January 17, 2024 – (KEY WEST, FL). Raise a toast to Florida Keys history with Key West Art & Historical Society Curator and Historian Cori Convertito, Ph.D., on Monday, February 5, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. during her popular “Happy Hour with the Historian” program at Comedy Key West, 218 Whitehead Street. Enjoy a complimentary draft beer, glass of house wine, or a soft drink while Convertito presents on the evening’s topic, “Keeping the Light: The History of the Key West Lighthouse” in celebration of the arrival of USCGC Barbara Mabrity for a brief port visit. The namesake of the vessel was the principal keeper at the lighthouse for thirty-eight years.
Almost immediately after the U.S. Navy established a base in Key West in 1823, the need for a lighthouse became evident. Erecting a lighthouse was essential in assuring the safe arrival of both military and commercial vessels navigating the shallow, reef-laden waters off the Florida Keys. The current lighthouse opened in January 1848 with a woman as its keeper; nearly unheard of during the nineteenth century. In the years following, the Key West Lighthouse underwent several upgrades including the installation of a Third Order Fresnel Lens, an extension to the tower which allowed the light to be seen from a greater distance, the addition of Keeper’s Quarters, and finally the electrification of the light. “Our Key West Lighthouse is unusual for many reasons, most noticeable is the fact that it is located inland,” says Convertito. “Aside from the location, it is also distinctive in that it had a total of three female lighthouse keepers between 1826 and 1914. They resided on the property with their families and were responsible for grueling responsibilities to keep the lighthouse lit every night, even during treacherous conditions, including hurricanes.” In 1969, the U.S. Coast Guard decommissioned the Key West Lighthouse since there was no longer a need for a full-time keeper due to technological advancements. Today, this sentinel of the sea stands as a museum dedicated to Key West’s maritime heritage and to the men and women who bravely kept the light burning through the threats of war and weather. Happy Hour with the Historian is limited to 75 attendees; reserve your spot now at kwahs.org/hh-lighthouse - $12 for KWAHS members, $15 for non-members. This project is sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, with additional support provided by The Helmerich Trust and Comedy Key West. For more information, contact Cori Convertito, Ph.D. at 305-295-6616 x507 or [email protected]. Your Museums. Your Community. It takes an Island.
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Virtual silent auction items and sponsorships sought KEY WEST, FL, January 16, 2024— The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) invites the community to “Swords and Tails: A Seaside Soiree” on Friday, March 1 at the Islander Resort in Islamorada. The twelfth annual event will feature costumes, fine dining and cocktails, and live entertainment by the 79th Street Band. Tickets and sponsorship packages are available for the fundraiser on the College’s website at www.cfk.edu/soiree. In conjunction with the Seaside Soiree, the College will hold a virtual silent auction during the two weeks leading up to the event, running February 16 through March 1. The virtual silent auction offers an opportunity for people from anywhere to support the College’s fundraising efforts, regardless of their attendance at the Seaside Soiree event. All proceeds of the event and auction will benefit the students and programs at CFK. Sponsors of CFK’s 2024 Seaside Soiree include The Lisa Ferringo Group, Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate, Spottswood Companies, Mote Marine Laboratory, Mason Investments, Belfor Property Restoration, Ajax Building Company, Sam Williams, Capital City Consulting and Gray Robinson Consulting. To contribute auction items or donations to the CFK Foundation, contact Lana Gaspari, CFK Vice President of Advancement and CFK Foundation Executive Director, at [email protected] or 305-809-3214. U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Barbara Mabrity (WLM 559) Scheduled for Key West Port Visit and Public Tours1/16/2024 January 15, 2024 – (KEY WEST, FL). The USCGC Barbara Mabrity (WLM 559), a Keeper-class coastal buoy tender of the United States Coast Guard is scheduled to arrive in Key West on February 5, 2024, for a working port visit. Docking at Truman Waterfront Park, the crew will host free public tours on February 6 and 7 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Key West Art & Historical Society is also planning a series of events to mark the ship’s stopover.
Named for nineteenth century Key West lighthouse keeper Barbara Mabrity, the 175-foot ship was commissioned in 1999 and is home-ported in Mobile, Alabama. USCGC Barbara Mabrity is the ninth of the fourteen keeper class buoy tenders built by Marinette Marine Corporation during the 1990s. The cutters are named for famous lighthouse keepers of the U.S. Lighthouse Service and the Coast Guard. These technologically advanced cutters take advantage of state-of-the-art electronics and control systems including dynamic positioning system capable of maintaining the vessels positions within five yard in 20 knots of wind and 4 knots of current. USCGC Barbara Mabrity services aids to navigation from the St. Marks River in northern Florida to south central Louisiana including the Mississippi River from Baton Rouge south to the mouth of the river. Other missions include Marine Environmental Protection and Search and Rescue. “We are delighted to welcome USCGC Barbara Mabrity to Key West to celebrate a quarter of a century of the ship in service and the 160th anniversary of Barbara’s retirement from the U.S. Lighthouse Service,” says Dr. Cori Convertito, curator and historian for the Society. “Due the grueling physical labor involved in operating lighthouses, female keepers were nearly unheard of in the male-dominated field. Not only it is incredible to honor Barbara for her thirty-eight years of service at both Key West lighthouses, the Society is also grateful to the ship for agreeing open for public tours.” Barbara Mabrity was the keeper of original Key West Light from its first lighting in 1826 to 1846 when it was destroyed by a powerful hurricane. During that hurricane the tower collapsed and twelve people, including some of Mabrity’s children were injured or killed. When the present-day tower opened two years later, she returned in the same capacity until 1864 when she retired from the service at the age of 82. For more information about the ship’s visit to Key West and public tours, visit www.kwahs.org/upcoming-events or contact Convertito ([email protected]). Those who would like more facts about the ship should visit the official U.S. Coast Guard website https://www.uscg.mil/ The Key West Art & Historical Society will be hosting its annual fundraiser, “Back in Time – Caliente Cayo Hueso” on February 2, 2024, under the stars on the grounds of the Key West Museum of Art & History. Proceeds from the Cuban-themed fundraiser benefit the ongoing restoration needs of the museum. (Photo Credit: Key West Art & Historical Society) January 15, 2024 – (KEY WEST, FL). Take a trip back to 1950s Cuba during this season’s “Back in Time” fundraiser hosted by the Key West Art & Historical Society. Themed “Caliente Cayo Hueso,” the party takes place Friday, February 2, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. under the stars at the Key West Museum of Art & History. Proceeds support the ongoing preservation needs of the museum, the island’s architectural crown jewel that has graced the Mallory Square area for the last 133 years.
Attendees donning their best Cuban attire – think Guayaberas and Comparsa dresses – will enjoy cocktail hour inside the museum followed by an elevated plated Cuban dinner on the Front Street plaza. Pilar Rum mojitos will be flowing at the full open bar while the Latin band Caribe Key West performs so you Salsa the night away. There will be prizes for “Best Dressed”, an extensive silent auction, and an upscale cigar lounge. It will be a caliente evening you won’t want to miss and all for a great cause! “As stewards of the Custom House building, we are grateful for the community’s continued support of our on-going preservation efforts,” says Michael F. Gieda, Executive Director of the Society. “Having completed critical work outlined in a 2013 assessment conducted by Bender & Associates, we continue to preserve and repair the historic building and its systems. With major upgrades to our archives nearing completion, we aim to overhaul and upgrade the elevator in 2024 to ensure access to the second-floor galleries and third-floor program areas. Proceeds from this year’s fundraiser will help offset the steep cost.” Step “Back in Time” to invest in the future; purchase a single ticket for $200 or sponsor a table of eight for $1,600. Proceeds will be contributed to the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys’ Custom House Preservation Fund. For tickets visit www.kwahs.org/bit or contact Event Coordinator Bonnie McInnis at 305-295-6616 x 505. KEY WEST, FL (JANUARY 16, 2024) - It's a leap year, and that means we all can look forward to an extra day in February - an extra day to enjoy life, be well, and pursue the things that make us happy. And, while an extra day is nice, what if you could add more years to your life? Caring for your heart is one of the best ways to increase longevity. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States, responsible for one in five adult deaths in the U.S each year. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) estimates one person dies every 36 seconds from cardiovascular disease. But there are actions you can take right now to reduce the risk of heart disease. This February, Lower Keys Medical Center is marking American Heart Month and the 2024 leap year with its Leap into Heart Health educational email series. People who sign up will receive short, fun-filled, fact-filled, potentially life-saving emails designed to help improve heart health. Topics include ways to “spring” into action, “skip” past stress, “hurdle” over harmful habits, “hop” into bed earlier for better rest and other “steps” anyone can take toward a stronger, healthier heart. “Most people can reduce the risk of heart disease by adopting a healthier lifestyle, not smoking, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight and well-balanced diet, keeping blood sugar and cholesterol under control and treating high blood pressure. That may sound like a lot to manage but even small adjustments can often lead to improvements in heart health,” said Steven Rowe, MD, FACC, Keys Medical Group Cardiology. President Lyndon B. Johnson declared the first American Heart Month in February 1964. Several years before that, when he was Senate Majority Leader, Johnson was a 60-cigarette-per-day smoker and suffered a near-fatal heart attack. He was only 46 years old. Every U.S. President since has recognized February as American Heart Month and a time to educate Americans about ways to prevent heart disease. The Leap into Heart Health email series will be delivered to inboxes every other day in February with a short article and heart health tips you can try right away. The series also includes warnings about symptoms and conditions that may indicate you should see a doctor, especially high blood pressure, high cholesterol and genetic predisposition to heart disease. "At Lower Keys Medical Center, our mission is to 'help people get well and live healthier' and, for many of us, that means taking better care of our hearts," says David Clay, CEO, Lower Keys Medical Center. "People who Leap into Heart Health with us this February will receive email content that takes just a few minutes to read but is entertaining and informative, and it can be life-saving. We encourage everyone to sign up." To "Leap into Heart Health", sign up at https://www.lkmc.com/heart-challenge. January 15, 2024 – (KEY WEST, FL). The Key West Art & Historical Society wants to remind artists that the last call for entries for its new juried exhibition which is slated to open in February 2024 at the Key West Museum of Art & History is January 22. “Shadow & Light” is open to all artists living and creating in the Florida Keys. The new exhibition beckons artists to immerse themselves in the outdoors, capturing natural light and its interaction with everyday objects into visual expressions that evoke contemplation, wonder, and introspection. Juried by Dr. Cori Convertito of the Key West Art & Historical Society, Martha Resk from the Florida Keys Council of the Arts, Emma Starr of The Armory Studios, and Elena Devers of The Studios of Key West, the exhibit will include a special opening reception for the artists and the public on February 23, with the show running from that date through April 16.
The Society’s goal with this exhibition is to invite artists to create artwork that expresses ideas about the natural world and to venture into the intricate interplay between the elemental forces of nature and the ever-changing light of the Florida Keys. The museum is seeking submissions of original artwork that captures the essence of “Shadow & Light” in the broadest sense that include a range of mediums such as oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, encaustic, pencil, sculpture, and mixed media. “In art, shadow and light are fundamental to expressing three-dimensional form. When applied the correct way, shadow and light effects make a powerful storytelling tool,” says Cori Convertito, PhD, curator for the Society. “We seek artwork that represents the dynamics between these two simple, yet powerful, components. The exhibit is open to all visual artists throughout the Florida Keys working in any fine art or fine craft medium or technique, in two or three dimensions, representational, abstract, or non-representational.” The submission fee for artists is $25, which will offset the cost of the opening reception. Only one submission per artist, with a deadline of January 22. All mediums and themes will be considered but work must have been completed within the last three years and cannot have been displayed previously at the museum. Artist notification is February 9 with delivery dates February 13 to 15. Please note that Society policies strictly prohibit the sale of any artwork during the exhibit. Please visit http://www.kwahs.org/shadow-light for important entry details and to submit your work. This exhibit is sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture and the State of Florida, with additional support provided by The Helmerich Trust. For more information, contact Cori Convertito, Ph.D. at 305-295-6616 x507 or [email protected]. Your Museums. Your Community. It takes an Island. January 15, 2024 – (KEY WEST, FL). On Thursday, February 15, from 6:00-10:00pm, Key West Art & Historical Society welcomes Donavon Frankenreiter along with folk rock band Goodnight, Texas to historic Fort East Martello, 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd for an evening of music under the stars.
Donavon Frankenreiter made an instant connection with the band Goodnight, Texas recently while out on the road, comparing them to a modern-day version of The Band. He decided not only to bring them out as support for this tour, but also to have Goodnight, Texas play as his backing band alongside his longtime guitarist Matt Grundy. Incorporating their musicianship with a fresh take on Donavon’s extensive catalog, the evening will feature mandolin guitar, banjo, pedal steel, bass, drums, and more! For nearly four decades Donavon has been traveling the globe, first as a professional surfer and now as a musician. Born in Southern California, Donavon spent most of his youth chasing waves, turning pro at the age of 16. These days instead of surf competitions, it’s concert halls that brings Frankenreiter to town, where he entertains audiences with his unique blend of laid-back grooves, philosophical lyrics and soulful delivery. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets for the “backyard casual” setup that will include food vendors and cash bar. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $25 at kwahs.org/donavon or at the 6:00pm door opening. Children under 12 are free. Limited parking is available, bicycling, ride-share, or public transit is encouraged. Don't miss this unforgettable night under the stars in the courtyard of Fort East Martello. Secure your spot and be part of a magical experience. For more information, contact Bonnie McInnis, Events Coordinator, at 305-295-6616 x505 or [email protected]. Your Museums. Your Community. It takes an Island. KEY WEST, Florida Keys – The Native Plant Nursery at the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden will be holding its monthly native plant sale from 9am to noon Saturday, January 20, 2024. Master Gardeners will be on site to answer any plant questions and plants that are available for sale are listed on the Garden’s website. The plant sale will be followed by the Speaker Series at 1:00 pm. Featured speaker is Kristie Killam, Biologist & retired park ranger, speaking on ‘Discovering Photography to connect with Art in Nature’ in the Toppino Nature Chapel.
The Nursery has 160 species of native plants available including Native & Cuban palms, Tomato and Pepper plants. The total nursery inventory totals more than 2,000 plants which attract birds, butterflies and other pollinators in 1-gallon to 15-gallon pots. Key West Botanical Garden members receive a 15% discount. Memberships are available on site. The Garden is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation and all proceeds directly benefit the Garden’s conservation program. The Garden is located at 5210 College Road on Stock Island. For more information call 305-296-1504 or visit www.keywest.garden. KEY WEST, Florida Keys – The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden continues its monthly Speaker Series at 1:00 pm on Saturday, January 20, 2023 in the Toppino Nature Chapel. Featured Speaker is Kristie Killam whose topic will be “Discovering Photography to connect with Art in Nature”. Kristie will share inspiring photographs and stories of wildlife and habitats in the Florida Keys. She'll highlight tips and techniques that will reawaken your enthusiasm for art in nature photography and elevate your ability to capture your own amazing images. Kristie Killam is a retired park ranger, biologist, and teacher who has been an outdoor enthusiast and conservationist her entire life. For the past decade she has been using photography to tell the stories of nature in the Florida Keys. She captures the beautiful art in nature of the Keys wildlife, habitats, and landscapes. Her passion is, through photography and education, to engage and inspire others to become stewards of and voices for nature. Admission for the speaker series is free for Garden members, $5 for non-members. All proceeds directly benefit the Garden’s conservation program. The Garden is located at 5210 College Road on Stock Island. For more information call 305-296-1504 or visit www.keywest.garden. The acclaimed, long running stage production ‘Give ‘Em Hell, Harry!’ is set to return to Key West for two performances, Sunday, Feb. 18, and Monday, Feb. 19, where they will be staged beginning at 4:30pm on the grounds of the Key West Harry S. Truman Little White House, 111 Front Street.
A dynamic one-man-show that celebrates the unique persona and presidency of 33rd U.S. President Harry S. Truman, ‘Give ‘Em Hell, Harry!’ was written by Samuel Gallu and made its debut in 1975 at Washington D.C.’s Ford’s Theatre. What makes this particular production of ‘Give ‘Em Hell Harry!’ especially notable is that it stars President Truman’s own grandson, Clifton Truman Daniel, and will be staged on the same property where President Truman spent 11 working vacations from 1945-53. Truman Daniel, a professional actor with more than a dozen stage and TV credits, has starred in the production since 2017, but only performed it in Key West for the first time in 2022, with shows that year and in 2023 quickly selling out. When asked how it feels to perform ‘Give ‘Em Hell Harry!’ on the grounds where his grandfather once walked, Truman Daniel responded, 'It’s great to be able to step into his shoes—to dress as him and do the show in the place where he spent 175 days living and working during his presidency.' He also commented that it’s the most fun he’s had performing the show. 'It’s Key West; it’s outside on the grounds of the Little White House. People are in a good mood, the bar is open, planes are flying overhead, and chickens are walking back in forth in front of the stage.' 'Give ‘Em Hell, Harry!' is one of multiple 2024 “Presidential Families Weekend” events set to take place on the grounds of the Harry S. Truman Little White House from February 15-19. The mission of the not-for-profit Harry S. Truman Foundation is to preserve Florida’s only presidential museum—the Harry S. Truman Little White House—and to provide programming that supports civic engagement, education, and the historical and cultural influences of the Truman era. “Presidential Families Weekend and Forum” events are presented with the support of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. For event tickets and information visit www.trumanlittlewhitehouse.org/foundation/events/. |
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