OMAN KEYS W FOR KEYS WOMEN BY KEYS WOMEN
YOU’RE INVITED!
NOW WHAT? WOMEN WHO
SHINE
happy
BRINGING BACK
KEYS WEEKLY | VOLUME 4 | NO 5 | SUMMER 2022
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WHO WE ARE Publisher Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com Managing Partner Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com Creative Director Stephanie Mitchell stephanie@keysweekly.com Art/Design Irene de Bruijn irene@keysweekly.com Editor Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com Account Executives Stephanie Mitchell stephanie@keysweekly.com Patti Childress patti@keysweekly.com Jill Miranda Baker jill@keysweekly.com Staff Writers Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com Production Manager Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com Art/Design Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com Director of Digital Marketing Chanice Dos Santos chanice@keysweekly.com Office Manager Char Hruska char@keysweekly.com Contributers Cover photo: @svetlana.sokolova. photography Maison Benitez, Annie Briening, Doug Finger, Mark Hedden, Barry Gaukel, Christopher McNulty, Karen Newfield, Erin Stover Sickmen. Published MMXXII Key West 5450 MacDonald Ave. No. 5 Key West, FL 33040 305-453-6928 Marathon 9709 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050 305-743-0844 Upper Keys 91760 Overseas Hwy. Tavernier, FL 33070 305-363-2957
No.5 22
06
LETTER from the editor ........................
08
EVERYBODY DANCE NOW DJ Sanaris & the women of the Weekly get you grooving .....................
12
REMEMBER FUN? Whatever happened to polite parties? .....................
14
OH SO PERIWINKLE 2022’s color of the year ........................
20
STRANGE YET DELICIOUS Weird wine pairings
HOW TO BIRTH CHART Astrology for dummies ........................
24
FULL MOON Meanings behind the year’s remaining full moons ........................
30
YOU’RE INVITED Now who picks up the tab? ........................
32
DIRECT FLIGHT A weekend in Philly ........................
36
FLIPPING THE SCRIPT Raising stand-up gentlemen ........................
38
WARNING! Dating pitfalls .......................
50
DOLPHIN WHAT? Frisky mammals can teach us a thing or two ........................
52
WORK IT OUT Anytime fitness with our in-house instructor ........................
53
SIMPLE SMOOTHIE Post-workout refreshment ........................
56
SUMMERTIME READING Books and masques collide ........................
60
FINISHING STRONG Words to remember
42
KEYS WOMEN The loveliest of women shine bright www.keysweekly.com
Summer 2022 | 5
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6 | Keys Woman
FROM THE EDITOR
LIFE’S TOO SHORT DON’T WAIT TO CELEBRATE I’ve never been one to save new shoes, new clothes, good food or expensive wine for a super-special, just-right occasion. Life’s too short, despite my mom rolling her eyes incessantly at my unwavering commitment to instant gratification. But if the past two years have taught us anything, it’s that nothing is guaranteed. Health is fleeting. Lives are fragile. Families and friends are essential. And the best-laid plans for the biggest occasions can disappear in the flash of a single news headline, or the dreaded second line on a COVID test. In this, our fifth edition of Keys Woman, we celebrate our tentative return to normalcy and all things that make us happy, including Pantone’s latest color of the year, dolphins’ sexcapades and three spectacular Florida Keys women, who invite us into their happy places. Stephanie Mitchell pairs wines with junk food and Annie Briening takes us on a tour of her hometown, happy place of Philadelphia. Jim McCarthy compiles some Keys dating “red flags” and Erin Stover Sickmen explores “The Art of Polite Partying” and how the rules (finally!) have changed for women. We get serious about flipping the script on sexual violence against women. And our in-house fitness instructor Maison Benitez gets us in shape for summer. As you dive into the following pages, start with the specially curated playlist by Key West DJ Sanaris and pour yourself a glass of the “good wine” that you’ve been saving for a “worthy” occasion. Hell, a Tuesday should be reason enough. Throw those fancy filets on the grill and enjoy. Don’t wait to buy your favorite flowers until you, or someone else, feels you deserve them. Buy the flowers. Use the fancy bath products. Light the expensive candle. Break out the good china. Why do we have these luxury items that make us feel good if we’re never going to enjoy them? Would it really be the end of the world if you break a fancy plate? (If so, you need more help than this magazine can provide.) We deserve to be happy. Always. Every day. And if the new shoes that are still in their box in our closet make us happy, wear them, even if it’s just to the grocery store. If your good china makes you happy, use it, even if it’s just for pizza night. Because nothing is guaranteed, don’t wait to celebrate. — Mandy Miles
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BY DJ SANARIS AND MANDY MILES
LIVE SMILE DANCE
In keeping with our new tradition of providing soundtracks for our magazines, the Keys Weekly reached out to DJ Sanaris, winner of the 2021 Bubba: Key West People’s Choice Award for Best DJ in town. Sanaris compiled some of his favorites, based on the the two women that impact his life and daily musical choices — his wife, Vikki Peacock, and Alexa. “As a DJ, I’m always looking for new music, mixes or sounds. Whether checking out a live show at the local bar, listening to tunes on the radio or a streaming service, or choosing tunes for Vikki while she gets ready for work as operations manager at Sloppy Joe’s,” Sanaris said. “For 15 years now, she’s been dancing, singing and rapping in the mirror to the songs I would choose before we headed to work together. Then Alexa came along. I shared my Spotify and Tidal Accounts with “her” and Vikki no longer needed my DJ skills for her pre-work routine. I had been replaced with a robotic woman. But the music hasn’t stopped in our house and never will. “The dancing in front of our mirror has turned into full-blown routines. The song selections are great also. Whatever mood Vikki needs to be in, Alexa gets her there. There’s nothing like walking into a house with a high-energy, Italian woman bouncing around to Crime Mob’s “Knuck if you Buck” or Cardi’s “Bodak Yellow” followed by Taylor Swift’s “Shake it Off.” By the time, “They Call Me Alexander Hamilton” echoes through our house, we’re ready to take on the world. Here’s hoping this playlist helps get you into the right mentality before taking on the challenges of your day, whatever they may be.” To keep the hits coming, we also asked the women of Keys Weekly, including the three local ladies we’ve profiled in the coming pages, which songs are guaranteed to get them on the dance floor. We’ve turned that into an easily accessible playlist as well. From timeless classics and ‘80s favorites to the hottest hits of today, scan the QR codes for both playlists and let the music move you.
DJ Sanaris’ playlist 8 | Keys Woman
Keys Weekly women’s playlist
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BY ERIN STOVER SICKMEN
The LOST
In 1880 a publication entitled, “The Habits of Good Society” hit bookshelves in the U.S., outlining, in no uncertain terms, all the ways in which guests (particularly women) should conduct themselves in social settings. Women were encouraged to never indulge in more than one glass of champagne and never to ask direct questions. “How was your day?” should be rephrased to, “I hope you had a pleasant day.” Those suggestions were on the mild end of a spectrum that ultimately set an exhausting manifesto for constant self-awareness. By midcentury, some rules had relaxed but many stipulations for women
12 | Keys Woman
remained stubbornly in place, particularly those pertaining to personal appearance and interactions with men. A couple decades later, the 1970s rolled around and the Women’s Rights Movement took hold. Women were still beholden to a more rigid set of standards, but now there was a voice countering that pressure. For example, if a few friends were out to dinner, it was no longer improper for a woman in the group to pick up the tab. She was however still encouraged to discuss it at the start of the evening, so as not to “emasculate” the men in the group.
AR
ART of polite partying The Etiquette School of America notes that we now find ourselves in a unique era. Until recent times, changes to social norms tracked simultaneously with generational shifts. Children grew up, shook off the limitations of their parents’ generation, and wrote their own rules. Incremental shifts were reliably made every couple of decades. Recently though, that dynamic has changed. The Etiquette School explains, “As a society, we move fast. We can no longer wait 20 years or more until the next generation gets around to writing the rules. The good news is that manners evolve and change to meet the needs and sensibilities of the current culture.” The obvious upshot here is that the rules of polite culture have finally become more equitable, having been rewritten by a generation that values diversity and equality. In the eternal words of the Beastie Boys, “You gotta fight for your right to party.” The line may have been written by three white guys, but the truth is that women have been fighting for that teensy little right, alongside all the major ones, for years. So yes, it’s high time we enter an era of festive equality. So, what’s changed in recent times? Specifically, adults no longer have to address each other by ‘Mr.’ or ‘Ms.’ We can all shake hands, hug and drink as many glasses of champagne as we like. Some of the classics, according to Emily Post, still remain relevant in 2022. Be on time, respect the RSVP, don’t overindulge, offer to assist your host during the party and thank them after. Easy enough. The realm of unspoken etiquette, though, remains a bit trickier to navigate. Most people have grown up with the adage that you don’t discuss politics or religion in social settings. Add money and sex to that list and you have four enduring pillars of taboo conversation. But, like so many adages when scrutinized, these absolutes break down a bit. Certainly, you don’t want to be the guest who alienates your host or fellow partygoers. Everyone has endured a dinner with ‘that guy’ at the table. It’s insufferable. However, when you’re gathered among reasonable friends capable of engaging
and stimulating conversation about real-world topics, there’s no need to completely avoid it. If anything, certain parties can feel like intellectual crowdsourcing, a way of gathering new perspectives from those we know and trust. The important thing to remember, though, is to be aware of the collective mood and to only engage in such conversations when it’s fun for everyone. To barrel ahead with your political monologue when there is no reciprocity would still be impolite partying at its worst. While most rules of etiquette evolve and shift over the years, one guideline in particular has been developed completely from scratch in the last 20 years. As technology has become an increasing presence in our daily lives, we’ve established (often unspoken) rules about its place in certain environments. In general, phones should be silenced and tucked away at dinner parties or any work-adjacent event. In the early days of cell phone usage, that was easy. Phones were mostly looked upon as devices that could wait for a more convenient time. Nobody was sweating a missed call, having just moved on from the days of waiting until they arrived home to check an answering machine. Over the years, phones have become more prevalent, eventually taking up real estate on our wrists as a constant technological companion. These days, it’s understood that there are some (polite) exceptions to digital abstinence. If you absolutely have to take a call, sneak a text, or just secretly, desperately want to check the score of whatever game you’re following, simply excuse yourself and find a quiet spot away from your fellow revelers. All in all, partying is serious business and carries an ever-shifting set of rules. Women now have a place at the table, but we also have to contend with digital alerts interrupting our social interactions. We have more equity and greater freedom to discuss ideas and important events, but need to be sensitive to other perspectives. The only thing that hasn’t changed, and probably won’t any time soon, is the undying art of gratitude. Be helpful and thank your host. Everything else is simply a suggestion.
Summer 2022 | 13
BY IRENE DE BRUIJN
IS IT BLUE? IS IT PURPLE? VIOLET, MAYBE, OR LAVENDER? IT’S PERIWINKLE, “VERY PERI,” TO BE PRECISE, AND IT’S THE 2022 PANTONE COLOR OF THE YEAR. FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY, THOSE BRILLIANT COLOR CONNOISSEURS ADDED A BRAND NEW, DIGITALLY CREATED COLOR TO THE WORLD’S SPECTRUM. VERY PERI’S COURAGEOUS PRESENCE ENCOURAGES PERSONAL INVENTIVENESS AND CREATIVITY, SAYS LAURIE PRESSMAN, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE PANTONE COLOR INSTITUTE.
PANTONE Very Peri
14 | Keys Woman
“AS WE EMERGE FROM AN INTENSE PERIOD OF ISOLATION, OUR NOTIONS AND STANDARDS ARE CHANGING AND OUR PHYSICAL AND DIGITAL LIVES HAVE MERGED IN NEW WAYS. CREATING A NEW COLOR FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY... REFLECTS THE GLOBAL INNOVATION AND TRANSFORMATION TAKING PLACE. AS SOCIETY CONTINUES TO RECOGNIZE COLOR AS A CRITICAL FORM OF COMMUNICATION... THE COMPLEXITY OF THIS NEW RED-VIOLET-INFUSED BLUE HUE HIGHLIGHTS THE EXPANSIVE POSSIBILITIES THAT LAY BEFORE US,” PRESSMAN SAID. Summer 2022 | 15
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Summer 2022 | 19
BY STEPHANIE MITCHELL
We can’t stop the inevitable. Days are longer. Temps are higher. The summer scorch is at our door. Ice melts. Humidity thickens the air. Hurricanes demand attention. Outdoor dining sounds absurd and the heat drives away anyone with a cooler alternative. But the hearty full-time locals stick it out together — in air-conditioned spaces. But this is no time for formality. Summertime in the Florida Keys is even more casual than usual. So the next time you have a few friends over for drinks, skip the fancy cheese plate and try some different wine pairings. Here are some of our favorites. Take a bite followed by a nice sip and let us know what you think. Cheers and enjoy…
20 | Keys Woman
W
e n i & W
JUNK FOOD?
CHAMPAGNE & FRENCH FRIES Could anything feel more overindulgent? Chilled champagne and fresh, hot, salty fries play perfectly together. The sparkling bubbles and acidity in the champs cut through even the greasiest fast-food fries. CHARDONNAY & POPCORN If popcorn is your go-to snack, pair it with a Chardonnay. The butter on the popcorn helps draw out the smooth, buttery undertones of a nice Chard and adds a perfect complement to the popcorn. SAUVIGNON BLANC & SKITTLES Sounds crazy, but Skittles and wine have a lot in common. Notes of berry? Check. Wide variety of flavors? Check. Cure for a rough day? Check. Guilty pleasure? Oh, yeah. Pairing the candy rainbow with a cold glass of Sauvignon Blanc will highlight the sweet and sour without being overpowering.
RIESLING & JALAPENO POPPERS Poppers aren’t just for game day (and they’re readily available to-go at Dion’s and local restaurants if you don’t want to make your own.) The sweet finish of a Mosel Riesling is the perfect complement to the spice and cream cheese filling in the popper.
ROSÉ & SOUR PATCH KIDS Rosé all day? Why not? We live in the Keys, and if Sour Patch Kids are your sweet-and-sour treat of choice, you’ll find the two go hand in hand. Rosé is sweet and dry, yet a bit feisty, and when a sip follows a sour/sugary bite the two meld together in harmony. For best results, we recommend a dry rosé for this combo.
PINOT NOIR & BBQ CHIPS Who would’ve thought to pair barbecue flavoring with a Pinot Noir? We went there, tried it and loved everything about it. The light-bodied and earthy wine mellows the tangy flavor of the chip, producing a surprisingly savory balance that should not be missed. MALBEC & NACHOS This particular pairing is the author’s favorite. The salty tortilla chips, beans, cheese, guacamole and salsa need a wine that can take on all the textures and flavors without getting lost in the lineup. Enter the Argentinian Malbec. The wine’s pure flavor and vibrancy are perfectly equipped to handle even the spiciest kick from a jalapeno. CABERNET SAUVIGNON & REESE’S PEANUT BUTTER CUPS Smooth, rich, salty and sweet. There really just aren’t enough adjectives to describe the perfection of this pair. Peanut butter, chocolate and wine. This combination will win time and time again.
Summer 2022 | 21
BY CHRISTOPHER McNULTY
GEMINI A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO BIRTH CHARTS & ASTROLOGY
S U R U TA
YOU KNOW YOUR SIGN NOW, WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
I
S U I R A QU
XI
XII
S
ARIE S
II
A
22 | Keys Woman
III
CA P R IC O RN
PISCES
The basic elements of a birth chart are the planets, the zodiac signs and the houses. The planets are self-explanatory I hope, although the nature of each planet might be new information. The zodiac signs are 12 demarcated parts of the sky the planets move through (from here on, the word “planets” also includes the sun and the moon), and they each have their own environmental qualities. The houses are 12 demarcated areas around the Earth that relate to different spheres of a person’s life and lived experience. Throw all of these ingredients together, take into account the geometrical relationships between the planets, run through the interpretive mind of a trained astrologer, and you have a birth chart reading. If you don’t have a trained astrologer lying around, you can start to tease out some meaning from your own chart. You can look up your birth chart on websites such as astro.com or alabe.com. You will need your birth date, birth location (city and state), and an accurate birth time. Input this information and the wonders of modern technology provide you with an instant birth chart, unlike astrologers-of-old who had to do everything by hand. Your chart will look something like chart 1. Since a birth chart is a circle with infinite points, you can really start anywhere in your journey. You just need to take the first step and keep on moving. I would recommend determining which sign each of the planets is in and what that means for each planet. Think of the planet as a person with a particular personality and think of the sign as a certain environment that person is in. Planets, like people, express themselves differently in different environments. As a very basic example, Mars, representing one’s courageous will, is likely to be more patient in earthy Virgo and more assertive in fiery Sagittarius. There are many resources online for descriptions of the qualities of the Zodiac signs. A good starting point is costarastrology.com/ zodiac-signs.
X
So you know you’re a [insert zodiac sign here], which means you are [insert stereotypical personality traits here]. This is the baseline astrological information most people know for a first-time conversation over a rum-drenched painkiller or to excuse behavior that frustrates their friend group. But it’s a start. The next level of astro-knowledge is to understand that when someone who’s hitting on you in a bar asks, “What’s your sign?” they’re actually asking, “What’s your SUN sign?” whether they know it or not. This would-be-suitor really wants to know what part of the sky the sun was in when you were born. So, if you’re a devious, brooding, sex-obsessed Scorpio, that means you took your first breath as a human being when the sun was in the area of the sky that astrologers designate “Scorpio.” And that is why your emotions are so deep and you feel shunned like Quasimodo. Satire aside, simple sun sign astrology that you read in a horoscope is a grossly oversimplified caricature of the complexity of a person’s astrological signature. And yes, hand in the air, I am an astrologer who writes horoscopes. However, what takes place in a session with a trained astrologer is a symphony orchestra compared to the third grade band concert of a horoscope column. Let’s break it down a bit. You have a sun sign. You also have a moon sign. You also have a Mercury sign. You also have a Venus sign. You also have a Mars sign… and so on. Your sun sign does provide you with information about a core aspect of your psyche, for example your creative spark, but it does not do so in a vacuum. At the moment of your birth, the entire cosmos is arranged in a particular pattern or mandala around you, and it is the entirety of this pattern that expresses the uniqueness of your individual character. The diagram of the order of the cosmos at the moment of your birth is called your birth chart or natal chart.
CAN CER
O LE
IV
V
The next step I recommend is seeing what part of your own life the planets are informing as they express themselves through their zodiac sign. This is where the houses become important. If you think of the moment of your birth as a snapshot in time, each house is a different slice of the sky around the earth at that exact moment. It is very helpful for me to look at the house system of a birth chart as different moments in the 24-hour cycle. The left side of the chart represents the Eastern horizon where the sun rises. It is the starting point and it represents you. The top of the chart is high noon, when the sun is most visible and shadows are minuscule, and it can represent your public life and career. The right side of the chart represents the Western horizon where the sun sets, and it can represent individuals that you experience as the Other or significant partnerships in your life. The bottom of the chart is when the sun is on the other side of the Earth and it is the darkest part of the night, and it can represent your family of origin and private home life. The interpretive meanings of the houses continue in this fashion (chart 2). There is so much more that goes into an astrology reading, including, but certainly not limited to, the geometrical relationships between the planets, planetary rulers of the signs, and the positions of the planets at the moment of the reading. It ain’t just the three sentences in your horoscope. Most importantly, you know yourself better than what any astrological interpretation can provide. Astrology is a tool for understanding, not the understanding itself. It allows you to view yourself through a cosmic lens, and the more you look into your own chart and see how the parts work together, the clearer that lens becomes. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts.
CHART 1
VIRGO
VI
VII
LIBR A
II VI
PIO OR SC
IX
Happy reading!
CHART 2
ARI SAGIT Summer 2022 | 23
BY STEPHANIE MITCHELL
Look up! WE HEAR ABOUT SUPER MOONS, STRAWBERRY MOONS AND AGAIN AND AGAIN YOUR BASIC MONTHLY FULL MOON. BUT WHAT EXACTLY ARE THE DIFFERENT MOONS ALL ABOUT? TAKE A MORE IN DEPTH LOOK AT THE REMAINING FULL MOONS OF 2022.
PINK MOON APRIL 16
BUCK MOON JULY 13
HUNTER MOON OCTOBER 9
This year’s pink moon and its potent lunar energy embraces balance, which also requires a certain degree of release to make room for rebirth and renewal. Use this moon to charge your crystals outdoors while connecting with nature.
This moon brings change, whether you’re seeking it or not. The buck moon calls for change and expects us to listen with our hearts more than our heads.
As we enter the darker part of the year, let us look inward. Unleash our inner warrior and embrace the powerful energy that encourages us to stand up for ourselves and reclaim our power and control. To make the most of this energy, we will need to use patience and skill.
FLOWER MOON MAY 16 This moon asks us to be vulnerable so we can become more intimate with ourselves and others. It encourages and enables us to reach the other side of conflict so our relationships with ourselves and others can expand and evolve. Nature understands that darkness has a purpose. It will lead you to the light.
STRAWBERRY MOON JUNE 14 A strawberry moon makes room for luck, love and prosperity. It’s the perfect time to nourish your greatest desires. Open your journal and write a letter to the universe, expressing your hopes and wishes for the future.
24 | Keys Woman
GRAIN/ STURGEON MOON AUGUST 12 The grain moon is one of gratitude. It reminds us to appreciate what we have, where we’ve come from and where we’ve yet to go.
HARVEST MOON SEPTEMBER 10 We may find the harvest moon makes us a little uneasy, but only because it opens the door for fresh starts. Slow down. Wait. Watch what happens in your life. The moon’s closeness to the autumnal equinox forges a path to new beginnings and spiritual awareness.
FROST/ BEAVER MOON NOVEMBER 8 The beaver moon encourages us to learn to let go of drama, power plays and materialism. This is a time to enjoy the simple pleasures in life. Let a sense of calm wash over you. Creature comforts take on an elevated meaning during this time.
COLD MOON DECEMBER 8 The last full moon of the year is a time for detailed reflection and introspection. Consider the things you have achieved and the obstacles you’ve overcome. But don’t lose sight of the future and take care to always be gentle with yourself.
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BASCOM GROOMS REAL ESTATE THANKS THE WOMEN WHO DEFINE OUR COMPANY & COMMUNITY
BETH GROOMS
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Women leading the Keys for over 6 decades. www.KeysRealEstate.com © 2022 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity.
BY MANDY MILES
CHECK, PLEASE… “I just paid $60 for a Bud Light and a side salad. Happy f----ing birthday, Sue.” (not her real name). That disastrous birthday dinner has lived in infamy for 18 years among my Key West friends. Someone among us (not Sue) had decided the night before that the 10 of us should celebrate her birthday at an upscale, Old Town restaurant. When the bill came, things went south. Cash was tight for half of us, who had purposely ordered according to our budget. Then someone who had ordered an appetizer, three martinis and a $30 entree started splitting the bill evenly 10 ways. No, wait, scratch that, nine ways. (“C’mon, guys, Sue can’t pay for her own birthday dinner.”) Sideways looks were exchanged and shins were kicked under the table in solidarity. Five of us pointed out (somewhat politely) the price difference among our orders. Credit cards and cash were thrown begrudgingly around the table. The gathering ended irritably and immediately after dinner (which was NEVER the case with our motley crew). Poor Sue, who had neither planned nor requested the celebration, felt horrible, and her birthday turned forever into “the night of the $60 Bud Light and side salad.” We recall it now with laughter (mostly), but it does bring to mind some scenarios worth discussing (before the bill arrives) in a town that loves a good time among financially diverse friends. We’ve all enjoyed meals, fundraisers and cocktails with people who have significantly more — and less — resources than we have. And we all cherish those who understand others’ situations. They make it clear from the start, when they invite us to dinner at a high-end spot, it’s their treat. And when someone in a lower tax bracket reciprocates with an
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invitation to a less expensive place, they have the grace to have just as much fun and show just as much appreciation. That’s class. But all of us also know a few folks with more money than class, who, in gatherings of people with vastly different resources, insist on ordering bottle after bottle of “your finest,” unaware that some guests are cringing with every pop of a cork, figuring out how to divide their share of the bill over three different credit cards. Instead of segregating our financial melting pot of friendships, let’s try to be mindful of everyone’s situation and clarify things ahead of time whenever possible. If the finest wine is that important to you, consider offering to cover the bar bill yourself when you order the first bottle. It’ll make the dinner much more enjoyable for the folks mentally calculating the cost of everyone’s order and keeping track of how many martinis Bob’s drunk wife has swilled. It’s not fair to expect budget-conscious working stiffs to share the cost of a 50-year-old scotch they don’t even like. But it’s also not fair to assume someone more well-off will reach for the check every time. As in all things, communication, awareness and empathy are key. If the intent is for everyone to split a bill evenly, then consider a location in everyone’s budget. If you’re among the vast numbers of generous friends in this town, thank you. And thank you for making it clear when you extend an invitation that dinner is your treat. If any of the above communication had taken place 18 years ago, poor Sue would have had a fantastic birthday — at Pizza Hut.
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freewheelervacations.com rentals@freewheelervacations.com Summer 2022 | 31
BY ANNIE BRIENING
AS A LONGTIME KEY WEST RESIDENT, IT’S SO GREAT TO FINALLY HAVE AN OPTION TO FLY DIRECT TO MY HOMETOWN OF PHILADELPHIA (PHL) FROM KEY WEST (EYW). THE FLIGHT IS ABOUT THREE HOURS AND LANDS YOU JUST MINUTES FROM THE HEART OF THE CITY OF BROTHERLY LOVE.
FOOD The first question people always ask is, “Where is the best place to get a cheesesteak?” (Yes, it’s one word.) My answer is always, “My mom, Debbie’s!” The usual debate shifts between Pat’s or Geno’s — right across from one another. But check out the less ‘touristy’ spots as well, like Jim’s, Tony Luke’s and John’s for a real authentic cheesesteak. (And to sound as if you know what you’re doing, don’t order a Philly cheesesteak; they are just cheesesteaks. And for God’s sake, don’t call it a “steak and cheese” anywhere in the mid-Atlantic region.)
But, it’s not all about the cheesesteak. Some other Philly favorites are roast pork sandwiches, hoagies and soft pretzels. The Reading [‘RED-ding,’ rhymes with “wedding”] Terminal Market is on every tourist’s and foodie’s list. It’s the largest and oldest public market in Philadelphia and definitely worth a stop when you’re in the city. Vendors include everything from steamed buns to local distilleries and even… handmade items by the Pennsylvania Dutch, or Amish, communities that live outside the city, where their quaint horse-drawn buggies share the roads with SUVs and Teslas. One of my favorite ‘eats’ in Philly requires two things — a short ride and a reservation — but not for a table. Instead, you have to reserve your dough in advance at this iconic pizza joint. My family has been going to Tacconelli’s Pizzeria my whole life. The family-run eatery is a reservation and cash-only spot in Port Richmond, serving crispy, thin crust and my favorite pies of all time at this been-around-for-decades brick-oven pizzeria.
facebook.com/readingterminalmarket
SPORTS & CULTURE
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Sports are a huge part of Philadelphia culture. Philly sports fans are known for their, well, let’s just call it an extreme passion for all of our teams. The Eagles, Phillies, Flyers and ‘76ers all play their home games in South Philadelphia, so if you’re a sports fan interested in spectating there is a good chance you can catch a game or a very lively tailgate, where the action off the field is often as intriguing as the game itself. In addition to sports, Philadelphia offers a wide variety of historical sites and museums. The Benjamin Franklin Parkway boasts Barnes Foundation, The Franklin Institute, The Academy of Natural Sciences and of course, the Philadelphia Museum of Art. (Yes, there’s a worldrenowned art museum at the top of the steps Rocky
climbs triumphantly.) Other popular attractions include the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall (where the Declaration of Independence was signed and where the U.S. Constitution was created) and, former prison Eastern State Penitentiary.
MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE SPOTS LOVE PARK – The Love Park aka JFK Plaza is a Philadelphia landmark. Be sure to snap a pic in front of this iconic sculpture. In the summertime, the park hosts outdoor concerts and other events. In the winter, it’s transformed into The Christmas Village. ROCKY STEPS/STATUE – A first-time visit to Philly is not complete without a trip to the famous “Rocky Steps” at the Art Museum. Too cheesy for you and not feeling a photo? Test your endurance and run up just like the Italian Stallion did in the ‘70s. MAGIC GARDENS – This unique “garden” and art center is made up of beautiful mosaics, bottles, bike wheels and tons of other things. Be sure to purchase tickets ahead of time. Photo-worthy Streets – head to the 200-300 block of Delancey Street, Society Hill, for a charming view of old town Philadelphia lined with stunning trees and cobblestone streets. Movie buffs may recognize this area/location from the film “The Sixth Sense.” Also, Elfreth’s Alley is Philadelphia’s oldest inhabited residential street in America dating back to the 1700s.
PHILADELPHIA CITY HALL – The 14.5-acre historic building exterior features more than 250 sculptures, including the 37-foot-tall, 27-ton bronze statue of William Penn atop the iconic clock tower. There’s never a shortage of great things to see and do when visiting Philadelphia. Consider this an introductory guide for a first-time visitor. Direct flights from Key West put the City of Brotherly Love in a few hours’ reach.
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NEW LOCAL OFFICE IN THE KEYS! The Best Closing Experience
Summer 2022 | 35
BY MANDY MILES
BOYS TO MEN FLIPPING THE SCRIPT ON SEXUAL VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
Parents send their daughters into the world with pepper spray and panic button apps, rape whistles and well-intentioned warnings. Unattended drinks. Short skirts. Revealing tops. Reckless drinking. High heels that inhibit the ability to run away. Sending the wrong signals. Sensing bad situations. Deserted parking lots. Unknown delivery guys. Entitled fraternity brothers. Aggressive Uber drivers. Dark walks home. All are meant to prevent the sexual assault that women are taught to anticipate and expected to prevent. The same parents send their sons off with a box of condoms and a wry nudge. “By teaching women to prevent rape more than we teach men not to rape in the first place, we treat rape as something that’s normal and expected,” Zerlina Maxwell, a political analyst and survivor of sexual assault, wrote in a 2013 Ebony article. “... The underlying belief here is that rape is a normal part of life, and if you don’t protect yourself from it, then you deserve it. When people ask questions like, ‘What was she doing there?’ or ‘How drunk was she?’, they imply that rape is expected in certain situations. These questions normalize rape and blame the victims for the actions of their perpetrators. In order to end rape, we have to change the culture in how we treat women and girls.” Plenty of men agree, and take the sentiment a huge step further. “Ending rape starts with men, and with the parents of boys,” writes Larry Harris, Jr. in HuffPost.com.
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“We are teaching people that boys/ men are natural aggressors who always want sex and that the onus is on girls/ women to keep boys’/men’s unrelenting urges in check,” says psychologist Christin Bowman. Violence against women is just as much a men’s issue that requires real men to stand up against it and to stop the attitudes and jokes that normalize it, says Jackson Katz, whose gender violence prevention program is used by the U.S. military and elite athletic teams. In 2011, such “sexualized jokes” prompted Yale University to suspend its chapter of Delta Kau Epsilon fraternity for five years after a viral video showed pledges shouting pro-rape chants of, “No Means Yes, and Yes Means Anal.” CAN WE FIX THE PROBLEM? It starts with parenting. With fatherhood. With positive male role models who are seen to treat women with respect and to speak out against jokes and attitudes that reinforce the stereotype that men are inherently entitled to sex. National programs such as Men Can Stop Rape are changing the conversation and rewriting the rules about rape. Here in the Florida Keys, social worker Billy Davis has launched the Southernmost Fatherhood Initiative that aims to end the cycle of absent or abusive fathers. The program is designed for fathers who are in jail and those who aren’t. It covers anger issues, respect for women as their children’s mother, modeling positive behavior and recognizing the traits in their own father that they’re often mirroring, Davis said.
This all starts with holding men accountable for their actions, attempted assaults and entitled expectations, Simcha Fisher writes in her 2018 essay, “When Do Girls Matter?” Fisher points to high-profile examples such as Brock Turner, the Stanford University student and “gifted swimmer,” convicted of three sexual assault and misconduct felonies in 2016. Two eyewitnesses saw and stopped Turner’s rape of an unconscious woman behind a dumpster after a fraternity party. He faced up to 14 years in prison. Prosecutors asked for six years. Judge Aaron Persky sentenced him to six months in county jail, fearing a harsh prison sentence would jeopardize Turner’s bright future. The judge made no mention of the impact of Turner’s attack on the victim’s future. (Turner ended up serving only three months of his sixmonth sentence.) Fisher compares the Turner case, and the privilege accorded him, to the 2018 questioning of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, who was accused of sexually assaulting a drunk 15-yearold Christine Blasey Ford 30 years earlier, when Kavanaugh was a drunk 17-yearold attending a posh prep school. Ford, who passed a polygraph, said Kavanaugh, now a Supreme Court justice, dragged her onto a bed, groped her, tried to take her clothes off and when she resisted, held his hand over her mouth to muffle her screams. Kavanaugh’s male contemporaries, Fisher writes, including members of the U.S. Congress and the national media, vilified Ford for jeopardizing a man’s career over “something that happened when he was 17.”
“When grown men tell teenage boys that a smattering of attempted rape is normal, expected, excusable behavior; that all boys do something like this because they’re still developing; and that it’s not worth worrying about because it was so long ago,” Fisher writes, “they’re educating a whole new generation in the uses and abuses of the bodies and psyches of girls and women, for the sake of men …. Think about what you’re implying when you are willing to wave away accusations of attempted rape. Think about what you’re telling girls about what they’re for. Think about what you’re telling boys about what they’re for. Think about what you’re telling victims about what they’re worth. Think about how you’re talking about these things. Think about who is listening.” THE RULES ARE CHANGING The prosecution of sexual violence against women unfairly favors the perpetrators, particularly when they’re wealthy and powerful politicians, celebrities, athletes or fraternity brothers with influential fathers. The all-too-familiar boys-will-beboys defense minimizes the offense of rape and assumes that every red-blooded, American guy, at some point, has done the same things victims such as Christine Blasey Ford describe. “Who, as a younger version of himself, hasn’t gotten stumble-drunk, pinned down a woman, groped her, tried to undress her, and then, when she resisted, held his hand over her mouth to muffle her screams?” the article asks. But (and here’s the hopeful part), “As women raise their voices, demand to be heard, and command change and justice, men…get scared as their male privilege is threatened. The issue for him is not that
women are being assaulted or raped, but that men might start having consequences for their actions,” writes The Atlantic. Plenty of men, most men, in fact, feel differently. The Turner case, the Kavanaugh case, Weinstein, Cosby and the #MeToo movement are lessons for men that “rules have changed” as a new normal for their behavior emerges, Jackson Katz says. “I always say that boys and men can rise to our expectations or sink to them. We are raising our expectations.” Many college campuses and athletic organizations are now supplementing their sexual violence prevention efforts with lessons aimed not just at women, but at the perpetrators. Such programs increasingly educate men and women on the concept of legal consent. “What if, instead of just the absence of ‘no,’ an enthusiastic ‘yes’ was required as a standard for sexual consent?” writes author Jaclyn Friedman. “The men and boys in your life should want for their partner to be not merely submissive, but excited at the idea of having sex. Let them know you don’t want a girl to ‘give it up,’ you want a mutually enjoyable experience that both parties went into willingly.”
Hot pink weapons of self-defense perpetuate the absurd concept that rape is solely a women’s issue, and that preventing it has nothing to do with the men who commit it. Summer 2022 | 37
‘THEY DID WHAT? SHE SAID THAT?’
DATING RED FLAGS
BY JIM McCARTHY
Let’s face it: Dating in the Florida Keys just might be harder than catching your first swordfish or finding an actual place to live right about now. The notion of “plenty of fish in the sea” isn’t necessarily true when you live on small bits of land in an island chain. And just when you think you found “the one” as you stare in awe across the table while eating swordfish and sipping a cocktail, the red flags go up over something you witness or hear. We’ve all been there a time or two. We’re left trying to keep our eyeballs from popping out. We’re left back pedaling, wanting to escape through a restroom window and retreat to the relative safety of our home and single life, eager to forget what just happened. In due time, it becomes a moment on which we look back, laugh and say “Whew! Dodged a bullet there.” Here are some tales told by Keys folks who wished to remain anonymous given the situations they went through (and we can’t blame them).
“Date No. 3 ends at a beachside restaurant following great conversation and a seafood dinner under the nighttime sky. Everything’s going well as we are both leaving the restaurant laughing and smiling. Taking my date back to her house, we parted for the evening. Before we do, she asks, “Are we doing this or not? I’m 30 and not getting any younger.” “Date No. 1 had a great back-andforth conversation about what brought us each to the Keys, our jobs and island living. With amazing swordfish and service came wine and great views of the water. When the check gets delivered, he asks, “I know you’ve got a long drive back. Want to stay the night at my place?” “We’re enjoying a beautiful sunset, a cotton candy sky and water that looks like a mirror. I happened to look down at his feet when I noticed he was wearing tube socks with his sandals.” “It’s time to order drinks. I ordered an espresso martini. What did he order? A hot toddy.” “I can’t say I had introduced myself to her before our first date. But she was talking to me as if she knew me from high school. Yes, I checked my yearbook. And no, she wasn’t a classmate I had forgotten. But she was my Facebook friend. I guess I forgot about that.” “Well, he said he didn’t like the water all too much. And that’s all I needed to hear.” “They said, ‘I’m kind of a lone wolf.’ I ran like a deer.”
Maggie Mull IG @mulltoons
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Summer 2022 | 39
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s s e n d n i K is Key
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Photography by Doug Finger. Interviewed by Jim McCarthy.
Stephanie SCUDERI When she’s not working or at a civic engagement, Islamorada’s Stephanie Scuderi can be found enjoying some time at a nursery (no, not the one for little kids). It provides a sense of calm, peaceful quiet and clean air for Scuderi, who serves as market president for Centennial Bank. Her favorite respite is the MARC House Plant Store in Key West. She said she’s always up for another degree. Maybe horticulture is next? Who’s the most famous person you’ve ever met? I had a lovely time with Sam Shepard on the porch of Pierre’s restaurant one quiet night years ago. What would you like to be remembered for? Doing the right thing with a kind heart. What song always gets you on the dance floor? Easy... The Mavericks’ “All Night Long.” What item do you hate spending money on when you go to the grocery store? Incremental pricing driven by reckless politicians and power-hungry dictators. Dream vacation destination? Any place I can’t get cell reception.
Best purchase you’ve ever made? Education and travel. Did you grow up in a strict household? I literally graduated high school from a convent. Were you bullied as a kid? At an all-girls school? Of course! Girls can be so cruel. I remember it like it was yesterday... I would wait until I was in my mother’s car after school and burst into tears. Seventh grade was THE WORST! My parents told me then, “You’ll meet people like that your whole life.” And darn if they didn’t speak the truth. To be fair and honest, there’s one girl to whom my BFF and I were not very kind. Often, and to this day, I think of my own actions and this girl (now a wildly successful and stunningly beautiful woman) with true regret. As hard as it was in the ‘80s, it was analog and limited to school hours. Today’s cyber-bullying has no time constraints – it is anonymous, relentless and a beast I wish we knew how to slay. My unsolicited advice for middle and high school students: Aim to do the right thing, and do it with genuine kindness in your heart. You don’t ever want to regret the way you treated someone, even if it was 35+ years ago. It’s not cool to be cruel.
Least favorite smell? Other than the obvious, vanilla.
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Mary D’Ascanio’s happy place is more about “who” than “where.” She’s the quintessential matriarch, a pillar of the family whose greatest joy is being surrounded by her children and three grandchildren: 5-year-old Carli, 1-year-old Camden, and months-old Palmer. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the family’s home is an impeccably designed oasis in Key Colony Beach, perfect for entertaining little ones and grown-ups alike. She fondly remembers years of her sons Franco Jr. and Nicholas’ friends making her home their own hang-out where they could always have a great meal — as long as they remembered to clean up afterwards. “That’s what makes us happy, having people around who are enjoying our house,” she said. “That’s why we have it. My front door is a revolving door, but that’s what we love to do.” While the D’Asign Source family business has a sterling reputation up and down the Keys, those close to Mary say she’s equally deserving of recognition, though she may not ask for it. “Mary couldn’t be further from the stereotype of the dreaded motherin-law,” said her daughter-in-law Jessica D’Ascanio. “We can talk
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Photography by Barry Gaukel. Interviewed by Alex Rickert.
Mary D’ASCANIO about anything, even the hard stuff. She always puts her family first, and her reputation is exactly who she is.” Who’s the most famous person you’ve ever met? Jon Landau, a talented movie producer and friend of the family. What would you like to be remembered for? I am a kind, caring and dependable person who loves to help others. What song always gets you on the dance floor? “Happy” by Pharrell Williams. What item do you hate spending money on when you go to the grocery store? Cleaning supplies (Editor’s note: this was a shock. Her house is immaculate.) Dream vacation destination? Anywhere tropical with my family. Least favorite smell? Dirty diapers. Best purchase you’ve ever made? Our home, since it’s always a place for everyone to enjoy. Did you grow up in a strict household? Somewhat strict, but with a lot of care and love, very much like I tried to emulate with my own boys.
F
y l i t s m r a i F F
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Photography by Mark Hedden
Rosi WARE Rosi Ware doesn’t have to go far to reach her happy place. One of the most recognizable, active and committed Key West residents, she finds peace and happiness in her backyard garden, which is reminiscent of those in her native England. “We bought our house in ‘96, but didn’t move here full time until 2000, so that’s when I started on the backyard space,” she said. “It’s really more of a cottage garden, very informal and filled with plants falling all over each other. We also have a fountain in our lagoon-style pool because I love the sound of running water.” Despite the informality, there’s still a method to her madness. Ware, who is an avid volunteer with the Key West Garden Club and the Monroe Association for Remarkable Citizens (MARC), has a colorful section devoted to attracting butterflies “and a white area of perfumed flowers.” In the Garden Club, located inside the Civil War-era fort at West Martello on Atlantic Boulevard, Ware has much more space to plant, play and primp. “Of course, if I were back in England, I’d have roses in the backyard, but here in Key West, I have orchids,” she said.
who had made a difference to British business in the last 75 years. I also worked with Robert (“Call me Bob”) Redford for a couple of years on the Sundance brand. What would you like to be remembered for? Making a positive difference in the community/world/ people’s lives. What song always gets you on the dance floor? “Brick House” by The Commodores. What item do you hate spending money on when you go to the grocery store? I don’t go to the grocery store. My husband Jeff does all our grocery shopping. Dream vacation destination? That’s tricky as I’ve been fortunate enough to have visited most of the places I want to see. I LOVED cruising down the Nile; Garden Route in South Africa and anywhere in New Zealand, oh, and elephant riding in Laos. Least favorite smell? Dead iguana, especially when the dog rubs his head in it! Best purchase you’ve ever made? Our house in Key West in 1996.
“It’s always peaceful back here with birds, butterflies, and of course, our shelter dog, Leroy, who’s a cuddly little mutt, part shih-tzu and part bichon.”
Did you grow up in a strict household? Yes, quite religious. Church and Sunday school every Sunday. If we were late for meals we didn’t get any... you know...
Who’s the most famous person you’ve ever met? The Queen (of England, of course!) I was honored by her majesty as one of 75 women
Were you bullied as a kid? Never. I was very fortunate. Plus, I had two big brothers who always looked out for me.
Summer 2022 | 47
Who Am I? Hi! I’m Ana, a longtime resident and Real Estate agent in the Fabulous Florida Keys! I breathe property everyday helping sellers move on to their next adventure, and buyers realizing their Keys dream home. You see, I believe Real Estate is more about relationships with people, not just the property. Get in touch today to put me to work for you!
Ana G. Zalesky, P.A. Realtor ® 305-394-1404 ana@flkeysislandliving.com www.flkeysislandliving.com Hablo Español
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MEMBER OF THE
BY ALEX RICKERT
Buckle up, folks. This one might get a little awkward, but I promise, there’s a point. Before I became a newspaper editor, I spent the first six-and-a-half years of my career pursuing a lifelong dream of being a dolphin trainer. Now, there aren’t many who make this professional U-turn, probably because a.) it’s not even remotely natural, and b.) it’s a seismic enough career shift that when you move from one to the other, almost all of your professional knowledge is instantly useless. But once in a while, the stories floating around in your brain serve a purpose. What follows is me seizing one of those rare opportunities.
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WHAT DOLPHINS TEACH US ABOUT HAVING A “GOOD TIME”
BUILT FOR PLEASURE
It’s no secret that my former flippered coworkers are one of the few species that enjoy getting their freak on for fun. And before you show me YouTube clips of these animals trying to get frisky with humans, I can tell you it’s an exceedingly rare occurrence. But with each other? It’s a whole different ball game. The sexual creativity of a bottlenose dolphin can be nothing short of impressive. Boys, girls, inanimate objects…from their lagoon mates to fences, cinder blocks and PVC pipes, everything is fair game at times. And it’s not just during a certain “breeding season.” Dolphins are observed getting busy yearround, regardless of whether females are receptive to getting pregnant and having babies. How do we know? As someone who earned a paycheck caring for them, let me tell you that a receptive female dolphin is a sight to behold – and can give you a heart attack if you don’t know what you’re looking at. Their eyes close, they roll on their sides or their bellies, and they float motionlessly on the surface of the water, so much so that my coworkers and I used to jokingly call the pose “dead dolphin.” While it certainly looks like they’re having a grand old time, it turns out science can even back me up. Patricia Brennan is a biologist based at Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts who’s made an entire career out of studying animal genitalia. The next part is for the biology nerds out there, so if you want the details, read on. And if you don’t, that’s completely understandable. Go ahead and skip to the last two paragraphs. Brennan’s recent research and collaborations focus on dolphins’ lady parts, which she describes as “very complicated” in an interview with New Scientist magazine. When dissecting and studying these organs, one part in particular stood out. “I would look at these clitorises and be just amazed,” Brennan told New Scientist. “I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, these are pretty big and well-developed.’”
With dolphins seizing every opportunity for sexy recreation, it stands to reason that their physiology would step in and do them a solid. Brennan’s discoveries didn’t stop at just the size of the clitoris. She reported being “shocked” by how big the nerves in the tissue were, some of which had free nerve endings just underneath the skin that are known to increase sensitivity. She found erectile tissue that fills up with blood, just like in humans, and even discovered that the skin in the area itself is only about one third of the thickness of the skin around it. “Once we put all of those things together, we were pretty certain that this is functioning in pleasure, just like in humans,” Brennan told New Scientist. “It’s basically providing the morphological evidence that we need to close that case and say yes, this is what a functional clitoris looks like.” Brennan has several critics who view her work as controversial or uncomfortable, but to her, it’s just “basic science” in an area that’s sorely lacking exploration. “This neglect in the study of female sexuality has left us with an incomplete picture of the true nature of sexual behaviors,” Brennan said in a news release. “Studying and understanding sexual behaviors in nature is a fundamental part of understanding the animal experience.” Welcome back, you non-bio nerds. The TL;DR (too long; didn’t read) version of everything above is: research shows that dolphins have a fully stocked toolbox to enjoy themselves while getting it on. I say everything above to say this: deriving pleasure from getting busy has apparently been in style with Mother Nature for millions of years. And when it comes to having a good time, whether you’re a dolphin or a human, she’s glad to step in and lend a hand.
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BY MAISON BENITEZ
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(SUMMER) SHAPE It’s all about getting “summer ready,” right? As the sun gets hotter and boat days draw near, we feel we have to look our absolute best as these months approach. I want us to shift our perspectives some and switch it up for good instead of getting ready just for summer… How about feeling our best all year long? It all starts with one step forward, making the choice each day to set aside time to better ourselves and take care of the beautiful bodies we have, in whatever size and shape they are.
Feeling our best contributes significantly to how we treat ourselves both mentally and physically. When you wake up and set intentions for each day it helps lead your mind in a positive direction to help you thrive. Let’s create healthy habits for not only summer, but all seasons. Whether it’s a hard-core workout or a calm beach yoga flow, all of it is beneficial. Consider moving your workout outside to soak up that sun and get your sweat on.
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Elevate your daily movement with this dumbbell full body workout and easily modify it by removing weights or finding heavier objects around your house if you don’t have equipment. This workout is 4 rounds, 4 moves, 10 reps each and you can shorten or extend it based on how you’re feeling and how much time you have. THESE ARE YOUR MOVES • 10 Bent over rows (1) • 10 Russian twists (2) • 10 Shoulder taps (3) • 10 Thrusters (4)
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As always, focus on each move and enjoy the time you are taking for yourself. After checking a sweaty workout off your list, treat yourself to a Strawberry Banana Blast. Smoothies are a great way to introduce more healthy treats and are perfect for summertime, each are also extremely customizable. Give it a try and cheers to feeling our best all year round. We’ll drink to that.
- frozen strawberries - 1 whole banana - ½ cup of oatmeal - ¼ cup of coconut - almond milk (or your milk of choice) - peanut butter - strawberry yogurt
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POST-WORKOUT
STRAW BERRY BANANA BLAST
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Summer 2022 | 53
A KEY WEST FAMILY TRADITION IN FINE FOODS SINCE 1926
Local Girl Does Good!
DELIVERY & GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE 522 FLEMING STREET 1105 WHITE STREET WWW.FAUSTOS.COM
MIND ALTERING LUBRICANTS FOR SOCIAL INTERCOURSE EDUCATION PERFORMANCE OUTREACH
DINNER COCKTAILS MUSIC PHOTO BY BLUEYE IMAGES
FOUNDED IN 2008, DANCE KEY WEST IS A 501C3 NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION. DANCEKEYWEST.ORG
54 | Keys Woman
MONDAY - SATURDAY | 6P - LATE 524 DUVAL ST. | 305.296.1075
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Sea Turtle Gallery & Gifts
81650 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, Florida • MM 81.6 Bayside • 305-619-9924 • Seaturtlegalleryandgifts.com
CUPCAKES, BAKED GOODS & ICE CREAM SPECIAL OCCASION CUSTOM CAKES GIFT SHOP: TOYS, GIFTS, BOOKS & CANDY OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK SUN-THURS 11AM-9PM FRI-SAT 11AM-10PM 8919 OVERSEAS HWY (SOUTHWIND PLAZA) SWEETSAVANNAHS.COM 305-743-3131
Summer 2022 | 55
BY KAREN NEWFIELD
W l t i T
FAMILY, HISTORY, MYSTERY AND ROMANCE. GRAB ONE OF THESE BEACH READS AND DIVE IN WHILE YOU’RE PREPARING, OR REPAIRING, YOUR SKIN FOR THE SUMMER SUNSHINE WITH A DIY FACIAL MASQUE.
GENERATION BEE SOOTHING FACE MASK Green Pineapple Key West | $28
THE SUMMER PLACE By Jennifer Weiner When Ruby and Gabe announce their Cape Cod wedding plans, Sarah is surprised, but smiles as a good stepmother should. Eli, the dependable dentist, would normally have an opinion regarding his only daughter getting married at 22 but he can barely follow the conversation. Although sweet, Gabe spent the pandemic living with the Danhausers in Brooklyn and he cannot be more different than laser-focused Ruby. Sarah doesn’t understand why Eli has changed so drastically over the past year. It’s true they were smothering each other during quarantine, but she has moved on while everything Eli does drives her crazy. Wondering whether her husband is having a midlife crisis, an affair or both - Sarah is at her wits end to save their marriage as she plans Ruby’s. In Cape Cod she is reminded of the power of first love, the loss of her father and conflicting childhood memories of her own mother. Three generations face difficult decisions and reveal secrets that challenge the true meaning of family. Available 5/22.
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EMINENCE ORGANIC CITRUS KALE POTENT C + E MASQUE Local retailers | $70
THE MAGNOLIA PALACE By Fiona Davis Devastated after her mother’s death, Lillian Carter escapes her apartment as her smarmy landlord tries to implicate her in his wife’s murder. Lillian has no money, no home and no plan. Walking past the infamous Frick mansion, she is accidentally brought in for an interview as secretary to Helen Frick. This beautiful former artist’s model is mesmerized by walls full of magnificent art. Having spent the last few years in studios, Lillian is knowledgeable about these paintings and sculptures and quickly impresses her employer. She decides to fake her way and save enough money to escape to California. Helen Frick is an overbearing boss, but the longer Lily works for her the more involved she becomes in the complicated lives of this temperamental wealthy family. Mesmerizing historical fiction magically transports the reader to another time.
e v a W le
EVERYDAY OIL HAIR MASK Besame Mucho | Key West | $25
DIRT BAG BEAUTY MASKS Food For Thought | Marathon | $2.99 PART OF YOUR WORLD By Abby Jimenez Swerving the car to avoid a raccoon, Alexis Montgomery lands in a ditch on a dark country road. Daniel Grant, her tattooed knight in shining armor, arrives in a beat up truck and it is game over. This bearded savior is the hottest guy she has ever seen. The meet-cute quickly escalates into grilled cheese and up-all-night kind of sleepover. Completely out of character for this conservative ER doctor from Minneapolis, Alexis cannot stop thinking about Daniel. Her wealthy successful parents would be appalled, her shallow friends and chief of surgery ex-boyfriend would laugh. Secretly making the trek back to this quaint town, Alexis gets to know Daniel, his friends and neighbors. It’s a place where she can finally breathe. Although there is no denying their explosive chemistry Alexis must choose among her career, familial expectations and true happiness. Put on lots of lotion for this steamy hot read - you will not be getting out of your lounger any time soon. Available 4/22.
THE GOLDEN COUPLE By Sarah Pekkanen and Greer Hendricks Avery Chambers is an unorthodox therapist who recently lost her professional license. Now she has the ability to implement her out-of-the-box, 10- session plan that is guaranteed to work. Practicing near Washington D.C. Avery focuses on keeping busy since her husband died. Her newest clients Marissa and Matthew Bishop light up the room when they arrive. Beautiful, stylish, unquestionably successful. Marissa made the appointment under the guise of helping their 8-year-old son with a school bully. Unbeknownst to her controlling husband she is there to confess she had a one-night fling. Avery is unsure whether Marissa wanted to soften the blow or genuinely wishes to repair their crumbling marriage. Matthew’s controlling demeanor quickly fades almost too easily as he begins to lavish his wife the attention she craves. When Avery digs deeper it becomes clear the characters involved in their everyday lives are far from innocent. Mind-boggling twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your beach chair.
Summer 2022 | 57
COME BY BOAT, BIKE, FOOT OR CAR!
CITRUS CHAMPAGNE COOLER Nothing beats the summertime heat better than a refreshing poolside cocktail. Here is one we love that can easily be made by the pitcher to accommodate a larger crowd (ie: fewer trips inside for refills) or served one champagne flute at a time. INGREDIENTS FOR A PITCHER 3 cups orange juice 1 cup grapefruit juice ½ cup lemon juice 1 bottle of chilled champagne orange and/or lemon slices for garnish
Our docks are open! LUNCH, HAPPY HOUR & DINNER
VOTED BEST HAPPY HOUR
12 YEARS IN A ROW! ALSO VOTED BEST MARGARITA!
LIVEIC HAPPY HOUR MUS 4-6 PM
Saturday & Sunday BRUNCH: including chorizo Breakfast Burrito, Guava French Toast, Crab Benedict and BOGO Mimosas & Glasses of Champagne Regular menu available K L COO WE’L CATCH, YOUR LOBSTER! & FISH SE BRING L
Grapefruit not your favorite? Muddle strawberries instead for a sweeter option. And fresh-squeezed juice is always the way to go.
PLEA AND LEGA ED CLEAN
NIGHTLY SPECIALS MONDAY: Closed TUESDAY: Jumbo Gumbo Bowls Tacos and Tequila Live Music: Joger Jokela WEDNESDAY: Wine Time Wednesday ($15-$20 bottles) Live Music
THURSDAY: Prime Rib Night Live Music: John Bartus FRIDAY: Abstract Radio SATURDAY: Mini Brunch, 11am-4pm BOGO Mimosas & Champagne Live Music: Roger Jokela SUNDAY: BRUNCH, 11am-3:00pm BOGO Mimosas & Champagne Closed at 3:00pm
www.sparkyslanding.com 305-363-2959 MM 53.5 | Overseas Highway | Marathon Waterfront location adjacent to Fairfield Inn 58 | Keys Woman
OPEN TUESDAY THRU SATURDAY! 11AM-4PM
THE LOFT FEATURING NOW CARRYING RETAIL LINE
NEVER FULLY DRESSED!
EXCELLENT CONDITION PRE-LOVED & NEW WOMEN’S CLOTHING PRIVATE PARTIES & PERSONAL SHOPPING | KIRBYSCLOSET.COM
218 WHITEHEAD STREET #4 | KEY WEST | 305.847.9977
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @KIRBYSCLOSETKW @FRANKIEKEYWEST
PAID PARKING GARAGE NEXT TO OPAL KEY RESORT & MARINA
HAPPY HOUR DAILY 3PM- 6PM ALWAYS A LOCAL DISCOUNT WITH LOCAL ID
5950 Peninsular Ave, Stock Island oceansedgekeywest.com
POOL PARTY & LIVE MUSIC SATURDAYS 12-3PM
Summer 2022 | 59
The things we do
WEEKLY STAFF
Living your best life, especially as a woman, comes with a whole host of challenges. Most of these come from our own inner voice telling us to put ourselves last and take care of everyone else first. We here at Keys Weekly are lucky enough to have offices filled with “hype girls” who lift each other up on the daily. In an effort to tell that little voice to take a hike, we’ve compiled a list of ways we are making small changes toward living our best lives.
Sleepovers are way more fun as a grown up.
Buy yourself flowers, or pick a few on your way home.
Hire the babysitter or trade off with other moms. Date night is essential.
Face masques, lots and lots of face masques. WEAR THE NEW OUTFIT IMMEDIATELY.
Boat days.
Splurge occasionally on the expensive shampoo & conditioner, the ones that smell oh so good. Friend date with martinis and a movie.
Silence your phone & allow yourself to be unavailable for a Sunday afternoon. Take the beach road home from work and watch the sunset.
POP THE EXPENSIVE CHAMPAGNE FIRST. Indulge in the Extra Creamy Reddi-Wip (The blue can, not red. You’ll never go back.) 60 | Keys Woman
Invest in high-end sheets.
IMPLANT & COSMETIC DENTISTRY Dr. Travis Bennett D.M.D. Dr. Sandy Brito D.M.D. KEY LARGO 102965 Overseas Hwy. 305-451-2616 TAVERNIER 90290 Overseas Hwy. 305-852-5099
A unique collection of coastal fashions, jewelr y & handcrafted gifts to ignite the timeless fashionista inside each of us.
WWW.BENNETTSMILES.COM
MEDICAL EXAMS ON THE MOBILE HEALTHCARE COACH MEDICAL SERVICES BROUGHT TO YOU CHECK THE COACH CALENDAR AT RHNMC.ORG CALL 305.517.6613 EXT 500 FOR APPOINTMENT
Fashion • Jewelr y • Gifts 81681 Old Highway
between Kaiyo and Chef Michael’s 305-735-3029 • Like us on Facebook
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Rochelle McEntyre, CEO 3706 N Roosevelt Blvd Key West | 305.517.6613 rhnmc.org Providing Affordable Medical and Dental Services to Monroe County Residents SLIDING FEE SCALE AVAILABLE FOR THE UNINSURED
FIGHTING FOR THE
FLORIDA KEYS VOTE AUG. 23 AND NOV. 8 AS YOUR COUNTY COMMISSIONER, HOLLY'S PRIORITIES INCLUDE Streamlining local government and focusing on efficiency when serving County residents. Planning and implementing resiliency measures to preserve and protect our environment and combat sea level rise and other climate-related threats. Addressing workforce housing challenges to promote a robust local economy. While originally from Alaska, Holly’s family roots in Florida drew her to Florida State University, where she graduated with a degree in political science. She also holds a master of public administration from Florida International University. When not working, you will most often find Holly at a youth sports event, cheering on her 10-year old son Drake in soccer, basketball or baseball. She is a member of the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, Florida National Parks Association Board, Monroe County Education Foundation Board, Leadership Monroe County Board, Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition Board, Thriving Mind South Florida Board, Key Largo Rotary, and is a past member of the Florida Defense Support Task Force and past Florida State Director for the National Foundation of Women Legislators. Holly previously served eight years in the Florida House of Representatives and was appointed to the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners in September 2021 after the tragic passing of her friend and fellow public servant, Commissioner Mike Forster. Political advertisement paid for and approved by Holly Merrill Raschein, Republican, for Monroe County Commission.
DEDICATED TO PUBLIC SERVICE
Summer 2022 | 63
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