Mayor Teri Johnston read the Elizabeth Bishop Day Proclamation that was presented at the City Commission meeting this week to a gathering of poets and poetry fans. Then she read Bishop’s poem The Shampoo. The celebration commemorated Bishop’s 112th birthday. The Elizabeth Bishop Key West Committee convened the party at The Gardens Hotel to celebrate the U.S. Poet Laureate and prize winner who wrote in Key West from 1937 to 1949. The event honored the late poet with readings by the Mayor, past and present Key West Poets Laureate, members of the Key West Poetry Guild and other local and visiting poets and Bishop admirers.
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The Navy League, Key West Commissioning Committee is proud to partner with the Monroe County School District to present the “Color the USS LENAH HIGBEE” Coloring Contest. Grade two students at Sigsbee, May Sands, Poinciana, Gerald Adams, HOB, Sugarloaf, Big Pine Charter, Grace Lutheran, and The Basilica School are invited to participate in the coloring contest. Contest rules will be available in English, Spanish, and Creole.
Entries must be received by the teacher no later than March 16, 2023, and winners will be announced on March 31, 2023. The First Place winner will receive a pizza party for their class and a VIP tour of the USS Lenah Higbee the week of May 8, 2023, at the Outer Mole Pier, Key West FL for their family. Second and Third Place winners will receive a VIP tour of the ship for their families. The Top Ten winning entries will be displayed at the Key West Woman’s Club, 319 Duval Street, Key West, for the month of April 2023. The Commissioning Committee would like to thank Jennifer C. Barrios, Monroe County School District, Social Studies Coordinator, who made this contest so incredibly easy for us, and, the Key West Woman’s Club for their support. The Navy League, Key West Council is the proud sponsor of the upcoming commissioning of the USS Lenah Sutcliffe HIGBEE (DDG 123), scheduled for 13 May 2023, at the outer Mole Pier, Key West, FL. The HIGBEE, an Arleigh-Burke class destroyer, is named for Navy Nurse pioneer, Lenah H. Sutcliffe Higbee. Nurse Higbee was the first woman to receive the Navy Cross for her exemplary work as Superintendent of the newly formed U.S. Navy Nurse Corps during World War I. The Navy League will be hosting many events over the next year to raise funds and raise awareness of the importance of such a major military event happening right here in Key West. The commissioning ceremony, the culmination of a week of events for the crew of 350, their families, and as many as 5,000 visitors, will be open to all, with free tickets available. For more information on the HIGBEE commissioning and the Navy League, Key West Council visit www.higbeecommissioning.org or www.navyleaguekeywest.org. February 8, 2023 — The College of the Florida Keys invites prospective students and their parents to learn more about its Project ACCESS program at a virtual information session on Wednesday, February 22 at 5:30 p.m. Project ACCESS is an inclusive postsecondary education program for students with intellectual disabilities and autism. The personalized program includes academics, social activities, employment experience, and independent living. Students can participate in Project ACCESS at CFK’s Key West Campus or Upper Keys Center in Key Largo.
CFK offers an array of support for students in Project ACCESS including academic and peer mentors, success coaches, and academic advisors. Project ACCESS is a federally- approved Comprehensive Transition Program, meaning eligible students may receive Pell grants and apply to participate in work-study programs. Additionally, the College was awarded enhancement grants through the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities in 2017 and 2020 and is an approved Florida Post-Secondary Comprehensive Transition Program. Because of this funding, eligible students are awarded a $7,000 scholarship annually to offset tuition, fees, housing, and other costs. Attendees of the virtual information session on February 22 will receive a code to waive the $30 application fee. Registration for the event is required. Visit the College’s website at CFK.edu/ProjectACCESS to learn more and to register. For more information, contact Nicole Gerrard, CFK Associate Dean of Student Success Services, at ProjectACCESS1@cfk.edu or call 305-809-3262. February 8, 2023 - Mayor Teri Johnston and the Key West City Commission proclaimed February as Black History Month during Tuesday’s regular meeting.
“Black History Month is a time to reflect on the many contributions made by African Americans to the country and to Key West's economic, artistic, cultural, spiritual, educational, and political development,” reads the proclamation. Mona Clark and Annette Milian Mobley accepted the proclamation. “It is very important that we recognize acknowledge that Black history plays a very vibrant and important part in American history,” said Clark. “It’s important that we help our young people learn their history and their heritage. We each play a role in that continuation.” Commission Clayton Lopez noted that there were many in the community he considered inviting to accept the proclamation. He noted that Clark is the first Black woman to be elected to the Utility Board and that Mobley is shaping local history with her service on the Bahama Village Redevelopment Commission and is the second Black woman to ever serve on Housing Authority’s Board of Directors. He noted that several Black female pastors are also “firsts,” as is former City Commissioner Carmen Turner. “The City of Key West continues to work toward becoming a community that embodies the ‘One Human Family’ philosophy where all citizens -- past, present, and future -- are respected and treated equally,” reads the proclamation. In the photo: Commissioner Lissette Carey and Jimmy Weekley, Mayor Teri Johnston, Mona Clark, Annette Milian Mobley, Vice Mayor Sam Kaufman, and Commissioners Clayton Lopez and Billy Wardlow. Commissioner Mary Lou Hoover was in attendance via Zoom. February 8, 2023 - Mayor Teri Johnston and the Key West City Commission honored one of Key West’s famous poets by proclaiming February 8th as Elizabeth Bishop Day.
Bishop lived in Key West in the 1930s and 1940s and found inspiration, support, and solace in its subtropical flora, fauna, culture, and in the variety of its people. Bishop’s poetic style underwent a lasting transformation in response to Key West’s unique environment, and she completed her first book, “North and South” while living in Key West. Malcolm Willison and Mia Shawn, members of the Elizabeth Bishop Key West Committee, accepted the proclamation. Willison explained that the committee was formed because there was concern that Bishop was overlooked as one of Key West’s great writers. “She had a difficult life here, but she overcame it,” he said, noting that she left the city in 1949. The proclamation noted that Bishop’s former home on White Street has been acquired by the Key West Literary Seminar and is being restored to preserve it as it was when she lived here. In honor of the 112th anniversary of her birth, people are gathering on this day to read her poetry. In the photo: Commissioner Lissette Carey and Jimmy Weekley, Mayor Teri Johnston, Malcolm Willison, Vice Mayor Sam Kaufman, Mia Shawn, and Commissioners Clayton Lopez and Billy Wardlow. Commissioner Mary Lou Hoover was in attendance via Zoom. February 7, 2023
The City of Key West today announced the release of its 2022 Annual Report. The publication is available in print as well as electronically. The report highlights the City’s accomplishment over the past year and provides the community a quick, accessible guide to the various departments that serve our citizens. “I’m proud to present the final annual report to be issued under my leadership,” said City Manager Patti McLauchlin, who is retiring this year. “This report serves as a progress report,” she said, “and much more. You’ll find departmental budgets, contact information, a listing of city boards and other details to help our citizens understand their City government.” The 2022 Annual Report is available at City Hall, 1300 White Street. The electronic report is available on the City’s web site at www.cityofkeywest-fl.gov. MONROE COUNTY, FL – Michaela Manning, Senior Coordinator of Permitting in the Building Department, is named Monroe County’s 2022 Employee of the Year for her excellent attitude and dedication to service. She was recognized by community members and by her co-workers. She started with Monroe County in March 2017. Her primary duties include ensuring her team in the Marathon office is well-trained in their positions. In addition, with the implementation of the new all-online permitting system, she embraced the challenge of working to assist all employees through the testing of the new program.
“Michaela has been, and continues to be, a key employee in our progress with our new electronic permitting software,” said Permitting Administrative Director Ed Koconis. The system went live in October, and she helped ensure the program worked properly. “We continue to laud her work and look forward to her continuing professionalism, not only with electronic permitting but with everything she does.” KEY WEST, FL, February 3, 2023 — The College of the Florida Keys continues its 2023 VIP Series with a presentation on “Coral Restoration” by Dr. Jason Spadaro, Mote Marine Lab and Aquarium Postdoctoral Scientist as well as CFK marine science adjunct instructor, on Thursday, February 16 at 7 p.m. in the Tennessee Williams Theatre on the Key West Campus.
In his presentation, Dr. Spadaro will explain why coral reefs are in trouble and how centuries of natural and human effects have degraded the reefs to the point where natural recovery is not likely. Fortunately, scientists, including Dr. Spadaro and his colleagues at Mote Marine Lab, are working to protect and restore the reefs. Dr. Spadaro will discuss the various methods that he and other Mote scientists are using to solve the complex problems of our coral reefs and help better understand what is necessary to preserve, protect, and restore our iconic coral reef ecosystems. In its ninth season, the College’s VIP Series invites the community to learn from the Visions, Ideas, and Perspectives of speakers of local, regional, and national prominence. The 2023 season includes presentations that focus on timely topics relevant to Keys’ audiences. Tickets for CFK’s VIP Series events are $5 at the door. Admission is free for students at CFK and Monroe County schools. For more information, call CFK at 305-296-9081 or visit the College’s website at CFK.edu/VIP. The Florida Keys Council of the Arts invites visual artists and writers to submit artwork and articles for Culture 2024 Magazine, a publication of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council, Tinsley Advertising and the Cultural Umbrella of the Florida Keys & Key West.
The Culture Magazine is a freestanding publication distributed throughout the Keys and is inserted into the In-room Concierge in over 3,900 guestrooms reaching over 500,000 visitors annually. The magazine includes information on the Keys' performing, literary and visual arts, a calendar of events and advertisements. Call to Visual Artists Artwork selected for the cover will receive $1,200 for one-time usage in Culture Magazine 2024. (Additional artwork chosen for the magazine will receive a caption with artists' name.) Both vertical and horizontal images may be submitted. Only online applications will be accepted. Artists may submit up to three images by completing the online application. Please name your uploaded files as instructed in the application. Due by February 27, 2023 at midnight. To apply, click here. Call to Writers Two Florida Keys writers will be selected and paid a $1,200 each for research, writing, related photography and any necessary revising (based on recommendations from the committee) of an article of approximately 1,200 words. Articles assigned will be factual, informational and primarily designed to introduce visitors to the art, culture and heritage of the Florida Keys. Writers may choose from these topics: 1. Theaters of The Keys Theaters and performing arts throughout the destination: musicals, dramas and comedies, dance and music, too! 2. Key Lime Pie A Florida Keys favorite. The history of Key Lime pie and the best places to grab a slice throughout the Keys. Due by February 27, 2023 at midnight. To apply, click here. Key West Chamber of Commerce honors Karen Sharp with the Billy Appelrouth Award, a prestigious acknowledgment reserved only for chamber leaders that demonstrate its ideals and sacrifice personal time for the betterment of the community and its economy.
“While I often liken this award to MVP of the chamber, that fails to do it justice,” said Key West Chamber President Suzanne Moore. “This award recognizes a pinnacle of service that soars well above and far beyond the selflessness of volunteerism, in that every moment of dedication to the chamber is a personal choice to serve others.” Sharp has served on several chamber committees including the Executive Board, Budget and Finance, Dues Committee, Economic Development, and Marketing and PR Committee before her election to the Board of Directors as Treasurer. For the past two years, Sharp has reorganized financial policies including online bill pay and online event registration, assumed responsibility of finances and worked with staff during the transition of Executive Vice Presidents, and was instrumental in establishing the Key West Chamber Foundation which funds the Education Scholarship. Sharp has served her profession and community with pride and passion for the past 40 years as an Event Lead of the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, a volunteer at the Lower Keys Unit of the American Cancer Society since 1989, a former Board Member of Montessori Elementary Charter School, a graduate of Leadership Monroe County Class XII and as a former Board Member and Executive Committee Member of the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys. On a national level, Sharp has served as a Board member and Executive Committee Member of the Florida Bankers Association, a member of the Florida Keys Chapter of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the American Bankers Association, and the FDIC Regional Directors Advisory Board, as well as the Bank CEO Network. “Karen has always shown unwavering support for the chamber by attending chamber functions and urging her staff to do the same as former President and CEO of First State Bank,” Moore said. “She has served and continues to serve on various committees, and we are proud to honor her with this distinguished award.” The award named after William “Billy” Appelrouth operated a successful retail shop in the 600 block of Duval Street, surviving the Great Depression and remaining steadfastly dedicated to the overall improvement of island life. Mr. Appelrouth was a big part of the mercantile vitality of the island, and would lend himself to every facet of his community. He understood that if he was to live and receive from his island, it was also his obligation to give back to that community, which he did unflinchingly. Bill Appelrouth served an unprecedented three terms as chamber president of the Greater Key West Chamber of Commerce. Members of Billy Appelrouth’s family were present at the chamber banquet, and graciously sponsored the complimentary cocktail hour that kicked off the elegant evening. |
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