Authority (FTA) Grant Clause, PSTA Orchid Sale … 41-50… · the Pasculli La Favorita Oboe...

Gabber October 30 – November 6, 2014 41

Authority (FTA) Grant Clause, PSTA has to provide the Demand Response Transportation (DART) service that provides coverage around the same routes as the regular PSTA service. DART picks up passengers with special needs directly from the house. While Greenlight argues that the proposed bus service is beneficial for seniors, Haselden, a specialist in long-term care and home care insurance, says, “When people are at a point when they can no longer drive, they can’t walk a mile to the corner to catch a bus.” “We’re not against a better bus system,” Haselden says, calling PSTA’s current service “lousy,” “unreliable” and “poorly managed.” However she says she does not believe that a train that would halt car traffic on its 41 road crossings is necessary to fix the “broken” public transit. “They [PSTA] just want to get their hands on money and try to build an empire,” Haselden says. “That’s all they’re trying to do. This is about special interest. It’s about developers and real estate deals. Transportation is not what it’s about.” Haselden pointed to a survey by the U.S. Census where less than two percent of Pinellas residents say they rely on public transportation to get to work. Haselden says purchasing hybrid buses is extravagant spending when PSTA ridership is decreasing. “They have added more buses and more routes this year,” she says, “but ridership is down anyway.” In contrast, however, the PSTA has reported record ridership in the 2013-14 fiscal year as part of a five-year trend of increased ridership, including the DART service. If Greenlight Pinellas does not pass, PSTA will have to cut its services by 30 percent by 2017, as the Greenlight campaign asserts. Haselden says, in that case, the scenario that would take place is a “no new revenue” core route coverage community bus plan she argues is a favorable solution to the current thinly spread unreliable service. New transit plans have been proposed in Pinellas since 1971. While Compton believes the issue continues to arise because it is meant to be passed, none of the proposals over the past 40 years have been successfully realized.

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Orchid Sale Florida West Coast Orchid Society is holding its annual members’ orchid sale with a large variety of orchids for good prices. It will be held on Saturday, November 8, 9 a.m. to noon at Seminole United Methodist Church,5400 Seminole Blvd. For more information, call Corinne Arnold, 727-475-0750, or email [email protected], or visit fwcos.org.

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Wednesday Teen Afternoons Hey Teens! Come hang out with Sherri and Cailey, Wednesday afternoons at the Gulfport Library, 5501 28th Ave. S., from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Play Xbox, watch movies, get help with homework, listen to music, and just hang out and have fun. For more info contact Cailey at [email protected] or 727-893-1074.

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42 Gabber October 30 – November 6, 2014

They Did the Mash More than 100 people enjoyed the festivities Saturday night, October 18, at the Inaugural Monster Mash Sock Hop held at the Gulfport Casino. They were dressed in costumes galore, all vying for a prize. Categories included Funniest, Scariest, Most Original and Best Couple. Everyone laughed during the Witch’s Broom game and rollicked in the Monster Mash Dance Contest. All enjoyed a “monstrous” amount of delicious food and many purchased raffle tickets for primo prizes. Plan ahead for next year’s Monster Mash II; you won’t want to miss it!

Submitted by Jerryanne Hindman


Sunday Market at Suntan Art Center This month marks the beginning of the fifth full season of a Sunday Market in St. Pete Beach. Begun by Suntan Art Center on Corey Avenue in the spring of 2009, it moved to Horan Park in the fall of 2011. It now embarks upon its third season at the Don Vista in Pass-a-Grille, the historic building that Suntan Art Center calls home. The original Sunday market in St. Pete Beach, it features fresh organic produce from Salt Creek Tropical Nursery and Organic Produce and local honey and jams. It showcases truly hand-made fine art and craft including silversmithing, woodwork, silk and glass. The market is held each Sunday on the grounds of the Don Vista Community Center, just south of Loew’s Don CeSar Hotel at 3300 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach. It opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 3 p.m. Proceeds benefit Suntan Art Center, a 501(c)(3) not for profit corporation that has served its beach community for over 50 years. For more information call 727-367-3818 or visit suntanart.org.

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Before and After School Camp Could your child use some before and after school activities? Register now for city of St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation’s Before and After School Camp for students in kindergarten through 8th grade. Camp dates are now through Tuesday June 2, 2015, Monday through Friday at 11 locations. Participants are supervised by well-trained on-site staff and coaches in a licensed school age environment. Youth enjoy a choice of creative planned activities and special events with indoor and outdoor rotations. Sign in and sign out procedures are in effect. Full day activities provided during days and weeks when Pinellas County schools are not in session. These breaks include spring, winter and fall. Bus transportation varies depending on school and availability. More information about camp pricing, scholarships, location, application and other great quality programs call 727-893-7441 or visit stpeteparksrec.org.

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Science Club at Gulfport Library Attention young scientists! Do you love exploring the world around you through hands on activities? Come to Science Club at the Gulfport Library. They try a fun new activity every week, explore engineering through building with Legos, and meet other young scientists and engineers in the community. Parents get to join in on the fun too! Let Cailey know if you and your young scientist plan on attending by contacting 727-893-1133 or email [email protected].

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New Program to Aid Visually Impaired Pasadena Community Church has launched an initiative to aid blind and vision impaired residents in south Pinellas County. The group will meet at 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Pasadena Community Church, 227 70th St. S. in LEC Conf C. All area residents affected by blindness or vision impairment are welcome to attend. “One of the greatest challenges facing the vision impaired is social isolation,” explains Jack B. Olsen. “The church is offering a solution to a major need.” Olsen, a former Gulfport city councilman, has been legally blind since 2004 due to macular degeneration. He currently serves as a board member of Lighthouse of Pinellas in Largo which serves the blind and vision impaired. Olsen approached Pasadena Community Church with the idea of providing a place to meet in South Pinellas that would be more easily accessible to people in this area with vision problems. Barbara Posey, Director of Congregational Care at the church, has been working with Olsen for several weeks to develop the new service. “We hope the group will provide emotional and informational support and allow the vision impaired to share their experiences with others facing the same problems,” says Posey. For more information, call the church office, 727-381-2499, ext. 214.

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Try your hand at SudokuSolution on Page 18

Gabber, from front page

The Gabber printed its first edition in November 1968. Then known as the Gulfport Gabber, the paper was a resource for everything from city government to yard sales – and proudly remains so to this day. While the editions have grown in size and circulation (distribution now averages 13,000 papers in Gulfport, South Pasadena, parts of St. Petersburg and the Gulf beaches) the Gabber has never lost its passion for community and the lives of its readers. “Front Page News: The Gabber Covers Gulfport” will be on display through November in the lobby of the Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S. For more information, contact 727-893-1118.

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Donate to the Senior Center Pantry The Gulfport Multipurpose Center Pantry needs peanut butter, tuna, dry cereal, pasta sauce, soups and canned meats. The pantry is open 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday for qualified Gulfport residents 50 and older. Applicants should bring a photo ID, a utility bill or bank statement and proof of income (SSI). For more information please call 727-893-1231.

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St. Pete Beach Library Basket Auction It’s time for the Friends of the St. Pete Beach Library’s semi-annual basket silent auction! Twenty beautifully appointed baskets of books are available for your consideration at the St. Pete Beach Public Library, 365 73rd Ave., now through November 21. Each basket contains a single selection of books, including mysteries, cookbooks, the Civil War, World War II, Christmas, Hanukkah, gambling, pets, the Yankees, famous baseball players, and Florida themes. All proceeds benefit the Library’s expansion. Bidding ends at 5:59 p.m. on Friday, November 21, and winners will be notified by phone the next day. Call 727-367-5601 for more information.

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Stetson Hosts Congressman Jolly Stetson University College of Law will host a town hall on veterans’ health care issues with Congressman David Jolly on November 10. Members of the public are invited to attend the town hall program from 1 to 2 p.m. at Stetson’s Gulfport campus, located at 1401 61st St. S. Congressman Jolly, who represents Florida’s 13th Congressional District, has spoken at college campuses across the state on issues impacting veterans. He is a member of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs. Stetson University College of Law launched a Veterans Law Institute

in 2012 to increase legal services for eligible military members, veterans, and their immediate families who are eligible for free legal assistance and to help develop policy in the area of veterans law.For information, visit stetson.edu/law/. RSVP to [email protected].

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Safe Boating Seminar The United States Power Squadrons Seminar Series, Marine Radar, will be presented by the St. Petersburg Sail and Power Squadron on Wednesday, November 19 from 7 to 9 p.m. This seminar covers how radar functions, radar selection, operation under various

conditions, using the settings and controls, display interpretation, basic navigation and collision avoidance. The seminar materials include The Radar Book written by Kevin Monahan and copies of slides for students taking notes. St. Petersburg Sailing Center is located at 250 2nd Ave SE, Demens Landing, St. Petersburg; Cost: Instruction Free, Materials $40 per Family; Maximum of 20 students; pre-registration required; Contact: boating-stpete.org.

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Free Thanksgiving Dinner On Thursday, November 27, from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. enjoy a free, hot, home-cooked traditional Thanksgiving meal at Pilgrim Church in the fellowship hall, 6315 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg. This is an open house style event so diners may arrive at any time between the hours of noon and 4 p.m. There is no RSVP required and there are no eligibility requirements. Free entertainment provided by Mike Balistierri. Due to an overwhelmingly generous response from prior dinners, additional volunteers are not needed this year. Prospective diners may contact the church for information at 727-347-1226.

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SPC Joint Band Concert You are invited to a joint concert featuring SPC’s two community-based wind bands. Over 100 musicians take stage presenting a program of Gustav Holst, Fisher Tull, Leonard Bernstein, Scott McAllister, Malcolm Arnold, J.S. Bach, and more. Guest soloist Meg Cassell will be featured on the Pasculli La Favorita Oboe Concerto. The concert is Thursday, November 13 at 7:30 p.m. at The Palladium, 253 5th Ave. N., St. Petersburg Admission is free. Call 727-341-7984 for more information. Visit spcollege.edu/artscalendar/ for information about future events.

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AMVETS Post 0001 421 45th Ave. S., St. Petersburg, FL 33705 727-896-4122

THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY

American Legion Activities

Post 305 6999 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach 367-1596

Post 125



6440 - 5th Ave. S., St. Petersburg 347-6085 Lunch Served11am-3pmEuchre 1pmBingo 6pm

Kitchen Open for Bingo

Lunch 11-3

Ron's Karaoke 7pmNo Lunch Served

Breakfast Buffet 8:30-11am

S.A.L. hamburgers and hot dogs 12-3pm

Kitchen Open11-2pm

Dinner 4:30-6:30pmSouthern Knights

Band7-11pm

Lunch Served11am-3pm

Ron’s Karaoke 7pm

Bar Bingo7pm

Food Served

Fish & Shrimp6-8pm

Live Music6:30-9:30pm

Steak Dinner6-8pm

Lee Jay Nelson6:30-9:30pm

Sports & PizzaHot Dogs12-6pm

Bucky Burgers5-8pm

Karaoke6:30-9:30pm

email [email protected] / www.post305.orgAll-you-can-eat Spaghetti & Meatballs every Wed., plus another special. Hot dogs every day for $1.

1st Tues: House Comm. Mtg-6pm2nd Tues: ALA Exec. Mtg-6pm3rd Tues: Regular Mtg-6pm 4th Tues: SAL Mtg-6pm

Ladies Auxiliary meet 1st Sunday each month at 11:30amSons of AmVets meet 1st Monday each month at 7pm

AmVets meet 2nd Sunday each month at 11:30amSteak-O every Saturday at 4pm

Meatloaf Dinner Subs & Salads

Harry & Friends

Dinner Special 6-8pm

Trivia

Football & Free Food Bingo 7pm- 9pm Karaoke-9pm until

2pm

Karaoke9pm-12am

Football 1pm Monday-Nite Football Happy Hour 4-7pm Happy Hour 4-7pm

Sunday-Friday 12pm till, Saturday 11am till.Fish Fry last Friday of the month 5-7pmWe're always looking for new members to

join our family: $35 or $250 LifetimeLadies Aux. and Sons of Amvets. Gil Davis CMDR

Happy Hour 9-11am & 4-7pm

Jam Session 6-10pmFood available 6-8pm

Tiki open 4pmDinner 5-7:30pmKaraoke 7-11pm

Breakfast 8-10:30amTiki open 12noon Grill open 1-5pmLive Music 1-5pm

Tiki open 12noonGrill open 1-5pmLive Music 1-5pmSteak-O 4-6pm

Euchre 1pmHappy Hour 9-11am &

4-7pmDrink specials

8pm-Close

Happy Hour 9-11am & 4-7pm

Karaoke 7-11pmDrink specials

8pm-Close

Tiki open 5pmKaraoke 7-11pm

Bingo 7pmFood Available

Legion Riders meet first Monday each month 7 pmJunior Auxiliary 1st Saturday 11/1 10:30amAuxiliary meeting 2nd Tuesday each month 11/11 exec committee @ 6:30 general meeting 7pm Juniors to present MIA/POW table.Legionnaires meet 3rd Monday 11/17 7 pmPost Everlasting 11/20 7 pm

S.A.L. meets last Monday 11/24 7 pmSign up for the Christmas light tour scheduled for Sunday, December 21. See flyers at Post for more detail. Reserve and pay now for your seat.Service Officer Bob Cannon is available Thursdays from 9am – noon to help you.

Southern Knights Band

7-11pm

Dinner 4:-30-6:30pm


Amendment 2

It should be a simple thing. Getting needed medication to people who are suffering. And,

that's the problem with medical marijuana. If it is a needed drug, it should go through the same vetting process of the Federal Food and Drug administration as all other drugs do. In fact, according to a website, ProCon.org, there are 10 drugs based upon cannabis that have already been approved. It doesn't need to be enshrined in the Florida Constitution as a precious citizen's right anymore than we should declare it a personal right to sniff glue to get a euphoric high. The constitutional amendment process is too permanent and inelastic for a topic that is best dealt with scientifically and/or within the legislative process which will have to be applied anyway. Medical marijuana, according to studies I have read, does appear to have positive effects on people suffering from the after effects of chemotherapy, those with seizures, MS and HIV/AIDS. There are warnings, however, against uses by pregnant women, those with heart disease, or a history of psychosis in addition to the traditional (as in alcohol) worry about dizziness,

drowsiness, short term memory loss and euphoria. But it is not a miracle drug and shouldn't be treated as such. The broader thrust of Amendment 2, however, is to legalize marijuana. This is obvious in its proponents' marketing heavily to the college crowd. Young college students aren't normally in the sick group, but many would like to legally use marijuana. I have no objection to debating this subject. In fact, we should debate legalizing and controlling/regulating any and all drugs including designer drugs. The war on drugs hasn't worked very well and there is the freedom factor to be considered. I do question offering another drug in addition to alcohol (what's the societal benefit of it?) and would like to see how things work out in Colorado and Washington states. On the other hand, legalized anything that is now illegal creates a whole new industry and jobs. But, those are arguments for another time. In the meantime, Amendment 2 provides for establishing Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers all over the state where marijuana in all forms – leaf for smoking, food, and oils – could be provided to those with medically approved ID cards for suffering individuals or their

caregivers. No specific prescription and no qualifications other than being 21 years old for the care givers is required. The legislature would probably set some guidelines, however. Everything would be overseen by the State Health Department. Since the Health Department (based upon Colorado figures) estimated that there as many as 1800 centers would be opened and as many as 250,000 caregivers involved, it is not likely this could be handled without a broad expansion of the department. They estimate a cost of over $1,000,000 a year. Other costs for other departments or any local costs were not included. Also, admittedly, these costs could be offset by revenue from the sales tax. None of this addresses quality and potency concerns, not to mention the issues involved in producing THC laced foods or the use of extracted oils. Will these safety concerns be regulated and by whom and at what cost? This amendment doesn't have the support of the police, the medical profession, or retired Florida Supreme Court justices. It shouldn't get our support, either.

••Somethin' on My Mind is an opinion column written by Bill Northrop. It does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Gabber publishers, staff or advertisers. Contact Bill at [email protected].

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Somethin’ on my mindSomethin’ on my mindBy Bill Northrop [email protected]


Dolphin Safe Weed

Since I have no aspirations for public office, I don’t mind telling you: I got high in college. And,

well, for a few years after college. I’m pretty sure the statute of limitations on that has expired, but if not, could someone come bail me out? Or is it just a misdemeanor? I honestly don’t know what the law says anymore, because I actually haven’t had any pot in a long time. And I don’t miss it. It wasn’t my thing. I come from a family of addicts, but our drugs of choice are alcohol, food and controversy. I think we can all guess, with some degree of accuracy, where I get my fix. But, being a college student, I did my duty, and yeah, it was OK. I mean, for me, it was never anything great. If it was there, woo-hoo. If it wasn’t, well, I didn’t really notice. I had friends who would drop acid, which, honestly, terrified me, so I just kind of hung out in my dorm room or with my theatre friends, drank Michelob Dry, and occasionally would take a toke off a joint. That’s about as far as it went for me and, really, as far as it went for most of us. We weren’t users. Cocaine? Pfft, what was this, 1986? Opium? What were we, Romantic poets? Heroin? What was I, stupid? No, pot as far as that train went. I never even considered anything other than weed. That’s the thing about getting high: It does NOT make you want to go out get more drugs. It does not make you want to go out and party. It makes you want to call a friend and ask them to bring you Hot Pockets. Clearly, I’m not speaking for everyone who’s tried it, but I think I’m speaking for a lot of us. And even if you are one of those folks who does get high and get geared up, odds are smoking a joint has never tempted you to snort a line of coke. Which is why I don’t see a problem

with voting yes on Amendment Two, which would decriminalize medical marijuana. If it can help a cancer patient, or someone with glaucoma, or an AIDS patient, why are we making it a crime to do so? We need to legalize weed as quickly as we can, but not just for medicinal reasons. Compared to many other drugs, pot is the healthy choice. Seriously. It’s a plant. For someone who still makes sure her tuna fish doesn’t kill dolphins, eats grass-fed beef whenever she can, and will not tolerate milk from cows treated with the bovine growth hormone, it shouldn’t shock you that I found marijuana the safest option with which to experiment in college. It was practically a vegetable, after all. But by keeping it illegal, we’re forcing people away from a plant and into synthetics. Many legal and legal-ish marijuana alternatives out there scare me, and because people who don’t know better think these synthetics are safe, we are seeing medical issues arise that we never saw when kids smoked grass. Spice, which is a name that covers a multitude of fake types of pot, has “designer” ingredients that, one by one, lawmakers make illegal to save us from ourselves, but as they do, the companies making the stuff just change the ingredients to something else so that the newest version remains mostly legal.

Spice can stop blood from flowing to your heart, cause hallucinations, and the occasional heart attack. That’s because the synthetics Spice makers use to mimic cannabis bind to the same receptors in your cells as real pot does, only with unpredictable reactions. Look, Amendment Two is clearly the first step. It’s only for medicinal purposes and doesn’t go far enough, but it’s a step nonetheless. Our society will always find ways to recreate with mind-altering substances, and this would be a huge source of revenue for government. It would also offer a safe alternative to all the quasi-legal Spicy alternatives. Less death and more money for government? Don’t mind if I do. And if you disagree? Don’t buy the stuff. Using marijuana is a victimless crime. Let us keep your taxes low by taxing those who wish to indulge. Plus – and this is just me, perhaps – in a world simultaneously seeking vices and safe food, doesn’t organic pot just make sense? I mean, come on, it hits all the high notes: It’s gluten free, it does not contain nuts, and if the government regulates it, the USDA can certify some of it 100% organic, which means a dime bag will cost… well, quite a bit more. And, most assuredly, it will be dolphin-safe.

••Hard Candy is an opinion column written by veteran reporter Cathy Salustri. It does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Gabber publishers, staff or advertisers. Contact Cathy Salustri at [email protected].

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Second Annual Chowder Challenge The Friends of the Gulf Beaches Historic Museum is proud to announce their Second Annual Chowder Challenge on Sunday, November 9 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Hurley Park in Historic Pass-a-Grille. The annual fundraiser helps provide funds for continuing preservation of the Gulf Beaches Historical Museum’s - a 501 (c)3 organization. Come sample and judge some of the best chowders in the Tampa Bay Area! Local restaurants will compete for the cherished “Golden Ladle” top award in this fundraising event. Shipyard Brewing Company will again be supplying libations of local craft beers to complement the wide variety of chowders. Also available: wine, soda, water, and homemade bake goods, and hourly raffles with lots of prizes. Live music will be supplied by Mo and Bob Manola of “Boat of Us.” This

is a family friendly event; bring lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy the park. Seating limited. Tickets are $15 in advance for adults 12 and up; $20 day of event. Under 12 free with purchase of one adult ticket. Tickets online at EventBrite.com. Check out facebook.com/chowderchallengeinpassagrille or ChowderChallengePaG.com.

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Gulfport Players Holding Auditions Looking for men (30s to 60s) and one woman (30s), the Gulfport Community Players are holding auditions Monday and Tuesday, November 10 and 11 to select the cast for “Escanaba in da Moonlight” running January 8 to 25. Jim Cartwright is directing this comedy written by actor Jeff Daniels. This is a hunting story to beat all

hunting stories that spins a hilarious tale of humor, horror and heart as 35-year-old Reuben Soady works mightily to bag his first buck and finally take his place in the family record book. The play includes roles for five guys and one gal who can play the following ages.Albert Soady – early 60sReuben Soady – 35Remnar Soady – 33Ranger Tom T. Treado – early 40sJemmer Negamanee – ageless Wolf Moon Dance Soady – female in her 30s Auditions will be held at 7 p.m. at the Back Door Theater, 1619 49th St. S. in Gulfport. Plan to arrive at 6:30 to complete an audition form. Photos will not be taken and resumes are not necessary. The Gulfport Players encourage actors with all levels of experience – including absolutely none at all – to try out for roles in any of its plays. For more information, please visit GulfportCommunityPlayers.org.

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Upham Beach Holiday Walk It’s time to get in that Jingle Bell mood! The businesses of Upham Beach will host their first annual Upham Beach Holiday Walk on Friday, November 7, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., featuring specials, a 50/50 raffle and giveaways at several of the local businesses between 62nd Avenue and 68th Avenue along Gulf Boulevard. Some businesses will be offering light Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. All proceeds from 50/50 Raffle and in store donations support Pet Pal Animal Shelter. Businesses include: The Swim Boutique, Barracuda’s Café, Poodle Palace, Two Friends Closet, Beach Bods Gym, Lulu’s Bridal and Fashionique, Rick’s Reef, RJ Cigar Company, My Sandbox, Lou’s Seaside Florist, and Realty Resources. Event information tables will be located in front of The Swim Boutique, 6650 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. To learn more, please call 727-360-3500 or email [email protected].

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Authority (FTA) Grant Clause, PSTA Orchid Sale … 41-50… · the Pasculli La Favorita Oboe...

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