Florida Agenda

By DALE MADISON

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.

By DALE MADISON

When you hear the words “barber shop,” most people (my age, anyway) think of Floyd, from the old “Andy Griffith Show,” with an old rotating red, white and blue barber pole outside a sleepy little shop. You’ll still find the pole, but nothing that’s remotely “sleepy” at a “cutting edge” (pun intended) salon that has turned the Gayborhood on its ear, MoJo’s Men’s Room on Wilton Drive.

Owner Joe Sansone is the spark that has set his little corner of Wilton Manors’ main drag—at 2348 Wilton Drive—ablaze. For over ten years, Sansone, 33, owned a very successful salon in Boca Raton. “Boca is a very lucrative area, and I did very well. But it just wasn’t what I wanted,” he relates.

“One day, I happened to be in Wilton Manors,” he recalls, “which, by the way, I love this town. Belle Isle [townhomes] had been here for a couple of years, and several things had gone in and out of this location. I drove by and saw the ‘for rent’ sign in the window, made the call, and the next thing you know, I am signing on the proverbial dotted line.”

“The atmosphere here in Wilton Manors is so different from the vibe in Boca Raton,” Sansone says. “That’s not to say anything negative about Boca, but here you have a much younger demographic. It’s sort of—” he pauses for a moment, before adding with a charming, almost rakish smile, “a barber shop surrounded by eye candy.”

He also says that there is more synergy in the Gayborhood among local businesses. “They actually work to promote and support each other here, which is a far different world.”

About his own business, Sansone offers proudly that “MoJo’s is the sort of salon that a man can enter and not feel intimidated. We want everyone to come in and feel relaxed. We have great music and videos, and the staff is amazing.”

Sansone says he comes from a long line of barbers. “My grandfather and his brother moved here from Italy. They opened in Brooklyn, and were a great success. One day my great-uncle turned to my granddad and said, ‘I want to buy you out.’ That was at lunchtime, and by one o’clock the deal was done with a handshake. Then, my grandpa found this space in Manhattan which he really liked. It was in this place called 30 Rockefeller Center, the home of General Electric and NBC—where they film the ‘Today Show.’

“One day, the Chairman of General Electric, then the parent company of NBC, came in for a haircut. Grandpa impressed him so much with the care, the cut and just his general business style that, next thing you know, he had the likes of Jack Parr from the ‘Tonight Show,’ the members of the Rat Pack, and Ronald Reagan as part of his clientele.” We can assume the sense of style and showmanship runs in the family, as does the pride in his craft.

“I am a third generation barber— you notice I said ‘barber,’” said Sansone, as we wrapped things up. “I am proud to be called a barber.”

The Men’s Room is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 9 to 5, and closed on Sunday. Call for an appointment at (954) 566-1350, and know you will not be disappointed.

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By Dale Madison

It’s hard to believe that Wilton Manors Art Walk is now turning seven years old. What began as an art gallery owner’s vision to entice residents to stroll along “the Drive” for an evening of art, wine, and cheese has become a call to action to explore everything that Wilton Manors has to offer, with a new group of owners having plans to grow Art Walk into a citywide event.

Those new owners will look awfully familiar to many locals, as the event was purchased by the Wilton Manors Development Alliance (WMDA) President and CEO, Krishan Manners, and his right hand, WMDA Vice President, Tony LoGrande.

“We would like the Island City Art Walk to expand to encompass the whole city of Wilton Manors, not just Wilton Drive,” says Manners, the event’s new co-owner. “We want to encourage other businesses across the city to get involved in ‘the Walk,’ particularly along Dixie Highway.’” “Over the past six years, it has grown consistently, and we want to see it grow even more,” adds LoGrande.

Art Walk started as a way to expose people who were walking along the Drive to the street’s many art galleries. But just as the Walk kicked off, so did the economic collapse. That didn’t influence the new owners, whose fervor and “drive” is bound to make a difference.

“We don’t want this to be a craft fair but a chance for local artists to come out and show their talents,” Manners explains. “We want to showcase local talent, and we want to sustain this for the community and show the diversity of art.”

Says LoGrande, “We were concerned that if Island City Art Walk were to end, it would be one of those monthly events during season that so many people look forward to, and it is truly a networking event for so many, and also a social event where neighbors get out at a time when the weather is so nice.”

The first Island City Art Walk is scheduled for November 16, and then on the third Friday of every month through April. Galleries or individual artists can get more information by emailing Info@islandcityartwalk.com, or visit Facebook, Island City Art Walk.

“This is a real call to action,” LoGrande says. “We really want to reenergize those talented people in the area to come on board. We want to see more galleries on the Drive, but we also want to see other businesses get involved and host showings of local artists.”

“Through our work at WMDA, we are in the process of finding sponsors to bring the Full Sails Fort Lauderdale project into Wilton Manors,” says Manners. “These boats are 7’ high and 5’ long, and we will have local artists paint them with their special talents and they will be displayed, similar to the ‘Cow Parade’ in Chicago. It would be great to have these lining Wilton Drive – they would benefit the community with art and the businesses with another attraction for visitors.”

By DALE MADISON

Seven years ago, Paul Renaldo witnessed the suffering being experienced at several local food pantries and service agencies, in the aftermath of the Summer of Hurricanes (better known as “2005”). Among these, Shadowood II suffered a significant loss: With no generator, this home for some 70 souls lost all of its clients’ food.

Renaldo—who passed away in April from complications due to pneumonia—was and is better known in the community as “Guido.” A well-recognized photographer, he stepped up to the plate and launched a food drive to help replace those precious foodstuffs.

Hosting a food drive is never easy, but that first “Guido to the Rescue,” with the help of many of the house drag performers at Monkey Business Bar on North Andrews Avenue, collected over 1,000 pounds of food.

Despite Guido’s passing, his efforts on behalf of others will continue. This weekend, Guido’s Annual Canned Food Drive will continue the legacy of a man who was dedicated to helping others.

“Guido was truly one in a million,” says Gus Sanchez, the owner of Monkey Business. “At one time, we thought that we wouldn’t continue, since Guido was gone. Many of our loyal customers kept asking, ‘What are you going to do to honor Guido?’

Then one day it hit me: Let’s keep his name going with the Canned Food Drive, and our goal this year is for at least 1,000 pounds of food. We can take canned goods or dry goods like pasta.”

This year’s event will support Pantry of Broward, which helps both the homeless and the elderly. “Our shelves are nearly empty,” said one pantry volunteer who asked not to be named. “I’ve volunteered here for nearly two years, and I have never seen it like this. Times are tough, and people have really cut back on donations.

We just can’t help all those who need the support of our services.” Says Sanchez, “Between now and Sunday [October 14], people can drop off items, and each donation will receive a free raffle ticket. On the final day we will draw the winner at 3 p.m.” According to Sanchez, plans are still in the works to continue the “Sleazy Awards,” which Guido started 10 years ago (when he was published “Rimmer” magazine), once again to support local charities.

“We’re looking to make the ‘Sleazies’ another annual event, to once again remind people of how big the ‘little guy’ from New York was, and what a difference he made in so many lives here in our community,” adds Sanchez. Monkey Business is located at 2740 N Andrews Ave., Wilton Manors. For more information, call (954) 514-7819.

By DALE MADISON

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.

By DALE MADISON

On September 23, Women In Distress of Broward County (WID) held a fundraising event at Lips Cabaret: The Ultimate in Drag Dining (1421 E Oakland Park Blvd, Oakland Park). The evening, entitled “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” was a tribute to the late Whitney Houston and Donna Summer, a one-night event that was a virtual sellout, and helped to generate nearly $6,000 for the organization, the only nationally accredited, state-certified, full service domestic violence center serving Broward County.

The Ladies of Lips performed such classics as “Last Dance,” “Bad Girls,” “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” “Step by Step,” and “I Will Always Love You,” and the cast included show hostess Nicolette, and performers April, Alexis, Martina, Champagne, and others. As well as the stage show, a Silent Auction also helped rake in extra funds, and the entertainers donated their tips to benefit the cause, which in this case will support the agency’s 24-hour crisis intervention hotline and emergency shelter, as well as counseling and support for victims and their children. WID also provides education and professional training about the tragedy of domestic violence and related topics in Broward County schools and in the community.

“Women In Distress is very grateful to Lips and other businesses that support our mission of keeping families safe,” said Mary Riedel, the agency’s president and CEO. “This event is always enjoyed and looked forward to by our supporters and we, of course, look forward to the funds that are raised to help keep the families safe with support groups and emergency shelter,” she added.

The organization’s name is something of a misnomer, as they assist not only women, but men and transgendered people who are in personal distress. They have extended their umbrella to an increasing need in the community.

“We have really grown in the last few years,” one attendee—who left before I could get her name, shame on both of us—told me. “Of course, we were an advocate for women to protect them from abusive relationships, but we’ve seen a need to expand our services, and we are truly elated that we have been so accepted, and that we have been able to help so many others in need.” Lips superstar Diva created the Glitz & Glam fundraiser in 2010 to benefit Women in Distress. Each year the event has a different theme, but a single purpose: to help Women in Distress with a great meal, a great time, and the talent of the Ladies of Lips.

For more information about Women in Distress of Broward County, Inc., visit womenindistress.org. For more about Lips Caberet, and to make reservations, visit lipsusa.com.

By DALE MADISON

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.

By Dale Madison

Few individuals have been as vocal and visible as Terry De Carlo, a familiar face to both community members and colleagues in the non-profit sector, in which Terry has worked admirably and with dedication for two decades, with a focus on HIV-AIDS.

De Carlo, the Director of Development for Broward House (the county’s oldest and largest HIV/AIDS service organization), previously worked with Care Resource, helping to produce the nearly 30-year-old White Party, one of the world’s “crown jewel” circuit parties attended by thousands of hot international men who come to Miami for a magical weekend of dancing, food, and, of course, a few cocktails.

It would surprise many people who know of DeCarlo’s grinding work schedule that he lives with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), a condition that has reduced his lung capacity by 60 percent. But—like the Energizer Bunny—he just keeps on going. He helps organize Broward House’s successful community events, including the wildly popular “Amazing Race,” and “Broward Bares It” fundraiser benefiting persons with HIV/AIDS.

“We once again produced ‘Broward Bares It’ at the Seminole Hard Rock, and we once again had a sold out crowd,” says DeCarlo. “It is a major production. You just can’t put people out there on a stage—you have to rehearse and work with sound and lighting. It has to be done right,” he adds.XXX “Our first year, we had 3,000 people and then our next year we had to move to the Passion Room, and now, with the growing popularity, we hope this year to move to the Paradise Theatre,” he explains. “For me, it’s been a labor of love to see this grow.”

Like all great motivators, DeCarlo knows success, in life and work, is a team effort. “My rock is my husband, Bill Huelsman,” he says without hesitation. “We have now been together for 16 years, and he has been there every step of the way.” Are there challenges to a long-term, successful partnership, we wonder? “So far, there has been no ‘water-boarding,’” DeCarlo jokes, “and I love him to death.”

DeCarlo and the Broward House team have lined up world class entertainment to help raise community awareness for its projects and the clients it assists. As well as the smashing success of Typhoon Lagoon during June’s Orlando Gay Days, “We are bringing in Wanda Sykes for a [December 2] concert at the Broward Center, and we just booked Joan Rivers for June 2013,” he says with barely contained excitement. “Last year, we had a fantastic turnout with Margaret Cho, and each year we try to step it up,” he explains, and adds, “But, frankly, it comes back to one thing: We have to get the message out that HIV is still out there, and is still a threat.”

To learn more about Terry DeCarlo and the ongoing community efforts of Broward House, as well as its many fun and supportive activities, visit browardhouse.org.

By Dale Madison

One of the things to know about John Zieba and Cliff Mulcahy, the owners of Wilton Manors’ popular Rosie’s Bar and Grill, is that success did not come for them overnight. When Zieba and Mulcahy first met, they were students at the University of Miami. At the time, they were working for the same software company, but each possessed that entrepreneurial drive.

“We initially looked at Subway,” recalls Zieba, “because they have a very strong franchise system. We really wanted something more than just subs and chips, and then we heard about Hamburger Mary’s.” The themed gay eatery was worth a look for the professional pair.

“We did our due diligence, and decided we liked the look of the menu, and we moved forward,” adds Mulcahy with a smile. After an extensive search, they found an abandoned Burger King location [at 2249 Wilton Drive] in the little community of Wilton Manors, and in December 2002 they opened their Hamburger Mary’s franchise on Wilton Drive.

“At the time it was the right way to go,” Zieba remembers. “It has what we call an ‘instant market,’ something built-in to drive customers in.”

But, adds Mulcahy, “We just didn’t see that much support from the franchisor, so we chose to temporarily close and to shuffle the menu, remodel, and rename and rebrand as Rosie’s Bar and Grill. It’s been a great decision.” Beginning with their time as a Hamburger Mary’s franchisee, the two understood the importance of giving back to the community.

“If you want to really make a statement of your commitment, you have to lead,” Zieba explains. “We got involved with many organizations. [For instance], we have been major donors for the Smart Ride, which raises money for several Florida HIV/AIDS service organizations, with 100 percent of the funds raised going right back into the community.

“We provide breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as supporting the Smart Ride with staffing for the 176-mile ride from Miami to Key West,” Zieba notes. “We make a stop at Hawks Cay, and then up the next morning and on to Key West. I have to say it is amazing to see the amount of love and support once arrive in Key West,” he adds.

Mulcahy notes that, “In addition, we also provide support for the Poverello Center and their annual Bowl-A-Thon, and many other community groups.”

The pair says they welcome the addition of new eateries and watering holes in the Gayborhood. “The more businesses that open, the more likely people will come and spend an afternoon or evening on the Drive,” says Mulcahy, as he jumps up to bus a table in the soon-to-be-packed dining room.

Mark your calendar now for Rosie’s 10-Year Anniversary weekend, December 7, 8, and 9, and help these great guys celebrate an amazing decade of making a difference in our community. Tell them Florida Agenda sent you.

By DALE MADISON

Matt Auslander is no stranger the bar and grill business. For years, he was the general manager at venerable Wilton Manors staple Georgie’s Alibi. Thinking that the grass might be greener out west, Auslander decided to pull up stakes and give Las Vegas a spin. As he likes to put it, he soon learned “there ain’t much grass in Vegas.”

After about a year in the arid Intermountain West, he returned to Fort Lauderdale. It wasn’t his first stop on the ‘service train,’ one that first pulled away from the station almost 30 years ago. “My first foray into the hospitality business was in 1985,” the native of Manhattan recalled. “There was a restaurant in my neighborhood that I frequented. I was in one night and the maitre d’ came up to me and asked, “Do you want to work here?” Auslander turned out to be a “quick study.”

“I began as a server, then two days later I was promoted to bar back. I worked in that position, and then two days later I started bartending. I worked one summer for Julius in [Greenwich] Village [located about a block from the historic Stonewall Inn]—which was a real happening spot and I then in 1994 I moved to Fort Lauderdale.”

Auslander worked at Club Elektra in Fort Lauderdale, and eventually to that Gayborhood standard, the Alibi. The experience would leave an impression. “Having worked for George at the Alibi, it gave me the freedom to go to another part of my career. I got to work in Saint Pete, and then opened Alibi Palm Springs, which was a great experience, but I really wanted my own place.”

That place would be Matty’s on the Drive, which he would locate at the northern tip of Wilton Drive, within throwing distance of Five Points. Auslander is proud of his accomplishment. “Since we opened four years ago, we have won ‘Best New Bar’ in 2008, in 2009 we won ‘Best Signature Martini,’ and in 2012, ‘Best Bar,” he noted before adding, “and now onto the next frontier.”

Ironically, that next frontier takes him back to where it began. “We recently purchased the former Oscar Wilde bar,” in New York City’s Manhattan, “and while we are still working on the details, we are very excited about the addition,” Auslander says.

Even as he plans for expansion to the New York tavern, Auslander is determined to provide great service to his existing local patrons. “We have our employee Turn-About show coming up October 15, and we will be heavily involved with Wicked Wilton Halloween on the 31st, including a dance floor and”— now hear this—“a castle we are building to coincide with the theme,” he said, adding ‘wickedly,’ “Anything can happen in the Castle.”

Last Sunday, September 23, Auslander celebrated a birthday, which he insists makes him one year closer to 40. That “extra” year has made him a little wiser, too, and made him one of the community’s business owners who help make Wilton Manors a destination spot. Stop in and say hi to Auslander at Matty’s on the Drive, located at 2426 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors.