A WOW OF A WEEKEND IN KEY WEST!!

FEBRUARY 23 thru FEBRUARY 26, 2012, in KEY WEST WITH LYNDA!!!

HUSBAND BOB’S E-MAIL IS COMPROMISED! …..Please note that my husband, Bob Frechette, had his e-mail compromised yesterday. Subsequently, he lost his entire e-mail address book. If you are on his list or want to be, please send your e-mail address to him at rfrec59@bellsouth.net so he can put you back in. This whole thing has been quite traumatic. Because I had received this type of letter from others I know who were hacked, I was aware that it was a scam right away. Not everyone was aware. Sadly, money was sent to this scammer by someone who received this message, believed Bob was in trouble and wanted to help. I am so upset with what has happened, as is Bob. Readers….please be careful out there. I thank all of you who let us know you received this message and voiced concern. It took all day for Bob to get this straightened out…had to change his password, and make reports….a real mess!

AN ADDED SHOW AT LITTLE WHITE HOUSE… FEB. 26…..Due to unbelievable response to “Sentimental Journey”…the songs of the Truman Era…an extra show has been added for Sun., Feb. 26. Harry Truman’s grandson, Clifton Daniel, son of Margaret, wanted to see the show…he will be in attendance that night and will be introducing Bobby Nesbitt & Carmen Rodriguez. Show will be at 7 pm. Tix are available at www.keystix.com. Trust me, you will LOVE this show! (Other shows are Feb. 27 & 28 and on March 19 & 20, at 7:00 PM!) They are almost sold out so, act fast, and lucky you if you can snag tix for this fabulous show!

I GIVE THANKS ON THANKFUL THURSDAY…..for our wonderful and delightful new neighbors, Denise and Allen Gant who moved into the beautiful house next door, and have made it even more beautiful! They moved in and have a revolving door of constant company and more is on the way! We had dinner with them at Sarabeth’s last night, and it was a wonderful evening. We also got to meet their dearest friends, Diana & Wally Wallace. Welcome HOME to Key West Denise and Allen!!!!!

WINE EVENT AT CAFÉ SOLE EVERY WED…….Wine & Tapas Merienda from 4 to 6 pm…..Chef Correa creates tapas paired with 6 wines selected by Nicole Garcia. It is ala carte and tapas start at $5…wines are under $10 per glass. 310-5880. The next one is Feb. 22.

GO OF CARNAGE AT THE RED BARN….RUNS THRU MARCH 10…..This great play at The Barn, runs Wed. thru Sat. thru March 10… Directed by Joy Hawkins and starring Annie Miners, Mimi McDonald, Bob Bowersox and George Murphy, it is wowing crowds every night! It is about 2 couples who meet to discuss an altercation their sons have had. What starts off slowly and quietly in their discussion, turns out to be a roller coaster of a ride as these ‘adults’ begin acting worse than their children. It is really funny and trust me, you will see yourselves and things you may have done or said in the past in these outrageous couples! Remember those little league parents and how they yelled at the umps, coaches and kids? Only this takes place in a NY living room! Call 296-9911 for tix or go to www.redbarntheatre.com. This play won the Tony award on Broadway!

TERRI WHITE & DONNA BARNETTE WELCOME BACK HOME TO KEY WEST……Terri and Donna have been like gypsies, traveling hither and yon since FOLLIES closed on Broadway…..but they are back and Key West is already feeling happier! They will be here until the end of March…..and then come April, they head for LA where FOLLIES will be opening there!

HAPPY FEB. 23 BIRTHDAY TO…..NEAL RUCHMAN….JEFFREY WARE….and MATT THUE!!!

I GIVE THANKS ON THURSDAY…..to all those who reached out to me during a difficult week… with kindness and good wishes….cards, notes, e-mails calls, etc. Your support and love mean so very much. God bless!

MAJ JOHNSON AT TENNESSEE WILLIAMS CABARET ON FEB. 23…..This show is called “Simply Sassy…A Tribute to Sarah Vaughan….8 pm….starring the always wonderful Maj Johnson and a jazz ensemble. For tix go to www.keystix.com or call 295-7676.

ART SHOW AT GARDEN CLUB….FEB. 23….KW Garden Club is sponsoring an art show for Jay Winston, who is donating all proceeds from the show to the KW Garden Club The reception is at Ft. West Martello on Thurs., Feb. 23 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Browse while sipping a glass of vino. The exhibit will be there until Feb. 26.

KEYS KIDS ‘FOOTLOOSE’ OPENS ON FEB. 23…..60 ultra talented KIDS will be performing in this exciting show this month. Show nights are Feb. 23 – 25 at 7:30 pm and Sun., Feb. 26 at 2 pm….Musical Director is Nancy 3 Hoffman….Choreographed by Penny Leto & Carolyn Cooper…Stephanie Sertich directed the cast. In the High School auditorium, 2100 Flagler. Buy tix at MacArthur Music…294-9329…and at the door…price is $10 and up. Support our Kids and the Arts in School!!!! Call Nancy 3 at 207-939-0301 for more info. If you haven’t seen the Keys Kids perform, you have missed a lot! This will be a real crowd pleaser!

SCHOONER WHARF….FEB. 23….Noon to 5 pm, it’s Michael McCloud….7 to 11 pm, it’s Cool Duo….9 to 1 am, it’s the magic of Frank Everhart.

HAPPY FEB. 24 BIRTHDAY TO…..JEFFREY GROSKY…TRIP HOFFMAN….and my Brother, ED STEVENS!!!!!

KW FRINGE THEATER PRESENTS ‘DINNER’…OPENS FEB. 24…..This delish satirical comedy opens on Fr., Feb. 24 and runs thru March 11….at The Woman’s Club on Duval St. Get tix at www.keystix.com or call 295-7676….or on the website at www.keywestfringe.org. The cast includes Vanessa McCaffrey, Tony Konrath, Tammy Shanley, Melody Moore, Ross Pipkin, Wayne Dapser and PJ King…and is directed by Peter King. This is “immersion” theater…up close & personal. Paige is throwing a dinner party for her husband, Lars & four friends to celebrate his latest book….she pays the waiter $25 thou in cash….the menu is terribly bizarre, each dish chosen to keep with her theme…. And she has stage-managed the event with great care. Come on a roller coaster ride with the guests to find out what dark surprise Paige has in store for her guests! Watch as these superficial guests self-destruct before your eyes, over a four-course meal. Opening night only is $85 and includes dinner and drinks. Tickets for all other nights are $25. Performance nights are Feb. 24,25&26….March 2,3,4…..and March 9,10,11.

BOTTLECAP BENEFIT ON FEB. 24…..From 5 to 8 pm, all tips will go toward The Florida Keys Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (FKSPCA)….complimentary appetizers, silent auction and celeb bartenders. 1128 Simonton St.

PAT DAILEY AT SLOPPY JOES…..FEB. 23,24,25………This delightful and hilarious singer/songwriter from Put-in-Bay is ba-ack! He performs Thurs. thru Sat. until March 3. Showtime is 7 pm! Get there early if you want a good seat or any seat for that matter!!!! It is always great fun whenever friends are gathered at a Pat Dailey Show!

AT THE TROPIC STARTING FEB. 24…..Coming….Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Bullhead. Staying…. Hugo, The Artist & Iron Lady…Going: Oscar nominated Animated & Live Action Shorts!

HOWARD LIVINGSTON AT BOONDOCKS ON FEB. 24…..Free & open to the public….7 PM at mile marker 27 on Ramrod Key…..Come & enjoy the fun with Howie and the Gang!

AT LATEDA ON FEB.24….At 9 pm, it’s Christopher Peterson’s Eyecons Show…call 296-6706 for tickets. Debra & Patrick are in the By George Bar at 9 pm.

AT THE PIER HOUSE, FEB. 24 & 25…..Larry Smith is at the piano starting at 7 pm!!!!

AT THE GARDENS ON FEB. 24…..From 5:30 to 7:30 pm, it’s Michael Robinson at the piano.

SCHOONER WHARF ON FEB. 24 & 26…..Noon to 5 pm, it’s Michael McCloud….7 to 11 pm, it’s The Raven Cooper Band…9 to 1 am it’s the Magic of Frank Everhart.

HAPPY FEB. 25 BIRTHDAY TO….WILL NETHAWAY!!!!

OLD ISLAND ART FESTIVAL…FEB. 25 & 26….This is the 47th annual Art Fair….FREE….located on Whitehead and Caroline Sts….from 10 am until 5 pm!!!!

BOBBY NESBITT AT TAVERN ‘N TOWN ON FEB. 25…..Bobby will be at the piano from 6 to 10 pm in the Lounge at Beachside Marriott….Two for 1 drinks from 5 to 7 pm….Great time at this great night spot in Key West!

AT THE GARDENS ON FEB. 25…..From 5 to 6:30 pm, it’s Jimmy Olson at the piano for your enjoyment. 526 Angela St.

AT LATEDA ON FEB. 25…..It’s Randy Roberts LIVE! At 9 pm in the Crystal Room….call 296-6706 for tickets. Debra & Patrick are in the By George Bar at 9 pm.

HAPPY FEB. 26 BIRTHDAY TO ……CHARLIE ALLEN…..PAUL COTTON….LARRY DOUGLAS!!!

LIBBY YORK AT CAFÉ SOLE…FEB. 26…..Libby York will be joined by Dom Carelli from Noon to 2 pm at Café Sole, on Southard St. A lovely way to enjoy Sunday Brunch in Key West!

IMPROMPTU CLASSICAL CONCERTS OF KW….FEB. 26…..The La Catrina String Quartet will perform at St. Paul’s Church at 4 PM….Their unique blend of Latin-Amer. & standard repertoire creates truly compelling performances. They have been praised by Yo Yo Ma…..that is quite an endorsement! Tix are $20 at the door or in advance at www.keystix.com.

19TH ANNUAL BLACK HERITAGE PROGRAM ON FEB. 26….The Cathedral Choir of Cornish Memorial Zion church celebrates this event at 3 pm. The theme is “Black Women in American Culture & History.” There will be song, reading & dance. All invited…located at 702 Whitehead St. Call 294-9619 for more info.

JAZZ IN THE GARDENS….FEB. 26…..Sunday jazz night from 5 to 7:30 pm, features Mike Emerson and Friends! The Wine Gallery is open from 5 to 10 pm from Wed. thru Sun. each week!

ISLAND GRASS MUSIC FESTIVAL FOR HABITAT FOR HUMANITY ON FEB. 26…..This fund-raising event is on the grounds of H for H on Big Pine Key, MM 30.5. This is a brunch with music starting at 1 pm until 5 pm. Howard Livingston will peform an acoustic show with Rick Cleaver at 3 pm. Good food, friends and music all rolled into a one great day! Go to http:///www.habitatlowerkeys.org.

AT LATEDA ON FEB. 26….At 4 pm, it’s OSCAR TEA DANCE….At 8:30 pm, it’s Black & Skabuddah in the By George Bar!

OSCAR NIGHT SHOW AT TROPIC….FEB. 26…$50 for Members….$65 for non-members….6 PM…Red Carpet Hollywood Style welcome…6:15….Singer, Eric Haley will be performing a show at the Tropic Cinema, along with pianist, Michael Robinson. They & a surprise guest will be singing Oscar nominated & winning songs from yesteryear….and also this year’s nominees. 6:45 pm…..Elegant light supper buffet….One Free Ticket to the Cash Bar….Free Oscar night photo from Oscar night photo booth….8:00 pm, Oscar viewing on the big screen…..9 pm….snack & dessert buffet & cash bar during the show…..

ALTERNATIVE CONCERT & OSCAR VIEWING ONLY…..$15 for members & $20 non-members….. Concert is included and viewing is included…Cash bar & food for purchase. Debra & Patrick will be entertaining in the Lobby! Vote for your faves with the Oscar Ballot for a chance at fab prizes…available for $5. at the box office. For more info go to www.tropiccinema.com.

KATHLEEN PEACE AT RED BARN ON FEB. 26 & 27….Kathleen Peace….who should be famous… will perform this concert at the Barn two nights only….Larry Smith will be accompanying his good friend, Kathleen…performing standards that become ‘not so standard! 296-9911 for tix!

SCHOONER WHARF ON FEB. 26….Noon to 5 pm, it’s Michael McCloud….1 PM, it’s the Wreckers Race…6:30 to 11 pm, it’s Marty Stonely & Rolando Rojas…9 to 1 am, the Magic of F. Everhart.

LAURIE BREAKWELL AT TENN. WMS ON FEB. 27…..Laurie’s show called, “Still No Sondheim” will feature the amazing Charlie Lindberg at the piano….. at 8 pm, in the Cabaret at Tennessee Williams theatre. Tix can be bought at www.keystix.com or call 295-7676.

MICHAEL THOMAS AT PIER HOUSE ON FEB. 26…..Michael starts playing at 7 pm on Sunday!

DAVID TROY FRANCIS PERFORMS ON FEB. 26….This talented pianist/songwriter/musician will be presenting his concert at St. Peter Catholic Church at 31300 Overseas Hwy., in Big Pine Key…..This concert is a donate what you can afford to donate event! For more info go to www.barbarianrecordds.com or call 305-872-2537.

HAPPY FEB. 27 BIRTHDAY TO….DAN METZLER…..KEVIN WARE…JOHN TURNER…LARRAINE TACKE…JOHN SCHAFER…SCOTT ZIMMERMAN…and….JIM ROBINSON!!!

MIKE EMERSON AT PIER HOUSE…..Feb. 27…Mike will take over for Jazz Monday!!!!

HAPPY FEBRUARY 28TH BIRTHDAY TO …..BRENT BARRETT!!!!

HENRY’S BRIDGE PARTY ON FEB. 28…..The Bridge Party that Henry Woods started years ago lives on! This is a benefit for the Waterfront Playhouse. It will be on Tues., Feb. 28 at The Key West Yacht Club, 2315 N. Roosevelt Blvd. at 5:30 pm. Those attending may join other bridge players or bring their own foursome to play. Cost is $50 per person. Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be provided along with many prizes. Cash bar…..Chicago scoring will be used. To reserve call 294-7158 or e-mail rmawest@bellsouth.net.

TROPHIA BUTTERFLY FOUNDATION EVENT….FEB. 28….The Foundation invites you to a presentation of their newest beautification project….the US Post Office on Whitehead St. This will be held on the grounds of the event sponsor, First State Bank at 444 Whitehead St. $25 donation…..Bid & win from a variety of designed mailboxes by student artists and VIP’S of Key West. Open bar and hors d’hoeuvres…..6 to 8:00 PM….RSVP at 831-1269. Parking available at the Post Office lot.

AT VIRGILIO’S ON FEB. 28…..On Tues. night at 9 pm, it’s the premier of an exciting new group….”Skippo & the DREAM SIRENS”. Joining Skipper Kripitz will be Dora Gholson and Adrienne both on acoustic guitars & singing…..plus a ravishing mystery bass Siren, whose contract with a top modeling agency forbids us to disclose her name….This will be a night of memorable & alluring entertainment!

HAPPY LEAP YEAR, FEBRUARY 29TH ANNIVERSARY TO STACY & KARL STAHL!!!!!

BOBBY AT AQUA ON FEB. 29…..It’s time to welcome Aqua Nightclub’s brand new piano/keyboard! On Feb. 22, the old mini piano that Bobby Nesbitt played on for such a long time, was played on for the last time! Somehow Bobby even made that old clunker sound fabulous! 5:30 to 7:30 pm….All welcome for the ‘unveiling.’

PILOBOLUS AT TENNESSEE WMS. THEATRE. FEB. 29…..Showtime is 8 pm…..This renowned, radically innovative & globally acclaimed dance troupe performs a show that will knock your sox off! Go to www.keystix.com or call 295-7676 for tickets.

IRON CHEF GALA BENEFIT FOR THE RED BARN ON MARCH 4…..This event will be held at the gorgeous home of John & Kay Behmke, 51 Front St., in the Truman Annex. 6 to 9 pm….. Wonderful Food by the Iron Chefs…..Great entertainment….Champagne tasting by Premier Beverage….Open Bar….Spectacular Sunset Silent Auction! $100 per person….RSVP by calling Juliet Gray at 296-9911.

AIDS BRUNCH BENEFIT AT CAFÉ SOLE ON MARCH 4….The 11th annual Sun. Brunch to benefit AIDS Help will begin at 11 am. Chef Correa and his wife, Judy are going all out for this delish brunch. The menu is divine. It also includes unlimited mimosas and bellinis. Music will be by Libby York from noon to 2 pm. Cost is $60 and all goes to AIDS Help. To reserve call Pam at 296-6196. Café Sole is located at 1029 Southard St.

CINDY LU AT AQUA EVERY 3RD FRIDAY OF THE MONTH…..Cindy Lu debuted at Aqua on Feb. 17….5 to 8 pm….Mark your calendars…her next night for performing at Happy Hour is on Friday, March 16th!

TERRI WHITE’S TAP CLASSES…..Terri White, she of the Broadway stage and the amazing talent, will be staying in Key West for the month of March. She will be teaching Tap Class at Body Zone South, where Bruce taught, starting Fri., March 2, at Noon…..and on Sat., March 3 at 11:00 am. She will be teaching 6 classes in all. Cost is $20 per class. If interested, call 292-2930. All levels can participate. Time to tap our troubles away!!!!!

AT TAVERN ‘N TOWN THIS WEEK…..Mon. from 5:30 to 9:30 it’s Michael Thomas….Tues. from 5:30 to 9:30 pm, it’s Carmen Rodriguez & Michael Thomas…Wed. from 5:30 to 9:30 it is either Rob DiStaci or Mike Emerson…Thurs. from 5:30 to 9:30 pm, it’s Carmen & Michael Thomas…On Fri. from 5:30 to 10:00 pm, it’s Mike Emerson…Sat., from 5:30 to 10:00 pm, it’s Bobby Nesbitt….and Sun. from 5:30 to 9:30 pm, it’s Rob DiStaci! Happy Hour is every day from 5 to 7 pm…all drinks…2 for 1… Special Tapas served on Tues. & Thurs…..Locals get a 10% discount always. The food and service are great…..super entertainment….this is fast becoming a Key West Favorite of everyone I know! Ric Palmer is the charming manager, and he is top drawer!

KRISTEN LARKIN LOGERFO ART SHOW ON MARCH 2nd…..This ultra talented artist (and actress) will be presenting her exhibit, DISCOVERY….at The Studios of Key West, March 2 thru 12… Kristen will present 35 oil and acrylic figurative pieces and landscapes. Kristen first realized her talent in 1997 in Key West where she discovered gorgeous cool & warm light…..it was an exciting place of discovery for her…where she put down roots, and made discoveries about her innermost being. Her figures are the people she has discovered. Kristen is elated to return to Key West, this place that inspires her. The proceeds from her artwork will benefit The Studios of Key West….the historic Armory at 600 White St. Come and Discover the art works of Kristen Larkin LoGerfo!

SPELLING BEE OPENS MARCH 8 AT WATERFRONT PLAYHOUSE…..I am so excited about this upcoming musical opening at the Waterfront Playhouse on March 8th! (2 Preview Nights on March 6 & 7…..) I hear rehearsals are going fabulously and that you will want to see it over and over again…it is that super! Danny Weathers directs…..and a fab cast I will tell you all about later. Make sure you get your tix….Call 294-5015 or go online at www.waterfrontplayhouse.org for reservations. Also…check out the website for all the terrific events at the Waterfront! Spelling Bee runs thru April 7th!!!!

THE BUZZZ ON TV……Catch Those fab BUZZZ Babes every Tues. at 4pm at beautiful locations…..On Feb. 21, they will host the show at The Galleon on Front St…Taping is at 4 pm and all are invited. Catch it every Sat. & Sun. at 6:30 pm & Mon. at 7 pm on WEYW, Ch 87 and AT&TU-Verse Ch. 19….The Babes are Pamela Childs and Rhonda Florence!!!! For taping locations & dates go to The BUZZZ In the Keys on Facebook or call 295-6629.

FUNDRAISER FOR KEY WEST POPS…..The POPS is sponsoring a BIG BUCKS Raffle….The Grand Prize is $10,000….2nd is $3,000…and 3rd is $1,000….4th is $200 (5 winners in this category!) Tix are $100 each…Only 300 tix will be sold….Call 305-296-6059 to purchase….or you can buy from any POPS Board member….For more info go to www.keywestpops.org!!!!

SASSY RUNNING THE BOSTON MARATHON IN APRIL…..Sassy Tuttle, he of the fab Cosmos at Lateda…..is training for the 2012 Boston Marathon for April 16. He has joined Team in Training a fund-raising program for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, a charity that has a special place in his heart. To support Sassy in this great cause, Sassy will be collecting donations in any amount….you can go to http://pages.teamintraining.org/ma/boston12/sassyruns and donate easily online. He is accepting prayers and well-wishes so that he will make it across the finish line in one piece!

KEY WEST SINGING TELEGRAMS….Have a special occasion and you want something unique sent to that special someone? Birthday… Anniversary… Divorce… Promotion… bachelor/bachelorette… Milestone… or just for fun… Surprise & delight your family, or friend with a Singing Telegram! Choose from Queen Elizabeth, Charlie Chaplin, Vood-DooWanda…The Dude… Dominatrix…The Mail Lady… or Buxom Betty! Call Connie at 305-294-6813 for details and availability…..Rates start at only $75. By the way, I was recently at a fabulous party where Connie performed as Queen Elizabeth, and she was Fabulous! Everyone loved it! For something to make your party extra special Call CONNIE HURST!!!!!

THE MAC GURU UPPING THEIR GAME!!!!… The MAC GURU, can now turn your home into the ultimate Smart Home of the Future!!!! Just by using your iPhone or iPad, you can control your home’s temperature, lighting, home theater, security, cameras, pool temps, and even sprinkler systems! Mac Genius, David Cox and partner Allen Gallant are there to solve all your Mac Problems and make all your computer dreams come true along the way. It’s like the Apple Store, brought right to your door.Whether you need a new computer…Lessons on usage….Repair…. (and they offer “loaners”)….Great for small businesses to use……To find out more……Go to the website at www.TheMacGuru.net…. You can call, 774-722-8434….or e-mail ImOnAMac@me.com. Open 7 days a week!!! Also, David and Allen Gallant have a show called Tech Talk America an can be heard locally at www.KonkAM.com http://www.konkam.com every Monday from Noon to 1 PM or on iTunes

JAZZ JAM AT THE GREEN PARROT….EVERY SUNDAY……This Jazz Jam will be from 1 to 4:30 pm, every Sunday during the season…..Musicians are Richard Crooks, Mike Emerson, and Tim McAlpine….. They invite all interested musicians to bring your instrument and join in the jammin’….also singers and poets, too!

PRAYER CHAIN…… Please continue to keep the following in your thoughts and prayers ….Ed Block…. Atavia Lopez-Dor… Walter Lepperd….Pat West…Perry Jones….JT Thompson….Lynn Randolf…Dr. Sharon Ward….Nancy Stevens…..John C…..Will Stephens…..Rob O’Neal….….Dan Cocco…… Lee Garrison…..Sharon Gillis….Marion DePiero…Mary Anne McGiven…..Brent Ramer….Richard Crooks…Carol Schenk….Stephen Elliott….Claire Carroll…. Jennifer O’Lear….Nancy Robinson…Sally Lewis….Patrick Richards….the families of Mike Rybicki and Russell Domski.……two very dear special friends who choose to remain anonymous….Remember… Prayer changes things!!!! Let me know if anyone should be added to this list…a family member or a friend going through tough times. We really are all in this thing called ‘Life” together.

TENNIS CLINICS AT 1800 ATLANTIC…for Beginner & Intermediate Players….for people that have played in the past and are looking to get back to the game…and for rank beginners….Mon. from 9:30 to 10:30 am and Tues. from 9 to 10 am. Cost is $90 for 6 weeks. Adult Flex League and Match play is Tues. from 6:30 to 8 pm….$15 per time…drop in… Call Nicole at Paradise Tennis at 1800 at 395-1035.

AT AQUA NIGHTCLUB THIS WEEK….. Dueling Bartenders is every Monday and it packs em in! Starts at 5:30 pm, and the Dueling Singers are Randy Thompson and either Gassy Winds or Goddess….in full drag! They are all super vocalists!!!! The dynamite Aquanettes Perform at 9 every night and an extra 11 pm show on Fri. & Sat. You do not want to miss the super entertainment at Aqua Lounge!!!!!!

LEARN TO DANCE WITH LUCY & LEON…..Fridays: Salsa Lessons…Beginners at 7 PM & Experienced at 8 PM. On the 2nd, & 4th Sundays: Ballroom Dancing & A Lesson(all Levels), 7 to 9 PM….Located at Paradise Health & Fitness Dance Studio, 1706 N. Roosevelt Blvd., KW…No partners needed…Call 296-6348. Check the website out at www.keywestdance.wordpress.com.

LATIN DANCE PARTY AT BOTTLECAP…EVERY FRIDAY….with DJay, JC…Latin Music…9 PM….DJ Music starts at 10 PM! 1128 Simonton St.

$25 BIRTHDAY BAR TAB AT THE BOTTLECAP GROOVE LOUNGE………. If you are at the BottleCap at 1128 Simonton St. on the exact day of your birthday, just show them a valid ID and receive a $25 bar tab and party favors too! (See your bartender for any restrictions.) Tell all your friends about this new great deal in town. Thanks again to Carolyn and Carmello!!!

NEW GYM IN TOWN……Announcing that Donna Barnett’s daughter Stacie Eggers and her husband Rob and Frank Dunn, have bought the old Gold’s Gym at 1010 Truman Ave. It has been renamed, OLD TOWN FITNESS! Open 6 am to 10 pm Mon thru Fri…..8 am to 8 pm on Sat. & 10 am to 6 pm on Sundays. $10 daily….$30 weekly…$99 for 3 mos…$350 for a year! Congrats!!!!

Love to YOU……and Remember……Love is a great investment. No matter whom you give it to, it returns great dividends!!!

Lynda

The way some people party on Fat Tuesday, you’d think the English translation of Mardi Gras was “last call.” Today is Ash Wednesday. Lent has officially arrived. Time to put away the beads, thaw the fish sticks and toss out the Marlboros, Dr Pepper, Twinkies and Guinness (at least until St. Patrick’s Day.) What do you plan to give up for 40 days? The usual suspects include candy, chocolate, coffee, pop, beer, TV, texting, video games, swearing and smoking. But Lent doesn’t have to be a 40-day guilt trip. Why not make it a 40-day gratitude journey? You could spend 40 days practicing that greatest commandment of all: Love. The point is to grow spiritually, not to punish yourself. Easter is a love story, not a horror story. Lent is a great time to take stock of your spiritual condition. A great time for a little spiritual spring-cleaning. What’s buried in the closet of your soul? What needs to be released from the nooks and crannies of your heart? Fear? Resentment? Anger? Apathy? If you start with the end in sight, on Easter morning, what do you want to have changed over these 40 days? What difference do you want to have made? What habit or character defect do you want removed? Who do you want to be? People wear ashes today to remember our mortality. If you had 40 days to live, what would you give up? Better yet, what would you give? You could . . . . Give a single mom 40 minutes of time to do something alone. Give up a grudge. Give a compliment, a smile, an ear, a shoulder, a cup of coffee to a stranger, a lane to that car in a hurry. Give thanks for 40 minutes at the cemetery to your ancestors for all the sacrifices they made for you. Give up fear, doubt, gossip, complaining and whining. Give up your old bogey man God and find a God of joy who loves the masterpiece that is you. Give up multi-tasking and simply do one thing with complete presence. Give time. Spend 40 minutes getting to know a neighbor or co-worker. Give up your regrets. For 40 days, at the end of every day, pause and review the day. Is there anyone you shut out of your heart? Any words you wish you could take back? Any words you wish you had said? Make amends. Give up sad, depressing, angry music. What do you want to be the soundtrack to your life? Create one. Give up one meal a week and donate the money to a Foodbank. Give away one item a week to the Furniture Bank. Give yourself a retreat at a Retreat House to feed your own soul. Give someone else’s religion a chance. Visit a different church, temple or mosque. Give thanks to 40 people. Send a thank you note every day to the neighbors, teachers, family and friends who have blessed your life. Give yourself 40 seconds in the mirror every day to remember who you are in God’s sight. Bask in God’s love for the imperfect you who will probably cheat and eat a Twinkie, sip a beer and maybe even cuss during Lent. Relax. If you’re embracing Lent, that means you believe in Easter, which means you’ve already been saved. Imagine if you really believed it.