including your children -- will be required to have your appendixes removed before you arrive. The reason, Medium reports, has a logic grounded in history: The town has a small clinic, but not always a surgeon, and the nearest hospital is more than 600 miles away and difficult to reach. In 1961, Russian explorer and surgeon Leonid Rogozov at the similarly isolated Novolazarevskaya Station suffered life-threatening acute appendicitis and was forced to operate on himself -- without anesthesia. The two-hour operation was successful, and Rogozov returned to work two weeks later.
GREAT ART! Three years ago, Emma Aldenryd, 18, of Aarhus, Denmark, discovered she had a rare condition called dermatographia, which causes her skin to temporarily swell up when touched. Oddity Central reports that the teen has decided to use her skin as a canvas on which she traces artwork with a pencil and posts the images to Instagram. "I started by drawing quite random stuff like a bunch of words," Aldenryd said. "Lots of people question whether it hurts, but my dermatographia has never hurt." Antihistamines treat the itch associated with her condition -- but they also stop the swelling, so she doesn't take them.
THE CONTINUING CRISIS Dr. Devainder Goli, was watching a movie on his phone as his Tesla drove on autopilot near Spring Hope, North Carolina, early on Aug. 26, according to authorities, before narrowly missing a Nash County Sheriff's deputy and a State Highway Patrol trooper and crashing instead into both of their cruisers. "It could have been very horrific," Nash County Sheriff Keith Stone told WRAL. The officers were conducting an overnight lane closure at the time of the accident. Goli was charged with a moving violation. "We need to understand that automation cannot do everything," Stone said. {in}
NOW ON VIEW
•Drivers on U.S. 70 in southeast New Mexico have wondered about the 18 wooden chairs set up six feet apart in rows on a hill between Clovis and Portales. KRQE reports they are the work of three local sisters who wanted to
From Andrews McMeel Syndication News Of The Weird Š 2020 Andrews McMeel
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