Jeff Forrest and Richard Hyatt say they have never met a pet they didn’t like, although Forrest admits that “there have been pets that really didn’t care for us,” and lets out a hearty laugh. His partner, the quiet Hyatt, reflects, “Can you believe that we have never had a fight?”

It’s easy to see how they get along. Forrest is the prankster and Hyatt is the stylist. Hyatt says his work as a hair stylist in New York made it a natural transition. “We started out in the Garment District in a shop that was 504 square feet, but we were there and we loved Manhattan,” recalls Forrest.

“We loved New York City, but there came a time that we didn’t want to shovel snow and we didn’t want to be cold,” explains Hyatt, less quiet now. “We used to vacation in South Florida, and one day we just said, ‘It’s time,’ so we kept those items that we really wanted, and away we came.”

“We’ve been here now for nine years,” says Forrest. “We opened Ruby Clippers in February 2004.  We have never lived big,” he explains, before noting that, “of course, that is now the new normal, if you understand what I am saying,” and then flashes another big smile.

The pair says they take part in the life of the community, both in the Gayborhood and beyond. In addition to supporting the Pet Project, “We try to patronize those LGBT-owned businesses,” says Hyatt. “Not just because we are gay, but because we really love supporting our community.”

On the business side, both Hyatt and Forrest recognize that they are in a tight economy and a competitive market. It keeps them sharp. “We really do work on customer service for our clients, and we really do care about the animals and their comfort,” Forrest explains. “I don’t even like caging the animals, which is one reason that our work area is gated.  There are times that you do need to cage an animal, but I just don’t like to do it.”

Hyatt notes that “some dogs know how to work you and they will.”

“Our motto is ‘Tender, Loving Care,’ and we mean that,” says Forrest. “We don’t even use hot air dryers, and we believe in having state-of-the-art equipment. Our shop is always clean, and our customers can see their pet being groomed if they want to stay.” He notes that “so many of our clients have become real friends with us, and they trust us.”

“We open at 8 a.m., and we are here until the last dog is picked up,” Forrest says, adding with that big, hearty laugh, “that may be at 3 o’clock, or it may be happy hour.”

If your pooch is in need of a trim, shampoo, or other grooming service, call the boys at Ruby Clippers at 954-564-2770, and visit them at 880 E Oakland Park Blvd., Oakland Park.

Three years ago, the City of Wilton Manors opened a monthly “Green Market” at Hagen Park. The market was a success until the sweltering days of summer arrived, and many of the vendors decided that it was time to either find an air conditioned venue, or wait until the cooler winds of fall and winter swept into South Florida once again.

Then entrepreneurs Frank Altieri and Ron Leonard came up with an idea. “What if we featured a ‘green market’ that wasn’t just all fruits and vegetables?” Altieri wondered. Thus the Wilton Manors Green Market was born.

“We researched and reached out to others in the community and wow, what a difference,” Altieri explains. “We are here whether its ‘hot or not’ every Saturday and Sunday, opening at 9 a.m. and closing at 2 p.m. The crowds keep growing every week.”

Altieri says that it was just a matter of demographics. “There was indeed a niche in the community for a Farmers Market, and I feel we have filled that,” he says. “On any given weekend, we have between 10 and 20 vendors, and of course, we are always looking for more, and more varied vendors. We want unique individuals.”

Among his current “crop” of merchants, Altieri notes, “we have an incredible vendor with fruits and vegetables—items that you won’t find in a supermarket. We have organic items, which so many people in this community really want.” What about guilty pleasures? “[We have] homemade cookies that you just can’t beat. Olive oils and vinegars, orchids that you won’t find anywhere else, New York pickles, fresh herbs, and of course, the best soups on the planet,” he adds, shamelessly, I might add, since he’s the one who makes the soups.

“Every week I make about six different homemade soups with all fresh ingredients for the market,” he quips. At the same time we were speaking, Carmine Martorilli and his partner, Bob Foster, popped in to make a few purchases. With apparent “paisan” solidarity, he seconded Altieri’s vote on the soup.

“Oh my God, you will never find better soups, even if you try to make them yourself,” he offered in praise. “These are the best.” Chimed in Foster, “His matzo ball soup is over the top.”

Ladles aside, Altieri stresses his and Leonard’s commitment to bringing in new vendors and offerings, and to see the event blossom, especially now that the cooler weather is coming. “We are always looking for new vendors to join, and it’s very simple: You must sign for at least four days, and it’s $25 per day, so we really make it affordable,” he notes.

“Of course, parking during those hours of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. is free [at the city parking lot adjacent to Wilton Manors City Hall], so that is never an issue,” Altieri explains. “The City of Wilton Manors has been great to work with. They want to see more and new events coming to the area.”

For more information, visit greenwilton.com.

Of all the things that Krishan Manners, President and CEO of Wilton Manors Development Alliance (WMDA), finds striking about his adopted city, one of the most notable is that so many things to see and do are packed into such a small geographic space.

“You know the city is only two square miles, but we have so much going on,” says Manners. A roster of upcoming events proves out the truth of that remark. “First, we have ‘Wicked Wilton,’ presented by the Rainbow Business Coalition [RBC] and the City of Wilton Manors, which will be held on Wednesday, October 31 [Halloween], from 6 to 11 p.m. The bars and restaurants along the Drive, of course, will be staying open past that time. This year the city is paying for the street closure, and the event will more resemble the original ‘Wicked Manors,’” he notes, adding that “the event is entitled ‘Fairy Tales,’ and they are expecting over 10,000 revelers.”

Also just around the corner is the “Taste of the Island, which is slated for November 5 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Richardson Park,” Manners says, continuing down the list of must-do activities.

“This is the seventh annual event, and people can taste specialties from local restaurants, as well as mix and mingle with neighbors.” He notes with a smile (fully engaged now in local-booster-mode) that the deadline for restaurants to register is October 15.

“Tickets are $30 in advance, and $35 at the door,” he offers. “We keep some of the monies from ticket sales for seed money, and then the balance is split between the Kiwanis Club, the Historical Society of Wilton Manors, the Wilton Manors Library, and the Wilton Manors Development Alliance.” Manners helms an organization that was previously known to locals as Wilton Manors Main Street.

“We made the name change as a way of reaching out to more businesses off Wilton Drive,” he explains. The change was made to encompass a more citywide mandate. “We are currently working on funding in order to have a larger impact on the entire city,” Manners notes. “We are still working to make Wilton Drive a two-lane street, and to create angled-parking,” he adds, with real enthusiasm.

“For 2013, we are working in partnership with the City of Fort Lauderdale for ‘Full Sails,’ which would be similar to ‘Cows on Parade’ in Chicago.” Manners explains, “These sailboats are seven feet tall and five feet long. Local artists paint and decorate the boats, which are placed all around the city, but particularly on Wilton Drive.”

Manners says “Full Sails” represents a unique opportunity to highlight the Island City in a creative and striking way, which will draw attention—and revenue—to local commerce. “We need local sponsors to make this a huge success,” he says. “We want to see more art in Wilton Manors, and with this alliance we believe we will get there.” (Sponsorship for each boat is approximately $4,000. To learn more, visit fullsailsinfortlauderdale.com.)

Finishing our autumnal Tour de Wilton, the “Chairman of the Boosters” notes that “November 16 marks the first ‘Art Walk’ this year, to usher in ‘season.’ So you can see,” Manners adds with a smile, “there is a lot going on in the Island City.” To say the least.

You can’t help but pick Andy Kress out of a crowd: His infectious smile is unmistakable, and his Asian body tattoos are featured each week in ads for his Kress Fitness Studio. In a town that isn’t lacking in personal trainers, Kress has left his mark by taking a different approach to fitness training. “My technique is cardio-resistence. emphasizing lighter weights and more repetitions,” he explains. “While cardio exercise alone is great for building endurance and working your heart, it is not really effective for weight loss like most people think.” Spend an hour on a treadmill and you would be hard-pressed to burn 400 calories—less than in a single Big Mac. “When I do utilize cardio, we will do high-intensity for three minutes, and then drop back to a slower speed for one minute, and then right back up to the three minutes with greater intensity, light weight and low impact programs.”

Kress tries to anticipate what the unique needs of each client will require, both in terms of a training regimen and budget. “When [we] work out in the studio, you experience a ‘beachstyle’ atmosphere,” says Kress. “We have weekday Yoga classes, Monday and Wednesday starting at 6:15 p.m. The rate is $20 per person. We also offer 30-minute training sessions for $30, or onehour personal training at $50. I really have tried to structure the studio with so many variables to help as many people as possible.”

Andy is a internationally certified fitness trainer (CFT) with additional certification as a Specialist in Exercise Therapy (SET) for those healing from injuries or muscle strains. His unique program was developed at the University of Arkansas where he taught students between ages 16-80, and he has been the personal trainer of superstars and celebrities in Hollywood and Beverly Hills, California.

Now headquartered in his own fitness studio near the Target store in Fort Lauderdale, Andy offers the most cost-effective rates in town. “First time clients can try a 30-minute workout for only $20.

We also offer couples training, step aerobics, resistance training—and we really try to make it a fun experience. The one thing that I have learned working out is that if you have fun, you are far more likely to continue on and succeed,” he explains.

Working out is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle—but so is eating right. “I have a culinary background, so it’s great when I can counsel someone who also wants some assistance with their diets,” Kress notes. “Exercise is about toning the body, not weight loss,” he says, correcting a misimpression. Eat correctly and you’ll lose the fat. Exercise correctly and you’ll build muscle.”

Though he’s only in his early 30s, Andy gets his greatest satisfaction working with those over 40 who fall into the category of Baby Boomers. He is the co-author (with client/writer Richard Hack) of “The Baby Boomers’ Guide to the Fountain of Youth,” which is about to be published (and a certain bestseller).

You can find Andy “The Core” Kress’ fitness studio located at 3042 N Federal Hwy., Suite 303, Fort Lauderdale, where there is plenty of free parking. Give Andy a call at (954) 789-3930, or email him at andyfitnesstrainer@gmail.com.

“It’s not easy to transform yourself from a young man to look like a young woman,” Austin admits. “It’s not just about putting on a dress: You need to know how to carry yourself. The makeup has to be perfect, because when you get on stage, under those demanding lights, it has to [look] flawless.

“Then of course there is the hair,” he adds. “If an upstart has their own hair and can use that, great, but if not, then there is the question as to whether you do blonde, brown, black, red— what works with the makeup and the clothes? Some people just think you throw on a dress and some stilettos, and you are all set. It is not that easy,” explains Austin (whose non-stage name is Shawn Steele).

By Dale Madison

“I really started Drag Wars at Monkey Business as a way to help develop new talent in the area,” the performer explains. “We do Drag Wars on Monday nights, beginning at 9:30, [and] we run the cycles in eightweek increments. [The current cycle began on September 24). At the end of the cycle, all winners return for a final contest. Weekly winners win $50 and get a paid booking, they work one of the shows, and get their tips. The cycle winner gets $100 cash, but the total is actually about $300, because Monkey Business pays their entry into the Miss Illusion contest, and [they receive] either jewelry or a crown.

“The weekly contest is judged by the audience, and then the final is judged by a group of [drag performer] peers: Those who have paid their dues and have what I like to call the ‘right stuff,’” he adds.

Unlike other competitions, “The judges actually give feedback to help the contestants get better,” Austin notes. “It’s sort of like ‘America’s Got Talent,’ in that we all want to see them get better at the craft.”

Potential Drag Wars competitors should be aware of a few basics before they enter: First, bring a CD with just one song for the DJ to play. Secondly, because dressing space is limited, performers should come dressed and ready to go on stage. Lastly, go to your Facebook page and promote the fact that you are going to be performing at Monkey Business. Audience participation is how the weekly winners are chosen, so get your peeps to come and support you.

Austin notes that there is no cover for the weekly contest and from 9:30 to 11 p.m. all well drinks are $3 during the show. For more information about Amanda Austin and Drag Wars, visit Facebook.com/MonkeyBusinessBar.

“After Mark and I met, I decided it was time to leave corporate America. We wanted something that we could do together, have a couple of drinks, and then go home, prepare dinner, and let the staff do the work until it was time to lock the door at 2 a.m.,” Padgett recalls, then pauses before adding, “Let’s put it this way, if anyone ever comes up to you and asks if you’d like to buy a bar—RUN in the opposite direction.” He lets loose with a hearty laugh.

“We purchased Bill’s Filling Station—the original by the railroad tracks [on Northeast 13th Street in Fort Lauderdale]—and we truly did have a blast there,” says Negrete. “But we also knew that we were off the beaten track, and the building really needed upgrading, so we began the search for a new location.” Their search took them to the heart of the Gayborhood, Wilton Drive. “Chardee’s dinner club had recently closed, so we called Tony Dee,” recalls Negrete. “We inked the deal and started the renovations to transform the former dinner club into our vision. We renamed the piano bar the ‘Mustang Lounge,’ and we still have the baby grand piano there.

Each week, we have a great team [Andy Fiacco and Ric Ducosin] host our Karaoke night, and we are consistently packed,” he adds, smiling. Not long after, the couple acquired nearby Georgie’s Alibi, a Wilton Manors staple located right across the Drive, in the Shoppes of Wilton Manors.

“We work hard to make people feel welcome,” Padgett says. “We have strived to make people feel at home, and without sounding cliché, we want to be where everyone knows your name, that is the bottom line: If people are happy and have a great time.”

Negrete says that along with great service, they add to the mix great entertainment, including their house VJ’s Barry Browder and Robert Frye, and performers like Nikki Adams, Dame Edna, and (when she’s in town) Cashetta.

“An absolute winning combination,” Padgett calls it. “We are in the process of expanding the Manchester Room, taking part of the former Bottoms and Tops [retail location], which will make that side of the bar explode. Couple that with award-winning Chef Ron and our catering division—we are very proud of the Alibi,” he adds with a contented smile.

For more information, visit georgiesalibi.com/wiltonmanors, or facebook.com/alibi.wiltonmanors.

While still a young man living in Dayton, Ohio, Dr. J. Michael Heider (“Jay” to his friends) was impressed by the big difference he saw his hometown dentist making in the lives of people in his community. Although only one man, that dental practitioner had a positive impact on many people— including the future Dr. Heider, who earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree at Ohio State University in Columbus, and completed his general practice residency at Miami Children’s Hospital.

“I really loved South Florida, so I decided to stay here and begin my practice,” recalls Heider. “This was not too long after the Gay and Lesbian Community Center (GLCC) [now the Pride Center at Equality Park] opened.

I read an article about the GLCC, and decided to check it out. I showed up one day, looked at the services, and decided to volunteer.”

Heider had been introduced to the future Pride Center during a difficult time. “Unfortunately, I volunteered at one of the Center’s darkest periods,” he relates. “I continued to volunteer, because I believed in the Mission Statement of the Center.” Heider explains: “At that point, there was lots of internal politics involved [in the organization]. There was a lot of controversy surrounding the person who was Executive Director. I was asked to serve on the Board of Directors.”

As Heider, who became president of the non-for-profit’s board, recalls, “During this dark time, local businessman Ed Nicholas took the reigns as the GLCC’s executive director, and donated his time to clean up and begin aggressive fundraising efforts to get the Center back in the black. It worked. During that year, money began to flow in, and the board tried to get Nicholas to stay on. He said, ‘No, I’ve given it a year and helped to turn it around.’ So we began the search for a new executive director. The Board interviewed several candidates—and then enter Paul Hyman. It was a great decision,” Heider adds.

Dr. J. Michael Heider (“Jay” to his friends)

With a professional executive director to take the reins, Heider says that as president, “My personal mission was to keep it up and going, and continue its vital services to the community.” The GLCC would soon experience major changes. “In 2007, Tarragon Development purchased the property on which the Center was located, to build a large complex, so the Center had to move. We occupied a couple of locations while we continued the search for a permanent site,” Heider remembers.

The Pride Center at Equality Park on North Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors was the ultimate fruit of those labors of love and hard work.

In recognition of those contributions, the Pride Center at Equality Park (under its new executive director, longtime community activist Robert Boo), will honor Dr. Heider and other board members, past and present, at an event on September 30.

Heider, who is celebrating 28 years with his partner, realtor Thom Carr, says he is glad to have been a part of the Pride Center’s past and present accomplishments, and anticipates a bright future for it, and the community it serves. “I am honored that the Pride Center has seen fit to recognize me.

The time I donated came from my heart, and there is such a need for the services it provides,” he adds. We might say the same about him.

Wilton Drive will soon welcome its newest watering hole, when the Village Pub makes its “rebut” (pronounced “raybyoo,” as in, second debut) during the next few weeks. Business partners Greg Phelps, Mark Byard, Alex Sadeghi, and Jerry Yerich say they plan to revolutionize the bar business.

The owners say they are both intrigued and encouraged by an unexpected occurrence during the construction of the bar (which will be at 2283 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors), was once the location for J.J.’s Otherside and, more recently, The Mix: The contractor discovered that back in the 1970s the bar had been named “The Village Pub.”

“When Mark and I created the name and the logo we had no idea that this was the original name,” said Phelps, a veteran behind a bar for nearly 20 years. “With help of Wilton Manors’ the Grande Dame Diane Cline, we even found photos of the location’s original façade. Diane is helping create our ‘Wilton Manors Wall,’ which will include historic photos, memorabilia, and facts about our great little town,” he adds.

“We will have six separate sound zones that can be independently controlled,” notes Byard about their plans for the interior. “One will be for the sports bar, one on the dance floor, one for the main bar, and the others will be for the outside areas.

If you look at the building from the front you will notice first all new doors. We are also removing the covered windows, and installing what will appear to be garage doors, so that during good weather they will be opened with a slatted air wall inside,” to help regulate sound going onto the Drive. Phelps added that the position of the VJ booth will include a full view of the entire bar, so that the sound and videos can be adjusted at a moment’s notice.

Along with individual video monitors around the bar, there will be a 76-inch screen located at the main bar. “In the center of the main bar will be a retractable stage for performances, so that anyone at any place in the lounge will be able to see from any vantage point,” Phelps explains, adding, “We want to make this a real destination in Wilton Manors.”

Concerning the ever-present Wilton Drive parking issue, Byard says that in addition to a dedicated back lot, “we have already contracted for valet service, so no one will need to worry about getting a ticket or getting towed. We don’t want anyone to worry about that.” Phelps and Byard say they are shooting for an opening before Halloween.

You can view images of the bar construction’s work in progress at villagepubwm.com.

Is it going to be John, Gino, Michael, Paul, or Don? (Sounds a lot like the beginning of “Ghostbusters!”) Make no mistake, though, when you go to 78 Degree Spa, you won’t have to worry about ghosts. In fact, your biggest worry may be about getting addicted. After a day there, all you will want to do is curl up in a corner and realize you have just had the Day of your Life.

For couples, 78 Degree has a great room just for you and your honey, in which to share a relaxing aromatherapy massage (on two tables), with two therapists in one room: You can just feel all of those tensions leaving. This is also a great treat for you and a friend to have a boys’ (or girls’) Jour de Spa—oui? Now, if you work out, try 78 Degree’s sports massage, a far more vigorous approach which also includes stretching, and supports a higher degree of physical training. While there, how about a soothing Herbal Wrap? This will pull impurities from the body—a really great way to pamper yourself, body and soul. In addition, they offer hair removal for eyebrows, ears, back, chest, and everywhere else you can imagine.

Dry and aching feet? Try an aromatherapy hand and foot massage, and add the heated paraffin treatment.

There are just so many things to try at 78 Degree Spa.

Owner John Pimenta has long been involved in the community, and is always onboard to assist the local charities in raising money. “That’s part of being in business,” Pimenta says, in his distinct New England accent. “You have to be involved. You have to be there and to give back, and that’s what we’ve done over the years.”

Pimenta attributes his longevity in Wilton Manors on adaptability and being flexible to the changes in both the economy and the market. “Has it been tough? Sure, but that’s life and you just have to keep pushing on,” he says, philosophically. “I think that’s one of the reasons that we’re still here, you just have to keep looking forward,” Pimenta adds. He is also upbeat about what his clients have to say about 78 Degree Spa:

“I’ve had massages all over the world, and this is the best massage I’ve ever received.”

“I live in New York and travel a lot in my work. I’ve had massages in many places, but this is the best.” “I was considering surgery for my carpal tunnel syndrome, but my pain is gone, and what you’ve taught me will help keep it gone.”

“The environment is so peaceful.” “My pain is gone—I’ll be back.” You see what I mean? Give your body a vacation from life, at 78 Degree Spa, 2153 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors. For more information, visit 78degreespa. com, and tell John or any of his great team that you read about them in Florida Agenda.

In 1864, Henry Wells, founder of Wells Fargo Bank said, “We have one very powerful business rule, it is concentrated in one word: Courtesy.” It’s nice to see that, 144 years after the death of Wells (who also started American Express), that watch word is still very much alive in the bank that bears his name.

The Wilton M a n o r s branch (or “store,” as the company calls its local operations) at Five Points has something of a Gayborhood b a c k s t o r y .

Construction on the b u i l d i n g — located at the conjunction of Wilton Drive, Dixie Highway, and Northeast 26th Street— was started around three years ago, but there was a lengthy gap in construction times. Then all at once, or so it seemed, the building was completed, occupied and staffed as if it had been part of the local scenery for ages.

In June, the Five Points Wells Fargo store participated in the Stonewall Summer Pride Festival and Parade, entering the cavalcade with a beautiful stage coach drawn by four stunning horses. “As a symbol of our heritage, image, and values, we have re-created these beautiful coaches,” says Wilton Manors store manager Mitch Bloom. “We have these placed around the country. The one this year used at Stonewall was brought from Atlanta,” he adds. “Jack, the dog on top of the coach, is so amazing. He is the brother of the original mascot, Jack, who died last year.”

Bloom is proud of his company’s commitment to LGBT rights, and their involvement in the community. As Bloom relates it, twenty five years ago, Wells Fargo made a commitment to create a welcoming workplace environment for LGBT team members. In 1987 Well Fargo included “sexual orientation” in its corporate nondiscrimination statements, and in 1992, the 160-year-old financial services company’s legendary stagecoach made its first LGBTcentered appearance at Los Angeles Pride.

Within the decade (1998), they extended benefits to domestic partners. In 2004, they added “gender-identity and expression” to the non-discrimination policy. In 2010, they became a lead sponsor with GLSEN’s Safe Space campaign, funding 15,000 “Safe Space Kits” to help protect children across the country.

“Wells Fargo has a Pride Team Members Network, which is comprised of not just the LGBT community, but also those who are allies and friends,” says Bloom. “They come out in droves to help with any event that we have. I am the vice president of the team, and am so proud to serve. We have over 70 active members, and they are out there whenever there is an event.” Bloom and his team members keep Henry Wells’ commitment to courtesy and community involvement in the forefront of their minds.

“We are having at least one team at the Poverello Bowl-A-Thon on August 11, and we will have a booth there to answer questions.”

Bloom says that Wells Fargo is committed to helping the individuals who comprise our village in these trying times. “Our Opportunity Package allows someone a new opportunity to have a checking and savings account,” he explains. “If you have had problems with credit, some banks shut you out of the system—that’s not the way we work,” adding, “Every person needs a second chance.”