January 28, 2018April 1, 2018 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Interviews

KERMIT CARPENTER

Kermit Carpenter—master of the key lime pie—reveals what he did for 25 years on a corner, and who taught him to make his famous pies

Where did you grow up? In West Virginia until the eighth grade. Then, in Maryland. How long have you lived in South Florida? For 30 years. Why did you move here? For the warm weather. What part of South Florida do you live in? Key West. What do you like most about living here? The weather—the sun always shines—and the friendly people. What Key West venue do you miss that’s gone? Fast Buck Freddie. Where do you hang out in Key West? Any great Key West restaurant, such as Flaming Buoy, Onlywood or Azur. What’s your claim-to-fame? Twenty-five years working on the corner.

Kermit’s Key Lime Orange Marmalade is a delicious way to add some excitement to your breakfast.

Who are you named after? Teddy Roosevelt had a son named Kermit. He was in the news—he passed away the year I was born. My mom had run out of family names by the time I came along. So, I was named, “Kermit.” How did you learn to make key lime pie? My grandmother taught me how to make it. What are your favorite products at Kermit’s? Mango Strawberry Jelly, Corn Relish, Green Tomato Relish, and Sesame Seed Dressing. All of them have a taste of key lime. I start my day with jelly on toast, I have the salad dressing on my lunch, and I have chips with relish at night for a snack. Will you ever retire? No. And the employees will end up with the store, so that they can continue the tradition.

How would you like to be remembered? As someone who enjoyed life. What’s the weirdest question that a fan has asked? “Can I move in with you?” What celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? Robin Roberts. What politician don’t you like? All of them. If you saw one of them drowning, would you save him or her? That’s a hard one. What’s your favorite drink? Red wine. What’s your most treasured possession? My mom’s violin (which I can’t play). Do you believe in ghosts? Maybe more in spirits or angels. Either living or dead, who would you love to have lunch with? Vicky “Tory” Pribble, my angel. What’s the last thing that you looked at online? A hand-sink for my new store in Key West. What’s the best place that you’ve visited, and why? Rome, because of the food, and it’s a great place to walk.

What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? Patience. What did you learn from your parents? Respect. What performer do you admire, and why? Bruno Mars, because he’s an unbelievable talent. How do you enjoy spending your time? I enjoy working 24/7, because I love what I’m doing. What celebrity do you have a crush on? Robin Roberts. Who do you admire, and why? I admire people who have strong personalities and know where they’re going. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be? No way. Where would you go in a time machine, and why? I’d go back to my youth, and I’d smack myself for not listening to good advice. What would your last meal be? Pizza.

What do you worry about? Hurricanes. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be? A piano. I love to sit in a restaurant with live music. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? A sheep. Who depends on you, and for what? My dog, and best friend, “Pirate.” Who are you closest with? My dog. What would your autobiography be called? Pie Master. What music do you listen to when you’re upset? None. What’s on your bucket list? My first cruise on October 18^th—out of Rome—to visit four Greek islands… Plus more! What’s your greatest regret in life? Not getting focused soon enough. What’s something that you never told anyone else? That I love myself. Where can we see you? On the Koningsdam, on October 18. I’ll make you a pie.

January 16, 2018April 1, 2018 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Interviews

GUY DEGIACINTO

Canadian native and West Palm DJ Guy DeGiacinto talks about unsnapping bras at The Palace and what he’d do for a day if he was Oprah

PHOTOGRAPH BY GUY BROOKSBANK PHOTOGRAPHY

Where did you grow up? In Cornwall, Ontario, which is the same city that Ryan Gosling is from. How long have you lived in South Florida? For three years. Why did you move here? To escape the brutal Canadian winters. What part of South Florida do you live in? We live in a community called Andros Isles, in West Palm Beach. What do you like most about living here? Until early January 2018, I would have said the warm weather (laughs)! What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone? The Copa. Where do you hang out in South Florida? Mostly in our yard by the pool, which is like a mini-jungle. It’s filled with many different types of orchids. What’s claim-to-fame? A DJ at many different venues, including Gay Days and Le Stud. How would you like to be remembered? As kind, compassionate and empathetic. Will you ever retire? Not as long as I remain relevant and my passion doesn’t become my “job.”

The Stapleton Guide is a travel guide to Orlando, Walt Disney World and all the other attractions in Central Florida.

Who would you like to be for a day? Oprah, and the day when she yelled to the audience, “You get a car! You get a car! You get a car…! Everybody gets a car!!” Do you believe in the afterlife? Yes. Who or what is the greatest love of your life? My husband, Charlie DeGiacinto. What talent would you most like to have? To be a good singer. What talent do you admire in other DJs? Their ingenious creativity, and the ability to remain approachable and well-grounded (for those that do). What kind of music do you like that might surprise people? French-Canadian folklore music. What’s your dream gig? Headlining at World Pride. What’s the weirdest question that a fan has asked? “Could you unstrap my bra so that I can let these babies out to bounce to your phat beats?” That was said to me at The Palace. What celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? Madonna. What’s the last thing that you looked at online? Beatport.com, to buy some new music.

What the best place that you’ve visited, and why? Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. It’s a Pacific Coast city that’s very gay friendly, and I loved being part of nature, with the many species of wildlife. What did you learn from your parents? To always treat everyone with respect. What performer do you admire, and why? Charles Aznavour. He is 93-years-old and still performing. He could have retired a wealthy man many years ago, but his life is his music, and he will perform until the very end. What’s your best characteristic? That I’m an eternal optimist. How do you enjoy spending your time? Producing music in the studio, hanging out by the pool in our yard, scuba diving, travelling, and learning something new. What celebrity do you have a crush on? Well, until recently, it was Kevin Spacey. But I’ve always had a crush on Tom Selleck as well. Who do you admire, and why? I admire Tony Moran. He’s a legendary singer, music producer and DJ, but somehow he’s remained grounded, approachable and such a nice person.

If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be, and why? My mom. She passed when I was 15, and I never got to come out to her. And—although I know she accepted me unconditionally—I would have loved to spend more time as an adult with her, which is when we develop a special friendship with our parents. Where would you go in a time machine, and why? Actually, I wouldn’t be going that far back. I’d like to return to the Olympia Theater in Paris in 1960 to see my all-time favorite singer Edith Piaf live in concert. What would your last meal be? Definitely a large pepperoni pizza with double everything! What do you worry about? Getting old, and remaining relevant in a youthful industry. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be? An accordion. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? A wolf. Who depends on you, and for what? Our white miniature schnauzer, Cody! I take care of him as my child, as he really is the child I never had.

Who are you closest with? Our friends Jim and Jerry, my BFF Karen Torrie-Racine (who’s someone I don’t see often), and my husband Charlie. What would your autobiography be called? Aucuns Regrets. What music do you listen to when you’re upset? French music—like Edith Piaf, Charles Aznavour and Michel Sardou. What’s on your bucket list? To visit and DJ in Australia. What’s your greatest regret in life? I was asked by my ex-partner in the 90s to choose between my music or a relationship. At the time, I chose the relationship, but somehow I lost both, because I wasn’t happy without my music. What’s something that you never told anyone else? I once dated a high school teacher, who, after I fell in love with him, told me that he was really a priest. I was crushed. Where can we see you? At Gay Days in Orlando, from May 30^th to June 4^th. The details about my set will be posted online very soon!

January 2, 2018April 1, 2018 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Interviews

MICHAEL TRONN – PART 2

In a two-part exclusive, founding club kid, artist and promoter Michael Tronn tells us why he’d like to travel into the future, and how reanimating evil could help save the world

What Los Angeles venue do you miss that’s gone? “Osko’s,” a.k.a., “The Zoo.” I never made it there, but the film Thank God It’s Friday was shot there, and it looks amazing! What’s the best event that you produced in Los Angeles, and why? Halloween at Avalon was incredible. I transformed the old theater into a haunted house, complete with a castle façade. We also had gruesome acts of dismemberment in the lobby and dozens of chandeliers made of skeleton bones hanging over the dancefloor. What opportunity did Miami miss out on? Developing an industry other than tourism and retail. The worst offense is the missed opportunity to have The Whitney Museum from New York open a Miami branch. What project are you the proudest of? I’d like to think it hasn’t happened yet. However, I’m very proud of my two major solo art shows in Miami. How would you like to be remembered? As a good person who helped heal the world. Will you ever retire? That’s unlikely, but I’ll take long sabbaticals to travel and create art. What’s the last thing that you looked at online? The Studio 54 book by Ian Schrager.

David Bethune’s homage to the incredible murals of Miami’s Wynwood district, the largest collection of street art in the United States

What’s the best place that you’ve visited, and why? Petra, in Jordan. To have seen firsthand this city from 312 BC, which was carved into a mountain, was awesome and awe-inspiring. It’s an incredible feat of designing and engineering. What did you learn from your parents? Love, tenacity and creativity. What performer do you admire, and why? As cheesy as it is to say, the greatest showman of our time is Madonna.
Obviously, it’s not innovative to cite her, but nobody else has so many facets, and nobody else has done it the same way. Most people don’t see all the hidden meaning—the subconscious—that’s in her art. This is especially true with the Music album, which is laden with numerical, color, and geometrical symbolism, and the video for “What It Feels Like for a Girl,” where every shot contains a visual riddle about spirituality and Kabbalah. What are your best characteristics? Creativity, empathy and spiritual understanding. How do you enjoy spending your time? Creating art and literature, plotting my mission out, meditating in the sun, and swimming in the clear ocean when it’s like bathwater. What celebrity do you have a crush on? Matt Bomer and James Franco.

Who do you admire, and why? Everyone who’s courageous enough to be unique who’s brave enough to think both deeply and critically. Specifically, Jesus, Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Buddha, Albert Einstein, Helen Keller, Rumi and Carl Sagan. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be, and why? The worst person in the world—and you can fill in the blank there—and Jesus. I believe that after we leave this body, we’re able to see ourselves in hindsight clearly. If I brought back a malevolent spirt, with everything that’s going on in the world right now, he or she could teach all of the prejudiced, hateful, scared-shitless people how wrong being that way is. And, hopefully, they would listen. As far as Jesus goes, I’d expect that the bigots who think they’re very “Christian” would deny Jesus if He told them to stop acting that way, which is pathetic and tragic.

Where would you go in a time machine, and why? I’d travel to the future—and I’d go as far as I’d have to go—when there’s peace on earth. I’d go there because I want to see what I want the world “to be.” What would your last meal be? As reprehensible as it is to admit it, I love the taste and texture of fois gras. I learned about it as a child, way before I knew how it was made. I feel very bad for the geese, but I can’t say that it’s not delicious. What do you worry about? How I can be a catalyst to help cure the ignorance of mankind. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be, and why? I can’t be just one; I have too many sides. I’d be the flute, the electric guitar, the Theremin, a giant gong, a crystal singing bowl, an organ, and a sitar. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? I’m a sheep in wolf’s clothing. I’m soft and sweet on the inside, but I have to be strong on the outside to get things done. Who depends on you, and for what? My friends and family. I give them love, support, unconditional loyalty, and I help them make decisions (when they ask for it).

Who are you closest with? My immediate family. What would your autobiography be called? Probably Fuck Shame. Strip Fear. Do you ever put music on when you’re upset? Yes. I listen to lots of downtempo electronica, plus, my go-to’s—Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of The Moon, Tracy Chapman’s New Beginnings, Audioslave, Moby, Deva Premal, meditation music and Creed. What’s on your bucket list? To accomplish all of my artistic goals. That way, I’ll leave a legacy that helps transform mass ignorance and fear into mass understanding, wisdom, acceptance, love and enlightenment for every soul in the entire universe. Also, I’d like to publish the children’s book that I’ve been working on, which is about the universe. What’s your greatest regret in life? That I can’t stay younger, longer. But it’s not for vanity. I need more time to accomplish my goal. Can you tell me something that you never told anyone else? Maybe one day. Where can we see you? At michaeltronn.com and michaeltronnfineart.com. And, always, at the Bareback Follies at El Tucan.

December 25, 2017April 1, 2018 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Interviews

MICHAEL TRONN – PART 1

In a two-part exclusive, founding club kid, artist and promoter Michael Tronn tells us what South Beach was like before the Versace era, before letting us into the elite world of some of New York’s and Miami’s hottest clubs

Where did you grow up? In New York, across the street from The Metropolitan Museum of Art. How long have you lived in South Florida? I moved here in 1997, but I was visiting here since about 90’ or 91’. What was South Beach like then? My first trip was fairly spontaneous, and I knew nothing about South Beach except that it was a cool, secret spot for New Yorkers and fashion people. This was before Versace, before Lincoln Road—the place was virtually a ghost town. Back then, the Versace mansion was a run-down apartment building for seniors. Ocean Drive was lined with elderly people in plastic chairs sunning themselves with reflectors under their chins. The only things that were going on then were photo shoots and some very hedonistic nightclubs, such as Warsaw and Paragon. Why did you move here? I decided that if I could get a good job at one of five companies that I was interested in, then I would move permanently—and I did. Liquid hired me to be the new creative and marketing director, and I stayed in Miami from then on. What part of South Florida do you live in? When I’m in Miami, I live in South Beach.

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What do you like most about living here? The ocean, the air, and the amazing memories that I have of South Beach’s heyday, such as the beginning of Wynwood. Where do you hang out in South Florida, and why? I don’t hang out at any one spot like I did in the past, but I find that Wynwood is the most interesting neighborhood. In some ways, Churchill’s is my favorite. What’s your claim-to-fame? I was one of the co-creators of the “Club Kid” scene in New York. That was in 1987. I also promoted and/or launched many notable clubs in New York such as Tunnel, The World, the Red Zone, Mars, The Saint, Studio 54, Roxy and MK. In Miami, I’m known as the director of Liquid, building and launching the Ice Palace Film Studios, launching Crobar and promoting ANTHEM Sundays there, opening the restaurants Rumi and Studio, and for having my own art space in Wynwood. How did you come up with your name? People think I made my last name up, but Tronn is an old Russian family name. Whose fashion look do you admire, and why? I much prefer style over designer clothes, and I always have. My favorite style idol is Iris Apfel. She’s 100 percent unique and real, and she dresses only for herself.

What’s your favorite place that you’ve lived? It’s a tie between Miami from 1991 to 2006—there was never anything as amazing as that, and I don’t think there ever will be again—and New York in the 70s and 80s. That period was New York’s golden age in so many ways. What New York venues do you miss that are gone? Palladium, The World, Area, Danceteria, Mother and Studio 54. What are your favorite events that you’ve produced in New York, and why? Well, I’ve produced over 1,000 events, but three New York events stand out: one, a hair-sculpture completion at Tunnel (we had salon tables in the basement… the creations were amazing). Two, the opening night of the “It” party at The World (I had the entire first floor done in tin foil as a tribute to The Factory, the entire stairwell—including the floor—was painted with the sky and clouds as a tribute to Magritte, the top floor was designed and decorated red as a tribute to Diana Vreeland, and I had mountain climbers rappel down the face of the building while the crowd waited for the doors to open). And, three, the opening Night of Crobar New York (the production was over-the-top, and we had 15,000 people).

What South Florida venues do you miss that are gone? Warsaw and Paragon. Warsaw is a heartbreaking loss. At least the site of the original Paragon became Level, and then Mansion [it closed in 2016]. But Paragon really is the best venue in Miami. What are your favorite events that you’ve produced in Miami, and why? Once again, there are three major standouts: the Grand Opening of Crobar, which was insane. I had a $70,000 budget, and I staged a car wreck out in front with live models—people still talk about it today. The “White Starz” party at The Coconut Grove Convention Center, where I not only transformed the entire space, but I had Yoko Ono perform in between the sets of Junior Vasquez and Tony Moran. And “GUIDO” on Fridays at Liquid, which was in the VIP lounge. We had immersive themes there each week, such as a “Bollywood” wedding, and it became the place for major fashion launches.

Stay tuned for PART 2 next week…

December 17, 2017April 1, 2018 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Interviews

TONY DEE

Twenty-seven years ago, Tony Dee started it all in Wilton Manors with Chardees. As he’s about to re-open the historic venue, he tells us what “The Drive” was like in its infancy.

Where did you grow up? In Dix Hills, Long Island. How long have you lived in South Florida? I moved her in 1969. Back then, I could have bought the whole state for probably $50,000 (laughs). Well, make it $49,999. I always like a discount. Why did you move here? I had a chain of men’s hair salons in Long Island, but I always wanted to live in Florida. I came down here for a Christmas party one year, and I was sold. I was like, “it’s Christmas, and people are wearing bathing suits?” It blew my mind to see that, coming from all that snow. I bought a home in southwest Miami, and that was the beginning of it. What part of South Florida do you live in? I live in Wilton Station. I’m a one-man-show, and I’ve always have been. I’m five minutes away from my work. What do you like most about living here? The weather and Wilton Manors. I’ll never leave here. What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone? For me, personally, it would be Chardees. I’m not a bar person, and I never was—I don’t drink. So I never really went to the other places. Where do you hang out in South Florida, and why? I love Galanga—it’s a Thai restaurant. I also love What The Pho? and Sea and Olive.

You mentioned that you owned salons. Were you a stylist? Yes. My full name is Anthony Deriggi, but everyone kept getting my last name wrong, so I said, just call me Tony “Dee.” I was the hairdresser for the male stars at the Westbury Music Fair. I styled all the stars that didn’t have a personal stylist. What’s your claim–to–fame? When I first started looking at property in Wilton Manors, it was desolate. Nothing was there. I had a vision of a New York supper club, with music and entertainment. We opened Chardees on October 1, 1990—I was the first there. I booked Eartha Kitt within six months, and then it just took off. But it was a lot of work; it took a lot of renovations. I mean, you still had the air conditioner in the window. Things like that. And here we are, 27 years later. How did you come up with the name “Chardees”? My former business partner’s first name—he died—was “Charlie.” So, we combined “Charlie” with “Dee,” for me, and we got “Chardees.” How would you like to be remembered? Honesty, it’s corny, but I’d like to be remembered as someone who did it their way. Will you ever retire? I’m a workaholic, so I don’t see that in the near future. What’s the last thing that you looked at online? I don’t do it. Call me and I’ll talk to you. What’s the best place that you’ve visited, and why? Greece in the 1950s, and then followed by Italy and Spain.

WITH ANDY MARTIN – PHOTOGRAPH BY GENE HUSZCZA

What did you learn from your father? How to pay your bills on time. Where you think your drive comes from? I don’t know. My parents moved around on Long Island a lot—it was just the three of us. I used to joke that I came home from the army—I wasn’t in the armed services—but they’d moved. Maybe it comes from husting from place to place…? Are you an only child? Yes, and I’m adopted as well. I was adopted when I was two and a half years old. I never met my biological parents. What performer do you admire? Eartha Kitt was the best I ever worked with. I never saw her before or after that one time, but she was the best. Who’s the most exciting person you ever had dinner with? Elizabeth Taylor. I flew to New York for it, and it was about 12 of us. How do you enjoy spending your time? I enjoy spending time with my husband, Andy. I’m two different people. I’m one way at home, and another way at work. I’m very high strung, but Andy calms me. What celebrity do you have a crush on? Ricky Martin. What do you admire in others? Honesty. Whatever you have to say, just say it. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be, and why? Liberace. He was one of my all-time favorites. I had a lot of down time backstage with him throughout the years, and if you take away all the glitz and the glamour, he was just such a nice and kind human being. And he was so talented.

WITH GLENDA GRAINGER – PHOTOGRAPH BY GENE HUSZCZA

What would your last meal be? A cowboy ribeye from the Council Oak at the Hard Rock. What do you worry about? I worry about aging and the future, because I’ve been healthy all my life. I worry about pain and suffering that’s inflicted on others. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be, and why? A piano. It’s my favorite instrument. Who depends on you? No one. Who are you closest with? Andy, and a number of friends, and one cousin. If this cousin died, I don’t know what I’d do. What would your autobiography be called? I Did It My Way. Do you ever put music on when you’re upset? No. If I’m upset, I work or I put on a rerun of the original Will and Grace. What’s on your bucket list? To do whatever I have to to make sure that Andy succeeds with Chardees. I own the building, but he owns the business, so it’s easy to get rent from the tenant (laughs). What’s your greatest regret in life? Not having children. Can you tell me something that you never told anyone else? I worked with George Hamilton once, but this was when he was younger. And when I worked with him, he was in his underwear. I can tell you that it was hard to keep my hands to myself that day. Where can we see you? Most nights, you can see me at Chardees.

December 3, 2017April 1, 2018 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Interviews

CATHY CRAIG

After performing in South Florida for over 30 years, few have the tenure that Cathy Craig does. Here, she regales about the Marlin Beach Hotel, the state of drag, and what her dream role is.

Where did you grow up? In Cleveland, Ohio. They call Cleveland the “mistake on the lake,” but I don’t know why. There’s fabulous education, medical facilities, museums, theater… How long have you lived in South Florida? Since 1984. What part of South Florida do you live in? I used to live in Fort Lauderdale, but I now live in Pompano Beach, in the Lighthouse Point area. What do you like most about living here? The weather, and the many wonder friends that I’ve met both on-and-off-the-stage and in retail. What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone? Of all the places that are gone from South Florida, the ones that I miss the most are Bobby Wynn’s restaurant, The Copa, and, of course, the wonderful Marlin Beach Hotel. Where do you hang out in South Florida? The restaurants and little shops in Wilton Manors, The Pub and the Coconut Creek Casino. What’s your claim–to–fame? I’ve won many Dixie Awards and a few titles along the way, but the thing that’s special to me was when I awarded the honorary Miss Florida Female Impersonator award in 2014. I also won a Lucille Ball lookalike contest over nine women at the Coconut Creek Casino, and it caused a scandal.

Tipsy Elves Men’s Ugly Christmas Sweater – Censored Santa Christmas Sweater

How did you come up with your name? The first time I ever dressed up, I called myself “Lorraine.” Someone [Treva Trash] came over to me and asked me what my name was. I told her that it was Lorraine, but she said that I looked more like a “Cathy.” “Big Mama” gave me my last name, “Craig,” after Dr. Craig from General Hospital. Who’s the best drag queen or all time, and why? I’ve had many inspirations, but the one who comes to mind is Charles Pierce. He paved the way for a lot of entertainers, including RuPaul and Divine. He really brought drag to the forefront. Who’s the best national drag queen right now, and why? RuPaul, because of the road he’s paving for entertainers. Who’s the best local drag queen right now? There are so many, I don’t know where to begin. To name a few, I would say Nikki Adams, Tiffany Arrieaugus, Elektra, Amanda Austin, Dee Dee Van Carter, Francesca Richards, Sharde Ross and Brittany Moore. But I could go on for days… What was your favorite gig, and why? I’ll tell you two stories. I remember performing at the Marlin Beach Hotel with Nikki Adams, and I finished my number UNDERWATER (you could see underwater from the downstairs bar) so that everybody outside of the pool could watch. I made $1,000 in tips that night. I also played The Queen of Hearts at the Flagler Museum, and no one knew that I was a man until the press leaked it.

Do you think that drag is becoming too mainstream? No. I got into this to become mainstream. I would love to be in films and TV, either in or out of drag. How would you like to be remembered? As a good entertainer, a wonderful person and someone who was always available when needed. Will you ever retire? I don’t feel that I’ll ever retire. I’ve performed for over 40 years, and I don’t plan on retiring anywhere in the near future. What’s the last thing that you looked at online? The last thing that I looked up online, unfortunately, was about an ailment—and that’s not funny. What’s the best place that you’ve visited? I’ve been many places, but my favorites are Las Vegas and cruises. What’s your favorite movie? Mame, with Lucille Ball, of course. I’m such a fan of hers. What drives you crazy? Dishonesty. Just lay it on the table and suffer the consequences. Also, backstabbing. If I’m not fond of you, I’ll tell you. How would you feel if your pet was the master in heaven, and you were the pet? I have a wonderful little chihuahua, and I would think that I would be very lucky in heaven, because I knew that I was going to be spoiled.

Would you give a kidney to a relative or close friend? You better believe I would. But they better watch out, because I’m getting close to Depends age. How do you most enjoy spending your time? Going with my friends to movies, out to dinner and to thrift stores. As long as you have friends, you have everything. Who do you admire? Someone who’s not afraid to take a chance. They say to “take the bull by the horns,” but I was sometimes afraid that I would get stabbed. Where would you go in a time machine, and why? I would go to the past and I would change a few things. I would have been more prepared for retirement, I would have fearlessly pursued a larger career, and I would have taken care of my health. What would your last meal be? Probably macaroni and cheese made with fontina and gorgonzola. What do you worry about? I worry about the future and that no one will remember me. I also worry that I won’t be able to enjoy the rest of my life. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be, and why? I’d be the piano. It’s the only instrument you really need. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? A sheep with a fluffy coat.

Who depends on you, and for what? It’s always been in my personality that I like people to depend on me. But the older I get, the less those people are around or they’ve passed on. Now I’m becoming the one who needs somebody. What would your autobiography be called? It would be called Laughing Large. Do you ever put music on when you’re upset? When I’m upset or depressed, I usually put something spiritual on. Or maybe just a fabulous female soul singer. What’s on your bucket list? I still have a lot of things on my bucket list. I always wanted to play Rose in Gypsy. What’s your greatest regret in life? My greatest regret in life is not ever having a long-term lover and not learning to play the piano. But not necessarily in that order. Tell me something that you’ve never told anyone else. That sometimes when I’m laughing on the outside, I’m crying on the inside. Where can we see you? On Facebook at William Lewis or at Cathy Craig Female Impersonator. You can also see some of my performances on YouTube.

November 12, 2017April 1, 2018 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Interviews

SUE MARTINO

From the incipiency of the Big Bang, to standing on the equator, humanitarian Sue Martino has a lot of things on her mind, including a humane vision for all of Florida’s sheltered pets

Where did you grow up? In New York City. How long have you lived in South Florida? Since August 2006. Why did you move here? A business partner asked me to operate and manage a few of his small hotels in Fort Lauderdale beach. What part of South Florida do you live in? In Wilton Manors. What do you like most about living here? I think I like the weather most. Second would be the openness. What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone? The Copa and the tea dances at the beach. Where do you hang out in South Florida, and why? I patronize the restaurants and shops on Wilton Drive. I also enjoy meeting friends at the small neighborhood bars such as Smarty Pants and Mona’s. What’s your claim-to-fame? Heading up the Pet Project. What was your first pet? A dog named “Fluffy.” What’s your favorite pet? I love all of my pets—past, present and future.

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How many pets do you think The Pet Project has serviced? Over the past 15 years, I’m sure over 20,000. Are you a vegetarian? No. How would you like to be remembered? As a person who cared and wanted to make a difference in the lives of animals and in the lives of humans who are disabled, ill or aging. Will you ever retire? No, I don’t think so. I have too much to accomplish yet. What’s the last thing that you looked at online? My emails. What’s the best place that you’ve visited, and why? So far, it would have to be Disney World. It’s the “happiest place on earth,” and I love the magic! For a foreign trip, it would have to be the Panama Canal. What an amazing part of the world. The beauty, the two connecting oceans, the vessels that sail through the canal, the bridge that towers over the canal connecting the two sides… just breathtaking and amazing. What do you think is your greatest achievement? Taking The Pet Project to the level we are at today, and being chosen as the Florida affiliate for the Rescue Bank.

What’s your favorite book? The Celestine Prophecy. How do you most enjoy spending your time? Hanging at home with my wife and my pets. What celebrity do you have a crush on? No crushes, but I respect Ellen DeGeneres. I think that she’s very courageous and giving. Who do you admire? Celine Dion. She’s a wonderful singer, and she was a loyal wife. She’s also strong, smart, and a good person. She really is a role model for women. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be, and why? My mom, because I miss her. And I sometimes need her strength and inspiration. Where would you go in a time machine, and why? To the Big Bang. I would like to experience the beginning of the universe. What would your last meal be? Scrambled eggs with American cheese, an English muffin, French fries and a glass of milk. What do you worry about? I worry about the lives of innocent animals who are abused or abandoned or surrendered to overcrowded shelters. They must be so hurt inside, and many are suffering.

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If you were a musical instrument, what would you be, and why? I think I would be a set of drums because they’re the backbone of music. They’re the beat and the “life” of music, and they’re strong. I like that. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? I am definitely more like a wolf. I’m a risk-taker, I have no fear of most things, and I would stand up to anything. Who depends on you, and for what? A lot of people and their pets depend on me for basic essentials. My own pets depend on me as well. Who are you closest with? My wife and my god daughter. What would your autobiography be called? Finding the Way, No Matter What. Do you ever put music on when you’re upset? Yes. Music always makes me feel better. I like the solid-gold oldies, disco, dance music and Broadway hits. What’s on your bucket list? A month or longer in Italy, a trip to the Galapagos, a cruise around the world, and I want to stand on the equator. I also want to expand the Pet Project to all states, and I’d like to see all of Florida as “no-kill” state.

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What’s your greatest regret in life? That I didn’t do more to help animals earlier in my life. But I’m working hard to make up for lost time. Tell me something that you’ve never told anyone else. I’ll tell you something that occurred recently that I wouldn’t have told anyone else. As Irma was approaching—and I’ve never experienced a hurricane before—I began to put a few clients and their pets who were at risk of flooding into the Pet Project building. As I left the building, I realized that over 900 people and over 1,100 pets depended on me and the Pet Project, and I was afraid. It never dawned on me before the magnitude of the people and pets who would need help if there had been a really bad disaster. It left me very shaken. But thank the universe, we all survived. Where can we see you? At The Pet Project almost every day!

October 23, 2017April 1, 2018 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Interviews

CITIZEN JANE

A “305er” for life, DJ Citizen Jane talks about what’s hot in South Florida, the lessons she learned from her mother, and who she’d like to raise from the dead

Where did you grow up? I was born in Miami Beach, but I grew up in Dade County’s finest—Hialeah. Then I moved to Coral Gables, and I lived there for the most part. How long have you lived in South Florida? I’ve lived in South Florida my whole life. I’m one of the few that was born and raised in South Florida, and I still live here. I guess you can say that I’ll be “305” till’ I die. What part of South Florida do you live in? I currently live in Miami, of course. Right near the beach! What do you like most about living here? Aside from it being my hometown—which I’m very proud of—I love the warm weather, the beaches, the women (Miami has the most beautiful women) and being near my family. My family is so important to me. What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone? Tobacco Road. I performed there a few times when I was singing with my band. Plus, it was such a cool hangout full of musicians and all walks-of-life. Where do you hang out in South Florida, and why? I love Wynwood because it’s a great spot for bar hopping and art galleries. I also love having lunch or dinner on Lincoln Road. It’s a great place to people watch. What DJ or musician do you admire? Lady Gaga, for being her true self, taking risks with her music and for being so unique. And Madonna for always expressing herself and not caring about how people perceive her.

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October 9, 2017April 1, 2018 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Interviews

AARON HUNTSMAN

With the distinction as the first person to win gay marriage in Florida, Aaron Huntsman went all the way from the desert of Las Vegas to the steps of The Capitol

Where did you grow up? Las Vegas and Newport Beach, California. How long have you lived in South Florida? Off and on, since 1993. I’ve lived 75% of the time since 1993 in South Florida. Why did you move here? Because I’m a weather freak. I came out here on vacation, and I just fell in love with Fort Lauderdale, The Keys, and Miami. What part of South Florida do you live in? Key West, but I used to live in Fort Lauderdale. I met the love of my life there at pride in 2003. We used to have a landscaping company in Fort Lauderdale called La Lawnscape. I also used to bartend at Cathode Ray, Twist and The Pier. What do you like most about living here? It’s the east coast. Once you’ve lived here, that’s it. What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone? Crowbar on Sunday night. Where do you hang out in South Florida, and why? We’re homebodies now. If we go out, we like to go to Tavern N Town at the Marriott in Key West. What’s your claim–to–fame? Probably Lee and I having the first winning lawsuit that overturned the same-sex marriage ban in Florida. What’s your favorite band? Metallica. I’ve seen them live about 8 or 9 times, and I like to be up close where the action is. Will you ever retire? No, because once you retire, you grow old. I’ll continue to work until my last breath. What’s the last thing that you looked at online? Your website. And then before that, a website for a non-profit small bus association for people affected by Hurricane Irma.

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September 25, 2017April 1, 2018 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Interviews

SHELLEY NOVAK

South Beach legend Shelley Novak talks about Chinese food, what’s unique about Miami Beach, and how drag can change the world

Where did you grow up? In a little town called Saugus, which is just south of Boston. I think the name is Native-American for “I have to move the fuck out of here.” But it was the perfect Currier-and-Ives-type childhood. How long have you lived in South Florida? Since 1992. Why did you move here? After my first long-term relationship broke up, I had to reinvent myself. All of my friends from home had moved to South Beach, and they told me that if I had to start all over, that Miami Beach was the place to do it. When I first moved here, we all ended up living in the same building, and we joked that it was our very own little Melrose Place. New England is a great place to be a kid, but Miami is a great place to be an adult. What part of South Florida do you live in? South Beach—I’ve always lived in South Beach. What do you like most about living here? I love being immersed in the diverse culture, and I love the weather. I also love the gay community in South Beach. It’s really just a small town, since it’s only a few blocks long. We all have each other’s backs. What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone? Well, I’ve watched them all come and go. Off the top of my head, it would have to be Crobar. I worked at the door there for the run of the club; it was seven years. Where do you hang out in South Florida, and why? when I want some down and “me” time, I sneak away to Twist. What’s something that’s unique about South Florida? I’ve lived in LA and Boston, and Miami, to me, has the perfect balance. It has the weather, interesting people, the beach and available transportation. I can walk everywhere. In LA, for example, a trip to the ATM is a four-hour event there.

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